A couple felt a strong calling to plant a church in a rapidly growing community. They did all the right things: visiting the location, prayer-walking the streets, and sharing their vision with trusted mentors at their home church. When it was time, they took the next crucial step: engaging in a thorough assessment process, including the behavioral interview, which is the gold standard for most church planting networks.
The insights they gained were powerful. The assessment clearly affirmed their incredible relational capacity and knack for casting a compelling vision. But—and this is key—it also gently highlighted an area for growth: being more intentional about building robust disciple-making ministries.
Armed with this clear-eyed understanding and the full support of their sending church, they launched in August 2022. Fast forward three years, and their church is thriving! They’ve appointed elders, are financially self-sustaining, and have cultivated a vibrant community where over 80% of adults are actively engaged in disciple-making groups.
This kind of rapid, healthy growth isn’t just luck; it’s the direct result of a well-equipped couple who understood their strengths and proactively addressed their growth areas before launch.
It’s a Launchpad, Not a Hurdle
Think of a church planter assessment as your personal compass. Its main goal is to pinpoint a planter’s unique strengths and surface the areas where they might need a little extra coaching or support to truly flourish.
If you’re an aspiring church planter, a lead pastor in a sending church, or a network leader, you know how important it is to be a good steward of your resources—time, money, and people. What if you could increase your accuracy for identifying successful planters with reliable, granular data? The great news is that church planter assessments have come a long way.
Why Investing in a Strong Assessment is Valuable
When we look at organizations outside the church, we see powerful data:
As much as 80% of employee turnover is due to bad hiring decisions (according to The Harvard Business Review).
It’s estimated that a “bad hire” can cost an organization up to five times their annual salary (SHRM Study).
We are investing in eternal work. The stakes couldn’t be higher. A comprehensive assessment is an investment in the long-term health and sustainability of the planter, their family, and the church they’re called to start.
Consider Adding a Trait Assessment to Your Process
Most church planting networks rely on the Behavioral Interview—a tried-and-true method that helps assessors create a comprehensive profile. We wholeheartedly support this method, and we believe a powerful combination is to pair it with a Trait Assessment.
1. Behavioral Interview: Getting to Know the Real Planter
A behavioral interview dives into in-depth conversations about the planter’s past experiences. Assessors explore specific real-life situations—how the leader approached them, the decisions they made, and how they navigated the relationships involved. Past behavior is often the best indicator of future performance. This process can predict both areas of success and areas that might become a stumbling block without focused attention.
2. Trait Assessment: People Gravitate to Activities They Enjoy
When we talk about traits, we’re talking about those built-in, natural bents you came into the world with—the unique ways your brain and body are wired. They are often aptitudes you didn’t learn in a class but are a part of who you are.
For instance, maybe you’ve always been great at connecting with people, effortlessly relating while at the grocery store or pumping gas. Or perhaps you’re more introverted and thrive in solitude, finding that spending time with a crowd drains your emotional battery. These are your raw, natural inclinations.
The great news? With focused coaching and support, the traits that support these behaviors can be developed! The Harrison Assessment is a reliable tool we use that looks at 125 traits and filters them through the essential church planter competencies to rate the level of enjoyment a planter will experience in various tasks. Enjoyment Performance Theory suggests that when a person enjoys 75% or more of what they do, they will be three times more productive. (You can read more about the Harrison Assessment, HERE).
The Benefit of Two Assessments
The behavioral assessment is based on the ratings of the assessors, while the trait assessment is a self-assessment conducted by the planter. Combined, they formulate a comprehensive picture of the church planter’s potential to plant a healthy, reproducible church. Anecdotally, the results are impressively consistent, with the data from both assessments supporting each other and giving us great confidence in the path forward.
Partnership between InFocus & Thrive Church Planting
Since 2020, I’ve had the joy of collaborating with Micah Dodson of Thrive Church Planting on Leadership Collectives, Discipleship Collectives, and coach training. Now, we are working together to provide comprehensive church planter assessments.
It’s About Flourishing as a Human
In a recent conversation with a former assessment client, Micah was reminded of the deep power and influence of a robust assessment. The planter was calling to share his excitement over the recent grand opening of their church plant: stories of baptisms, a growing leadership team, and strong attendance.
While celebrating all of those wins, the planter reminded Micah of an assessment recommendation he had received a year prior.
Humbly, he opened up: “Remember that invitation to put away my phone and laptop on evenings and days off?”
Micah recalled, “Yes, how has that been going?”
The planter explained, “It has been so impactful to my family. In fact, over the summer, we spent more time together having fun than any summer prior.”
Micah was so encouraged. The contribution the assessment had made wasn’t just about his church’s health; it was about his family’s health, his personal health, and his belief that he could plant a church and flourish as a human and a child of God. Please let us know if you are interested in learning more about the assessment process we use – CLICK HERE to find a time to speak with Gary that fits your schedule. We’d love to partner with you in helping planters thrive.
