The NS Template Library (Discipleship)

NextSteps, a powerful digital ministry tool supported by the Jesus Film Project, offers a comprehensive template library to help you create engaging discipleship journeys. This guide will walk you through the process of navigating the library, selecting a template, and beginning your journey customization.

Exploring the NextSteps Template Library

The NextSteps template library provides multiple ways to sort and filter through the catalog of available journeys:

1. Language Filter: At the top of the library, you can organize templates by language.
2. Search Bar: Use the search bar to find specific topics or keywords.
3. Category Filters: Sort templates by:
   • Topics
   • Holidays
   • Felt Needs
   • Collections
   • Audience
   • Genre
4. Felt Needs Carousel: Browse through a carousel of felt needs to find relevant journeys.
5. Collections Summary: View a summary of available collections for quick access to curated sets of journeys.

Finding a Discipleship Journey

To locate discipleship-focused journeys:

1. Type "discipleship" into the search bar, OR
2. Select "Discipleship" under the "Topics" section

Examples of Discipleship Journeys

The NextSteps library offers various discipleship journeys. Here are a few notable examples:

1. The Lumo Project:
   • Features four feature-length gospel films
   • Word-for-word narration from NIV, ESV, and KJV
   • Adapted from YouVersion reading plans
   • Suitable for Bible study or personal devotion
2. Practicing the Way:
   • Comprehensive set of modern discipleship resources
   • Can be used standalone or in conjunction with Practicing the Way online resources or book
3. Bible Project's "How to Read the Bible" Series:
   • Includes videos, podcast episodes, and supporting tools
   • Designed to show the Bible as a unified story leading to Jesus
   • Visit The Bible Project for more information

Selecting and Using a Template

For this demonstration, we'll use the "Intro to the Bible" journey from the "How to Read the Bible" series:

1. Locate the "Intro to the Bible" journey in the library.
2. Click the "Use this template" button.
3. Link the journey to one of your teams:
   • Choose a team from the dropdown menu
   • Click "Add"
4. You will be directed to the journey builder interface.

Customizing Your Journey

While you can use the journey as-is, consider modifying it to better align with your specific ministry goals:

1. Review the journey content and structure.
2. Identify areas where you can tailor the content to your audience.
3. Use the journey builder tools to make necessary adjustments.
4. Consider incorporating additional resources or activities that resonate with your ministry's approach.

Best Practices for Journey Customization

1. Understand Your Audience: Tailor the journey to meet the specific needs and interests of your target group.
2. Maintain Consistency: Ensure any modifications align with the overall theme and objectives of the journey.
3. Incorporate Multimedia: Utilize a mix of text, video, and interactive elements to keep participants engaged.
4. Provide Clear Instructions: Ensure that any added activities or resources come with clear guidance for participants.
5. Test the Journey: Before launching, go through the modified journey yourself to ensure a smooth experience.

By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively utilize the NextSteps Template Library to create impactful discipleship journeys tailored to your ministry's unique needs and goals.For more detailed information on using NextSteps and its features, visit the NextSteps Support Page. Remember, the key to an effective digital ministry is continual refinement and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of your audience.