QUESTIONS FOR PRAYERFUL REFLECTION
1) Is your congregation characterized by centralized pastoral care (only
clergy and staff provide the care) or decentralized pastoral care (everybody is
trained and encouraged to provide the care)?
2) What do you see as the problems and possibilities of decentralized
pastoral care? How would you minimize
the problem and maximize the possibilities?
3) Discipleship cultures are gift-based cultures. Are there programs in place in your
congregation that encourage the identification and utilization of individual
gifts? Do people eagerly
participate? If not, why not?
4) The culture of a discipleship congregation is hospitable. What programs, activities, and initiatives in
your congregation ensure hospitality for strangers in your midst?
5) If your congregation is membership-driven, what steps would need to be
taken to change your congregational culture to a discipleship-driven
culture? Who needs to be involved? What would be your first steps?