I’ve been wrestling with a crucial question in the modern church:
“Are we equipping people to hear God, or just telling them what He said?” It’s a real frustration to see a void of training dedicated to helping people listen to and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit. While teaching Scripture, memorizing the words of Jesus, and consuming content through sermons and books are vital, imagine the world-changing impact if we poured a comparable amount of energy into the practice of listening to God and actually obeying Him. This longing for impact leads me to focus on the gift of prophecy and its essential role in the life of the church.
It surfaces a crucial question: What is the primary function of the prophetic gift in our missional context today?
The Key Function: Equipping Listeners
The role of the prophet, as outlined in Ephesians 4:11-12, has a two-fold function. The typical role is to discern the times and understand what needs to be done, exemplified by court prophets like Nathan. However, the second and often overlooked function is to equip people to hear, listen, and discern the voice of God.
This function is essential for true growth and multiplication. In the Old Testament, there were schools to train promising prophets, where experienced prophets like Samuel modeled, taught, and coached apprentices like Nathan. Their primary duty was to train the young apprentice prophets on how to listen and respond to God. The goal of the prophetic function is to serve as a conduit of God’s voice, AND in turn, train others to hear and respond to God for themselves. It is so vital for those with the gift of prophecy to empower the saints for the work of ministry, leading to exponential spiritual growth.
This brings up another important question: What are the characteristics of a prophetic leader?
Characteristics of a Prophetic Leader
When discussing the “five-fold ministry,” missional and church planting leaders offer a perspective on the prophetic gift that highlights key characteristics:
The “Disturber” or “Questioner”: Prophetic leaders are the ones who challenge the status quo and speak truth. They ask the difficult questions that expose hypocrisy, call for repentance, and push the community to align with God’s will. Their function is to create “holy discontent” that leads to growth and change.
Focus on Hearing God and Guiding Obedience: Prophetic leaders cultivate a culture of God-centeredness through practices like listening prayer. Their speech is often “forth-telling” (declaring God’s truth for a specific time and situation) and “foretelling” (predicting the future), encouraging responsive obedience.
Foundational and Restored Gift: Prophetic leaders emphasize the ongoing need for the gift as foundational for the church, strengthening ministry, and bringing Christ’s followers into unity. They also stress the importance of testing any prophetic message against the Bible to ensure it is genuine.
Equipper of the Saints: Prophetic leaders are as noted in the Ephesians 4:11-12 text – to equip and empower the saints for the work of ministry. The goal is to move the church from dependency on one voice to a community where everyone can hear and respond to God.
In essence, prophetic leaders are not mysterious, isolated figures – but a critical and sometimes uncomfortable part of a healthy, functioning church. They are the ones who help the church stay on mission by constantly questioning whether its current practices and culture are truly aligned with God’s heart.
Here are some works by leading missional thinkers on this topic:
Neil Cole:Primal Fire: Reigniting the Church with the Five Gifts of Jesus. In this book, Cole explores the five equipping gifts, with a focus on how the church can reactivate all five to become a more vibrant and effective movement.
Paul Ford:Mobilizing Spiritual Gifts focuses on helping churches and individuals identify and use their spiritual gifts for ministry. The author shares his perspective on the prophetic gift as a vital component for building up the body of Christ, and he provides resources for leaders to help their congregations discover and deploy these gifts.
Alan Hirsch:The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church. This foundational work introduces Hirsch’s influential APEST framework and its significance for the modern church. He specifically identifies the prophet’s role as the “disturber” who challenges the status quo and helps the church return to its missional roots.
A Few Questions for Reflection
I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
How does this description of the “prophet” gift resonate with you?
What concerns or questions does this kind of ministry bring to mind for you?
As you think about your own ministry, who comes to mind when you think of people with this gift?
Will You Stand with Us in Prayer?
We truly believe that consistent, heartfelt prayer is the seed that grows eternal fruit, and we’d be honored if you would stand with us.
We invite you to join the InFocus Prayer Team—a special community of friends committed to lifting up our work in regular prayer. This isn’t just a mailing list; it’s a dedicated partnership. As Jesus promised in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” We know the power of unified prayer, and we need yours!
Each week, we’ll send you a brief, focused update with specific prayer requests that reflect the most current and critical needs of the people we serve. You’ll get to pray with insight and with purpose.
Your prayers are a powerful force, and they truly make a difference in this vital work. If you feel called to link arms with us and become a prayer partner, it’s easy to join—just click HERE.
Remember the mission ofInFocus – to come alongside leaders to multiply disciples, cultivate leaders, & plant churches
I was recently asked a question that really made me pause and think: “How do you describe the gift of the apostle?”
So much has been said and written about this topic, but I wanted a clear, concise answer. After a lot of reflection, I finally landed on a response that felt right.
I remember a conversation I had with my friend, Dr. Paul Ford. Paul is a true expert on spiritual gifts; he’s traveled the world helping thousands of leaders discover their unique callings. What he shared with me about the apostolic gift was so insightful. He said that based on all of his travels and research, there are very few leaders who actually have this gift.
