Ross Woodhouse is the senior pastor at Fairfield Baptist Church in Hamilton.
Wayfinders is a resource aimed at training and encouraging people to share the gospel naturally and effectively. Established by Brian and Stephanie Bullen, it can be done in person or online. Fairfield Baptist Church (FBC) wanted to focus more on their discipleship and chose Wayfinders to help. Senior pastor Ross Woodhouse answered some questions about the church’s Wayfinders journey.
What sparked the need for Wayfinders?
Though discipleship has been happening through FBC at a small level for some time, as a leadership we wanted to 'turn up the gas' and give discipleship a more central focus. So, in a quest to 'own' this we as a wider leadership group took on the commitment to be trained in the Wayfinders. Having looked at a variety of different discipleship resources, and training options, the Wayfinders is where we landed.
Why Wayfinders?
Having looked through Brian and Stephanie's information, what they do, the outcomes they'd experienced, and a consultation with Brian, there was no doubt the Wayfinders was the resource to help us progress discipleship. It is simple, adaptable and low key.
Who/how many people were involved?
A group of around 12 elders and ministry leaders have done the initial training, with several others committed to doing the training online through the Wayfinders website.
How did it go?
It was an outstanding evening. The training is typically done over a day but the Bullens kindly adapted things to accommodate us over an evening (5-9pm). Of the many training events I've personally participated in this was right near the top!
What were some of the more challenging aspects?
Two things:
Most of us discovered how very challenging it is to succinctly articulate our own faith story.
Courage is a biggie. Having the courage (and the confidence in the gospel message) to initiate faith conversations whether it's with friends, workmates, neighbours, or complete strangers. The training provides great ways of very naturally starting conversations that lead to gospel opportunities.
What were the outcomes?
At least 12 of our leadership team are trained, equipped and resourced to: know how to invite others into a Discovery Bible Study, how to tell their faith story and how to explain the gospel.
Two of our leaders have had faith conversations that lead to an invitation to join church on Sunday. It’s early days but we'll see where God leads us.
Who would you recommend doing the programme and why?
Discipleship is not a new conversation. We grew tired of things limping along with little engagement. Again, it’s early days and, we know we must remain committed and intentional to keep the wheels oiled.
I highly recommend the Wayfinders for any pastor or leadership wanting to turn up the gas on this. It has renewed my own passion to share the gospel, and Lord-willing, to see many come to know Christ. He is still in the business of adding daily to the church those who are being saved.
Image credit: Pixabay.com @mailai
