by Floyd Nicholson
A few years ago, I was given responsibility to schedule our adult Sunday school. I noticed that we had been pretty piecemeal about this process in the past. We had simply asked ourselves such questions as “What hasn’t been taught recently?” or “How about another book of the Bible?” or “What’s a popular link to current events?” Out of this we shaped our lineup.
I wanted to give a new challenge to adults, something that required more of them in studying God’s Word. As I began to think of new people coming into the church, I started listing what would be helpful for them to learn. I wanted to build a curriculum that was intentional, not haphazard.
A Four-Year Master Plan
The overall goal that emerged from this thinking was to train our adults and new converts in knowing the Word of God and their spiritual gifts so they can step into local-church ministry. We decided to call this effort “Developing Believers for Discipleship and Deployment.”
The curriculum has now evolved to the point that it looks like this:
FIRST YEAR
Fall: “Firm Foundations,” a study of the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith and practical Christian living, such as forgiveness, assurance of salvation, how to handle temptation, etc.
Winter: “The Joy of Discovery,” taken from a book by the same name by Oletta Wald (Augsburg Fortress, 2002) that teaches the inductive method of Bible study, so new Christians can learn biblical truths for themselves.
Spring: “The Life,” basic principles of discipleship and relationship building that are essential to our Christian experience.
SECOND YEAR
This year focuses on the reasons why God had called us to himself and to his church.
Fall: “Finding My Ministry,” a course derived from Willow Creek’s “Network” training, in combination with an evaluation of spiritual gifts. Virtually everyone who has taken this course has begun to serve in some capacity in the church.
Winter: “The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts,” which explains the many ways the Holy Spirit manifests his gifts to strengthen and encourage believers.
Spring: “Membership in the Local Church”— importance, purpose, and principles of the church.
THIRD YEAR
Fall: “Old Testament Survey”
Winter: “New Testament Survey”
Spring: “Basic Theology,” based on two classic books, J. I. Packer’s Knowing God (InterVarsity, 1993) and A. W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy (HarperSanFrancisco, 1978).
FOURTH YEAR
Fall: “Leadership,” a class that equips believers to take responsibility for the outcome of all that they are involved in, whether in their homes, the church, their businesses, or the community
Winter: “Becoming a Contagious Christian,” the well-known Willow Creek evangelism course
Spring: “Principles of Teaching.” Many ministries in the church involve teaching and instruction, whether in a classroom situation or one-on-one discipleship/mentoring relationships.
Well Received
Our first four-year cycle came to completion at the end of May 2006. A Certificate of Graduation was awarded to all who finished the curriculum in recognition of their accomplishment. One man called the program “exhilarating, informative, and wonderfully taught by knowledgeable instructors…I had a lot of fun.” Another woman commented, “Very beneficial to me…The classes have given me an opportunity to ask questions and get answers…I’ve developed a deeper relationship with God.”
Not everyone in our church undertakes this program, of course. We offer a variety of other electives to suit the more casual adult learner, both on Sunday morning and at other times of the week.
We believe we’re laying a solid foundation for adult believers to grow in Christ and embrace their calling to serve. We are covering the most essential elements of what it means to be a Christian.
How does your church approach discipleship? Do you have discipleship process or journey to help people know the Word of God and walk in their gifting and calling? If so, what types of things are you including and why/how are you doing it?
Floyd Nicholson is Associate Pastor of Gracepoint Gospel Fellowship, New City, New York.
