Whole-Life Discipleship Post-Consultation - IV

Whole-Life Discipleship Post-Consultation - IV - (Lahore Chapter)

8^th Oct 2024

Collaborative Partners

LORD’S HOME & Faith2Share & Evangelical Alliance Pakistan

Date of event:		8 Oct 2024
Venue of event:		Hotel DGates Ferozepur Road Lahore
Country:		Pakistan
Name of Reporter:		LORD’S HOME – 137 Hamza Town, Lahore Pakistan
Date of report:		30^th Oct 2024

Goals of the Post-Consultation Event

(Follow-up to the Whole-Life Discipleship Consultation held in Lahore, 15–17 November 2022)

The Post-Consultation Gathering held on 8 October 2024 at Open Theological Seminary, Lahore, served as a continuation of the Whole-Life Discipleship (WLD) Consultation conducted in Lahore from 15–17 November 2022, which focused on the spheres of Family, Education, and Religion.

The key purpose of this follow-up event was to reconnect with the same group of participants, providing them a platform to reflect on and report:

· What progress they have made in their respective ministries regarding Whole-Life Discipleship.

· What initiatives they have launched or strengthened in the past two years.

· What practical steps have they taken in the areas of family discipleship, education, and faith engagement?

Specific Goals:

1. Review Progress

o Evaluate achievements, obstacles, and lessons learned since the 2022 Consultation.

o Allow participants to share testimonies and measurable impact.

2. Encourage Collaboration

o Strengthen existing networks of churches and ministry leaders.

o Promote mutual learning and partnerships across regions and organisations.

3. Identify Practical Next Steps

o Outline new strategies and actions to be taken collaboratively or individually.

o Clarify responsibilities and areas where collective efforts can have a greater impact.

4. Clarify Vision and Focus

o Reaffirm the shared vision of Whole-Life Discipleship as integrating faith into every aspect of daily life.

o Ensure continuity in understanding and implementing the WLD framework.

5. Launch and Strengthen Key Initiatives

o Introduce new initiatives.

o Guide for expanding existing discipleship models in churches, schools, and communities.

Event Arrangements:

Yes, the Post-Consultation Event was prepared with intentionality and clear objectives, building directly on the momentum from the November 2022 Whole-Life Discipleship (WLD) Consultation. Several aspects indicate that the event was well-prepared:

Preparatory Strengths:

· Clear Follow-Up Purpose: The event had a focused goal—to invite previous participants and assess progress in the areas of Family, Education, and Religion.

· Participant Engagement: Invitations were sent to the original consultation participants, ensuring continuity and informed discussion.

· Structured Agenda: The program included time for reflection, sharing of ministry updates, group discussions, and action planning.

· Venue and Logistics: Hosting the event at Open Theological Seminary in Lahore provided a central, familiar, and accessible location for attendees.

Event Logistics

The attendance:

39 leaders from 32 organizations have participated.
The list of participants is attached to this report.
The list of organisations and Churches that participated has been attached to the report.

The meeting room and equipment:

The meeting room and equipment were generally adequate, supporting the flow of the event. The choice of venue—Open Theological Seminary, Lahore—was appropriate and well-suited for the size and purpose of the gathering.

Strengths Noted:

· Meeting Space: The main meeting hall was spacious, clean, and provided a comfortable environment for group sessions and plenary discussions.

· Seating and Arrangement: The seating setup allowed for effective interaction among participants, with space for breakout groups and open sharing.

· Audio-Visual Equipment: Basic equipment, such as a projector, screen, microphones, and speakers, was available and functioned properly, ensuring that presentations and discussions could be followed clearly.

· Power Backup: Electricity backup was available, minimising disruptions during sessions.

The presentations and presenters:

The presentations were insightful and inspiring. Each speaker addressed the subject of discipleship from a unique perspective, which deeply enriched the participants.

