Continuing Your Adult Discipleship During the Coronavirus Crisis

By John Horn

Why Continue Adult Discipleship?

1. Jesus commands us to continually make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).  The church has done this throughout the ages–regardless of the challenges she has faced.

1. We need each other.  The Bible says not to neglect gathering together (even if that’s online, see Hebrews 10:24-25). Hurting people face isolation, disruption of routine, anxiety and uncertainty now.

1. This crisis provides unprecedented opportunity. Hurting people will often participate online with a group before they’ll visit a church.  Encourage your members to start new groups with their friends!

How to Continue Adult Discipleship?

1. Sunday School or Small Group meetings online.
   • Platforms.
     • Facebook Live closed group. Can share weekly Bible study and prayer requests.  See tips athttps://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/blog/tips-for-using-live.
     • Zoom. Free for 40 minutes and up to 100 people. $14.99 per month for unlimited time and 100 people. Can break into smaller groups to discuss. Visit https://zoom.us/pricing to get the free plan.
     • Google Hangouts.
     • Skype.
     • FaceTime for Apple users.
   • Best Practices.
     • Let people know on your website how to get connected with an online group.
     • Choose which platform works best for you and your group.
     • Shorten your content by half so the meeting doesn’t go too long, and can…
     • Allow for discussion.
     • Use good lighting (in front of your face and not behind you).
     • Learn to mute your microphone when you’re not speaking.
     • Call members during the week to talk personally.
     • Serve those in need by ordering grocery delivery for someone who is homebound, etc.
     • Encourage unchurched or unsaved friends to join your online group for a few weeks of Bible study.
   • Resources.
     • LifeWay free curriculum for adults at https://blog.lifeway.com/newsroom/2020/03/13/lifeway-offers-free-at-home-supplement-for-churches-impacted-by-covid-19/
     • LifeWay training resources for teachers at https://www.gospelproject.com/category/podcast/page/2/,https://biblestudiesforlife.com/__trashed-2/, andhttps://goexplorethebible.com/category/blog/adults/
     • Download the Smallgroup by LifeWay application on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple or Android device and host a group meeting using LifeWay’s free videos.
     • Get a free trial of LifeWay’s www.smallgroup.com that will give you access to Bible study content.
     • Train leaders with a free video course: How Online Small Groups Work by Saddleback’s Jay Kranda athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMWA_6ufMak&feature=youtu.be
     • You can also provide your own training for leaders online through Zoom, etc.  Make sure to contact them regularly.

1. Email.
   • Send a lesson at the beginning of the week and encourage personal study (can use questions from the pastor’s sermon, free LifeWay curriculum for adults or kids–see above resources).
   • Encourage members to “reply all” and carry on discussions throughout the week.
   • Continue to send messages to group members throughout the week for follow up.

1. Snail mail devotionals and Bible studies to those who don’t have internet access.

1. Use Group texts to encourage discipleship.

1. Have a conference call to discuss your group Bible study.

1. One on One Discipleship.
   • Can meet using one of the above online formats to encourage one another in your spiritual growth, and to be prayer partners.

1. Family Discipleship.
   • Scripture teaches its importance in Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
   • Family time at dinner is a great discipleship opportunity!
   • Have family worship together.  Read the Bible, pray and sing.  Use some of the above resources for adults, youth and kids to discuss with each other.
   • See Donald Whitney’s book on Family Worship for ideas.

1. Personal Discipleship.
   • Isolated time provides opportunities for personal Bible study, meditation, and solitude.
   • Pastors can provide personal devotionals on their website or through online formats.
   • Listen to Christian podcasts and music.

Remember: Just because we can’t go to the church building now doesn’t mean that we can’t accomplish the church’s mission of making disciples, experiencing authentic community, and reaching a hurting world with the Good News of Christ!  For free pdf about how to host online groups, or for Zoom training meetings for your leaders, email John Horn at jhorn@scbi.org