Discipleship Quiz: How To Know If Your Church REALLY Values Discipleship

Discipleship is a central theme in many churches, yet often, it's the area we struggle to demonstrate that we value.  Any church and every pastor can SAY that they value discipleship. But how would we test that claim?

How to check if you value something

If you say you value discipleship, it really comes down to whether or not you put RESOURCES toward it. You say you value your body, so you put resources toward feeing it, medicating it, working it out, and taking care of biological needs.

Same with kids. Same with family. Same with ... pretty much anything.

Quiz Yourself: Do you value discipleship?

Here are six critical areas to evaluate whether you genuinely value discipleship:

1. Preaching

Preaching isn't just about delivering entertaining sermons; it's about shaping the priorities of your congregation. What the pulpit doesn't make an issue, quickly fades in the minds of the congregation. (Hint: It's no good to say "every sermon is a discipleship sermon.") If you truly value discipleship:

• Do you talk about it explicitly and regularly?

• Is discipleship clearly defined and revisited in your messages?

• Do you make a call to action for discipleship in your sermons?

2. Time

Time is a premium resource in any church. If you disagree, try changing the calendar. :) Evaluating this can be eye-opening:

• Is there a designated time for discipleship activities?

• How much of your leadership’s weekly schedule is devoted to fostering discipleship?

• Do your members set aside time regularly to engage in discipleship?

3. Leadership

Leadership influence is pivotal. John Maxwell's right, "Leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less." Here's what to consider:

• Who in your church is directly responsible for leading discipleship?

• How often is discipleship discussed among your leaders?

• Are your leaders equipped and encouraged to prioritize discipleship in their interactions?

4. Space

Physical space dedicated to discipleship can enhance its importance within the community.

• Do you have a dedicated area for discipleship resources?

• Is there a known place where people can go to learn more or get involved with discipleship?

5. Money

Budget allocation often reveals the true priorities of a church.

• Do you have a dedicated budget for discipleship?

• How does this budget compare to other non-essential church expenses?

6. Attention

The focus of your staff meetings, announcements, and digital communications tells a lot.

• How often is discipleship featured in church announcements and meetings?

• Are there ongoing efforts to promote and improve discipleship programs?
  

How NewStart Discipleship Can Help

Preaching

• We provide sermon outlines, sermon series, and sermon ideas focused on discipleship, complete with multimedia resources to help you engage your congregation.

Time

• Our resources save you time by providing ready-made teaching tools and comprehensive discipleship workbooks, allowing you to focus more on personal interactions rather than content creation.
  

Leadership

• NewStart offers discipleship coaching and support to uplift your church leaders, making discipleship a shared and less burdensome responsibility.
  

Space

• We supply materials like banners and informational brochures to help you create a visible and inviting discipleship resource area in your church.
  

Money

• For just $50 a month, your church gains access to extensive discipleship tools that would otherwise cost thousands of dollars and hours to develop independently.
  

Attention

• Our frameworks and strategies provide a clear path forward, making it easier for you to keep discipleship in the forefront of your church's mission.

Discipleship is not just another church program—it's a commitment to the growth and spiritual maturity of your congregation. By evaluating these six areas, you can begin to align your church’s resources with its professed values, ensuring that discipleship isn't just another item on the agenda but a central focus of your community's life.