Develop a Discipleship System
Discipleship Doesn’t Take a Vacation
By Motoe Yamada Foor
Guiding Faith Journeys with Intention – Even When Schedules Shift
Discipleship is a lifelong journey – a sacred path that leads us ever closer to Jesus. I picture it like ascending a mountain. Some begin at the base, curious and seeking. Some may have wandered off the trail for a season. Others have been climbing faithfully for years. No matter where we find ourselves, the journey continues.
As church leaders, we are called to help people take their next step on this path. Most of our churches offer worship, small groups, Bible studies, and opportunities to serve the community. These are meaningful starting points for many. For those new to faith or not yet ready to step inside a sanctuary, attending a cultural learning series, going on a mission trip, or joining a casual community event may be easier. Every encounter is a sacred opportunity. That’s why it’s important to include a clear next step.
We never force anyone to climb the mountain, but we can make the path visible. We can create space and extend the invitation to return, whether to learn more about God, explore the Bible, or simply return to a loving faith community. And that invitation is essential.
Do you have a flyer, card, or simple handout that lets people know where they can return next time? A follow-up Bible study, a fellowship gathering, a short-term class – something they can hold onto and say, “Maybe I’ll come back.” That small gesture of hospitality can be the gentle nudge someone needs to keep climbing toward Christ.
We never force anyone to climb the mountain, but we can make the path visible.
When planning an event, project, or gathering—especially one where new or newer people may show up—always plan a next step that happens soon afterward. Don’t let a meaningful connection end with just one touchpoint. Include general information about your church’s ministries and upcoming opportunities in a visible and accessible way. Whether it’s a printed handout, a welcome card, or a quick conversation, help people see how they can plug in if they feel ready. Make the pathway clear.
I had no plans to become a Christian when I received my first invitation to a church event. But my pastor kept offering me opportunities. I kept saying yes. Without realizing it, I was climbing the mountain. And I’m still climbing. I’m not at the summit, but I know I’m closer to Jesus than when I first began.
Discipleship doesn’t follow a perfect schedule. Summer is one of those seasons where rhythms shift. People travel. Calendars change. But faith can still grow.
What do we have in place for parents and grandparents dropping off children at vacation Bible school or summer activities? What’s the next step for the adults?
Intentional discipleship isn’t about filling up a calendar. It’s about shaping lives. It’s about making space, offering direction, and saying again and again: wherever you are, there is a next step toward Jesus.
Every church is different, and so is every path of discipleship. What matters most is not the setting, but the intention. Whether you’re leading in a sanctuary, a living room, a backyard, or a Zoom room, discipleship happens when we help people take a step toward Jesus. Look at your calendar and community: what could be your next faithful invitation?
Let’s keep inviting people to walk this journey. Let’s walk with them toward Jesus.
- Explore more in Developing an Intentional Discipleship System: A Guide for Congregations. Download the Guide (PDF).
- Consider joining our Read a Chapter a Day: Summer Challenge—an easy, meaningful way for people of all ages to stay spiritually grounded no matter where summer takes them.
Rev. Motoe Yamada Foor, Director of Adult Discipleship, served in local churches for twenty years. She has a wealth of experience at a variety of organizational levels of The United Methodist Church as well as in ecumenical organizations such as the World Council of Churches (WCC). She also enjoys serving as a coach to help people and churches grow.
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Contact Discipleship Ministries staff for additional guidance.