This approach uses systematic, sequential sets of opportunities in order to move persons along in their discipleship journeys. The focus tends to be on helping persons mature in their faith through faith formation , gift-discovery, and involvement in ministry and missions. Examples: the Purpose-Driven model, Intentional Disciplemaking Process, mentoring and accountability relationships, apprenticeships.
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Audience
Those church members (and potential church members) who willingly commit to an ongoing process of discipleship growth.

Benefits
The focus is on life-change with clear expectations of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Learning is sequential. Usually includes emphasis on assimilation, gift development and deployment in ministry, and multiplication. Leads to a change of priorities, with effective levels of accountability and feedback.

Drawbacks
Church leaders can fall into trap of putting their focus on “getting people through the process” and not on what’s happening as part of the process. Requires constant evaluation in order to be highly effective. Must be a foundational aspect of the church’s life.

Next Level
Thoughts for improving your process-oriented approach:

• Get leadership involved in an ongoing learning community with other process-oriented churches. Learning communities provide effective opportunities for evaluating and improving your process.
• Clearly define what your church expects of a disciple at each stage in the process.
• Evaluate the process in terms of life-change.
• Allow those who are in the process to give testimony to life-change and to the effectiveness of the process during worship, large-group gatherings, or publications as a means of encouraging others to enter the process.
• Present a unique gift or other form of recognition to those who complete the process to a certain stage.

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