David Setran, discipleship committee chair

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teachingeveryone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyonefully mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28

In its third year of existence, the Discipleship Committee has continued its work in strengthening the culture of discipleship at College Church. The committee this year consisted of David Setran (chair), Kayla Costley, Harry Robinson, Jeff Oslund (elder liaison), Michael Walker (pastoral resident), and Josh Maurer (pastor of discipleship). The Discipleship Committee assists the church’s broader effort in adult discipleship ministries to present everyone mature in Christ (Col 1:28) by developing clear discipleship pathways and identifying future leaders for small groups and Adult Communities.

The committee worked on a number of specific projects throughout the year. We worked on the development of a list of key biblical characteristics of Christian disciples. Such a list generated an important foundation for understanding our larger goals for discipleship at College Church. We also spent a good deal of time assisting Michael Walker in his development of an adult discipleship curriculum plan, working to generate key topics and sections of Scripture to guide Adult Communities and small groups in their attempt to provide broad and holistic teaching on key biblical themes. This was a direct response to the College Church strategic initiative to elevate biblically rigorous and practical discipleship in our congregation.

Perhaps the most significant work of the committee in 2021 was to begin formulating a vision for the development of small core groups given to deep discipling relationships. The committee read Replicate by Robby Gallaty and Chris Swain, and this book encouraged us to think about areas of discipleship that may be lacking in our current approaches. This book, together with the results of our recent discipleship survey, helped us recognize that we may be lacking in discipling relationships that 1) invite individuals to share with others what they are learning from Scripture throughout the week; 2) encourage more personal sharing and confession about the true condition of our hearts; and 3) provide for accountability and more concrete action steps for pursuing Christ. Since this was also identified as a perceived need in the discipleship survey, the committee is continuing to discuss how to encourage such relationships within the larger church body.

The committee is very excited to be working with Josh Maurer, our new pastor of discipleship. Continue to pray for us as we seek to help the adults of College Church grow in conformity to the image of Christ for his glory!