The France District gathered June 12–13 at Eternal Life Church of the Nazarene in Torcy, France, for an intensive weekend of Nazarene Discipleship International training. Regional, field, and district NDI leaders Chad Gibbons, Fernando Almeida, and Yacine Monteiro served as the main presenters, helping participants reflect on what it means to both be disciples and make disciples in their local churches and communities.
Regional NDI Coordinator Chad Gibbons opened the weekend by tracing the story of God’s desire to draw humanity close to himself throughout Scripture. From Adam and Eve in the Garden, to the Israelites and the building of the temple, to the vision in Revelation of God’s people fully reconciled to him like a bride to her groom, Gibbons reminded participants that discipleship begins with God’s invitation into relationship.
Fernando Almeida, Field NDI Coordinator, then highlighted the importance of mentorship in the life of the church and in the ongoing formation of disciples. He asked participants to reflect on the question, “Who influenced and mentored your faith?” One woman shared how her father’s love and kindness drew her closer to God. Another remembered how the humor of her youth pastor helped her feel connected to the church.
Almeida noted that these stories are a reminder that people are not always drawn closer to Christ through new programs alone, but often through personal connection, faithful presence, and intentional mentorship.
Throughout the weekend, participants also met in small groups to share the ways their churches are currently practicing discipleship. One participant described how her church is nearing the one-year anniversary of its adult Sunday School class, “Walking through the Psalms.” She admitted that, at first, she was unsure whether people would come before the morning worship service, but she has been encouraged to see the class continue to grow, with people arriving faithfully and on time.
Another participant shared about a new mentorship initiative being tested in their church, where adults are paired with youth or young adults simply to check in on them. At first, the young people were hesitant to open up, but the participant said they have begun to see a change. “When we consistently check in on them, they are opening up and sharing their hearts,” the participant said.
District NDI President Yacine Monteiro left the weekend encouraged. She expressed hope that each participant would return to their local congregation with a renewed vision of discipleship, not merely as one program or ministry, but as a whole-church calling that involves every generation, every ministry, and every member of the body of Christ.
France District Superintendent Fred Marius concluded the weekend by challenging churches to consider not only how disciples are being formed within their congregations, but also how they are moving beyond their walls to make disciples in the neighborhoods and communities around them.
The weekend offered a fresh reminder that discipleship is both deeply personal and intentionally communal. Across the France District, churches are being invited to see discipleship not as an additional activity, but as the heart of the church’s mission.
-article by Erin Ketchum, West-Med Field
