Question: How would our church implement a process of discipleship for the recently converted?

Consider recruiting the new converts into a new Sunday school class. Some established Sunday school classes may be more open than others to accommodating newcomers. Generally newcomers will more readily attend a recently developed Bible study fellowship.

A small group may be an alternative to a Sunday school class. Small groups can often be rallied quickly when two or three new converts are available. The needs of recent converts should always be the focus of either the small group or the Sunday school class.

A third means of discipling new converts may be a pastor’s class or membership class. New converts are inclined to gather around the designated spiritual leader who can heighten the importance of participating in the Body of Christ.

A fourth method is to develop a leadership team for the purpose of being together. Plan an event with your new converts. Jesus planned spiritual events with His disciples. A leadership team can form around a common purpose, such as an outreach fellowship or service to the needy. New converts are happy to reach out to others. This united effort provides modeling for ministry, dependence upon the Spirit, and reasons to grow spiritually.

Thanks for your questions!

--Dr. Lyle Pointer, pastor and Professor of Evangelism at Nazarene Theological Seminary, will answer your questions about personal and local church evangelism. Questions and answers will be posted on the website and One-on-One. Send your questions to evangelism@nazarene.org.