Today, let’s tackle a big question: Do we actually value discipleship as much as we claim? It’s easy to say it’s a priority, but are we truly “walking the talk?” If you’ve ever wondered how to assess this, here’s a guide to six areas that reveal what we really value—based on how we allocate our most precious resources.

1. Preaching

How often do you hear about discipleship from the pulpit? It’s not enough to mention it in passing. We need to define it clearly, preach it passionately, and invite our congregation to dive deep. Remember, if it’s rarely mentioned, it’s quickly forgotten. Discipleship must be a recurring theme in our sermons to embed it into our church culture.

2. Time

Take a close look at your church calendar. Is there a dedicated time slot for discipleship? Have you scheduled a discipleship campaign? How about your leaders—are they setting aside time to focus on this mission? If our schedules are packed with everything except discipleship, it’s time to reevaluate our priorities. Intentional scheduling reflects intentional commitment.

3. Leadership

Who’s steering the “discipleship ship” at your church? Is someone tasked with championing this cause? Leadership influence is massive, and where our key leaders focus their energy speaks volumes about what’s truly important. If discipleship isn’t a leadership priority, it’s unlikely to thrive. Leadership will need to commit to finding ways to actively use discipleship resources, bring up discipleship topics in leadership meetings, and start key conversations on the topic around the various influence structures of the church.

4. Space

This one’s simple: If we value discipleship, we’ll dedicate a physical space for it. Whether it’s a corner in a room or a fully stocked area with resources, having a designated space sends a message that discipleship is integral to church life. For ideas, check out my post, “How to Create a Table for Discipleship Resources”, where I delve into the details.

5. Money

Budgets reflect values. How much of your church’s financial resources are dedicated to discipleship? Does it get priority, or is it funded with leftover scraps after other expenses? Comparing your discipleship budget to things like lawn care or events can be eye-opening. Where we spend our money reveals what we really care about.

6. Attention

How often does discipleship appear in staff meetings, announcements, newsletters, or social media? If it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind. Discipleship needs regular attention to remain a focal point in the church’s mission and vision.

How NewStart Discipleship Can Help

Identifying gaps is only part of the solution. Let’s look at how NewStart Discipleship (my discipleship company) can streamline and strengthen your church’s discipleship efforts:

• For Preaching: Access fully-prepped sermons and series, complete with engaging content and graphics, to inspire your congregation about discipleship.
• For Time: Our resources, including ready-to-use videos and workbooks, save you planning time so you can focus on engaging your people.
• For Leadership: We offer leadership training and coaching to empower your leaders, making discipleship a shared mission instead of a solo effort.
• For Space: With banners and brochures included, you can easily create an inviting discipleship zone in your church.
• For Money: At just $50 a month, you get access to resources that would cost thousands to produce on your own. It’s an investment that makes discipleship practical and affordable.
• For Attention: Our structured frameworks keep discipleship front and center, helping you integrate it into every aspect of church life.

Here’s a graphic of everything included:

To get the whole package, click here.

Let’s Get Real

So, are we putting our resources where our mission is? It’s a tough question, but it’s essential if we’re serious about making discipleship a cornerstone of our church’s identity. Align your resources with your values, and watch your church community transform. The time to start is now!