Assimilation - Part 7 Making More and Better Disciples of Jesus Christ

The motto, tag-line, goal or the calling for Faith Community Church of Hudson, WI is to Make More and Better Disciples of Jesus Christ. Yesterday, I briefly outlined four strategies that may be used in assimilation. The ultimate goal being to present Jesus Christ. The four strategies are also key and integral to "making more and better disciples." I believe that the four strategies of Corporate Worship, Open Groups, Closed Groups and Ministry Teams are further defined in the context of making, maturing and multiplying disciples.

Making disciples is were we begin. It is the first step. The open group is a foundational strategy that serves as an entry point for yet-to-be Christians. An open group is primarily an evangelistic Bible study group or event comprised of an intentional mix of both believers and unbelievers. The focus is evangelism.

An evangelistic Bible study group is a group intentionally formed around the study of God's Word. This is deferent from a group that gathers for support, fellowship, leadership training or skill development. Groups that are designed primarily for reaching lost people are open groups.

An evangelistic Bible study is not restricted to studying the first four chapters of John (can you tell I have Navigator training?) although it may. How I view an evangelistic Bible study is regardless of the group topic whether it be nutrition, weight loss, divorce recovery, stress management, parenting, or other life issues they are discussed in the context of the Bible and the supremacy of Christ. The intention is to share Christ.

It might be helpful to think of open groups being of two kinds. I don't have specific names for these two kinds. So, I will use examples. The first would be along our current Alpha program. Alpha is specific to challenge people about who God is and to investigate and have their questions answered about Jesus. The second type would address life issues common to individuals, families and community.

The hope is that open groups engage people in the biblical model of instruction that begins to lead people toward spiritual tranformation. This is the first step, but is only the starting line. People must be encouraged to continue their journey in a closed group experience.