Main Session Speakers:

· Rev. Asif Khalid – Pastor of Shalom Presbyterian Church, Kot Lakhpat, and Chairman of LORD'S HOME. He spoke about the importance of discipleship and shared how LORD'S HOME is actively working to promote discipleship within churches and communities.

· Prof. Tariq Waris – Faculty member at FGA Bible Seminary. He focused on the connection between mission and discipleship, helping leaders to see discipleship as the heart of God’s mission.

· Rev. Jan Wessels – Director of Faith2Share. He shared about Faith2Share’s global work on discipleship, its history, and the current state of discipleship efforts around the world.

Participants greatly appreciated the clarity and depth of each presentation, which provided both vision and practical steps for strengthening discipleship in their ministries.

Performance of Ministry Team Members:

The Ministry Team Members played a crucial and commendable role in the successful execution of the Post-Consultation Event. Their efforts ensured that the event ran smoothly, met its objectives, and provided meaningful engagement for all participants.

Strengths in Team Performance:

1. Planning & Coordination:
The team demonstrated strong pre-event coordination—ensuring timely communication with participants, venue preparation, and logistical arrangements. Their planning laid the groundwork for a focused and well-structured gathering.

2. Facilitation & Hosting:
Ministry team members effectively facilitated sessions, encouraged participation, and helped guide group discussions. They created a welcoming and respectful environment, which helped participants share freely and reflect deeply.

3. Support Roles:
Whether handling registration, managing session transitions, running technical equipment, or coordinating hospitality, each team member fulfilled their responsibilities with diligence and a spirit of service.

4. Relational Engagement:
Team members were active in engaging participants relationally, offering encouragement, listening to ministry updates, and helping connect people with similar visions or challenges.

5. Documentation & Follow-Up Planning:
Notes were taken during group discussions, and key action steps were recorded for follow-up. The team showed initiative in gathering feedback and preparing next steps for ministry development.

Event Reflection

Meeting the Goals:

The primary goals of the Post-Consultation Event held on 8 October 2024 were largely met, and the gathering proved to be both timely and fruitful in advancing the vision of Whole-Life Discipleship (WLD) in Pakistan.

How the Goals Were Met:

1. Follow-Up and Accountability:
The event successfully re-engaged the participants from the original WLD Consultation (Nov 2022). Many shared updates on how they had implemented discipleship strategies in their local contexts, including new family ministries, school initiatives, and faith-based outreach.

2. Progress Sharing:
Participants openly shared challenges and successes, providing a healthy space for learning from one another. This affirmed the importance of long-term follow-up and the value of accountability in discipleship efforts.

3. Collaboration and Unity:
The event deepened relationships between leaders and organizations, creating fresh energy for collaboration—especially around the launch of Family Committees, UPG prayer networks, and the Christian Science Research initiative.

4. Actionable Next Steps:
Teams were able to identify clear, practical next steps in each of the three spheres (Family, Education, Religion). These steps were not just theoretical but tailored to the grassroots realities of ministry in Pakistan.

5. Vision Re-Alignment:
The gathering helped reaffirm the original Whole-Life Discipleship vision—equipping leaders to integrate faith into every area of life, not just within church walls.

How Participants Relate This Topic to Pakistani Culture and the Christian Community:

· Participants noted that discipleship is deeply relevant in the Pakistani cultural context, where youth face social pressure and lack strong role models.

· They emphasized that discipleship should go beyond just teaching Bible stories and focus on mentoring and guiding children and young people in everyday life.

· For the Christian minority in Pakistan, discipleship was seen as essential for building strong faith, unity, and resilience in a challenging environment.

· Leaders shared that intentional discipleship equips the next generation to stand firm, live out biblical values, and be a positive witness in society.

· The training inspired participants to implement discipleship practices in their own churches and communities.

IV. Outcomes of the Consultation:

Held on 8 October 2024 – Open Theological Seminary, Lahore

As a follow-up to the Whole-Life Discipleship Consultation held in Lahore from 15–17 November 2022, the Post-Consultation event focused on assessing progress and planning concrete steps forward in the three key discipleship spheres: Family, Education, and Religion.

