Retaining new believers
by Palmer Becker, Kitchener, Ont.
I support John D. Roth’s call for ongoing catechism (“Remembering Our Baptism,” Sept. 16). Several of us, including Howard Wagler of South Hutchinson (Kan.) Mennonite Church, Don Patterson of Lower Deer Creek, Iowa, and Marion Bontrager of Hesston (Kan.) College have been working on a series of four classes that we and a growing number of churches have found helpful in discipling and retaining new believers. They are modifications of lessons, with a baseball diamond sequence, done by Rick Warren of Saddleback Community Church of Lake Forrest, Calif.
The first lessons help new believers to intelligently and passionately take the step of baptism and membership. After taking this step, the new members are invited to lessons that have to do with discovering spiritual maturity. These guide people in making commitments to a daily time with God, to proportionate giving and to joining a fellowship-accountability group. Lessons at third base help new members discover their gifts and passions and how these might be put to practical use in the local church. Lessons at home base help members articulate how they have experienced the grace of God and how they might share God’s love with those who are outside the church.
This project is in process and needs the support and involvement of the wider church.
Associated Issue: Remembering our baptism - Sept. 16, 2008
Associated Article: Remembering our baptism
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