NewStart Discipleship has been supplying discipleship resources for smaller churches since 2020. As a pastor, I've been serving at the same church in OKC since 2003. Here are some frequently asked questions about the NewStart Discipleship resources.
1. What is NewStart Discipleship?
NewStart Discipleship is a comprehensive discipleship strategy designed specifically for small churches. It offers a series of tools and resources to help pastors effectively disciple new believers and create a sustainable discipleship pathway. NewStart also offers free discipleship training options, and paid discipleship coaching options. Here is an overview of the tools included at this time:
2. Do you have a preferred version of the Bible?
I make the Scripture readings available in ESV, NIV, and KJV. I read from either NIV or ESV in the videos I create. Although I don't use it, I never speak disrespectfully of the KJV, which I believe is an accurate, time-honored, and beautiful translation. However, in the interest of clear teaching for those who are new believers, I teach out of a newer translation.
3. Do you have any political leanings?
I am politically conservative but not dramatically so. I am pro-life and believe in traditional marriage and morality. However, my greater hope is in the Kingdom of God than in any political party or system. You will never hear me support a particular political party, even if I must speak to a moral issue.
4. What do you do about controversial subjects?
I never bring them up unless it is needed because of a passage. Most times, that's not needed. The first thing that new believers need is to learn to love Jesus and imitate him. They need to focus on new habits, not getting into controversy which doesn't lead to godliness. I stay away from strong end-times teaching, or strong views on male headship (although I'm a soft complementarian...) I think that's for you to cover, not me. Also, I am not afraid to teach traditional marriage and morality. That's not controversial, it's biblical.
5. What's your theology like?
I am conservative, evangelical, and thoroughly creedal and orthodox. I love the Church Fathers and believe that grace is powerful enough to forgive sin and to break its power in the life of a believer, according to Romans 6 and 8. I lean more toward those chapters in my teaching than I do toward Romans 7. I believe strongly in the power of grace to deliver us from sin! I believe in a deeper life, in the tradition of DL Moody or RA Torrey, and I am a huge fan of John Wesley, considering myself an "old-fashioned" Methodist. For a more thorough theological or doctrinal statement, click here.
6. How does the NewStart Discipleship Journal work?
The NewStart Discipleship Journal is a 50-day Bible reading plan for new Christians, with daily videos explaining each day's reading. It includes space for journaling, sample prayers, and meditation questions, along with reminders to connect with a mentor.
7. What is the Obedience Challenge?
The Obedience Challenge is a 90-day Bible study program that focuses on the commands of Jesus. It includes a comprehensive Bible study, daily videos, a prayer challenge, and reminders to connect with the church community.
8. Can I customize the NewStart Discipleship materials for my church?
Yes, all NewStart materials can be "white-labeled," allowing you to remove my logo and use your own church's branding. This flexibility ensures that the resources can fit seamlessly into your church's existing programs.
9. How does the Baptism Challenge help new believers?
The Baptism Challenge is a 21-day Bible study designed to help new believers understand the significance of baptism, prepare their testimony, and integrate into the church community. It includes daily videos, a printable notebook, and social media graphics to promote Baptism Sunday.
10. What is the purpose of the Moving From Me to We study?
The Moving From Me to We study is a 40-day program focused on the "one another" commands of Scripture. It helps new believers understand the importance of living in Christian community and provides daily videos, prayer challenges, and reminders to connect with mentors and other Christians.
11. What topics are covered in the NewStart Discipleship Coaching Program?
The coaching program includes 10 sessions covering topics such as developing a disciple-making mindset, creating a discipleship pathway, communicating about discipleship, and recruiting discipleship champions. Each session ends with actionable steps to help pastors implement discipleship strategies in their churches.
Additionally, I offer Discipleship Launch Coaching to help get NewStart tools up and running at your church. Here's a screenshot of everything included in that program:
12. How do I get started with NewStart Discipleship?
You can start by visiting NewStart Discipleship's website and choosing the resources that best fit your church's needs. Whether you need coaching or tools for new believers, there is a comprehensive package available.
13. What support does NewStart offer for launching a discipleship program?
NewStart provides various support materials, including sermon outlines, promotional graphics, video bumpers, and worship countdowns. These resources help you launch your discipleship program with excellence and keep your congregation engaged.
14. Can NewStart help small churches with limited budgets?
Yes, NewStart is designed to be affordable for small churches. It is far cheaper than hiring a discipleship pastor, or paying someone to develop the tools for you. The subscription model includes an unlimited printing license for all discipleship tools, ensuring that you can provide quality materials without straining your budget.
15. How can I measure the effectiveness of NewStart Discipleship in my church?
The Discipleship Assessment Quiz included in the discipleship coaching program can help you evaluate the progress and effectiveness of your discipleship efforts. Regular feedback from your congregation and tracking the engagement of new believers can also provide insights into your program's success.
16. What if my church already has a discipleship program?
NewStart Discipleship can complement and enhance your existing discipleship program. The tools and resources are flexible and can be integrated into your current structure, providing additional support and materials to strengthen your efforts.
17. How does NewStart address the need for personal mentoring?
NewStart resources emphasize the importance of mentoring relationships. The materials include reminders and guidance for new believers to connect with mentors, ensuring that they have personal support and accountability on their discipleship journey.
18. Can I access NewStart resources digitally?
Yes, NewStart offers digital access to all its resources. You can download and print materials as needed, and the daily videos are accessible online, making it easy to integrate these tools into your church's discipleship program.
