By John Horn
Why Continue Adult Discipleship?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- Platforms.
- 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.
- Snail mail devotionals and Bible studies to those who don’t have internet access.
- Use Group texts to encourage discipleship.
- Have a conference call to discuss your group Bible study.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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