Now, I know that might stir up some conversation! On one hand, many people believe that all of us have one of the five gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-12. From my perspective, a lot of people have apostolic ministry—meaning they do things that look apostolic—but very few have the actual gift of the apostle as a core part of who they are.
This led me to a crucial question: What is the primary function of the gift of the apostle?
The Key Function: Multiplier
This is the one trait that truly defines an apostle’s impact. Their true success isn’t just about adding to what’s already there; it’s about multiplying it. Think about it this way: they raise up disciples who go on to make more disciples, they cultivate leaders who develop more leaders, and they help start churches that go on to start other churches. They are all about exponential growth, not just incremental growth.
Look at leaders like Peter, Paul, and Barnabas in the Bible. They didn’t just build one church; they sparked entire movements. They were masters at equipping others who could then carry on the work they started. This brings up another important question: What are the characteristics of an apostolic leader?
Characteristics of an Apostolic Leader
Pioneering and Visionary: Apostolic leaders are like spiritual entrepreneurs. They’re “sent ones” with a specific mission to extend the gospel. They are always looking to the future, pushing into new territories, and finding innovative ways to do kingdom work.
Foundation-Layers: Their main job is to lay the groundwork for new ministries and churches. They’re not meant to be the permanent pastor of a single place. Instead, they start a new work, get it on solid footing, and then empower others to lead and manage it so they can move on to the next mission.
Equippers and Developers: They have a unique gift for developing leaders. They create an environment where the other gifts—prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher—can emerge and flourish. They are catalysts for the growth of the church and its leaders.
Trans-local and Networking: They operate beyond one location, connecting with other leaders and churches to facilitate broader movements. They care about the health of the entire church, not just a single congregation.
Custodians of the “Missional DNA”: Apostolic leaders are the guardians of the church’s core mission. They make sure that the essential beliefs and practices of Christianity are faithfully passed down from one generation and context to the next.
Risk-takers: They’re more comfortable with change and risk than most people. They’re willing to step out into challenging and unknown situations for the sake of the mission. However, this is why they need the other gifts (like shepherding and teaching) to help ensure people are cared for and not left behind.
In a nutshell, apostles are dynamic, catalytic leaders who are essential for reigniting the church’s passion for mission and creating healthy, reproducible movements. They embody the forward-moving, expansionary nature of the early church.
Here are some works by leading missional thinkers on this topic:
Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost, The Shaping of Things to Come (2003)
Neil Cole, Organic Church: Growing Faith Where Life Happens (2005)
Bob Logan, The Leadership Difference: The Key to Growing a Healthy Church (2005)
A Few Questions for Reflection
I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
How does this description of the “apostle” gift resonate with you?
What concerns or questions does this kind of ministry bring to mind for you?
As you think about your own ministry, who comes to mind when you think of people with this gift?
Have you ever heard when an athlete or actor announces their retirement with a big public statement, only to suddenly pop back up a few months later as if nothing ever happened? That “just kidding” attitude can be a little confusing and even frustrating for fans. While it doesn’t really affect anyone’s personal life, this kind of back-and-forth isn’t limited to the world of sports and entertainment. It also happens in ministry, and the impact on a church community can be significant. These same things relate to various roles within denominational and missions agencies; the higher up you are in the organization, the greater the impact.
You may have experienced a ministry leader hinting at a future change or even setting a retirement date, only to change their mind later. This can create a whirlwind of emotions for the congregation or organization —from panic and confusion to relief and joy. Making a premature announcement can really cause a lot of chaos for the leadership, the church body, and the pastor’s own family. You might be asking, “Why? Isn’t it always best to be honest and open?”
I grew up in a church that handled succession incredibly well. Each pastor served for a specific season, perfectly suited for that stage of the church’s life. The church is still thriving today, and I think one reason is because of this thoughtful, very intentional approach. What I remember most about the transition from the founding pastor to his successor was how the new pastor honored the one who came before him. Every year on the church’s anniversary, all the former pastors would be brought on stage one by one. They’d greet each other with big smiles and warm embraces, standing side-by-side to applaud their successors and worship God together. It was a beautiful picture of unity and respect. When a pastor felt it was time to move on, they never announced it until they were absolutely certain it was the right decision and were ready to take the leap.
Unfortunately, pastoral transitions aren’t always that smooth. The plan to leave can get easily derailed or second-guessed, leading to a lot of confusion. If you are a leader contemplating a transition, this blog is for you.
As a leader who has a friend or colleague contemplating a transition, you can help them navigate this season by guiding them through three key stages.
Three Parts of the Succession Transition
Pre-Transition: Make your Decision
Transition: Work your Plan
Post-Transition: Land on Your Feet
This blog will focus on the Pre-Transition stage: Make your Decision
The first step is to determine if you genuinely feel called to leave or if this is a recurring feeling of dissatisfaction that will eventually pass. A good way to gauge your seriousness is to consider telling your spouse. Once a public declaration is made, the transition has officially begun. Be certain before taking that step.