19. What kind of results can I expect from using NewStart Discipleship?
Churches using NewStart Discipleship have seen increased engagement in discipleship activities, better retention of new believers, and more effective integration of new Christians into the church community. The clear, actionable steps help ensure consistent progress in discipleship efforts.
20. How does NewStart Discipleship help with recruiting discipleship champions?
The Discipleship Launch coaching program includes a session on recruiting and training discipleship champions within your congregation. This helps ensure that you have dedicated individuals who can lead and support the discipleship efforts, multiplying the impact of your ministry.
21. What makes NewStart Discipleship different from other discipleship programs?
NewStart Discipleship is specifically designed for small churches and focuses on creating a clear, simple pathway that any church can implement. It provides practical, actionable tools and coaching to help pastors effectively disciple new believers without overwhelming their schedules or budgets.
22. Can I preview the NewStart Discipleship materials before subscribing?
Yes, you can download sample materials from the NewStart Discipleship website to preview the content and see how it can fit into your church's discipleship program. Contact darrell@newstartdiscipleship.com to request samples of any of the
23. Is there a long-term commitment required for the NewStart subscription?
No, there is no long-term commitment. You can subscribe on a month-to-month basis and cancel at any time if you feel the resources are not meeting your needs. Additionally, for both monthly and annual programs, I offer an unconditional 30 day money-back guarantee. All I ask is a bit of honest feedback about the reasons for the cancellation so I can learn to serve churches more effectively.
24. How can NewStart Discipleship help with follow-up after an altar call or decision for Christ?
NewStart provides a structured follow-up process that includes resources like the NewStart Discipleship Journal and other tools to guide new believers through their initial steps of faith and integration into the church community.
25. Are there resources available for discipling children and youth?
While NewStart primarily focuses on discipling adults, the principles and tools can be adapted for use with children and youth. There are also plans to develop more age-specific resources in the future.
26. How do I train my church leaders to use NewStart Discipleship tools?
The NewStart coaching program includes training for church leaders, helping them understand how to use the tools effectively and integrate them into their discipleship efforts. This ensures that the entire leadership team is on the same page.
27. What is the Gospel Challenge?
The Gospel Challenge is a 30-day Bible study focused on understanding the gospel as explained in the book of Romans. It helps new believers grasp the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
28. Can NewStart Discipleship help with pre-marital counseling and marriage discipleship?
Yes, NewStart offers resources that can be used for pre-marital counseling and marriage discipleship, helping couples build a strong, Christ-centered relationship.
29. Is there a specific order in which to use the NewStart Discipleship tools?
While there is a recommended order, each tool can be used independently based on the specific needs of your new believers and church context. The recommended order is designed to build a solid foundation and progressively deepen the discipleship experience.
30. How does NewStart support ongoing discipleship beyond the initial programs?
NewStart Discipleship provides ongoing resources and tools to support the continued growth of believers. This includes advanced studies, community-building activities, and leadership development resources.
31. Are there any success stories from churches using NewStart Discipleship?
Yes, many churches have successfully implemented NewStart Discipleship and have seen significant growth in their discipleship efforts. Testimonials and case studies are available on the NewStart website.
32. What kind of feedback do you receive from pastors using NewStart Discipleship?
Pastors often share positive feedback about the clarity, simplicity, and effectiveness of the NewStart Discipleship tools. They appreciate the practical guidance and the way the resources help them disciple new believers without adding to their workload.
33. How does NewStart help with creating a discipleship culture in the church?
NewStart provides tools and coaching to help pastors create a discipleship culture by focusing on key habits, clear pathways, and community involvement. This approach helps embed discipleship into the DNA of the church.
34. Can NewStart Discipleship be used in online or hybrid church settings?
Yes, the digital format of NewStart resources makes them ideal for online or hybrid church settings. The tools can be easily shared and accessed remotely, making them versatile for various church models.
35. What are the benefits of the Discipleship Pathway course?
The Discipleship Pathway course helps pastors create a clear and effective discipleship pathway for their church. It includes practical steps, templates, and coaching to ensure that every new believer has a clear journey from conversion to mature discipleship.
36. How do I get my church board on board with the NewStart Discipleship strategy?
The NewStart coaching program includes specific sessions on how to present and gain support for your discipleship strategy from your church board. This includes practical tips and resources to help them catch the vision and invest in discipleship.
37. Can NewStart Discipleship help with small group development?
Yes, NewStart provides resources and coaching for developing and leading small groups, which are a crucial part of a healthy discipleship strategy. These tools help create engaging and transformative small group experiences.
38. What is the Mentor Challenge?
The Mentor Challenge will be a resource designed to help believers who have been in a discipleship relationship to become mentors. However, this will not be available until late 2025. It will include training and practical steps for developing mentoring relationships within the church.
39. How does NewStart handle different theological perspectives within the church?
NewStart focuses on core evangelical beliefs and avoids divisive theological issues. The resources are designed to be adaptable to various denominational contexts while maintaining a strong biblical foundation.
40. Can NewStart Discipleship help with outreach and evangelism?
NewStart does not currently have a tool to help with outreach, although Darrell has designed a program to help churches execute a gospel-centered Trunk or Treat and free 23 page handout full of Trunk or Treat ideas for churches, helping pastors equip their congregations to share their faith and disciple new believers effectively.
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