Detamore-Discipleship Case Study Template

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Liberty University *

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201

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Religion

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

Pages

6

Uploaded by joeldetamore

CHMN 201 D ISCIPLESHIP – A C ASE S TUDY Student Name: Joel Detamore Date: 3/3/2023 I. Church Identification a. Name: Realife Church b. Address: 5151 W. US Highway 40, Greenfield, IN 46140 c. Website: https://realifechurch.org/ d. Pastor’s Name: Adam Detamore II. Church Information a. Average Weekly Attendance: 1,775 b. Number of Members: 1,055 c. Is there a staff person specifically assigned to discipleship? Pastor Caleb Hawkins and Pastor James Wallace (Interviewee) III. Development of Program a. What process was used to develop your discipleship program? Realife’s discipleship program has taken on the model of small groups. Some churches call them life groups, or bible study, house fires, etc. They looked over multiple models to help shape their program and felt this is best done through a relationships-based model in small groups. The idea is that those in the small groups will live life together, with others, Page 1 of 6
CHMN 201 outside of a Sunday service. As you live life together, you are going to grow. Through studying God’s word in these small groups, people will begin to develop biblically sound relationships. A few years ago, they took a look at the “traditional” model they have been using, which is more of a long- term life group, and looked at a “free-market” approach. Instead of focusing so much on Bible studies in the group and people remaining in the same group for “forever,” this looks a little different. The latest model has focused more on building relationships rather than biblical studies. Not that biblical studies have been removed, it just hasn’t been as highlighted as the relationships aspect. The idea is to create a large funnel of living life together in interest groups. Instead of a topical group from the Bible, the group is an interest group: basketball, a non-canonical book, coffee, veterans, moms, motorcycles, etc. It can be any kind of interest. The idea is that through these interests, like-minded people will join, and the interest will be a catapult into developing deeper relationships amongst one another. This model was based on both research within churches and different perspectives. a. How did you assess the needs of your congregation? In assessing the needs, Realife posed the question, “How do we best facilitate quality relationships?” Realife staff saw the current model working to a degree but lacking in biblical education. So, how do we (Realife Church) incorporate and facilitate biblical education? The church needed to help lay a solid, biblical foundation. IV. Discipleship Program Components Page 2 of 6
CHMN 201 a. What are the components of your discipleship program? Primarily, relationship- based small groups with focus on training leaders to identify next steps in discipleship and used those relationships for development. Specific small groups for specific needs: new believers, freedom class, Financial Peace University, doctrinal/educational piece. b. How long does it take to complete your discipleship program? Working on a definitive timeline with biblical education. Currently, very subjective on time… ongoing discipleship. Continuous discipleship. V. Results of the Discipleship Program a. What percentage of people in your congregation participate in your discipleship program? 40-45% b. What positive results have you seen since implementing this program? Realife has seen flourishing, foundational one-on-one relationships being birthed; solidifying into solid, Christian relationships. They liken it to a Paul and Timothy type relationship; mentoring and training-up leaders to go out and disciple others themselves. Additionally, Realife has seen its congregation, who are involved in small groups, more likely to take their next steps. Whether that is leading a small group themselves, getting baptized, or joining the Dream Team (which is the umbrella for hosts, welcome team, café, auditorium hosts, kids/youth ministry, worship team, etc.). Part of the goal of small groups is for the leaders of the group to be able to identify and help others discover their next steps. Page 3 of 6
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