What is the Jesus model? What was Paul saying in 2 Timothy 2:2 (CSB)? Was Paul asking Timothy to talk like him or like Jesus? What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Yes and no. Paul…
My Sunday School class had a great lesson yesterday focusing on the James 2:17-26. We examined scripture to clear up confusion about faith and works. Paul is clear in Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB): For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from…
Confession is admission of sin or wrongdoing. I like the way Renovare defines confession: Sharing our deepest weaknesses and failures with God and trusted others, so that we may enter into God’s grace and mercy and experience his ready forgiveness and healing. Benefits Sin can destroy relationships and drive a…
In this three-part series, I have introduced and explained the value of a discipleship planning team. In Part 1, I suggested scaling the planning team down or up to your church size. I also shared six key planning team focus areas: community relations, first impressions, new members, group connections, serving together,…
In this three-part series, I am introducing and explaining the value of a discipleship planning team. Too often churches enlist a key leader, such as a discipleship director, to do all the discipleship work. The work is often too large for one person. In Part 1, I mentioned scaling the…
In this three-part series, I want to introduce and explain the value of a discipleship planning team. Too often churches enlist a key leader, such as a discipleship director, to do all the discipleship work. The work is often too large for one person. In a church of 20 people,…
When you open God’s Word, He speaks. In order to understand Him, we must listen well. Listening with expectation and prayer, without rushing, and with Bible study tools can really help. Bible Study Tools What Bible study tools do you regularly use? These can be print, online, or even methods…
A conversation expects listening and talking. It is sending and receiving ideas and thoughts. Even two people talking (without listening) is not conversation. How do we talk and listen to God? How do we help those we disciple to join together these two sides of a conversation with God? LISTENING…
My friend, Bob Mayfield, this week posted a practical post entitled How to Start a D-Group. I want to encourage you to read the entire post. Here are the first two sections: Why D-Groups? Disciples are best made in a community of close relationships. Jesus had Peter, James, and John.…
Dictionary.com defines a covenant as “an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified.” Those involved in a discipleship covenant include the discipler, the disciple(s), and God. Check here to see an example of a Discipleship Covenant from Long Hollow Baptist Church, Hendersonville, TN.…
Two encounters are critical. First, the leader encounters God in His Word and is changed. Second, the leader guides the group to have a life-changing encounter.
