Adult Discipleship Certification

The Adult Discipleship Certification is intended for ministry staff and top level lay leaders who have responsibility for adult-specific or the overall discipleship ministry of a church. 

This course will provide the basic building blocks for effective ministry leadership and management, along with peer networking and encouragement.

Led by David Adams.

Details and Requirements

  • Our 2024-25 cohort will be limited to 12 students.

  • Cost is $500 for the year or 2 payments of $250 (August & January).

  • Monthly meetings from August - May.

  • Texts and readings will be required throughout the course.


Registration opens May 1.

Dates

Unless otherwise noted, all classes will take place at the Texas Baptists Offices in Dallas from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
We will not meet the month of March 2025.
For each class, a Zoom option will be available.

  • August 15, 2024
  • September 12, 2024
  • October 7–8, 2024 – at Conclave NextGen, FBC San Antonio
  • November 14, 2024
  • December 10, 2024
  • January 23, 2025
  • February 20, 2025
  • April 3, 2025
  • May 1, 2025

Sessions

  • Context for Ministry
    Reflect on your own call to ministry and explore the biblical/historical/cultural context for ministry today. Analyze your own church's discipleship ministry in light of these elements.
  • Understanding Adults
    Take a look at developmental, generational, and cultural dynamics of adults, as well as the demographic profile of those who live in the shadow of your own church.
  • Church Ministry Design
    Become intentional about what, why, and how your church does what it does. Understand where ministry design has been and consider where it may be going. Examine specific components of discipleship ministry and how each may help–or frustrate–your church’s discipleship ministry.
  • Teaching for Transformation
    Discover ways to engage adults in meaningful learning experiences that move them forward in knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and actions which faithfully live out the gospel.
  • Planning for Growth and Impact
    Learn principles for scaling your discipleship ministry to reach more people while meeting the needs of your congregation and community. Analyze your current ministry to discover opportunities for new growth and health.
  • Equipping Members for Ministry
    Every church needs a plan for recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers in a healthy culture of volunteer ministry. Start or upgrade your plan in this month’s study and discussion.
  • Administrative Issues
    Like it or not, ministry includes dealing with things like safety and security, budgets, committees, and personnel matters. We will address these and others you are facing, and point to principles and tools that may be helpful in managing them.
  • Ministry Leadership Basics
    Strong leadership calls for consistency and clarity. Explore core principles of ministry leadership, how to stay healthy as a leader, and the benefits of clear vision for your ministry.

Textbooks (included in registration cost)

  • Anderson, Leith & Fox, Jill. (2015). The Volunteer Church: Mobilizing Your Congregation for Growth and Effectiveness. Zondervan.
  • Beliefs Important to Baptists. (2011). BaptistWay Press.
  • Bonem, Mike. (2022). The Art of Leading Change: Ten Perspectives on the Messiness of Ministry. Fortress Press.
  • Braddy, Ken. (2022). Breakthrough: Creating a New Scorecard for Group Ministry Success. B&H Publishing.
  • Braddy, Ken. (2019). Breathing Life into Sunday School: 10 Essentials to Revive Your Most Important Ministry. Lifeway Press.
  • Byrd, Grant & Wheelington, Rusty. (2022). Following Your Call to Ministry: Recognizing and Responding to God’s Call. GC2 Press.
  • Denison, Jim. (2022). A Light Unto My Path: A Practical Guide to Studying the Bible. Denison Forum.
  • Sanders, J. (2017). Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence For Every Believer. Moody Publishers.
  • Scazzero, Peter. (2015). The Emotionally Healthy Leader: How Transforming Your Inner Life Will Deeply Transform Your Church, Team and the World. Zondervan.
  • Spooner, Bernard. (2012). Christian Education Leadership: Making Disciples in the 21st Century. CreateSpace Independent Publishing.
  • Surratt, Chris. (2019). Leading Small Groups: How to Gather, Launch, Lead, and Multiply Your Small Group. B&H Publishing Group.