At the “From Menu to Map” Learning Lab, the team from Fuquay-Varina UMC (FVUMC) described several key tools that the church uses to help welcome people into the congregation and deepen their discipleship. Rev. Owen Barrow, Lead Pastor, began by sharing his experience with the opposite: what he described as “accidental discipleship” which relies primarily on individuals having the time and personal motivation to grow.

Instead of an à la carte menu of short-term classes, FVUMC created a system that maps out intentional steps to help individuals to develop an ever-deepening relationship with God and to build thriving small groups centered around relationships with one another. The team developed a Discipleship Ecosystem model where the interconnected network of offerings is designed to work together and support everything else within the ecosystem.

While outlining the Discipleship Pathway, Shelby Meehan, Director of Discipleship, encouraged participants to identify elements within their current discipleship system and discuss the following questions:

• What is offered? Are the things that are offered more information-focused or relational?
• Is there a clear starting point for people?
• Do people know what the next right step is when they are done?
• Is there a process for developing new leaders?
• How are new groups formed?
• What is the balance between staff investment and lay leadership?
• Where is God already moving? Where is the ecosystem working and thriving? Where is new life being generated?
• What part of the ecosystem could be strengthened or simplified?

Acknowledging that the system created at FVUMC was developed specifically for that congregation, several key priorities were offered to help participants as they reflected on their own context.

1. Focus on developing disciples, not on adding members.
2. Center everything on relationship-building – it is the key to lasting life transformation and long-term engagement in the church community.
3. Ensure everything offered is focused on helping people know Jesus and how to listen for God’s call on their life, rather than on teaching facts and information.
4. Help people connect with mentors who can walk alongside them, do life with them, and develop mutual support.

To address these goals, FVUMC now offers a Core series of four classes that combine teaching time and dedicated small groups with a facilitator who has previously completed the Core series of classes. Over time, those small groups develop accountability, trust, and friendship. Many of the groups choose to stay together and complete all four Core classes as a group over a 2-3 year period.

Supporting the Discipleship Ecosystem, FVUMC intentionally plans “Funnel Events.” Dr. Gabby McHarg, FVUMC’s Director of Children and Family Ministries, explained that these events, which most churches already offer, are key ways people are welcomed into the life of the congregation and begin the journey from visiting to belonging.

These easily accessible events may help individuals and families begin engaging with the church and eventually get involved in the church’s Discipleship Ecosystem. Funnel events include things like Vacation Bible School, Christmas Eve, Easter, and Fall Festival; they can also be broader opportunities, including livestreaming worship or the church website. Funnel events are front-door opportunities where people with varying past experience with church can feel welcome and comfortable. The FVUMC team evaluates these events with an eye toward having specific future offerings to invite participants back.

For example, during Vacation Bible School, which often draws families not currently involved at FVUMC, families are invited to a family fun day scheduled for a few weeks later. Held in a community park, this is a gentle re-connection with the church. At the park day, families are welcomed by church laity and staff who have been equipped with tools to help engage new families and help parents and guardians find answers to their questions. While the kids play together, connections can begin to form. Families are then encouraged to learn more about children’s ministry opportunities at FVUMC and to consider signing their kids up for the fun discipleship small groups or children’s music and drama program starting in the fall. If the children get involved, it is easier to get the adults involved, so adult discipleship opportunities are scheduled during the same time frame. Each funnel event leads to another step closer to discipleship – for all ages.

More information about the system at FVUMC is available online at fvumc.org/core and by emailing discipleship@fvumc.org.