For Christians, the focus of our discipleship is Jesus. We devote ourselves to Him, to following Him, to acting like Him, and carrying out His mission. We choose to surrender ourselves to Him. We go where He leads. We study His commands (Matthew 28:19-20), His teachings, and His example so…
I have been doing a series of training and planning sessions across Kentucky this year. Those events have caused me to realize something about discipleship that had not clicked until now. Jesus taught and modeled ministry before he called the Twelve. He prayed all night (Luke 6:12) before calling them…
Claude King of LifeWay Christian Resources is the author of many discipleship resources: Experiencing God (with Henry Blackaby) Fresh Encounter (with Henry and Richard Blackaby) The Call to Follow Christ The Mind of Christ (with T.W. Hunt) and others. Claude has posted a new video on his newly updated Growing…
All ministers of education, associate pastors, children’s ministers, youth ministers, professors, denominational leaders, and others who serve in church discipleship/education ministry are invited. DATE/PLACE: 2013 Annual KBREA Meeting November 11, 2013 FBC Paducah 2890 Broadway Street Paducah, KY 42001 SCHEDULE: 5:30-6:00p Registration 6:00-6:45p Dinner 6:45-8:30p Program 8:30-9:00p Business Guest Speaker: Philip Nation…
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…
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…
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…
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.