Chapter 4 Questions

Thinking about tonight's session on chapter 4 of Power Surge, here are the questions in back of the chapter:

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?