We exist to remind Christians why we exist. Had God never spoken a Word, and had that Word not become flesh in the form of Jesus, we would be lost without hope. God spoke through humans and those humans were led by the Spirit to write down the very words of God. We have those words recorded for our benefit in the Bible. The Bible is not a handbook for a happier, wealthier life. The Bible is not a tool for hurting others. The Bible is God's story revealed to us so that we can have hope.
We believe that Jesus-style discipleship must be demonstrated and led by the leadership of the church because discipleship is the reason why we gather. Healthy discipleship flows from loving, self-sacrificial, life-long relationships that are centered around God's Word.
We believe that unity is destroyed when leaders prioritize gathering around anything other than God's Word. Centering around vision statements can destroy unity. Focusing on doctrinal statements can destroy unity. Loving tradition more than truth can destroy unity. Having a heart of legalism can destroy unity. Centering around politics can destroy unity. And centering around cult-like personalities will always destroy unity.
Furthermore, we must continue to practice the activities that are the very life-blood of growing in our faith, with priority over all other activities. Our goal is to help you keep the main thing the main thing.
Discipleship is Simple … Not Easy
Sometimes, we complicate discipleship and Bible study. We think we need degrees, expensive materials, and cool graphics. We think we need a complicated system to divide people up by categories and age groups. But history has proven the best discipleship requires only people (of all ages and all walks of life) and God's Word. Often, when we add too many other elements or requirements, it distracts us from the main goal of discipleship.
So, yes. You can lead a group of disciples even if you don't have a Bible degree or can't afford special study materials. Meet at least every week, pray for each other, encourage each other, break bread together and read the Bible. Encourage families to do discipleship together, not apart from each other. And, don't forget, discipleship takes time, so you need to be committed to your disciples for the long run. Even Jesus needed three years to invest in the lives of His disciples.
Dear Pastor, Are You Making Disciples? The goal is to answer “YES!” to all of these questions…
Does your congregation regularly read the Bible during the week?
When people gather in small groups, is the Bible the main text being used?
After studying the Bible, are the people in your congregation more likely to be humbled rather than puffed up?
Do the people of your congregation see the Bible as instructions for how to love God and others rather than as a tool to condemn?
Is unity at your church fostered by centering around God's Word instead of around man-made vision statements, celebrity preachers or political ideologies?
Do many of your small groups meet for at least one year?
In your own study, do you read through the Bible every year?
Are your people more passionate about the Words of God rather than your words?
Do your people believe that they, themselves, are capable of making disciples in their own homes or in other venues outside of the church building/organization?
Have you demonstrated, in your own personal and family life, a habit of gathering for discipleship?
Do you meet regularly with believers who teach you and hold you accountable to God's Word?
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, start by asking God to give you a heart for discipleship. And then, take advantage of the many free resources on this website.