DISCIPLESHIP WORKSHOP [KNOW-BE-DO]

DISCIPLESHIP WORKSHOP [KNOW-BE-DO] August 28, 2016 A Picture of Whole-Person Discipleship Basic Objectives Our intent is to set the stage for a long-term focus of our church. This is not a one-year focus. It is not just a kickoff message for the 2016-17 academic year: get everyone worked up in the locker room and to head out into the world living for Jesus! Now, that s not a bad thing of course, but we are all aware of how distracted and forgetful we can be and how the world can push against us and we lose sight of the goal. THE GOAL: The goal for this time is to give a simple paradigm for how we talk about discipleship at NPC, so we have a common vernacular and understanding, so that we have common rubric from which to speak and plan. We want to do three things today: 1. explain whole-person discipleship, then 2. evaluate where each of us is at personally, then 3. enact a personal plan for moving forward What is Discipleship? Discipleship comes from the word for disciple, from the Latin for learner or pupil. The work of discipleship is the process of learning from Jesus, not just about him. All Christians are disciples, they are following Jesus and seeking to become like him, they are learning from him. A Christian is a learner, a pupil, of Jesus our Lord. He is leading us and teaching us, and we are seeking to be like him, not just learn about him. Discipleship is a word that has been used over the years in Christian ministry and in the work of the church. Synonyms of discipleship are: spiritual formation, growth, growth in grace, transformation, sanctification, Christ-following, etc. In all these there is a focus on following Jesus and being like him, Discipleship Workshop Page 1 of 12

there is a transformation that takes place as men and women follow Jesus, as they take up their cross and follow him. Matthew 28:18-20 ESV [18] And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] 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, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. A Christian then, is someone, who at some point has come to receive and believe the gospel: the truth that we are sinners in need of forgiveness, which God provides by faith in Jesus. A Christian is someone, who by the work of the Holy Spirit, understands his or her need of the cleansing work of God in her life. It is a declaration of faith, AND an ongoing reality, living in dependence on God. He or she is in a pattern of repentance and faith, hearing the gospel again and again and applying it to more and more areas of life. The gospel is for those who don t yet believe and for those who believe who need to hear it again! The gospel is the pattern for salvation and transformation. Preaching the gospel to ourselves again and again is the pattern of discipleship: seeing our sin and repenting of it, and cultivating our faith in Christ. True Christian Discipleship It is essential to the gospel call (cf. Matthew 28:18-20) to preach the gospel and to make disciples. Men and women for centuries have passed along the truths of God s Word to their children as the foundation for strong families. Individuals have met with one another for years pursuing gospel truths and the church as sought for decades to share the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. The local church partners with the family in helping form Christ-likeness in its congregation. This is discipleship. But discipleship is not just head knowledge. It is not simply an understanding of material. True Christian Discipleship is not just mastery of knowledge, but it s mastery of the believer. That the truths of God s Word have a power over our lives to call us to repentance and faith; by the Holy Sprit the truths are worked deep in our soul and then are expressed in action. Mark 12:30-31 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. 31 The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. As a church we must be intentionally and systematically teaching, training, modeling gospel-centered discipleship in the lives of those entrusted to this local church. We aim to develop the areas of one s heart, soul and mind. This Discipleship Workshop lays out our focus on Know-Be-Do articulates a comprehensive plan for training men, women and children in the areas of theology and discipleship and enable them to move into forms of ministry that honor God with their spiritual gifts to help them be disciples of Jesus. Discipleship Workshop Page 2 of 12

