Discipleship Strategy - Rackcdn.com89dbd43df5d3a4d43b54-c9602ce2bbbda9c97ca34a28f209f46e.r34.cf2.rackcdn.com/...
2 downloads
200 Views
9MB Size
Becoming & Making
DISCIPLES CROSSPOINTECHURCH www.crosspointetogether.com -1-
BECOMING AND MAKING DISCIPLES Mission Pointing our communities to Jesus. What do we mean by pointing? • Does someone know the story of God? • Can that person connect his or her own story to the story of God? • Can he or she connect someone else’s story to the story of God? Vision To see our communities informed and transformed by the power of the gospel for the glory of God. Our vision is what we see happening as our mission bears fruit in our communities. To be informed is to look to Christ and his gospel. To be transformed is to believe in him such that it changes who we are and the way that we live. This vision works from the smaller to the greater. That is, the informing and transforming begins early in the morning as we preach the gospel to our own hearts. It then moves into our households and into our relationships, into our Community Groups and our workplaces, into our neighborhoods and our congregation. Gospel Rhythms As the gospel continues to work in us, we believe that it will radically transform the contours and fabric of our lives individually, communally and culturally. We will seek together to live lives of Celebration, