Prior Editions
June 26, 2005
The
Discipleship Adventure – Grow
to Be More Like Christ
This
week we've reached the mid-point in our discussion of the Discipleship
Adventure. We are continuing in the spirit of our Bishop's
leadership by "Loving God; Loving others; and Making Disciples."
An example first set forth for us by Jesus himself [Matthew 22:37-39;
Matthew 28:19-20].
We've talked about Celebration (or Worship) and Connection (or
Fellowship). Today we turn our attention to Growth -- or
Discipleship. Discipleship is a life-long process of learning and
growing. Our goal is to become more like Christ in our thoughts,
actions, and words. Our mission statement puts it rather plainly and
succinctly; "grow to be more like Christ." To be a
disciple of Jesus implies growth. Put another way, growth is a
natural outcome of a relationship with Jesus. If the relationship is
close and meaningful, growth happens!
Growth is also intentional. It doesn't happen by accident or
surprise. It happens on purpose! As we study, pray, fast, and
meditate on God's word, we encounter God and begin to change. We are
shaped by our study and spiritual disciplines. There are no
shortcuts; there are no secret formulas. There is only one way to
experience growth and that is through the practice of these spiritual
habits. Romans 12:2 says, "Be transformed by the renewing of
your mind, so that you may discern the will of God."
Worship and Fellowship are lived out in a crowd. They are both
celebrations and experiences that the entire body of Christ shares.
By contrast, Discipleship is lived out in a smaller, more intimate
setting. Growth and Discipleship happen in small groups. It's
a shame that so many of us start and end our involvement with the Church
with Worship and occasional times of Fellowship. We miss out on the
blessings of another huge piece of the Discipleship Adventure! It's
in small groups that we challenge one another, encourage one another, and
hold one another accountable.
At Christ UMC, our adult Sunday school classes are the primary means of
promoting spiritual growth. These times of study and reflection are
an important step in growing disciples and leaders for the Kingdom of God.
When we participate in these classes, we grow in our understanding of God
and how God works in the world. When we understand how God works in
the world, we see a clear picture of what our own involvement will mean.
In just a couple of weeks we will begin a new adult Sunday school study
for the summer. We will meet once again in our K-Groups and we will
all study the same topic. As a matter of fact, the study focuses on
God's Design for Discipleship and will explore in more detail some of the
spiritual habits I've mentioned here. It will also challenge you to
take that next step in your own discipleship (and there's always another
step).
Don't end your journey in the same clothes you wore at the beginning!
Grow a little. Experience the understanding that God wishes you to
have. Come to know God more fully. Watch your faith blossom
and bear fruit as we continue on the Discipleship Adventure.
Godspeed,
Pastor John
Mid-Week
Musings
An
Occasional bulletin from Christ United Methodist Church