There is a need to create an ethos of call within today's congregations to encourage members to embrace a New Testament concept of evangelism and discipleship expressed in Christ's teachings and lived out in the New Testament Church. The research project is designed to examine West Side Baptist Church's discipleship curriculum for its capability to raise spiritually gifted leaders and disciples from the laity and instill a passion for ministry in their daily lives.

A Lay Advisory Committee began work in the fall of 2008 to design, execute, and evaluate a Lenten series for 2009 based on West Side Baptist's current discipleship curriculum, the 7 Steps on the Way of Jesus. The study combined newsletter articles, sermons with accompanying challenges to action, and small groups to provide structure and accountability for the participants. Narrative evaluations were conducted to aid the congregation in making revisions or additions to make the future process more effective.

The results of the study found the discipleship series and small group process to be quite effective in raising the awareness of the congregation about the need and means of sharing ones faith. The study also added a new dimension to the presentation of the 7 Steps as a Lenten Series that is applicable for other congregations. The final analysis seems to identify participants' desire to reach others with the Good News of Jesus even as the study provides an example and means for doing it.