Key Outcomes & Practical Steps Identified

1. Family Sphere

· Launch and strengthen Church Family Committees to support discipleship within the home.

· Encourage self-sustained family discipleship models, where families consistently engage in Bible reading, prayer, and spiritual growth—without relying solely on church leadership.

2. Education Sphere

· Integrate a biblical worldview into Christian schools and learning environments.

· Equip Christian teachers to become intentional disciple-makers within classrooms and school communities.

3. Religion Sphere

· Deepen the theological understanding of Christian identity in Pakistan’s multi-religious society.

· Prepare churches to engage in grace-filled, faithful witness as a minority—through teaching, public engagement, and discipleship rooted in truth and love.

Final Plans for Implementation (As Agreed by Participants)

1. Family Coalition

· Form and expand Church Family Committees to lead holistic family ministry at the local level.

· Promote independent and sustainable family discipleship practices, empowering families to grow spiritually in daily life.

2. Christian Science Research Center

· Identify and prioritize research topics that explore the relationship between science and the Christian faith in Pakistan’s context.

· Begin publishing contextual resources—in local languages—to bridge faith and science and support discipleship in educational and theological spaces.

3. Reaching the Unreached Together

· Launch prayer cells and inter-church networks focused on Unreached People Groups (UPGs) across Pakistan.

· Facilitate field data sharing and strategic coordination among missionary networks to enhance collective outreach efforts.

This outcome summary reflects a renewed commitment among Christian leaders and ministries to collaborate intentionally and practically in advancing Whole-Life Discipleship in their communities. The emphasis on family-driven discipleship, faith-integrated education, and courageous witness in society highlights the holistic vision shared by all participants.

V. Additional Comments for the Report:

Achievements

· Successful Follow-Up: The event effectively reconnected participants from the 2022 Whole-Life Discipleship (WLD) Consultation and created a space for shared learning, accountability, and encouragement.

· Momentum in Ministry: Several churches reported tangible steps taken toward family discipleship, such as the formation of Church Family Committees, initiation of home-based Bible studies, and the development of youth discipleship programs.

· Collaborative Spirit: Participants showed a strong willingness to collaborate, particularly in launching initiatives such as prayer networks for UPGs and exploring the Christian Science Research Center.

· Strategic Planning: Clear and actionable next steps were identified in each discipleship sphere, giving the event long-term value beyond the one-day gathering.

Advantages

· Continuity of Vision: Having the same participants from the 2022 Consultation allowed for meaningful evaluation and built trust within the group.

· Local Context Relevance: Discussions remained highly contextual, addressing real challenges and opportunities facing Christian families, schools, and churches in Pakistan.

· Unified Language & Themes: The consistent focus on Whole-Life Discipleship helped unify diverse leaders and ministries around a shared theological and practical framework.

Challenges

· Varying Levels of Progress: Some participants had made significant strides, while others struggled to implement plans due to limited resources, church capacity, or security concerns in their regions.

· Lack of Regular Follow-Up Since 2022: The absence of structured follow-up in the two years between consultations made it harder for some to stay aligned or track progress systematically.

· Resource Gaps: There is an ongoing need for contextual discipleship materials, training tools, and financial support to expand the impact of key initiatives.

· Time Constraints: The one-day format limited deeper reflection and planning time; participants suggested extended time for future gatherings.

VI. Mechanism and Planner for Ongoing Progress and Follow-Up Strategy

To ensure sustained momentum and long-term impact from the Whole-Life Discipleship (WLD) movement, the following dual-track follow-up strategy has been developed. This includes online engagement and regional/local structures to facilitate continuous learning, networking, accountability, and ministry support.

1) Online Engagement & Social Media Strategy

Objective: Maintain an active digital presence to foster continuous engagement, resource sharing, and relational support.

