During a recent conversation, the question was raised, “How we can accurately measure effective discipleship in the local church?” A complex question indeed, but I feel that a measurement tool can be created and be relatively accurate. The ultimate ruler is the example that Christ gave to us as He discipled ordinary people into true heroes of the faith. Those disciples then replicated the model as the first century church changed the face of the world forever. In order to truly measure contemporary discipleship, we have to study the model Christ taught the early church. They did not strive to find success in programs or events. They found success in relationships as they strategically trained, educated, equipped, and empowered. They organized according to the needs within their community and worked to fulfill those needs as they continually led people to salvation and a life long journey with Christ.
The following is a progressive list of what I look for in my own ministry, and the ministry of others, while evaluating discipleship efforts. This list can be accomplished and found in a church of 30 or 3000 if it is indeed effectively discipling.
A pastor/church that is effectively discipling should reflect the following in progression:
1. The pastor is gaining trust as he develops relationships with his board and ministry leaders.
2. The pastor decreases his daily responsibilities in routine church ministries as he delegates and trains his leaders. This is to say he is able to concentrate more on the big picture as he equips others to focus on the details.
3. The church body becomes more involved in personal outreach efforts. Guests are now attending via personal invitations as well as random decisions to attend a service.
4. The number of salvations and assimilations are increasing yearly.
5. The church is now growing through new converts and not only through transitional growth.
6. The pastor is recognizing leadership qualities within his church and is purposefully and personally active in developing those leaders.
7. New leaders are being placed within the church as new ministries are being birthed or revitalized.
8. New ministry efforts are being put into place as members are being trained and empowered. Leaders are envisioning, developing, and running new ministries within the church.
9. Members are accepting the call to ministry as well as embarking into fulltime ministry.
10. The pastor has a proven track record of reproducing three categories.
a. New converts are being assimilated into the congregation.
b. New leaders are being trained for ministry.
c. New ministers are being sent into the ministry.
I hope this causes us to think about our own ministries as well as encourages us to assist others in discipleship.
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