S6E5: From Assimilation to Disciple Multiplication — Part 1 | Helping Volunteers Live Their Calling

Your people are attending, connected, and serving. But are they becoming disciple-makers? Jason Phelps and Brian Phipps explore how churches can move from assimilation to disciple multiplication by helping volunteers grow in character, discover their calling, and help others follow Jesus throughout everyday life. S6 Episode 5: From Assimilation to Disciple Multiplication — Part 1: Helping Volunteers Live Their Calling Healthy assimilation matters. People need meaningful relationships, community, and opportunities to serve. But a pathway can work exactly as designed and still end too soon. In this conversation, we explore why volunteer roles should be starting blocks for spiritual growth—and how leaders can help people recognize their workplace, neighborhood, family, and community as places Jesus has called them to minister. IN THIS EPISODE • The difference between church assimilation and disciple-making. • “Kitchen rights,” belonging, and growth in character and calling. • Where the “Come, Grow, Go” framework can fall short. • Three views of ministry: professionals, volunteers, and all of life. • How to encourage spiritual creativity beyond your volunteer roster. • A practical question to ask one volunteer this week. TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP Take the Disciple Multiplication Capacity Assessment and discuss your results with your leadership team: https://www.disciplesmade.com/assessment THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE Ask one person who serves faithfully: “Where do you sense Jesus inviting you to use your gifts beyond this role? And how can we support you?” CHAPTERS 00:00 Connected for years—but making disciples? 00:56 Why healthy assimilation matters 01:28 “Kitchen rights”: belonging and spiritual formation 03:35 Where “Come, Grow, Go” can end too soon 06:20 Can this person help someone follow Jesus? 08:04 Assimilation and disciple-making 08:22 Does a volunteer role define someone’s calling? 09:19 Serving as a place to discover gifts and grow 12:04 Unleashing spiritual creativity 12:36 Volunteer roles as starting blocks 14:46 Equipping people for multiplication 15:26 Three levels of ministry involvement 18:09 Sharing ownership of the mission 18:55 Calling, influence, and multiplication 19:25 Your next step and a preview of Part 2 KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING What could change if your church treated volunteer roles as starting blocks? Share your thoughts in the comments, send this episode to your leadership team, and subscribe for Part 2. Explore the podcast: https://www.disciplesmade.com/podcast Learn more about Disciples Made: https://www.disciplesmade.com From prayer to people and pen to paper—let’s design for multiplication. #DiscipleMaking #ChurchLeadership #Discipleship