At Rooted Network, we regularly connect with churches across the U.S. and around the world. As we discuss and develop dynamic discipleship pathways, we notice consistent patterns and trends. Many key components contribute to thriving discipleship cultures, and as summer approaches, several of these are especially timely for church leaders to consider.
Consistent Prayer and Expectation
I have the opportunity to visit dozens of churches and staff meetings each year. The congregations that are most engaged in spiritual formation typically have staff who are deeply committed to both personal and collective prayer, and to the active practice of disciple-making.
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of staff being on the front lines of discipleship. Whether it’s facilitating a group or simply participating in one annually, being involved should be part of every team member’s role. Consider setting the expectation that all staff engage in a (preferably Rooted) group this coming ministry year. Make discipleship a regular part of your personal ministry life and team prayer life.
Looking Back
Now is an ideal time to host year-end ministry review meetings with your staff and key leaders. Use these meetings to take a step back and evaluate the goals and intentions set last summer or fall. These reviews give your team a chance to share honest feedback, highlight wins, and celebrate stories of life change.
Here are a few questions to guide the discussion:
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What were we working toward, and where did we succeed?
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Where have we seen fruit from our resources and efforts?
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How are we planning to celebrate both stats and stories?
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Where did we fall short and why?
Be sure to give your team a week or two of notice, along with an outline of the questions and topics to be discussed. It’s not too late to make this happen.
Looking Forward
A phrase we’ve been hearing a lot lately: “Fall will be here before I know it.” Summer tends to fly by, and without intentional planning, we risk missing opportunities to help people connect with God, the church, and their purpose.
Let what you’ve learned from “looking back” inform your planning for the fall and winter group sessions. Set bold, God-sized goals, and then begin working toward them week by week. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, the Rooted Network team of pastors and coaches is here to help, free of charge. Reach out at coaching@experiencerooted.com.
Raising Up Disciple-Makers
One of the greatest strengths of the 10-week Rooted experience is how it moves people through a cycle from casually attending church, to becoming committed followers of Jesus, to becoming confident disciple-makers.
Too often, churches stop at the second step. But it’s that third step - raising up disciple-makers - that makes the difference between offering discipleship opportunities and creating a thriving discipleship culture.
Over the next few months, reach out to people in your church who are not currently leading a discipleship group with vision around what’s to come this ministry year and how they can be a part of someone else’s next steps with God. Host interest meeting for facilitators and consider offering a facilitator training group for those hesitant about launching a new group. The work we do in June and July will yield fruit in the fall and winter.
The summer season before us can provide time and space to dream big and consistently lay the foundation for the fall and winter. Remember you’re not as far behind as you may feel and that you’re not alone. Our Rooted coaches hope to connect soon.
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By Derek Alonzi, Rooted Network Coach