This is where I believe 80% of the problem with succession plans lies. Why?
Chances are, by the time a leader verbalizes, they are thinking of making a change, they have already made the decision. For this reason, I have done my best to encourage leaders to “slow your role!”
Slow Your Role!
I know from personal experience what it feels like to get in your head when contemplating a transition. When I was preparing for a transition, I thought I needed to communicate with all of the people with whom I had relationships in the organization where I served. Well, my good intentions resulted in some major blowback. I realized some important lessons after the fact:
Be certain – Once I made the decision that I was leaving, it was important that I stuck with it.
Be careful with whom you communicate – I kept the circle very small, perhaps too small, but it is probably better to keep it tight so that you “control” the narrative. Once it goes public, you have lost your ability to influence what people think.
Be mindful of what you communicate – I in no way wanted to be critical of the organization where I had served, so I did my best to communicate my gratitude. The reality is, no matter how well you communicate, some people will be surprised, disappointed, angry, etc.
Be empathetic – I paid attention to how I communicated my transition as much as or more so, what I communicated.
Be aware of blowback – Unknowingly, I upset people, which made the interpersonal dynamics really difficult.
One final thing. Don’t overcomplicate the transition. Do what you need to do and then move on!
Things to Avoid
Emotional Decisions: Some leaders might feel an urge to tell their board too early, before they’ve truly settled on their decision.
Temporary Urges: A season of frustration, anger, or burnout can make a pastor want to leave. The pandemic, for example, caused many pastors to question their calling. Discern if this is a temporary feeling or a true calling to something new.
Don’t Attempt it Alone: Find a trusted friend or confidant that you can verbally process this with, taking into consideration the emotional, spiritual, and organizational ramifications. Someone to guide and advise, not to dictate your next move. Remember, this is your journey, and you need to make the decision that’s right for you.
Reflection Questions – (if you are contemplating a change)
How long have you been considering this change?
Who have you shared this with, and what was their reaction?
Have you talked with your spouse about this? What did they say?
What is your true motivation for wanting a change?
Succession is a Process
Succession is a process, not a single event. A decision of this magnitude has a ripple effect and will be met with a wide range of responses. Prepare for the possibility of pushback or unexpected reactions. For instance, some people in the congregation or organization might be happy about the departure, which can be a difficult surprise. Talk through all the possibilities with a trusted friend and how to prepare for them.
Reflection Questions (if you are helping a leader prepare for a change)
How does this potential change fit with what you believe God is doing in your client’s life and ministry?
Once you inform your board, staff, and other key decision-makers, everyone will immediately begin wondering, “What’s next?” This is a great time to introduce a successor. A transition period of three to nine months, where the new pastor can overlap with the outgoing one, can be incredibly helpful. This allows the successor to ease into their role and ensures there’s a clear exit plan for both the pastor and the church.
Post-Transition: A New Beginning
As a coach, you’ll want to help your client prepare for what happens after they leave. Talk with them about a few key things:
Financial stability: Can they provide for their family right away?
Purposeful work: Are they moving to a role where they can use their gifts to their full potential? Ideally, this new move should align with their mission or passion.
Managing expectations: It’s important to remind your client that a new job or phase of life requires time and adjustment. Immediate results are not always guaranteed.
*Please forgive the original post that went out earlier today with the pictures in code form. When it was viewed prior to sending out, everything looked perfect. Unfortunately, sometimes technology just doesn’t cooperate.
How do you navigate personal change? When it comes to your spiritual life, how can you establish new habits in your daily routine for lasting change?
For you and those you lead, this is an important topic. When you embrace the change process and understand the steps involved, you will be more able to help people take the necessary steps to not only navigate an inflection point but to sustain the new reality by taking the necessary steps. Let me give you an example.
I’ve written about my spiritual journey, beginning with the desire to grow spiritually. I joined a cohort in the fall of 2021 to do a deep dive into spiritual formation (one blog where I mentioned this is: Unleash Your Faith: A Bucket List Adventure). As part of my journey with the cohort, I worked through the Ignatian Exercises under the guidance of a spiritual director, integrated regular spiritual retreats, and traveled to Iona, Scotland, for our last intensive to experience the rhythms of Celtic spirituality. Today, I continue to meet regularly with my spiritual director.
The process I went through can be illustrated in the diagram below.
My spiritual formation journey began with an INFLECTION POINT. Dissatisfaction + Curiosity were the catalysts to DISCOVERY. Discovery began with observing what healthy practices looked like to grow spiritually. As I observed new practices, I reflected on what would work for me. And in discussion with my classmates, professors, and spiritual director, I decided which ones I would attempt.
That led to ACTION. I created a plan which now includes my Daily Office using the lectionary, regular retreats at Iona House, and annual assessments. My spiritual director keeps me accountable, helps me fine-tune my plan, and discovers nuances that keep the plan fluid. And then I take action. I’ve found the inclusion of time away on retreat to be the great “multiplier” in my life and ministry (I’ll have to expand on that in another blog at some point).