With this discipleship goal in mind: to present everyone mature in Christ, we set out to design something approachable by all attendees, a structure that encourages everyone along their journey with God using those three areas: heart, soul and mind. We use the terms Know-Be-Do. Under the framework of Know-Be-Do, we created a scope and sequence in each ministry department, Children s, youth and Adults. The Scope and Sequence is an intentional plan including methods for knowledge, experience, relationship and spiritual formation that will help foster healthy growth in the local church. Scope and Sequence Scope answers the question: What biblical material will we cover? The scope is the extent or range of material to be delivered a mélange of experience, knowledge, relationship, and spiritual formation found in the principles and aims of discipleship. Content will include: basic Bible knowledge, theological study, doctrinal teachings within our denominational distinctives, what it means to follow Christ, spiritual rhythms and practice, Biblical study, theology, relationships, idolatry, mission, prayer, spiritual gifts, stewardship, and how to engage our cultural milieu, along with literally dozens of other classes and programs. Sequence answers the question: In what order (and in what venues) will we cover the material? The sequence is an orderly list of classes, experiences, or relationships that teach the principles and aims addressed in the scope of material above. It is a plan, a general map for education and experience. This sequence is a journey for the learner; it is a process and which address the ongoing relational connection with God and one another. This sequence or structure will have both core and elective opportunities for spiritual growth, forming a path for spiritual growth and development in community. Reminder: When we say stuff like this, it sounds like college, high school, middle school. People can be focused just on the knowing material and counting as discipleship. But in the history of the church, as we watch Jesus with his disciples, it was never enough to just know. James reminds his church, and us, that we must do what the Word says, Luke 11:28 says that we are blessed if we not only hear the Word, but are doers of it. Example: This week a friend of mine posted a video on Facebook about texting and driving. It was a series of 20- somethings talking about how they text and drive and what they use, Facebook, IG, snapchat and more. They are bored, at a stoplight, etc. They are light about it. They are a bit flippant in their answers. Then Jacy, a young woman comes into the room with a limp. She is partially paralyzed, she has a slip and her face is slightly deformed from an accident. She talks about an accident when a person was texting and driving, that person caused a semi to swerve, which then hit her family s car. As she shared her story, one by one the others began to weep. And apologize. Then they began to make pledges that they would not text and drive, that they would create new habits in their driving lives. The knowledge of the story (head) affected their feelings and passions (hearts), and in turn motivated them to change their behavior (hands). Our hope is the same with the gospel, that as it is preached, it is believed, and then lived out. Head, Heart, and Hands; Know, Be and Do. Discipleship Workshop Page 3 of 12

The Pattern of Discipleship We often come to church and don t have a purpose in mind: we come because we are supposed to, or because we have a ride, or because we feel like we should, or we did last week and we like the people here, or because we are desperate for God, or because we simply delight in the Lord and all he has done and we d rather not be anywhere else. Whatever the reason, we want to help you see the directionality of the Christian life As a church we are taking steps forward in our knowledge, our relationships, and in our activities. All of which, to Dave s message last week from Colossians 1:28, to present everyone mature in Christ. We do this together. We do it alongside those sitting here. We see the value of Christlikeness and the pursuit of holiness (and yes, that ebbs and flows as we battle sin), the value of maturity in Christ. We want to present an intentional, comprehensive, organized, kingdom-oriented plan for presenting everyone mature in Christ. So we set out to create a way for people to see and understand what it looks like to grow in Christlikeness. The workshop sets out an easily definable, memorable way to look at whole-person discipleship: Know-Be-Do Discipleship Workshop Page 4 of 12

The Form of Discipleship in the Church (NPC): A simpler way to look at what this means for the church is to break the process of discipleship into three general areas in which content, relationships and experiences will fit. These words and ideas will be used to help govern the scope and sequence of our teaching. The desire is to ensure a whole-person development in our discipleship efforts at each level of ministry (Children, Youth, Adults) and each level of maturity (pre-, new, growing, mature Christians) in the church. Colossians 1:9-10 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Know [Head] knowing what God says about himself, people and his plan of salvation o Orthodoxy (right belief and thinking) o Intellectual (biblical, theological, educational, etc.) Be [Heart] growing in intimacy with God through the Spirit, internal change o Orthopathy (right passions for God and his kingdom) o Spiritual (growth/sanctification, spiritual formation, practices, etc.) Do [Hands] responding to what I know and am becoming through my actions, external change o Orthopraxy (right actions and behaviors) o Practical (experiences, practicum, etc.) Whole-Person Discipleship: Know, Be and Do Each element (class, event, experience, group, etc.) of the discipleship plan corresponds to one of these three areas in order to fully form followers of Christ. Know [Head]...to be filled with the knowledge of his will We hear the gospel preached, taught and declared in worship. In this area, we grow in knowledge of what God says about himself, his people, and his plan of salvation. Collectively we learn the gospel as we learn what it means, through corporate worship, preaching, and teaching; in addition, we pursue small group and individual study and worship to grow in our understanding. Be [Heart]...to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Having heard and believed the gospel, we are formed to the likeness of Christ at a level of our identity and affections by the Holy Spirit. The gospel penetrates not only our mind, but our instinctive understanding of who we are. The result is a holy change in us; our passions and convictions are redeemed. The church as a whole is collectively renewed after the image of Christ. Do [Hands]...bearing fruit in every good work Having understood the gospel, and experiencing the internal change in our passions and priorities, we then apply it in our lives practically. Our actions are empowered by the Spirit and refocused on kingdom-building. As a church then, our efforts in discipleship do not remain static. We are outward oriented, inviting newcomers, serving the church and the community. We practically use our time, talent, and treasure to see this city flourish and enjoy Christ. Discipleship Workshop Page 5 of 12

