Discipleship Conference “Step Forward”

Purpose of the Conference

As part of the research project “Discipleship in Evangelical Churches in Croatia”, the Biblical Institute organized a panel discussion in September 2024 called “Conversations on Discipleship”, bringing together a number of pastors to discuss discipleship.

During that meeting, we began exploring:

• Challenges churches face in the discipleship process

• Needs of churches and church leaders in discipleship

• Examples of best practices in forming disciples that should be developed and encouraged

This conference is a continuation of those conversations within the framework of the project.

Why This Conference?

At this conference, we want to take a STEP FORWARD:

(1) Bring together a larger number of church leaders.

(2) Explore answers to the following questions:

• What is discipleship? How should it be defined? = A clear definition helps us recognize whether discipleship exists in our context.

• Why is discipleship important? = This is a fundamental question that shapes and guides everything else.

• How do churches practice discipleship? = We will discuss methods, models, and principles of discipleship.

• What obstacles, challenges, and needs do churches face in discipleship? = An opportunity to hear about the difficulties encountered in the process.

• What are positive examples of discipleship? = What works, what has proven successful, and what produces results?

Why This Conference Matters

1. Most of the conference will take place in panel discussions, where church leaders will talk in groups about the topics above.
2. There will be no lectures or teaching; instead, we will have conversations. We want leaders to hear one another, recognize what God is doing among us, and discover how they can contribute more—both giving and receiving encouragement.
3. Our goal is to gather in one place the experiences, lessons, testimonies, and examples of church leaders from our generation as a foundation for a better future.
4. For this reason, it is important that panelists participate from start to finish: not only to share their insights but also to listen to others. Will this conference solve all challenges related to discipleship? No. But we believe that two days of shared conversation, prayer, and fellowship will provide a spiritual boost—a push forward—for many of us, helping us take a STEP FORWARD in the direction we should go.

Date: March 6–7, 2026 (Friday & Saturday)
Organizer: The Biblical Institute