IDN Why is Intentional Discipleship so Important?

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Why is Intentional Discipleship so Important?

While most churches "believe" in making disciples, very few are effectively making them. Consider the following statistics:

The average "evangelical" church in America wins 1.67 persons (less than 2) to Christ and their church each year for every 100 persons who attend that church.
One-third of church members state their greatest individual needs are not being met by their church.
Less than 50% of church members pray for 5 minutes at least twice a week.
Only 11% of church members have shared the gospel even once in the last year and 33% have never shared the gospel with anyone.
Most church leaders, when asked, cannot even define "Disciple", and hardly any have been trained to "Make disciples".

Bob Gilliam, President, T-Net International

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“Discipleship does not happen simply because a church exists. It occurs when there is an intentional and strategic thrust to facilitate spiritual maturity” (p 29). “Almost every church in our country has some type of discipleship program or set of activities. Stunningly few churches have a church of disciples” (p21). “In a comprehensive study we conducted in 1997, we compared the beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviors of believers and non-believers?. We concluded that it is difficult for non-Christians to understand Christianity since few born again individuals model a biblical faith. To the naked eye, the thoughts and deeds (and even many of the religious beliefs) of believers are virtually indistinguishable from those of non-believers” (p63). “If we hope to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and in the nation’s culture, then we must increase our intentionality, our intensity and improve our strategies” (p13).

George Barna, Growing True Disciples

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“T-Net understands that the way to grow healthy, balanced churches is through a people-building process rather than church programs. Listen and learn from them.”

Rick Warren, Senior Pastor, Saddleback Community Church and Author of The Purpose Driven Church

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Intentional Discipleship Workshop

The Intentional Discipleship Network offers a one-day workshop focused on creating an effective, healthy, disciplemaking local church.

Join other area pastors and church leaders in attending this one-day event and learn how you can improve discipleship strategies in your church.

Sample Schedule:

The State of the Church – Why Intentional Discipleship is Important
Jesus, on Intentional Disciplemaking
Assessing the Health of your Church
Principles for Whole-Church Disciplemaking
Resources for Intentional Discipleship

Contact David Durey, Intentional Discipleship Network Director to attend or schedule an Intentional Discipleship Workshop, click here.

David Durey, IDN Director, 763-213-4814, ddurey@intentionaldiscipleship.net

c 2003 Intentional Discipleship Network