Casting A Wide Net With The Discover Course

Both our Youth Pastor and our Pastoral Intern took the Discover course at our church, the Lancaster Vineyard. As a recent hire, the Youth Pastor desired more training. While he had plenty of ministry experience and some formal education, he was interested in more theological and practical ministry training. He told me, “I wanted a broad view of ministry and wondered if Residency+ could help with that. The Discover course was an entry into the Residency+.” Similarly for our intern attending the Discover course allowed him to see what he was getting himself into should he decide to attend Residency+.

Another strength of offering the Discover Intensive before Residency+ is that it allows spouses to attend and be exposed to what their husband or wife will be committing to. Our Youth Pastor found it incredibly helpful to have his wife there. He said, “A calling isn’t just a personal thing; it affects your marriage and your family. Having my wife there to process calling with me was crucial.”

By casting a wide net you won’t be restricting training to just those who you think could be staff level leaders or planters. Brian added, “This is good for everyone because its kingdom work. [In the training] a story was shared about a logger going to work at a logging company leading people to Jesus. Before he knew it he had enough disciples to have a group and then enough to have a church. He didn’t set out to be a church planter but by loving God, loving people, and making disciples that’s what happened. Everyone should be involved in making disciples. Out of that they’ll discover their calling.”To put on a Discover Course at your church you can:

• Schedule a Friday Night/Saturday Morning or 4 weekly meetings.

• Ask your leaders who they see potential leadership on. Invite as large of a group as you can.

• Print participant guides for your students.

• Set up a room with a large TV or projector and a good internet connection.

• Make a ‘Next Steps’ handout that is specific to your church. It should include detailed next steps for their continued growth like how to join Residency+, suggested courses or classes, or taking the 10 Questions to help you figure out what’s next.

• Give plenty of space for prophetic prayer and ministry time.