I highlight the Breakthrough Circle for a couple of reasons:
Personally– It could help you in your personal, spiritual, or leadership journey. As I walked through the steps in my journey, I resonated with each aspect of the process. Also, as I note below, the book that unpacks the Breakthrough Circle will give you a greater appreciation of how to intentionally navigate this in your life.
Ministry – It could help you come alongside people who are navigating a change in their lives. I’ve written a lot about disciple-making, and this is a great tool to use to help people focus on the change they want to see in their lives. In a ministry context, it will be invaluable to train others in your team to equip them to help others navigate change.
Family and friends – This might be a tool you can use with your spouse, children, or significant others in your life. I have not introduced this yet to my family; however, both of my adult children have experienced significant change this last year in their vocation and education. I reckon both would benefit greatly from doing an After-Action-Review to see the steps they took, so they are better equipped for the next big change in their lives.
I discovered the Breakthrough Circle in the book Breakthroughs Are Everywhere: A Guide to Making Big Shifts in Your Life and Work by Curtis Carnes. The author is a passionate Jesus follower. The book references faith, but is not a distinctly Christian book. It is written for a secular audience, specifically leaders in the marketplace.
*You might remember that the “Learning Circle” originated with Michael Breen in his work with the “Order of Mission” and 3DM. Mike created a series of shapes to make the discipleship journey more accessible to younger generations. Curtis Carnes received permission from Mike to use and adapt this diagram to the Breakthrough Circle.
I found Curtis’s story of his personal breakthrough compelling. The Breakthrough Circle makes a significant contribution to understanding how the process of personal change works. Below, I want to offer some helpful questions to engage a person in their discipleship journey.
Questions to help a new disciple process the Breakthrough Circle:
What change would you like to see in your spiritual life?
What is the motivating force?
How committed are you?
Who do you know that can support you?
What is the next step you need to take to solidify the change?
How do you navigate personal change? When it comes to your spiritual life, how can you establish new habits in your daily routine for lasting change?
For you and those you lead, this is an important topic. When you embrace the change process and understand the steps involved, you will be more able to help people take the necessary steps to not only navigate an inflection point but to sustain the new reality by taking the necessary steps. Let me give you an example.
I’ve written about my spiritual journey, beginning with the desire to grow spiritually. I joined a cohort in the fall of 2021 to do a deep dive into spiritual formation (one blog where I mentioned this is: Unleash Your Faith: A Bucket List Adventure). As part of my journey with the cohort, I worked through the Ignatian Exercises under the guidance of a spiritual director, integrated regular spiritual retreats, and traveled to Iona, Scotland, for our last intensive to experience the rhythms of Celtic spirituality. Today, I continue to meet regularly with my spiritual director.
The process I went through can be illustrated in the diagram below.
My spiritual formation journey began with an INFLECTION POINT. Dissatisfaction + Curiosity were the catalysts to DISCOVERY. Discovery began with observing what healthy practices looked like to grow spiritually. As I observed new practices, I reflected on what would work for me. And in discussion with my classmates, professors, and spiritual director, I decided which ones I would attempt.
That led to ACTION. I created a plan which now includes my Daily Office using the lectionary, regular retreats at Iona House, and annual assessments. My spiritual director keeps me accountable, helps me fine-tune my plan, and discovers nuances that keep the plan fluid. And then I take action. I’ve found the inclusion of time away on retreat to be the great “multiplier” in my life and ministry (I’ll have to expand on that in another blog at some point).
I highlight the Breakthrough Circle for a couple of reasons:
Personally– It could help you in your personal, spiritual, or leadership journey. As I walked through the steps in my journey, I resonated with each aspect of the process. Also, as I note below, the book that unpacks the Breakthrough Circle will give you a greater appreciation of how to intentionally navigate this in your life.
Ministry – It could help you come alongside people who are navigating a change in their lives. I’ve written a lot about disciple-making, and this is a great tool to use to help people focus on the change they want to see in their lives. In a ministry context, it will be invaluable to train others in your team to equip them to help others navigate change.
Family and friends – This might be a tool you can use with your spouse, children, or significant others in your life. I have not introduced this yet to my family; however, both of my adult children have experienced significant change this last year in their vocation and education. I reckon both would benefit greatly from doing an After-Action-Review to see the steps they took, so they are better equipped for the next big change in their lives.
I discovered the Breakthrough Circle in the book Breakthroughs Are Everywhere: A Guide to Making Big Shifts in Your Life and Work by Curtis Carnes. The author is a passionate Jesus follower. The book references faith, but is not a distinctly Christian book. It is written for a secular audience, specifically leaders in the marketplace.
*You might remember that the “Learning Circle” originated with Michael Breen in his work with the “Order of Mission” and 3DM. Mike created a series of shapes to make the discipleship journey more accessible to younger generations. Curtis Carnes received permission from Mike to use and adapt this diagram to the Breakthrough Circle.
