No Silver Bullets

1. Embrace micro-shifts for macro-changes in church leadership

"Micro-shifts do actually lead to macro-changes."

Small changes, big impact. Churches often seek silver bullet solutions to complex problems, but real transformation comes through a series of small, intentional shifts. These micro-shifts, when implemented consistently, can lead to significant macro-changes in church culture, discipleship, and overall ministry effectiveness.

Examples of micro-shifts include:

• Moving from a destination to a direction mindset in discipleship
• Focusing on input goals rather than output goals
• Transitioning from being a sage on the stage to a guide on the side
• Prioritizing function over form in community building
• Developing missionary disciples rather than just mature disciples

By embracing these micro-shifts, church leaders can create a more dynamic, responsive, and effective ministry environment without resorting to drastic overhauls or chasing after the latest trends.

2. Move from destination to direction in discipleship

"Discipleship is moving toward Christ."

Journey, not arrival. Traditional approaches to discipleship often focus on reaching a specific destination or achieving certain milestones. However, a more effective approach is to view discipleship as an ongoing journey of moving towards Christ.

This shift in perspective has several implications:

• Discipleship becomes a lifelong process rather than a series of completed courses
• The focus is on continuous growth and transformation rather than achieving a fixed end state
• It allows for a more personalized and flexible approach to spiritual development
• Disciples are encouraged to continually seek Christ rather than feeling they've "arrived"

By adopting this directional mindset, churches can create a culture of ongoing spiritual growth and avoid the pitfalls of complacency or spiritual stagnation.

3. Focus on input goals rather than output goals

"When you focus on developing missionary disciples, you will always get mature disciples."

Actions over outcomes. Many churches measure discipleship success by output goals such as attendance, giving, or participation in programs. However, a more effective approach is to focus on input goals – the specific actions and behaviors that lead to spiritual growth.

Key input goals identified by research include:

• Regular Bible reading
• Consistent prayer
• Participation in worship services
• Involvement in small groups or classes
• Serving others

By emphasizing these input goals, churches can create a more holistic and sustainable approach to discipleship. This shift also empowers individuals to take ownership of their spiritual growth rather than relying solely on church programs or activities.

4. Transition from sage on the stage to guide on the side

"Being a guide on the side is about moving beyond your lectern and crafting a learning experience for everyone in the class."

Facilitation over lecture. Traditional teaching methods often position the leader as the expert delivering information to passive learners. However, a more effective approach, especially for adult learners, is to become a guide who facilitates active learning experiences.

This shift involves:

• Starting with learners' experiences rather than abstract theories
• Creating opportunities for discussion and peer-to-peer learning
• Designing activities that allow for immediate application of concepts
• Asking thought-provoking questions rather than simply providing answers
• Empowering learners to discover insights for themselves

By becoming guides on the side, church leaders can create more engaging, memorable, and transformative learning experiences that lead to lasting change in disciples' lives.

5. Prioritize function over form in community building

"The church is to be a sign, instrument, and foretaste of the kingdom of God."

Purpose over structure. Many churches focus on specific forms or models of community (e.g., small groups, Sunday school classes) without considering their underlying function. A more effective approach is to prioritize the biblical functions of community and allow forms to emerge that best serve those functions in your specific context.

Key functions of biblical community include:

• Mutual encouragement and support
• Shared mission and purpose
• Spiritual growth and accountability
• Practical care and service

By focusing on these functions, churches can create more flexible and responsive community structures that truly embody the nature of the kingdom of God. This approach also allows for greater contextualization and adaptation to different cultural contexts.

6. Develop missionary disciples, not just mature disciples

"When you focus on developing missionary disciples, you will always get mature disciples."

Mission-driven maturity. Traditional discipleship often emphasizes personal spiritual growth and maturity. While important, this approach can lead to inward-focused disciples. A more effective strategy is to develop missionary disciples who see their primary vocation as participating in God's mission.

Characteristics of missionary disciples:

• They understand their identity as sent ones
• They actively engage in evangelism and service
• They see their workplace, neighborhood, and social circles as mission fields
• They prioritize Kingdom impact over personal comfort

By focusing on developing missionary disciples, churches can create a culture of outward-focused, mission-driven believers who naturally grow in maturity as they participate in God's work in the world.

7. Implement a three-step process for introducing change

"Conviction by itself is never enough—it always falls short."

Strategic change management. Introducing change in churches can be challenging, often leading to resistance or failed initiatives. A more effective approach is to implement a three-step process for introducing change:

1. SWOT Analysis: Evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of the proposed change.
2. Conversation Checklist: Identify key stakeholders and how the change will affect different ministry areas.
3. Ministry Area Idea Audit: Collaborate with ministry leaders to refine the idea and develop implementation plans.

This process helps:

• Ensure changes align with the church's vision and values
• Identify potential obstacles and opportunities
• Build buy-in and support from key leaders and stakeholders
• Create a more thoughtful and strategic approach to change management

By following this process, churches can increase the likelihood of successful implementation and lasting impact of new initiatives.

8. Craft a unique vision, strategy, and values for your church

"Don't cheat yourself or your church."

Contextualized direction. While it's tempting to copy successful models from other churches, every church needs a unique vision, strategy, and values that reflect its specific context and calling. This process involves:

• Vision: Developing a clear picture of the preferred future God is calling your church toward
• Strategy: Creating a plan to move from your current reality to that preferred future
• Values: Identifying the core principles that guide decision-making and shape church culture

Key components to consider:

• Community history and context
• Unique gifts and passions of church leadership
• Specific needs and opportunities in your local area
• Biblical mandates (e.g., Great Commission, Great Commandment)

By crafting a unique vision, strategy, and values, churches can more effectively fulfill their specific calling and avoid the pitfalls of trying to be something they're not.

9. Design a comprehensive discipleship pathway

"Discipleship pathway is just a fancy phrase for the intentional route, steps, and paths in your church to develop missionary disciples for Kingdom impact."

Intentional development. Many churches lack a clear and comprehensive approach to discipleship, relying instead on a collection of disconnected programs or classes. A more effective strategy is to design an intentional discipleship pathway that guides individuals from their first encounter with the church to mature, mission-driven discipleship.

Key components of a discipleship pathway:

• Ongoing steps: Regular practices that foster spiritual growth (e.g., Bible reading, prayer, worship attendance)
• Next steps: Short-term experiences that deepen faith and provide new growth opportunities
• First steps: Entry points that welcome newcomers and introduce them to the church community

By creating a comprehensive discipleship pathway, churches can provide a clear roadmap for spiritual growth and ensure that no one falls through the cracks in their discipleship journey.

10. Integrate ongoing, next, and first steps in your discipleship strategy

"Next steps are only successful when they lead individuals back to the ongoing steps."

Holistic approach. Effective discipleship requires a balance of ongoing practices, growth opportunities, and entry points for newcomers. By integrating these three elements, churches can create a more comprehensive and effective discipleship strategy.

Key considerations:

• Ongoing steps: Focus on developing self-feeding practices and habits that foster continuous growth
• Next steps: Provide short-term, focused experiences that challenge and stretch disciples in specific areas
• First steps: Create welcoming entry points that introduce newcomers to the church and discipleship journey

The goal is to create a seamless pathway where:

• Newcomers are quickly integrated into the ongoing life of the church
• Regular attenders have clear opportunities for growth and challenge
• Mature disciples are continually equipped and deployed for mission

By integrating these elements, churches can create a dynamic discipleship environment that fosters ongoing growth, provides clear next steps, and effectively welcomes newcomers into the community.

Last updated: May 19, 2025