Real lives and names matter more than plans and numbers. However, making plans so we might see more lives change is worth our time. These worksheets are not intended to be turned in to anyone else, but are offered as an optional tool for you and your church leaders to use internally in thinking through three questions: Who is making disciples in our church, How many disciples are multiplying our church, and Where are we a transforming presence by disciples making disciples.
There is a natural tension that develops when we make plans for our churches. We should approach such planning as James 4:15 advises when it says, “you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” Our prayers are with you as you get together with key leaders to more intentionally focus for the future hopes and plans and assist with identifying potential obstacles so you might overcome them by the Holy Spirit’s power. There is also tension in asking hard questions about our churches — but if they are the right Spirit-led questions, then it is a healthy tension.
Each year, Wesleyan churches submit their local church statistical report. These optional worksheets correspond with the statistical report so your plans might correspond with the way Wesleyans measure ourselves. But these worksheets are a separate tool for your use in a local board, team or even with a selected group you would like to engage in such planning. It can be intimidating to think into the future with all the barriers your church may have, but we believe in you and that the LORD will provide in his way.
Videos:
WHO is making disciples in our church?
Wayne Schmidt and Billy Wilson discuss the opportunities and challenges of measuring what matters most to God in local church ministry, giving guidance to how to help lead your church through the process described in the
(Wayne is the General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church and Billy is the District Superintendent of the Mountain Plains District of The Wesleyan Church)
HOW many disciples are multiplying our church?
Paul Tillman and David Drury discuss ways to develop hopes and dreams as a giving and sending church with a focus on how our disciples are engaged in multiplying our church, no matter its size.
(Paul is the Pastor of Heartwood Church in Minnesota and David is the Chief of Staff of The Wesleyan Church and Pastor in the One MultiChurch Network)
WHERE are we a transforming presence by disciples making disciples?
Tim Kirkpatrick and David Drury discuss ways to measure the scope of your church’s transforming presence on a map, with either a hard copy map or using online tools to map your church’s reach.
(Tim is the Managing Partner of Second Chair Solutions and David is the Chief of Staff of The Wesleyan Church and Pastor in the One MultiChurch Network)