I found Curtis’s story of his personal breakthrough compelling. The Breakthrough Circle makes a significant contribution to understanding how the process of personal change works. Below, I want to offer some helpful questions to engage a person in their discipleship journey.
Questions to help a new disciple process the Breakthrough Circle:
What change would you like to see in your spiritual life?
What is the motivating force?
How committed are you?
Who do you know that can support you?
What is the next step you need to take to solidify the change?
One of the most difficult aspects for me, as someone who observes, engages in the challenging task of exploring discipleship methods, and evaluates small group resources, is identifying approaches that are straightforward and easily replicable.
In the past, I have discussed various methods. You can check out my insights on John Wesley’s Holiness Groups, which serve as a prime example. However, there are now other methods recognized for their simplicity and reproducibility, including Discovery Bible Studies, Life Transformation Groups, and Three-Thirds Groups, among others.
What I often find is that when I try to explain disciple-making methods as ‘simple’ and ‘reproducible,’ people may not fully understand the essence or significance of these terms. In Christian church culture, we frequently use language as if everyone comprehends its meaning, but the truth is, we often do not! My goal with this blog is to clarify the terms ‘simple’ and ‘reproducible’ so that when you encounter these phrases again, they won’t just drift away into oblivion.
Why is it crucial to perceive disciple-making as ‘simple’ and ‘reproducible’?
That’s an excellent question!
Despite our sophistication in the West, we have a tendency to complicate what is intended to be straightforward. I recall my college days when I got involved in one-on-one discipleship. My mother, a loving, patient, and mature follower of Jesus, listened to my encouragement for her to participate in the curriculum I was studying, as I had been taught that this was the essence of discipleship. Rather than dismissing me with condescending remarks, she agreed and completed the course. Did this enhance her discipleship? Perhaps! Did the material make her a more obedient disciple? Possibly! What I experienced over the 26 years of my life was a remarkable opportunity and privilege to witness my mother live out her faith—up close and personal. That is true discipleship. Incidentally, I would say the same about my father. Ultimately, discipleship is more about what is caught than what is taught. That is the biblical ideal.
The importance of understanding discipleship as ‘simple’ and ‘reproducible’ cannot be overstated. The term “reproducible” refers to making a connection with Jesus available to every person you encounter. This way, they can share the gift with the next generation of disciples, and the cycle continues…
What do I mean by simple?
Years ago, I upgraded my mountain bike to disc brakes. At first, the thought of changing the brake pads on the back wheel seemed daunting. However, when I broke it down into manageable tasks, it turned out to be quite straightforward. With the help of YouTube, I followed step-by-step instructions. It’s a task I’ve repeated many times; it’s a process that can be done over and over again.
Discipleship is similar. It is simple enough to be repeated endlessly unless we complicate it with unnecessary layers that require a specific level of intellect, education, or rigor that only a few possess. Sometimes, it feels like certain discipleship methods demand a college degree as a prerequisite.
When you hear the word simple, what image or definition comes to mind? The word that springs to my mind is simplistic. However, Jesus’s approach was not simplistic – “Take up your cross and follow Me!” How’s that for simplicity? He asks everything from us!
What do I mean by reproducible?
I was reflecting on my educational journey with my wife, Gina. The best gift I gave her was completing my doctorate before we got married. I also continued my studies from undergrad to seminary to D.Min. without much of a pause. I mention this because my path is NOT something that can be easily replicated. Not many people I know have done that. I doubt you have either. Honestly, I wonder how I managed it. This serves as a prime example of what should not be set as a standard for others.
By reproducible, I mean it’s something that everyone, or at least nearly everyone, can achieve. When I think about how challenging my educational journey was, I feel exhausted. When you think about most discipleship pathways, what feelings does it stir? A straightforward and easily replicable discipleship pathway should inspire confidence that can be expressed as: “I believe I can achieve that.”
When the pathway is replicable, it leads to the growth and multiplication of more and better disciples as a lasting outcome. The difficulty arises when someone who has been conditioned by traditional methods of disciple-making encounters this new approach. They may dismiss it as overly simplistic, lacking depth, or not checking all the boxes!
In previous blogs, I have shared a very straightforward and replicable discipleship pathway. In the book As You Go: Make Disciples by my friend Colin Noyes, it effectively defines what a disciple is, outlines the essential components of a disciple-making pathway, and invites you, the reader, to engage in the discussion. I highly recommend it!
How happy are you with your discipleship pathway?
I’m of the mindset that I can always find ways to improve and grow my capacity to make disciples. However, you might be satisfied with the fruit you are bearing for the Kingdom. If you resonate with any of the questions, take them to heart and build on what you are already doing.
5 questions to help you reflect on your discipleship pathway:
What is working with your discipleship pathway?
What is NOT working?
What aspects are missing?
What steps are unnecessary?
What changes could you make to get better results?
It takes me back to the conversation with my mom. Could she describe the discipleship pathway she followed and was helping others follow? I am not certain she could, but she did all the things a Jesus follower lives out – making disciples as she went about her daily activities. That is the essence of what Jesus taught His disciples, which should give us pause to reflect on the way we are helping others follow Jesus.
