New Heart is almost three years old now. We have, by design, stayed quite simple in look and process. Our "offerings" are limited, and "programs available" are minimal. This is in large part due to the fact that New Heart was formed around a thought of what not to be, more than what to be. There is no issue when there is no choice but start slow and simple with limited resources. Now that we have lived it for a few years we are beginning to uncover what we are "to be".
The book "Simple Church" has come along at a great time. The book stresses the importance of having a process for making disciples. Where it really connects with New Heart is that it promotes keeping the process simple. I believe forming this framework, or process, is just what we need at this place and time. Many opportunities, great ideas, and possible ministries will come our way. We have to have a way of knowing if and where this fits New Heart.
Thanks for taking time to read "Simple Church". I would like to start some dialog with a few "getting started" questions. I believe you should be able to post your comments, answers, or questions here.
1. The book focuses on a disciple making process. We need to have a working definition, or common view, of what a disciple is or looks like. So, what is a disciple? What does one look like?
2. Based on your thoughts of a disciple, what does New Heart currently do that helps someone become a disciple, or strengthen their discipleship journey?
3. Based on your thoughts of a disciple, what does New Heart currently lack in helping someone become a disciple, or strengthen their discipleship journey?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Ok, I'm going to try this again...I failed at this high tech stuff the first time :)
What do I feel a disciple is? A person who has the assurance of salvation. A person who demonstrates his love for God, his neighbor and his enemy. A man or woman of prayer. A person who is obedient and lives a lifestyle that honors God and is involved in his church.
2) What does New Heart currently do to help others become a disciple?
I think Mat is trying to build disciples by what he preaches behind the pulpit (Eph 4:12). I don't know what the purpose of small groups are at this time. Are they for fellowship, to encourage, to build disciples? Those who give of their time on Sundays with the children.
3). What do we lack in helping others become a disciple? One of the biggies, I feel, is a lack of communication. What small groups are meeting, when, and where? Others could be praying for these groups (which is an attribute of a disciple). There are many options to build disciples; accountability groups, our own private studies, leadership training, are just a few. Besides the small groups that currently meet (how many are there)? I don't feel we have anything in progress. With the leadership team only meeting twice in probably the past year, I feel it very important to start there to make disciples out of our leaders.
Drenda
Hello everyone,
"So, what is a disciple?" I believe a disciple is a person who has a loving relationship with and trust in Jesus Christ. I believe that person would enjoy praying, reading the Bible, and love/serve others. I believe they would be excited about what Jesus has planned to do in everyone's Earthly life, and always be alert for that leading. I think they would also be excited about being with Christ in heaven one day. Last, but not least, I think that person is very thankful for what Jesus is doing and is going to do.
"What does one look like?" Red hair, 6'3", and 210 lbs. *grin* Seriously, I think it is hard to define. I liked the example from the book of someone who loves God, loves people, and serves the world.
"What does New Heart currently do that helps someone become a disciple, or strengthen their discipleship journey?" Sermons are a good help. I think those in a small group would get some support.
"What does New Heart currently lack in helping someone become a disciple, or strengthen their discipleship journey?" We lack focus on what we're trying to achieve, probably because the "process" is unclear. This leads to a lack of clarity in a person's discipleship journey.
Drenda makes a good point about communication. Once we develop our process and decide what "programs" and ministries fit in that process, we need to communicate as much as possible to ensure we make it as easy as possible for people to be connected. A good quote from the book is that "Leadership is like 3rd grade: it means repeating the significant things." I think this communication needs to happen in multiple formats, and amongst leaders and the congregation. This will be a pretty large change for us in the beginning.
Have a great day!
Vince
I may be missing the boat, but I think a disciple may be anyone that attends New Heart and is "seeking" a relationship with Christ.
I think discipleship is a process,
have any of us "arrived" yet?
The fact that Simlpe Church uses a three step process tells me we are on a journey.
2) The sunday service with the great praise and worship by the praise team and Mat's sermons go along way toward building disciples.
3)moving to loving others is a small group function, maybe there's more to do here.
4)Move to serve inside and outside the church walls, this will probably be the hardest step to take,it requires more of our time and energy.
I agree that a disciple is anyone who is seeking to follow Christ regardless of how far they are on that journey. I think that New Heart has done an outstanding job at the first step in the process with a non-intimidating worship service, and I agree with Mat that we are to the point where we can and should add to our process. I think that like the Simple Church describes that small groups can be a good next progression step. I realize that we already have some of these, but I'm not sure if everyone knows about them. I know that I don't know how many are meeting or what the topics being discussed at them. I admit I haven't paid much attention to them, though. We on the worship team have been sort of in a small group from the beginning. Perhaps each small group could report on what they are studying/discussing so people could get plugged in to a small group that interests them. I realize that everyone is super busy, but there are other ways to communicate besides meetings (like blogging :) ) I guess what I'm saying is that our process for plugging into small groups lacks clarity right now because we don't have a clear definition of our process set up yet.
Additionally, I'd like to see us incorporate a similar process for our children and teens. This would generate opportunities for serving others.
I liked how the book stressed the hand-offs. I used to watch my sister in relay races when she ran track. The really good teams didn't have to look back and watch for the runner behind them; they communicated to each other in an extremely consistent manner so that without even looking they knew when they were getting the baton.
I agree with the authors of Simple Church that the hand-offs are critical and I believe consistent communication is the key.
A disciple of Christ? To keep it simple would be one who believes Christ is the son of God and is maturing to be like Christ in mind, soul and spirit.
What NH does to some degree? Provide oportunity for non-believers and believers alike to see the character of God through the worship service (songs, sermons, and Sunday school lessons). Provide oportunity to share love for others through benevolance ministry and some small groups and sporting events.
What NH lacks is a clear oportunity to start a belief in Christ. A clear oportunity to mature in Christ and a clear oportunity where to serve Christ. I think this covers about all aspects in becoming a disciple, but I am encouraged that going through the process shown in the book "The Simple Church" will make our church more united in purpose, personally fulfilled and quicken the spiritual growth of others.
What if you changed the word "disciple" to "apprentice," would that change how you answer?
Post a Comment