Develop a Discipleship System
Following a Call: Become a Certified Discipleship Coach and Transform Your Church Community
By Chris Wilterdink
Why Discipleship Coaching Matters
The United Methodist Church has long championed the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, but how can we truly support one another in this journey? John Wesley’s teachings created a heritage of accountable discipleship that we can follow today. Laity and clergy shared in the call to discipleship as part of the early Methodist movement, with laity serving transformational rolls for their congregations, and we can recapture that spirit today.
That’s where Discipleship Coaching comes in.
The pathway to a Certificate as a Discipleship Coach through Discipleship Ministries will equip you to be present within your local congregation in new ways. With discipleship-focused coaching skills, you can partner with church leaders to grow beyond systems and pathways that simply ask people to know about Jesus to pathways that help people know and act with the mind and heart of Jesus. This certificate empowers everyday disciples to foster deeper accountability and engagement as a transformative presence within their local church, helping to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
What is a Discipleship Coach?
A discipleship coach is someone equipped with coaching skills and knowledge of intentional discipleship systems, who can help to contextualize discipleship practices within the framework of a local congregation. This differs from most conventional definitions of coaching, which are often based on one-on-one relationships. The Certificate in Discipleship Coaching from Discipleship Ministries focuses on systems and pathways that can lead to the transformation of ministry for a community.
Discipleship coaching can be applied in many areas, including:
- Intentional discipleship systems and pathways
- Small-group or accountable discipleship and leadership development
- Ministry and mission coaching
- Conflict coaching and reconciliation
- Newcomer and guest connection
The training is designed for laypeople in small- and medium-sized churches. It is accessible to everyday church members who feel called to invest in the faith journeys of other disciples who want to grow through their local congregation.
What’s Involved in the Training?
The Certificate in Discipleship Coach training is twelve hours, available virtually or through Discipleship Ministries’ partnership with Excellence in Ministry Coaching (EMC3).
Discipleship Coaching Basics (12 Hours)
- Understanding coaching and discipleship development
- Learning powerful coaching skills such as listening, encouragement, and asking deep questions
- Coaching conversation models and practicum training
- Building relationships and accountability structures
- Accessing a variety of assessments and tools, including the Real Discipleship Survey
In addition to specific courses, ongoing deep dive sessions (90-minute bimonthly gatherings) are offered for continuous learning and mentorship.
Upon completion of Discipleship Coaching Basics, participants can deepen their knowledge and practical wisdom with additional hours and courses.
Discipleship Pathway Coaching (Optional)
- Creating a clear discipleship pathway for your local church
- Developing small-group ministries and leadership training
- Shifting from information-based learning to transformational discipleship
- Implementing tools to assess and strengthen discipleship within your congregation
What You’ll Gain with a Certificate as a Discipleship Coach
- Certificate from Discipleship Ministries with printable and shareable credentials.
- Deeper Spiritual Growth—Not only will you help others grow, but you’ll experience transformation in your faith journey.
- Stronger Church Leadership—Your church will benefit from having an equipped leader guiding others in discipleship.
- A Community of Coaches—Join a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making disciples.
- A Wesleyan Approach—The training is grounded in Methodist/Wesleyan theology and principles, reinforcing our denominational commitment to discipleship.
How Much Does It Cost?
- The Basic Certificate in Discipleship Coaching is only $150 per person
- Scholarships Available! Through Discipleship Ministries’ partnership and the launch of this program, the first 500 participants will receive 50% off, reducing the cost to just $75.
- Recertification is only $25 annually to maintain your credentials and access continued learning opportunities.
Why You Should Say 'YES' to Discipleship Coaching
If you’ve ever felt a calling to support others in their faith journeys, this is your opportunity to step into that role with confidence. Your local congregation needs passionate leaders committed to guiding others in their spiritual growth.
- Imagine being the go-to person in your church for discipleship support.
- Imagine helping people deepen their faith and grow closer to God.
- Imagine transforming your congregation—one coaching conversation at a time.
This isn’t just another program—it’s a movement to revive the heart of discipleship in the United Methodist Church.
Are you ready to answer the call?
Register Today and Begin Your Journey as a Certified Discipleship Coach!
Click here to sign up or learn more, or contact EMC3 Coaching.
Chris Wilterdink serves as the Executive Director for Congregational Vitality & Intentional Discipleship, and as the Director of Young People’s Ministries for Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church. As a lay person, his educational background in English, learning, and project management form much of his approach to ministry. With over 15 years of experience at the local church level and more than a decade of serving the general level of the UMC, Chris continues to be passionate about leadership development and discipleship with every generation, as well as helping ministry leaders understand their value in the lives of young people.
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