Notes and Ideas: Discipleship Workshop Page 6 of 12

Value Statements What we want for our people Captured below are value statements for the adults in our church what we desire for them in their spiritual formation in the church. These are end-goal statements. There are interim steps needed in each of these areas, as not all adults can describe or lay out some of these ideas. These are goals for us to work toward in our ministry years with the men and women of our church. The material presented in the Scope and Sequence for adults accomplishes these goals through classes, events, relationships, and activities scheduled throughout the year. Knowing [Head]...to be filled with the knowledge of his will We desire that our men and women in the church... believe the gospel of Jesus Christ and can articulate the plan of salvation know the books of the Bible and familiar with the Westminster Standards articulate tenets of reformed theology like grace, covenant, providence, perseverance know the largest brush strokes of the Bible, the big themes found in Scripture articulate their personal idols that get in the way of true worship and obedience articulate the faith/repentance dynamic behind the cross chart and need for Jesus conduct an inductive Bible study on their own know where to find good resources to answer the culture s ever-changing structure Being [Heart]...to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord We desire that our men and women in the church... apply the gospel to life, knows his or her areas of struggle Grow in desire for spiritual wholeness and new life Engage in a spiritual friendship with at least one person for confession, repentance and prayer increase in his or her desire for obedience to God s laws reflect more and more the fruits of the Spirit in his or her relationships Commit to a spiritual small group for edification, care, and prayer Finding deeper dependence on God through prayer and meditation on his Word Doing [Hands]...bearing fruit in every good work We desire that our men and women in the church... know their spiritual gift and are using it in the church Grow in financial generosity / move towards tithing Engage in serving the local church through a ministry team Consider missions opportunities Help lead the mission of the church by greeting and inviting newcomers into community Practice hospitality in their relationships with one another and their community Comments: This list is not comprehensive, but it helps us build our scope and sequence of activities and classes that can help men and women grow in their faith in Christ. This list may be developed over time to help address the needs of the church in response to issues and how the demographic (socio-economically, numerically, spiritually) Discipleship Workshop Page 7 of 12

Evaluation Tool [Personal] Know-Be-Do Worksheet for Individuals In order to encourage and evaluate our desire for whole-person development at NPC, this tool was created to allow leaders to connect with others in a helpful manner in regard to spiritual growth in the three areas of Know, Be and Do. These questions are an attempt at kick-starting spiritual conversations with members of small groups, ministry teams, Sunday school participants and other areas where individuals are in spiritually formative communities. These are developed from Colossians 1:9-10. Know [Head]...to be filled with the knowledge of his will What am I learning about God and his character and will? What classes or communities do you connect with on a regular basis? What are you learning about God that you had not seen or understood before? What areas do you lack an understanding in biblical matters? What are some challenging concepts in regard to your understanding of theology? Are there portions of the Bible that are confusing to you? What are some truths from scripture that have been a blessing to you? What are you presently studying in regard to Christian beliefs? What have you memorized lately in the Bible? Be [Heart]...to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord How is knowledge of God s character and will working true change in me? In what areas of your life has God been working lately, the last 6-12 months? Is your obedience to God joyful or resistant? Why do you think so? In what areas of your life do you need to confess sin, or repent and believe the gospel? How have you noticed changes in your passions since committing to Christ? What areas of your heart is the Holy Spirit convicting you? Consoling you? Prompting you? Describe present changes in your life in response to the gospel? How would others describe your heart for the Lord and the impact on your relationships? What are idols in your heart that you are putting above the Lord? Do [Hands]...bearing fruit in every good work As a result of what I am learning and how I am changing, what is God asking of me? Where are you presently using your gifts of time and talent for the Kingdom? Do you find joy in serving others, or is it a struggle for you? Where has another blessed you and/or your family through their gifts? What are scheduling or life issues that are keep you from joining a ministry team? What are the sin patterns that are preventing you from serving the Lord? This list is not exhaustive; this list is demonstrative of the kinds of questions we want leaders asking of others under their care: a CGroup leader to participant, an elder to a lay person, a Stillwater leader to a middle school student, and other ministry partnerships. The desire is to train others with these types of questions so each person (from a child to a retiree) can learn to self-evaluate and to ask these questions within their own community and grow in grace. Discipleship Workshop Page 8 of 12

