"Too many times we think of local church discipleship as a program where church members meet at a specific time. Ultimately, though, discipleship is really about becoming more like Christ. And we become more like Him as we read and study His Word. The Bible is inspired by the Spirit, so it is transformative for the believer. Reading and studying the Bible daily may be the most important act a Christian can do to grow as a disciple.

Those Christians who read their Bibles daily are more likely:

• To give generously to the church.
• To be active in a small group or Sunday school class.
• To share their faith more often.
• To spend greater time in prayer.
• To attend worship services regularly.
• To be involved in local ministries and international missions.

Practical steps

• Have a time of commitment to read the Bible through in the next calendar year.
• Emphasize from the pulpit the importance of daily Bible reading.
• Have a plan of daily Bible reading that leads to each week’s sermon.
• Provide video testimonies of transformed lives of those who read the Word each day.
• Build a website that allows a community to gather to share with one another what they are learning from their time in the Bible each day.
• Make certain the pastor and other church leaders speak in both formal and informal settings about their own priority of daily Bible reading.
• Teach a broad overview of the Bible so the members can understand how the chapters and verses they read each day fit in the grand narrative of Scripture."

Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO, LifeWay Christian Resources in Facts & Trends Magazine Fall 2011

Read the Bible for Life -  by George Guthrie is a whole-church approach to greater biblical literacy. This study equips individuals and churches to better understand the Bible by introducing readers to its history, genres, interpretation, and proper application to transform lives through reading and studying God's Word. God inspired the biblical writers to use a variety of literary types, including stories, poetry, proverbs, parables, and others.

Read the Bible for Life teaches believers how to read the various types of biblical literature in a way that unlocks God's intended meaning, enabling them to accurately interpret the Bible and appropriately apply its teachings to life. Read the Bible for Life provides tools and a process in the life of a church for ongoing, life-changing training that equips members to understand this grand story and how its various parts fit together. Once people understand the story of Scripture, they can better understand how they fit into that story. (9 sessions with optional 10th group session) 

Life in the Spirit - 2012 Doctrine Study is a practical, Scripture-based Bible study course on the Holy Spirit and encourages Christians to better grasp the power and companionship available to every believer through His presence. In simple, forthright sections, Robertson McQuilkin presents his compelling thesis: to live daily in such close connection with the Father is to live more passionately and with a greater sense of purpose. Involves both personal and group study.

"Returning to Disciple-Making"
62 minute video conference
by Claude King, Discipleship Specialist
LifeWay Church Resources
Author of "Awaken" 21-Day Prayer Guide
 

Mark Donnell
Discipleship Specialist
573-636-0400 ext. 413
mdonnell@mobaptist.org

Della Baumgartner
Ministry Assistant
573-636-0400 ext. 461
dbaumgartner@mobaptist.org

Discipleship FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
about Discipleship

Doctrinal Studies

3 Discipleship Strategies

• 5-6 Week Strategy Resources
• 13+ Week Strategy Resources
• 12 Month Strategy Resources

LifeWay Discipleship Resources

• Kids Groups
• Student Groups
• Young Adult Groups
• Adult Groups
• January Bible Study

Spiritual Gifts Survey 

Planning a Year of
Intentional Disciple-Making   

Discipleship: Stepping Stones to Developing Your Church’s Strategy