Discipleship Pathway
Disciples at South Main become more like Jesus over the arc of our lives as we discover God's Word and God’s family. We discover God’s Word when we cultivate Biblical literacy, engage in theological curiosity, and nurture growth in wisdom. We discover God’s family when we connect in community, embrace our calling, and share our gifts and resources for God’s Kingdom.
In order to help people connect and grow as disciples, South Main has created a Discipleship Pathway, providing clear steps for people personally and communally to live as followers of Jesus. Learn more about South Main’s Discipleship Pathway below.
The Next Step Class
At South Main we want to make space for people to connect and learn more about South Main’s history and mission and also to explore their faith with others. The Next Step Class is a four-week introductory small group for those discerning how their faith intersects with South Main. This group is designed to introduce you to our community and a sense of God’s call on your life through the church. The class is held twice a year, led by Matt Walton, Minister for Discipleship, and Discipleship Ministry volunteers.
New Member Orientation
New Member Orientation is a one-Sunday event designed to help our new members connect and engage fully in the life and ministry of South Main. During the orientation, we learn about the heart of South Main and our rhythms of life together, take a tour of the campus, worship together, have lunch with Pastor Steve, and make connections with the family of God in this place. New Member Orientation is held twice a year.
Adult Bible Communities
Adult Bible Communities are small groups of South Mainers who meet every Sunday to grow in friendship and to study the Bible. Our Adult Bible Communities are primarily divided by life-stage so that we have companions on our journey. Every Sunday our Communities gather to think deeply about the Bible, led by experienced and trained volunteer Bible teachers.
Learn more about Adult Bible Communities.
Discovery Weekend
Discovery Weekend is a Friday evening and Saturday on-campus retreat where participants discover and learn more deeply about their spiritual gifts, including how their spiritual gifts can be used to serve others in the church and to further God’s Kingdom. Discovery Weekend is facilitated by trained Discipleship Ministry volunteers and Matt Walton, Minister for Discipleship.
Servant Leadership Development Program
The Servant Leadership Development Program (SLDP) is an 8-month cohort-style deep dive into areas of servant leadership at South Main. SLDP is designed to help adults of all ages become immersed relationally and strategically in serving and leading in our congregation. SLDP includes a kickoff retreat, servant leadership classes, participatory learning in various church ministries, mentoring with a South Main Baptist deacon, and a capstone ministry group project. SLDP graduates go on to serve in all areas of ministry in our congregation.
Teacher Development Cohort
The Teacher Development Cohort (TDC) aims to educate, equip, and launch volunteer Bible teachers into the Teaching Ministry of South Main, which supplies experienced and knowledgeable teachers to Adult Bible Study Communities. The TDC consists of four parts:
- Truett Seminary’s Certificate of Christian Foundations
- Roundtable learning
- Mentor relationships
- A teaching lab
The TDC consists of an equal number of experienced South Main Baptist teachers and new teacher trainees. Through the TDC, participants receive a foundational Biblical and theological education, collaborative instruction in teaching and learning principles, hands-on mentoring related to Bible study development, and practice in teaching lessons with feedback. At the conclusion of the TDC, new teacher trainees are launched into South Main’s Teaching Ministry. TDC participants receive Truett Seminary’s Certificate of Christian Foundations upon completion of the certificate requirements.
