What Does a Discipleship Vision Look Like?

© Caret, 2008. All Rights Reserved

What Does a Discipleship Vision Look Like?

by Danny Morris

BATH DEANERY CONFERENCE 2012


Gallup Research


Building loyalty and engagement with congregation is not the right focus if our concern is spiritual growth.We need to focus on people’s relationship with and serving of Jesus

However, do not underestimate the power of the psychological

research and the processes which Gallup suggests grow engagement

and commitment


Willow Creek (McKinsey)


Success?


7000 seats


Key Findings from “Reveal” research1. Involvement in church based activities does not

predict spiritual growth.2. Local church has most influence on a person’s

relationship with Christ during the early stages of spiritual growth. As people grow spiritually, church influence on growth declines.

3. Those with higher levels of relationship with Jesus are less likely to be satisfied with what they “receive from” local church.

4. Behaviours such as prayer, bible reading, serving, evangelism, love for God and others – are mainly influenced by growing relationship with Jesus.


Draw a timeline from childhood to date of particular events,

activities, and relationships that have enabled you to grow & thrive as a disciple of

Jesus


The items research says matter1. I understand practically what it means to live as a follower of

Christ in the situations I find myself in every day.2. I am encouraged to deepen my relationship with Jesus in ways

that are relevant and energising for me. 3. We pray for, value, and celebrate, people who spend much of

their time in schools, colleges, with family, the community, and in other paid employment.

4. Jesus uniquely equips me to work with Him in all the places He and I go to.

5. In my church, there are people outside my family who genuinely care about me.

6. My views are sought and listened to in my church.7. I am encouraged to deepen my relationship with Jesus by

personal prayer and bible study.


The items research says matter8. Someone has recently invested time in my growth

and development as a disciple of Christ9. In my local church I am trusted with responsibilities

that stretch and energise me. 10.I invest my own time deepening my relationship

with Jesus and my understanding of Him. 11.I see Christ’s generosity, humility, hospitality and

love modelled in practical ways in my local church.12.I hear stories about Jesus working in the lives of

others in my church.


The qualities these produce

13.The person of Jesus and the reality of who he is excites me!

14.My relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in my life.

15.My whole life is an act of service to Jesus.


A new scorecard?


What are the symptoms or indicators of discipleship in your church?

What Does a Discipleship Vision Look Like?

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