S6 Episode 5: From Assimilation to Disciple Multiplication — Part 1 (Helping Volunteers Live Their Calling)

What if someone stays connected to your church for 20 years—but never learns how to help another person follow Jesus? In Part 1 of “From Assimilation to Disciple Multiplication,” Jason Phelps and Brian Phipps explore how healthy church pathways can help people belong and serve while still ending too soon. Relationships, small groups, and volunteer roles matter. But how do those experiences develop people in character, awaken their calling, and equip them to make disciples? Through the “kitchen rights” analogy and practical examples from church life, Jason and Brian explain why volunteer roles should be starting blocks for growth. They also explore three ways people understand ministry: ministry for paid professionals, ministry through volunteer roles, and ministry throughout everyday life. This conversation will help you look beyond your volunteer roster and recognize the gifts, passions, relationships, and Spirit-inspired creativity Jesus has placed in your people. IN THIS EPISODE • Why healthy assimilation doesn’t automatically produce disciple-makers. • Where “Come, Grow, Go” can end too soon. • How serving helps people discover their gifts and grow in character. • Why someone’s calling can extend into workplaces, neighborhoods, families, and communities. • How releasing people into their calling can expand shared ownership of the mission. YOUR NEXT STEP Think of one person who serves faithfully in your church. This week, ask: “Where do you sense Jesus inviting you to use your gifts beyond this role? And how can we support you?” TAKE THE ASSESSMENT Take the Disciple Multiplication Capacity Assessment and use your results to start a conversation with your leadership team: https://www.disciplesmade.com/assessment KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING Share this episode with a pastor, ministry leader, or volunteer team leader. Follow the podcast for Part 2, where we’ll explore how leaders equip people, entrust them with meaningful responsibility, and help them become disciple-makers. Explore more episodes and resources: https://www.disciplesmade.com/podcast From prayer to people and pen to paper—let’s design for multiplication.