IPHC Disciple3

The purpose of this guide is to challenge every minister and member of the IPHC to take a fresh look at what's important to our success. If followed, it should help initiate a process in your church that will lead to a new and refreshing way of fulfilling the Great Commission.

Our challenge, at this stage of our growth together as a body of believers, is to evaluate our traditional ideas of doing church in light of the Jesus model in Scripture of building people. How we choose will determine our destiny in the 21st century.

This guide to discipleship is not intended as only a one- or two-year emphasis. It is intended to became a way of life for our church. To that end, the following should become a part of our ongoing ministry activities.

From Easter to Pentecost should become an annual renewal of our commitment to the discipleship process. Focused studies and/or special sermons help prepare the church for a renewed effort of making disciples.
Each year, following this special emphasis, new discipleship groups should be formed and the process renewed.
Discipleship groups formed in a particular year can continue in their transformational relationships by selecting new study guides from the Core Components of Discipleship. These components will be updated each year, with new topics for discussion.
As discipleship groups multiply over the years, new leaders with pastoral and leadership gifts and skills will become apparent, providing leaders for a growing church.

Discipleship is a way of life. Every Christian, especially leaders, should be in a discipling relationship throughout their lifetime. A discipling relationship can be with someone older or more spiritually mature who is influencing us. It can be with someone less spiritually mature with whom we have influence. It can be with our peers, holding each other accountable to the Word. Or it can be an inward relationship, rooted in our meditations and prayers, listening and talking with the Lord.

Planning Guide Worksheet
To assist in the planning and development of this new way of life, a planning worksheet has been prepared for your use. Make as many copies as you need from the original located in the Resource Kit on the Disciple 3 Download Page. Two copies of the Planning Guide are included. One is a full-color, completed worksheet to show you how to use the worksheet. The other is a grayscale copy with plenty of room for you to enter your church's unique schedule of activities. See Disciple 3 Planning Guide Page for a quick overview of the worksheet.

Use the following suggestions as a guideline when completing your own worksheet.