Worship Plan for Churchwide Gospel Discipleship

 You can make this a 5 or 6 week series.  If you think your congregation needs to understand why you are undertaking this process (and if you have a Lukan or Matthean congregation, they probably will need that understanding), then start by framing the conversation with the week 1 recommendation here.  If you have framed the discussion already, or if you want to tie it in to the overall results, then start with week 2 launching into Markan discipleship.  You will probably need to disburse the test ahead of that week, though, just so the Markans don’t feel like they were cheated by not knowing their type ahead of time.

Week 1 – Introducing Gospel Discipleship

Scripture – Luke 14:27-32

Sermon Title – Planning to Follow Jesus

Synopsis – This passage from Luke speaks to the value of having a plan for our discipleship. It recognizes that each person must decide to take up their cross to follow Jesus, and that there will be an individual shape to that journey. It also recognizes, however, the value of an intentional plan. Working out a plan together allows for us to undertake that journey together and hold one another in accountable community as we commit to grow closer to Christ.

Plan either to distribute the Gospel Discipleship assessment during worship, providing paper copies for people to complete and return, and/or have the congregation take the assessment online at www.ministrymatters.com/gospeldiscipleship

Week 2 – Markan Discipleship

Scripture – Mark 16:15-18

Sermon Title – Catching Fire: Markan Discipleship

Synopsis – Share some of the characteristics of Markan Discipleship, seen through the lens of these last words spoken by Jesus before his ascension: Markans are empowered by the Holy Spirit, believe in miraculous events, are creative and unbound, and a bit chaotic in their expression of discipleship.

Week 3 – Matthean Discipleship

Scripture – Matthew 28:18-20

Sermon Title – On the Right Path: Matthean Discipleship

Synopsis – Perhaps Jesus’ most famous last words, the Great Commission reads like a to-do list of actions to take on behalf of Christ as one left to carry on the mission. Bring out the action-centered nature of Mattheans, people who love a good plan and a well-executed mission for Christ.

Week 4 – Lukan Discipleship

Scripture – Acts 1:6-8

Sermon Title – Hit the Target: Lukan Discipleship

Synopsis – Jesus challenges the disciples in Acts to start in Jerusalem with the people they know, then move in concentric circles out to the people they know somewhat in Judea and Samaria before making their way out to the people they don’t know yet at the ends of the earth. In Luke and Acts, people tend to go out in pairs, and tend to share Jesus in homes around common tables. Emphasize how Lukan disciples grow through deep relationships where they can love God by loving neighbor.

Week 5 – Johannine Discipleship

Scripture – John 21:19b-22

Sermon Title – Taking Root: Johannine Discipleship

Synopsis – The Gospel of John has a striking number of one-on-one moments like this one between Jesus and Peter at the end. Jesus meets people where they are and invites them to make the next step, and each invitation is very personal and crafted to that person and moment. Johannine disciples grow in a similar way: by being mentored in the faith, and in turn by mentoring others in the faith.

Week 6 – Our Discipleship Together

Scripture – 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Sermon Title – Who are We Together?

Synopsis – This is the time to share the overall results with the church, focusing on the dominant type that the church is together and emphasizing that leaning into that identity helps us serve the role God has called us to in our community. However, for those who are non-dominant types in the congregation, they are critical parts of that particular body because they make our individual church whole and the presence of all four keeps everyone moving forward in their discipleship. Now we can be intentional, though, about how we work together. 

If possible this week, introduce your initial intentional discipleship system. At the very least, announce that such a system is coming, and give a predicted date for that unveiling. Then hold to it or communicate any delays.