Do you have a nagging feeling in your heart when you hear about leaders who are experiencing fruit in their ministries by staying on mission with Jesus and exploring new paths for disciple-making? Or when you hear about new terms like “micro” or “mega” or “cell”? One of the things I love about Jesus is that He is never static. He uses leaders like you to innovate and try new things. Or in the case of the House Church movement, take old ways and make them new. I am fascinated by the movement of God throughout history to sustain disciple-making and church planting movements, even in the most difficult circumstances. One of the ways He has done that is by going small.
House churches have become an increasingly common and compelling option for Christian communities in the West. These small, intimate gatherings often emerge from a desire for deeper fellowship and a more personal approach to faith. While they may seem different from traditional churches, their strengths are clear and impactful.
Simplicity and Community: With a manageable size of typically fewer than 40 people, house churches excel at fostering genuine community. This intimate setting makes it easier for leaders to connect with individuals, creating a strong sense of belonging. The focus is on a few core principles: loving God, loving your neighbor, and making disciples.
A Natural Path for Growth: Unlike larger churches and mega churches, house churches have a built-in strategy for growth. When a community outgrows its space, it can naturally multiply into new groups. This isn’t just about space; it’s about following Jesus’s call to reach more people with the gospel, creating a movement rather than a single, large congregation.
Low Overhead, High Impact: Many house church leaders are co-vocational, meaning they work a regular job while also serving their communities. This co-vocational model significantly reduces financial burdens like full-time staff salaries and facility costs, allowing resources to be focused directly on ministry and outreach.
Deeply Relational: House churches thrive on authentic relationships. New people are often drawn in through personal invitation and a sense of genuine warmth and friendship. As author Tim Keller notes, growth is organic, driven by the strong connections and relational bonds that form naturally within the group.
As house church movements grow, leaders may benefit from guidance to navigate their unique environments. It is easy to get excited about the possibilities of going small, but just as important is to be aware of the land mines! Below are five common challenges, framed as opportunities, for growth and support.
Five Opportunities for Growth in House Churches
House churches, like any ministry, face specific hurdles. Below are five common hurdles house church leaders face.
1. Cultivating an Outward Focus
Because of their close-knit nature, house churches can sometimes become focused on the needs of their members. This isn’t a bad thing; strong fellowship is a hallmark of a healthy community. The opportunity, however, is to help leaders intentionally shift their vision from internal community to external mission.
2. Maximizing Limited Time
Most house church leaders juggle their ministry responsibilities with a full-time job. This reality means their time for ministry is often limited and fits into the margins of their lives. Time management is essential for the co-vocational house church leader.
3. Embracing Accountability
House churches are often founded by passionate leaders who desire to do things differently. While this entrepreneurial spirit is a great strength, leaders need to have an outside voice for guidance and accountability. Without a connection to a network or other leaders, they may face challenges alone, which can lead to isolation or an unhealthy situation.
4. Staying True to the Mission
Reaching people with the gospel in a house church setting can take time. It may be a longer journey for someone to fully enter the community and follow Jesus. During this waiting period, it’s easy for leaders to become discouraged or lose sight of their core mission.
5. Navigating Specialization
Providing specialized ministries for different groups—like children, youth, or singles—is a challenge for many house churches. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, as each community has its own philosophy (for example, whether children stay with the main group or go to a separate activity).
Key Questions for a House Church Leader
What is your vision for growing and reproducing your house church?
How is your community doing in the three core behaviors of a disciple: loving God, loving your neighbor, and making disciples?
What could you prune or simplify to focus on what you’re doing well?
What needs to change for you to move forward?
How can I best support you on this journey?
These questions can help leaders feel empowered and supported as they navigate the rewarding and unique path of a house church. One book that I recommend on the topic is entitled “Houses That Change the World” by Wofgang Simpson. If you have any insight into house churches that you would like to share, we would love to hear in the “Submit a Comment” box below.
Stepping onto the lively and often tumultuous soil of Congo is an experience that leaves a lasting mark on your soul. It’s a place of striking contrasts, where resilience flourishes amid adversity, and faith shines its brightest when faced with significant challenges. My time there provided a series of raw, unforgettable insights, moments that transformed my understanding of worship, leadership, hope, and the very essence of Christ.
The Symphony of Worship: God as Audience
Picture a church service where every part of you is fully engaged, not merely as a passive observer, but as an active participant in a divine narrative. In Congo, worship is not a show for an audience, but a sincere offering to God, with the congregation themselves taking on the role of performers. Their voices, deep and resonant, intertwine in complex harmonies, their bodies move with unrestrained joy, and their praises ascend like incense, free from self-consciousness. It’s a powerful reminder that genuine worship isn’t about human perfection, but rather an honest, fervent expression of the spirit.
