THE MINISTRY MBA

10 Practical Courses to Lead a Thriving Church

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Discover the Sermon Strategies Driving Growth
in America’s Fastest Growing Churches

We’ve compiled a spreadsheet detailing the last 12 sermon series from the 100 fastest-growing churches in America.

GET THE RESOURCE
Take the
Pressure Inventory
Partner
Resources

DISCIPLESHIP SELF-ASSESSMENT

Reflect on each statement and answer honestly.

Your results and custom analysis will be sent to your email. 

1. I have a clear understanding of how many people in my church are actively growing as disciples.(Required)
2. We use metrics to measure spiritual growth (e.g., group participation, serving, baptisms).(Required)
3. Our church has a clearly defined discipleship pathway.(Required)
4. Relationships (e.g., mentoring, small groups) are a core part of our discipleship strategy.(Required)
5. My view of discipleship is influenced more by data than by hope.(Required)
6. I feel confident that my perception of our discipleship effectiveness matches reality.(Required)
7. I can easily identify how many members are progressing through our discipleship pathway.(Required)
8. Each step of the pathway is intentional and designed to guide members toward spiritual growth.(Required)
9. Our small group leaders and ministry leaders are equipped to disciple others.(Required)
10. I regularly reflect on how my personal biases may affect my assessment of discipleship.(Required)
11. I regularly receive feedback from staff, leaders, and members about our discipleship efforts.(Required)
12. We evaluate the effectiveness of our discipleship programs regularly.(Required)
13. Leaders and members are aware of the next steps for discipleship.(Required)
14. I feel confident that leaders are actively discipling others in meaningful ways.(Required)
15. I am proactive in seeking stories of personal transformation from our members.(Required)
16. I feel confident our congregation understands what discipleship means in our church context.(Required)
17. Our church tracks trends in discipleship participation (e.g., small groups, mentoring).(Required)
18. Programs and ministries align to support our discipleship pathway.(Required)
19. Members of our congregation have opportunities to form discipling relationships.(Required)
20. I feel confident that I understand where my leadership may be contributing to gaps in discipleship.(Required)
21. Our discipleship practices are well-aligned with the Great Commission.(Required)
22. We have a clear way to measure spiritual maturity among our members.(Required)
23. I believe our discipleship pathway effectively serves people at all spiritual maturity levels.(Required)
24. We track and support the effectiveness of relational discipleship efforts.(Required)
25. I encourage staff and leaders to provide feedback on our discipleship effectiveness.(Required)


Complete the rest of the form to receive your personalized score and recommendations.

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Goal: Uncover gaps between perception and actual engagement in discipleship.
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Goal: Determine how effectively discipleship is tracked and evaluated.
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Goal: Assess how well-defined and actionable the church’s discipleship process is.
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Goal: Evaluate the role relationships play in fostering discipleship.
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Goal: Help pastors reflect on their personal understanding and biases.

Name(Required)

Let’s Relieve the Pressure — Together

No pressure. Just practical options that fit your season of leadership.

Whether you need a quick breakthrough, a strategic reset, or a long-term partner, there’s a next step that fits your season of leadership.

PRESSURE
VALVE SESSIONS

FREE Live Learning Labs to Help You Let Off Steam and Fix ONE Thing.

Short bursts of insight and strategy — no cost, no catch.
 
Join me for a 1-hour conversation where we tackle real pressure points in ministry and explore practical solutions you can use immediately.
 
Perfect if you’re unsure where to start or just need a fresh perspective.
Register for a Session Today

LEADERSHIP
LABS

Step Back, Evaluate the Pressure, and Shape a Strategy That Fits

When leadership feels heavy, sometimes the best move is to pause. These live, guided working sessions give you space to think, clarify your priorities, and build a practical strategy designed for your church.
 
Whether you’re facing growth barriers or just need a fresh plan, this is where confident progress begins.
 
In-person and digital labs are available.
 
Ideal for pastors and leadership teams facing complexity, change, or growth barriers.
Schedule a Lab — Walk Away With Clarity and a Custom Plan

STRATEGIC
PARTNERSHIPS

Ongoing Strategic Support to Help You Lead with Confidence All Year Long.

If you want a trusted partner in your corner — someone who knows ministry, understands strategy, and brings outside perspective without pressure — this relationship is for you.
 
Think of it like adding an executive team member.
 
Designed for hungry and curious pastors ready to make things better.
Apply Now — Limited Spots Available

WHAT ARE THE MARKS OF A DISCIPLE?

Spiritual growth is the ongoing process by which an individual becomes more like Christ in their character, relationships, and mission.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

No church can force discipleship, but every church can create conditions condusive and designed to inspire and equip people to move forward in their faith journey. 

“As a first-time lead pastor, I’ve found Gavin’s breadth of church leadership experience invaluable. I’ve been able to benefit from his years of experience so that I can spend less time with trial-and-error and more time executing on what we know will work. We’ve been able to accomplish a lot in a short period of time, and Gavin has played a big part in what God has done in our church.”

– Josh Carlson, Senior Pastor, Gulf Church – Naples, FL

The Discipleship Accelerator offers a three-dimensional model of spiritual growth:

RENEWAL OF THE HEART

Growing love for and dependence on God, expressed through spiritual disciplines, worship, and obedience.

RENEWAL OF RELATIONSHIPS

Living in authentic community, fostering unity, serving others, and loving as Christ loves.

RENEWAL OF PURPOSE

Living missionally by sharing the Gospel, using one’s gifts for Kingdom work, and demonstrating Christ’s love to outsiders.

Let's Talk About Disicpleship

HERE'S WHAT COULD HAPPEN IN YOUR CHURCH...

The Discipleship Accelerator takes the guesswork out of making disciples. Our process helps you discover what’s really happening in your church so we can create a more effective and intentional discipleship plan beyond simple engagement.

Through the Discipleship Accelerator, Your Church Will Gain:

  • Clear, actionable discipleship pathways.
  • Measurable spiritual growth across your church.
  • Aligned leadership and volunteer teams.
  • Renewed focus on your church’s mission.

“Working with Gavin the past 8 months has completely changed the way I communicate. His strategy for preparation, and his feedback on sermon delivery has helped me to communicate in a way that is clear, helpful and hopeful.”

– Dallas Darnell, Associate Pastor, Encounter Church – Boston, MA

Holly Goddard, Director of Ministry Environments, North Point Community Church - Atlanta, GA

“Gavin is one of best at creating content and teaching others how to create compelling and clear communication. He coached our department heads through a communicator workshop and we all left feeling more equipped and empowered to in crafting messaging in our contexts.”

Paul Smith, Senior Pastor, Rivertown Community Church - Marianna, FL​

“As a coach, Gavin’s external perspective clarified our vision and helped us build a better model for our community. As a mentor, his ministry experience allows him to encourage our team while providing unique insight.”

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Take the Pressure Inventory
Partner Portal

Discover the Sermon Strategies Driving Growth in America’s Fastest Growing Churches

We’ve compiled a spreadsheet detailing the last 12 sermon series from the 100 fastest-growing churches in America.

GET THE RESOURCE