Please give your ideas and responses to this statement about Discipleship:
A life-long process of growing in the knowledge of and relationship with God to participate in the redemption of Creation and all the people God loves for the glory of God.
I appreciate that this statement includes BOTH knowledge and relationship. Too often, in churches all across our country, Christian Education or Small groups, etc. have been about transference of information from one generation to the next. We're in the business of more than that! We're about seeing that information impact lives and lead to formation and transformation.
ReplyDeleteNow that I think about it, I wonder if the word "growing" could be replaced with formation. Cool images come with that word, for me!
Have a fantastic day!
Duke
I think that the statement sounds great. It includes both growing personally and ministering (is that spelled right?) to all the people that God loves, which is our job as Christians.
ReplyDeleteA few other random thoughts about small groups: I really like the idea of having the whole church study the same thing for a small time. I think especially during this time of transition we need things to unify the WHOLE CHURCH.
I would like the idea of more parenting/mentoring classes....I just finished a book that discusses how for most of the younger generation one of the best ways for them to have their own faith is to see it lived out at home (since parents realistically see the children more than "the church" does)....helping equip families/parents with what they need to be strong Christian influence in their homes and children's lives.
Happy Tuesday! Sara
"A life-long process of growing in the knowledge of and relationship with God to participate in the redemption of Creation and all the people God loves for the glory of God."
ReplyDeleteI hope that you don't mind if I put my two cents in. I'm not a member of FBC but I am a Seminarian who has been thinking about the topic of discipleship lately.
My first thought is that the emphasis of discipleship is on knowledge. Consider the Great Commission. "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 thing to observe all that I have commanded you." So, my understanding of this is that discipleship is primarily about teaching.
I'm kind of curious how one participates in the redemption of 'Creation' by discipleship? Romans 8:22-23 seems to indicate that we cannot participate in redemption of creation. Creation, like God's children, must eagerly wait for the redemption that comes from God. It seems like redemption is a future thing that we have no control over.
And how does one participate in the redemption of 'all the people God loves.'
I love the last part, "for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God."
So those are a few of my thoughts. I hope everyone has a good day!
Thanks for your comments, Sara. We are getting closer to finalizing a "church-wide" study for August when we launch Fall Small Groups and some other programs. Also, Dedra, Duke and I are looking at having a Parenting Seminar with break-out sessions for Sharing Your Faith With Your Children, Single Parents, Scriptural Discipline, Special Needs Kids, Parenting Teens and more. I'd like to borrow your book when you are finished.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
John
Good morning, Jason! Thanks for taking a look at our site. I'd like to give some feedback on a couple of your statements:
ReplyDelete"My first thought is that the emphasis of discipleship is on knowledge." The passage begins, "Go." My understanding of Mt 28:19-20 is that we are to grow new Christians through Baptism, teaching, and obedience to God's Word. I see action being taken on the knowledge that is gained.
"I'm kind of curious how one participates in the redemption of 'Creation' by discipleship?" One piece of that is discerning and developing our spiritual gifts to become the person God created us to be. Secondly, we are active in the redemption of those around us, the Spiritual use of abilities, resources - both natural and otherwise- and providing light and salt to the people and systems around us.
God bless you on your journey!
John
Hi John, thanks for the response. I appreciate your taking the time. I like your response to my question about Matthew 28. I totally agree.
ReplyDeleteI have another related question about the Great Commission. As I've studied, the word "Go" in the Greek is not in the imperative form. So it is not a command but could be translated "As you go." I don't want to seem like I'm questioning the importance of evangelism, because it is so very important and is commanded in so many other places in Scripture. But would you say that the discipleship that the Great Commission is referring to happens after salvation? Thus the Great Commission is not commanding us to share the gospel but rather baptize and teach Christians of all spiritual ages to observe what Jesus has commanded?
I'm still a little puzzled about our participation in the redemption of creation (by creation I mean the created world, not the people in it). I was wondering if you could put some Bible into your points. Specifically in our responsibility or opportunity to participate in the redemption of creation as defined above. I agree with what you said about our part in helping other people but I can't find a passage about the redemption of creation.
I really enjoy talking about things in Scripture. And I typically have a lot of questions, so I hope I'm not being too much of a bother. I hope that thing are going well for you!
For God's Glory,
Jason