The Paradox of Faith and Poverty: A Deepening Conflict
One of the most remarkable paradoxes I’ve observed is the harsh reality of widespread poverty coexisting in a nation where a large portion of the population identifies as Christian. This isn’t merely an intellectual observation; it’s a deeply felt conflict that pulls at your conscience. How can so many individuals profess faith in a loving God while remaining ensnared in the unyielding grip of poverty? This dissonance urges us to look beyond simple explanations and confront the intricate interplay of systemic challenges, historical burdens, and the sometimes-elusive promise of prosperity.
A Generation’s Burden: The Leadership Vacuum
The sheer youthfulness of Congo’s population is astonishing. In the lively center of its capital, the average age is a striking 17. However, this vibrant youthfulness often conceals a significant challenge: a notable leadership vacuum. Countless bright, capable young individuals are eager to make a difference, yet opportunities for guidance, mentorship, and empowerment are sadly lacking. This creates a sense of urgency, a critical need to support this emerging generation that will surely influence the future of their nation.
Glimmers of Hope: The Lobiko Initiative
Amidst the complexities, there are shining examples, initiatives that refuse to give in to despair. The Lobiko Initiative stands out as a powerful illustration of human ingenuity and compassion. They are not just providing temporary solutions; they are making a significant impact on the pervasive burden of poverty and, in the process, saving lives. Observing their efforts, whether it’s supplying clean water, promoting sustainable agriculture, or providing vocational training, inspires a deep sense of hope, demonstrating that even in the toughest circumstances, meaningful change can occur.
The Shadow of Corruption: A Crushing Reality
Yet, hope is frequently overshadowed by the widespread problem of corruption. It’s a painful truth that essential resources, meant for transformative projects, often do not reach those who need them most. This situation goes beyond mere numbers; it involves real individuals, genuine needs, and the heartbreaking consequences of misallocated funds on communities that are eager for advancement. It highlights the vital need for transparency and accountability in all initiatives aimed at delivering aid and fostering development.
The Enduring Spirit: The Congolese People
Despite their significant challenges, the spirit of the Congolese people radiates with an undeniable brilliance. At their essence, they are kind, empathetic, and incredibly hospitable. Even though they have very little, they will share their last meal, greet you with their warmest smile, and extend a heartfelt welcome that goes beyond language. Their strength, unyielding spirit, and ability to find joy amidst hardship are genuinely humbling.
Christ Among Us: A Tangible Presence
One of the most profound insights was the palpable presence of Jesus among the poor. It was not merely a theological concept; it was a tangible reality. In the dusty villages, bustling markets, and modest homes, the spirit of Christ felt more intimately present and more deeply understood than in many of the more privileged areas of society. This served as a powerful reminder that God’s love is most vibrant among those who are marginalized, suffering, and in dire need of solace and kindness.
My journey through Congo was a rich tapestry interlaced with both heartbreak and profound inspiration. It served as a stark reminder of the worldwide challenges we encounter, yet it also stood as a lively testament to the resilient human spirit and the steadfast presence of hope.
What parts of these reflections resonated the most with you, or what additional facets of the Congo would you like to explore further?
David, Joel, Lischa, Wilita, and Gary in Kinshasa, Congo
There’s something truly special about connecting face-to-face, and our recent trip to the Congo was a powerful reminder of that. For the last five months, I’ve been virtually training the incredible leaders of the Lobiko Initiative via Zoom, but being on the ground, immersed in their world, brought an entirely new dimension to our partnership.
Stepping into their culture and understanding the unique leadership challenges they face firsthand was invaluable. It wasn’t just about delivering training; it was about truly grasping their context, which deepened every interaction and highlighted the profound impact Christian coaching can have. We saw how these leaders, equipped with new skills, can empower their partners and teams to achieve even greater things.
One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was watching the team dive into live coaching practice. The energy in the room was palpable as they embraced real-time feedback, creating a truly rich learning environment. I also introduced them to powerful new tools for self-understanding and relating to others, which sparked incredible insights and personal reflection. It was inspiring to witness their “aha!” moments.
Introducing a coaching model in this cultural context is a significant shift, a true paradigm shift. As Lischa, Joel, and Wilita move into this next phase, seeking wisdom in identifying the right people to invest in and coach, your prayers are deeply appreciated. Their discernment is crucial for the continued success of this initiative.
We were also incredibly blessed to have David Bast join us, sharing his wealth of wisdom and experience, which further enriched the training.
To each of you who has supported the Lobiko Initiative, Gina and I want to express our deepest gratitude. Your generosity isn’t just a donation; it’s a tangible investment that is making a real and lasting impact in an underserved part of the world. The work continues through 2026, and we are so excited to see the continued transformation your support makes possible!
From here, participants will learn how to coach as they practice coaching two leaders they are developing in Congo. Beginning in January 2026, we repeat the training process with a new cohort. The vision is to train Lischa, Joel, and Wilita to begin training others. Ultimately, we would like to see leaders equipped in the church so that Congolese disciples are multiplying disciples.
What aspects of this trip or the Lobiko Initiative are you most curious to learn more about?
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