Strategies:

· a. Continuing Discussions

o Host monthly or quarterly webinars, live Q&A sessions, and online forums on discipleship, family ministry, education, and outreach.

o Use accessible platforms such as Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube.

· b. Resource Sharing

o Regularly post relevant articles, videos, and study tools.

o Develop a centralized digital resource library (website, blog, or social media page).

· c. Support Networks

o Create closed online groups (e.g., WhatsApp, Slack, or Facebook Groups) for real-time discussion, prayer support, and peer learning.

· d. Highlighting Success

o Feature monthly highlights of impactful individuals, churches, or initiatives within the network.

o Encourage members to share testimonies, challenges, and breakthrough stories.

2) Regional Hubs and Local Focal Leaders

Objective: Establish localized support and implementation through regional coordination and grassroots leadership.

1. Formation of Regional Hubs

· Set up physical or virtual hubs in key cities (e.g., Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad).

· Equip these hubs as community resource centers for training, material distribution, and planning.

2. Local Focal Leaders

· Appoint trusted local leaders to serve as community liaisons and lead grassroots efforts.

· Provide leadership training and toolkits to empower these leaders for effective ministry.

3. Community Engagement

· Facilitate regular in-person or hybrid meetings for prayer, learning, and planning.

· Gather feedback through simple surveys or check-ins to stay informed of community needs.

4. Collaboration and Support

· Foster cross-hub collaboration to share experiences and strengthen unity.

· Launch mentorship programs pairing local leaders with experienced practitioners.

5. Local Initiatives

· Develop contextual programs addressing real needs such as parenting, evangelism, youth development, and vocational discipleship.

· Encourage local outreach efforts to engage unreached communities and marginalized groups.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

· Use tracking tools, surveys, and feedback loops to measure impact at local and regional levels.

· Continuously refine strategies based on collected data to ensure effectiveness and relevance.

Conclusion

This follow-up mechanism ensures that Whole-Life Discipleship remains active, adaptive, and community-rooted. By combining digital engagement with local leadership, this strategy supports ongoing spiritual growth, collaborative ministry, and long-term transformation across Pakistan’s Christian communities.

Here are two sample testimonies from participants who attended both the WLD Consultation (Nov 2022) and the Post-Consultation Gathering (Oct 2024). These testimonies highlight the real impact of the events on their ministry focus, particularly around discipleship and the contextual application of the 7 spheres of discipleship in Pakistan.

Testimony 1: Pastor Samuel Iqbal – Faisalabad

“Attending the 2022 Whole-Life Discipleship Consultation opened my eyes to a much broader vision of discipleship—beyond Sunday sermons or church programs. The sessions on Family and Education especially challenged me. I realized that as a pastor, I wasn’t equipping families to disciple their children or encouraging Christian teachers in our community to see their classrooms as ministry fields.”

“Since then, we formed a Church Family Committee in our congregation. We now hold monthly gatherings where parents learn how to lead devotionals at home. A few Christian teachers from our church also started a small prayer group and have begun discussing how to integrate biblical values into their teaching. Coming back for the Post-Consultation in 2024 was energizing—it confirmed we’re on the right track. It helped me go deeper, now thinking about how we can engage the 7 spheres of influence in Pakistan—especially government and media, where we’ve previously had no engagement. We’re now praying and planning towards that.”

Testimony 2: Mrs. Noreen Yousaf – Christian School Administrator, Karachi

“The WLD Consultation in 2022 completely reframed how I understood my role as a school leader. Before that, I saw my job as managing education. But I left that event realizing I was called to shape lives through discipleship in the sphere of education. I returned to Karachi with a new conviction.”

“We started regular devotions and biblical worldview training for our teaching staff. We now encourage teachers to disciple students intentionally through mentoring and values-based learning. During the Post-Consultation in 2024, I was inspired again by the broader picture—the 7 spheres model helped me understand how we need to engage not just education, but areas like arts and media. We’re now developing a small creative writing club in the school to encourage students to express their faith through storytelling, which we hope will grow into a media initiative in the future.”

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