Pathways of Discipleship

Pathways of Discipleship Task Force Recommendations Windcrest UMC Charge Conference December 4, 2012

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

Purpose: To develop clear pathways of discipleship to move newcomers and long time members alike to becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. These pathways include:  Reaching out pathways to invite and assimilate newcomers into the life and ministry of the church  Teaching pathways to grow people in knowing, loving and serving God  Serving pathways to provide people the opportunity to live out their faith in practical, hands on ways, as servant leaders.

Recommendations: The following recommendations of the Pathways of Discipleship (PoD) Taskforce are rooted in scripture and theological reflection on what it means to fulfill our mission to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world in intentional, practical ways.

1) Develop Reaching Out Pathways for the purpose of inviting and assimilating newcomers into the life and ministry of the church.

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” – Romans 15:7

a. Intentional Invitation: church-wide emphasis on cultivating a culture of Radical Hospitality through example and teaching during worship, LIFE Groups, and Sunday School classes. b. Radical Hospitality Team: team of ambassadors that will identify, welcome and follow- up with guests. This team includes:  Greeter Ambassadors  Connection Center Ambassadors  New Guest Ambassadors  Ushers  Tour Ambassadors  Listening Visit Ambassadors  Section Hosts

o Training and Leadership Development for the team will be offered four times a year. o Ministry descriptions for each position have been developed. 2) Develop Teaching Pathways for the purpose of growing people in knowing, loving and serving God.

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another…” – Colossians 3:16a

a. Sunday School Pathway: Sunday School is one of our greatest strengths at Windcrest UMC. Statistically, when a person is involved in a Sunday School class they more regularly attend worship and are more involved in the life of the church than a person who is not. o Sunday School Development Team: This team will strategize ways to promote and support our current Sunday School classes, provide curriculum suggestions, and develop new Sunday School classes. b. Beginning Pathway: For new participants and long time church members wanting foundational courses in the faith. o Alpha Course: 10–week practical introduction to the Christian faith o Knowing God 101: 6- week course examining the basics of the faith, Bible study tools and resources, and Windcrest UMC and the UnitedMethodist Church; discussion of ethics and our Christian response to life’s decisions; and understanding more about God’s will for one’s life. o Loving God 101: 6 –week course examining the role of the Holy Spirit, what it means to love God with one’s whole heart, soul, mind and strength and to love one’s neighbor, spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, worship, fasting, guidance and journaling; and learning to recognize the fruit of the Spirit in one’s life. o Serving God 101: 6-week course focusing on the Bible’s concern for the poor and justice, and how to be an instrument of God’s healing and transformative love.; learn to share God’s love in relational and non-judgmental ways; understanding spiritual gifts; examine the role of money in one’s life and how to use time to better serve God’s purposes. c. LIFE Group Pathway: o Small groups of people who meet regularly to study the Bible, connect and care for one another, and encourage each group member into deeper relationship with God. o Meet in various geographic locations weekly, biweekly or monthly and organize themselves around an affinity (ie. Geographic location, age, gender, interests, stage in life). o The purpose of WUMC LIFE Groups is to transform our spiritual lives by Living Into the Full Expression of knowing, growing and showing God’s love in healthy community. d. Discipleship Class Pathway: o Disciple Bible Study Pathway: The four core courses in the Disciple Bible Study Curriculum provide a pathway of discipleship which helps a person grow in understanding of the Bible, what it has to say regarding becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and provides community for spiritual formation to take place. o Short term studies: Offered on a variety of subjects throughout the year and seasonally at Advent and Lent. o Long term studies: Offered annually for 20-32 weeks. e. Walk to Emmaus: The walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. o Identify and invite people to pray and consider attending a Walk to Emmaus. o Have a follow up visit with a pastor upon return to discuss the experience and discern next steps in discipleship process. f. Membership Pathway: Recognizes church membership is one step in a person’s overall discipleship process. Membership comes with high expectation of supporting the mission and vision of the church through prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Requirements for membership include: o Attending a Lunch with Pastors which will be offered 3- 5 times a year to get an overview of the ministry and mission of Windcrest UMC. o Participation in a 6-week Following Jesus 101 course. These will be offered 3-5 times a year. o If someone is transferring their membership from another United Methodist Church, the class is highly recommended but it is not required. The person will be asked to set up an appointment to visit with a pastor about their intent to transfer their membership.

3) Develop Serving Pathways to provide people the opportunity to live out their faith in practical, hands on ways, as servant leaders.

“ I am the Light of the world, so if you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path…. You are truly my disciples if you live as I tell you to, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -- John 8:12, 30-31

a. Provide at least two times a year, a course designed to help a person discover their God-given gifts for ministry and find ways to put them to work in the life of the church and beyond. b. Provide annually a course called “Sent” or course similar emphasizing our call to go and serve in Christ’s name. c. Promote and recruit participation in the various serving opportunities available at the church and the community. Following are a list of possibilities, but not exhaustive o Neighbors Helping Neighbors o Teaching Sunday School (children, youth or adult) o Serving on an Administrative Committee or Work Area Team o Office Servant Leader o Participation in short- term mission trips o Agape Ministry o Bethany Cold Weather Shelter o Choir/Hand Bells o Pew Angels o Radical Hospitality Team o Home Bound Communion Team o Congregational Care Team o Shepherds Ministry Team o San Antonio Mobile Food Bank o Habitat for Humanity d. Serve on a Walk to Emmaus Team e. Participate in Leadership Development Program

4) Next Steps a. Identify an Implementation Team b. Develop timeline for implementation of above recommendations c. Continue to refine the Pathways.

Members: Bob Barnes, Randy Bristow, Glenn Gillis, Bill Kelly, Francie Reese, Pat Ridenour, Tamara Strehli, Francyne Underwood, Sid Underwood, Debbie Varner