In a Fast-Paced, Busy World Paula Pielak, Our Savior Lutheran, Tacoma Kenzie Carpenter, Faith Lutheran, Lacey

Transcription

1 Discipleship In a Fast-Paced, Busy World Paula Pielak, Our Savior Lutheran, Tacoma Kenzie Carpenter, Faith Lutheran, Lacey

2 Topics What is a disciple? What is God s part, our part, their part? How on earth do I fit it in? What do disciples need to grow? Intentional leader Relational environment Reproducible process God s Word Life Groups at Our Savior Lutheran, Tacoma Life Groups at Faith Lutheran, Lacy

3 What is a disciple? And He said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matt 4:19 A Disciple is one who: Is following Jesus Being transformed by Jesus On mission for Jesus

4 God s part, our part, their part God calls, speaks, convicts of sin, and transforms us Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matt 4:19 We disciple Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I will be with you always, to the end of the age. Matt 28:19-20 They respond: Love, obey, grow and make disciples; or not Jesus replied, Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. John 14:23

5 How on earth do I fit it in? Go porteuthentes, could also be transliterated, As you are going Think intentional, not additional apprenticeship, not meetings Being the house that friends want to come to Growing fruit trees in your front yard Being the co-worker that people can trust with confidences Helping a neighbor in need Living faith authentically Being the church in all contexts Good, better, best As you are going, make disciples

6 What do disciples need to grow? Intentional Leader (You) Relational Environment God s Word Reproducible Process

7 Intentional Leader Follows Jesus Understands the game Knows his players Creates environments for growth Understands God s role, his role, and their role In Ministry, Intentional Leader = Disciple-Maker

8 Relational Environment Small is good Jesus modeled multiple relational environments Led by a shepherd Includes modeling, healthy dialog, and Bible stories Characterized by authenticity and accountability Leader is transparent Includes service and celebration Relational environments encourage people to be authentic and vulnerable

9 Reproducible Process Christ-Centered Exploring Christ Movement #3 Barrier 3 Barrier 1 Movement #1 Close to Christ Growing in Christ Barrier 2 Movement #2

10 Reproducible Process Exploring Christ I believe in Jesus, but my church is when I m in the woods or on the lake Characteristics Typical Beliefs/Attitudes Spiritual Needs - Share Ignorant Ignorance about the Bible & Church Share my life Confused Unrealistic expectations Share new Truth Dependent Defined by culture; worldly perspective Share new habits Bring to compelling worship experience Your role Attend church regularly, but have no personal relationship with Christ Spiritual growth is sluggish The longer they attend church, the less likely they are to become Christ-followers (!) Those exploring Christ need a shepherd

11 Reproducible Process Movement 1 Most influential catalysts Belief in salvation by grace Belief in the Trinity Serving Praying Reflecting on Scripture frequently The Church is indispensable (the people, not the building) Building friendships with other believers Initial experiences with prayer & the Bible Teacher, encourager, persuader Church must build trust in Christ Help me develop a personal relationship with Christ

12 Reproducible Process Growing in Christ I am not being fed by my church, so I am going to a church that better meets my needs Characteristics Typical Beliefs Spiritual Needs - Connect Self-centered Excitement over deep relationships Connect to God Idealistic Disillusionment over high expectations of others Connect to other believers Prideful Lack of wisdom Connect to their purpose Low view of self Dependent Tendency to mimic in order to look good Low Biblical knowledge Bring to compelling worship experience Active in church activities Spiritual growth is slow but steady Those growing in Christ need help connecting

13 Reproducible Process Movement 2 Most influential catalysts Belief in a personal God Praying Reflecting on Scripture frequently Sharing my faith Tithing Confidence is crucial Embracing faith at a deeper level Knowledge of God translated to love of God Increasing interaction with Christ builds trust Personal spiritual practices are key Going public is catalytic Help me move from intellectual acceptance to intimacy with Christ

14 Reproducible Process Close to Christ I love my group, but there are others who need a group like this. Characteristics Typical Beliefs Spiritual Needs - Minister Action/service oriented Desire to serve Equip for Ministry Zealous Might feel responsible for how others respond to the message Provide Ministry opportunities God- & others-centered Not strategic about training others Release to do Ministry Mission-minded but incomplete understanding Naivety about other believers ( in church = fine ) Can be black and white about church Faith is deeply personal and significant Increasing love for others Actions reflect committed faith Those close to Christ need opportunities to Minister

15 Reproducible Process Movement 3 Most influential catalysts Giving away my life Deciding that Christ is first Embracing my identity in Christ Believing in the authority of the Bible Reflecting on Scripture daily It s all about the heart Expressions of love of God dominate this movement Willing to sacrifice Intellectual beliefs are bearing fruit It takes place largely outside of the Church Daily immersion in personal spiritual practices Stepping out of comfort zones to reach out Help me to love others sacrificially

16 Reproducible Process Christ-Centered Will you hold me accountable to spend time discipling my group? Characteristics Typical Beliefs Spiritual Needs - Disciple Intentional Ability to think in terms of a team Understanding of spiritual growth Strategic A coaching mindset Release to disciple Reproduction-minded, team minded Self-feeding Dependable Desire to see others mature Others to mentor To be challenged Christ s workforce Exceeding love of God Large stewardship, serving and evangelism gap, but more than other groups Christ-centered people need to equipped to disciple

17 Life Groups at Our Savior Lutheran, Tacoma Past: Difficult to get people into sticky situations Settled on Discipleshift model from Real Life Ministries, Post Falls, ID Implementation journey Invited, then trained the willing Practiced & piloted Sermon series & process initiated to support Life Groups Branched out to train other churches Invited congregation Stories it s working, but still some growing to do

18 Life Groups at Faith Lutheran, Lacey Kenzie Carpenter

19 References Move, Greg Hawkins and Cally Parkinson Real-Life Discipleship, Jim Putman Real-Life Discipleship Training Manual, Jim Putman/Avery Willis/Brandon Guindon/Bill Krause Reveal Study Truth That Sticks, Avery Willis and Mark Snowden