In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Jesus did not command us to make disciples of only those who show up at church. Instead, He said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” The phrase “go” in the original language means “as you are going.” Thus, Jesus commanded us to…
I recognize that being a disciple of Jesus Christ is first and foremost a relationship. It is a restored relationship with the Father through the Son who paid the price for our sin and gave us purpose and a mission. It is living like and looking like Jesus. It is…
What actions would benefit a disciple at each of these discipleship (spiritual maturity) phases: baby, child, teen, adult? In what actions/activities should the individual be involved and which ones could the church provide that would encourage spiritual progress? I am still chewing through these thoughts. Naturally some of the actions/activities…
I know it is hard to separate “your favorite Bible verse/passage” and “your favorite discipleship verse/passage,” but take some time to think about it. Then hit “Leave a comment” at the end of the post. Share your passage and why it is your favorite. Encourage others with your comment! For…
Disciples are not super-Christians. They are followers of Jesus Christ. At the same time, disciples are more than converts. They have moved beyond profession of faith into a lifelong pursuit of living life like Jesus. Some have come to view discipleship as a extra activity for the those who have…
What would be the result of parents who celebrated the birth of a child and then went about their own pursuits, neglecting the child? The child would suffer from neglect and die. The parents would be guilty of child neglect and abuse. Observers would be condemning. In the words of…
I want to invite every person (pastor, staff, volunteer) who has a passion for and questions about discipleship to set aside October 24-25, 2013, to be a part of the DiscipleShift: 1 conference at Eastside Community Church, 2010 Catalpa Loop, Richmond, Kentucky. DiscipleShift: 1 is a unique two-day experience that will both…
It has been a joy to post a few blogs over the last four years about discipleship, assimilation, church growth and a few random thoughts. Serving Kentucky Baptists has been a privilege and a great learning experience. I am very grateful for the opportunity. Here are ten significant thoughts I…
Do you have fear when you think about the future or confidence and hope? Many people I talk with today including church leaders look in despair toward the future. None of us can predict the future. Often someone will have a minute of fame by being on the news or…
Lots of bloggers including yours truly have written thousands of blogs on the issue of assimilation, which is how we keep the people we reach. How do we create a climate of hospitality that causes people to desire to come back after they visit? How do we get people really…
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.
In John 13:34-35, three times Jesus said, “Love one another.” Your group is the ideal place to practice and launch the kind of love for one another that shows the world that we are His disciples.