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By definition, most new churches will contain a disproportionate number of non-believers and new believers.  It is impossible to contextualize this population to pinpoint accuracy in your program for Discipleship.  There is no formula, no cookie cutter approach. 

However, if your planning recognizes several key issues, you will reduce the risk that your Discipleship process will be out of sync with the people who need it most.

• Is Discipleship for everyone? Yes it is.  That includes your Launch Team, Pastor, members and visitors.  You must define how "required" it will be.  If you define Discipleship to be at the discretion of the individual (an individual can take it or leave it), then you will be open to division within the church, as the more discipled members move beyond the "bench sitters."
• What sources should we consider in developing a Discipleship program?  There are more sources than you can realistically consider and evaluate.  The Pastor should be the driving force in identifying sources and in defining the Discipleship programs.  Mentoring will be available from the Barnabas Ministry, though it would be a mistake to create too great a dependency on outside people.  Many books and websites offer programmed materials.  See the Discipleship: References section for examples.  In any case remember to keep it basic, personal, contextual and relational (i.e. "off the shelf" offerings should be tailored to fit your circumstances, not the other way around). 
• Who is responsible for Discipleship? It begins with the Pastor.  In addition, the Leadership Development members of the Launch Team should develop and conduct the Discipleship programs (see What Positions Should Be Included On The Launch Team?).  Additional resources will include the Barnabas Ministry team and members of the Sponsoring Church. 
• How do we determine what is and isn't working?  There is no litmus test for Discipleship.  However, the environment for assessing Discipleship is relatively easy, as the Small Groups ministry provides a common connecting point for all members and interested non-members.  Accordingly the Small Groups will provide a setting in which to ask for feedback, both from the Small Group leaders and from their members.  A good interval for asking for feedback is quarterly.

In addition, it should be relatively easy to measure participation in the Small Groups and other offerings, e.g. Mercy Ministries.

• What happens if we change programs?  Changing programs can be a significant source of uncertainty and problems.  Discipleship is a (lifelong) process and as a result it is necessary to establish a foundation and confidence that each of us is progressing.  Frequent changes (e.g. a "program of the year") could undermine the confidence that is so necessary to taking the next step.

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Go on to [Discipleship Resources And Definitions]