Personal Evaluation Review Sheet In the spaces below, brainstorm about your spiritual life. Where are you spending your time and energies in regard to the church? Do an honest assessment of your engagement in the church: 1.) Are you doing a lot of stuff and very willing to serve, but maybe lacking in areas of knowledge and a handle on God s Word? 2.) Or perhaps you are a great student of the Word, but your heart is simply not being changed by the truths (harboring resentment or anger, a hidden sin, an unwillingness to be wrong)? Or 3.) maybe your passions are for Christ and him alone, but you are simply internally-oriented and not using your gifts for the Kingdom. Know [Head] (Orthodoxy) Biblical study, themes in scripture, understanding the person and work of Jesus Be [Heart] Orthopathy Through fellowship, accountability, shepherding, and outreach. Reworking passions and desires, attacking the idols of our heart and putting God first Do [Hands] Orthopraxy Through missions and projects in our community, using God s gifts for every good work Discipleship Workshop Page 9 of 12

Discipleship Track [Curriculum Content] Example content Ideas for the curriculum over 3-4 years at Northwest Presbyterian for adults (post-high school) Know [Head] Orthodoxy right thinking, intellectual [engaging the mind of a disciple understanding the Word, developing faith] o Biblical study inductive study, how to study, how to apply the bible o Bible Overview big picture, themes of the Bible, structures, types of literature o Bible Content books, characters, theology, doctrine Genesis 1-11 John overview Romans overview Galatians comprehensive o Apologetics The Reason for God, Keller o Doctrine/Systematic Theology 101 (scripture, the Godhead, humanity, sin/cross/redemption, the church, eschatology, pneumatology, use WCF and WSC) o Apologetics defense of faith, response to other religions o Historical Christianity the history of the church, Catholic/Reformation History, the PCA, our church; (global, national and local history) o Christianity Explored, Matthias Media Be [Heart] Orthopathy right passions, spiritual-relational [engaging the soul of a disciple the passions, inner life] o Spiritual Disciplines A Praying Life, Paul Miller o Idolatry Class Counterfeit Gods, Keller o Gospel-Centered Life and Gospel-Centered Community o CCEF How People Change, Helping Others Change o Peacemaker, Peacemaking Family, etc. (7 A's, 4 G's, etc.) o Spiritual Practices and Rhythms for growth and health: Worship together Prayer together Meditation Memorization Retreat together, etc. o Ecclesiology: Partnership Class and others Prodigal God, Keller Church Membership, Leeman I am a Church Member, Rainer Do [Hands] Orthopraxy right actions, practical [engaging the strength of a disciple serving and ministering to others] o Spiritual Gifts Class o Time/Talent/Treasure Materials Financial Peace University, Dave Ramsey o Serving on a Ministry Team, officer training, etc. (see below) o Mission and Evangelism Class o Mission Experiences and Service Projects (local, national, international) o Relationships are changed as a result Parenting: Shepherding a Child s Heart Marriage: Sacred Marriage Discipleship Workshop Page 10 of 12

Plan Moving Forward Take a few minutes and write in the blocks and make a plan. Where are areas you have been growing? Also, what are areas you need to focus on in order to grow in Christlikeness? In what ways do you desire to grow in your walk with the Lord? Remember, we are not asking you to add-in more stuff: maybe your life needs exactly the opposite!! Classes KNOW: Head BE: Heart DO: Hands Galatians - Teach a class How to Study the Bible - Help in nursery Experiences Conference or Event Prayer Meetings - Food Pantry - One-time Serving - Make a meal for others Relationships Small Group Bible Study Mentoring Ministry Teams - Teach a missions class - Learn about our missionaries - Children s - Youth - Mission Events Women s Tea Stewardship - take a class on money and stewardship - take a class on spiritual gifts Give Charitably Go on Mission Other Discipleship Workshop Page 11 of 12

Starting the Plan We want to make sure you are resourced and encouraged and connected in order to grow spiritually. Our invitation to you is, come grow with us as we mature in Christ. We are excited to do this together and to help resource you for what you need. But we need you too. Classes, events, activities, ministry teams, relationships, and resources are being planned and prepared to help our church mature in Christ. The twist is that it is not just a consumer idea, it is a team-effort, we are in this together. We need you to step into these new places so that we ALL can grow in whole-person discipleship. Spend time with God in prayer this afternoon Start a plan to read though the bible Take a class each term this year Meet someone new on a Sunday morning Register for an event that is coming up this fall or winter Join a men s or women s Bible study Serve on a ministry team like coffee, usher, or meals Open your home to a newcomer Sit in a different seat on Sundays Start a small group and welcome others into community Cut something out of your schedule so you can rest Idea 1: Idea 2: Idea 3: Resources: Pray for one another in your family and small group Talk with a pastor, elder, deacon or staff Meet with a ministry leader to get ideas and for encouragement Look up resources on the web: o www.npcdublin.org o www.npcdublin.typepad.com Tell others how you are doing and ask them how they are doing Discipleship Workshop Page 12 of 12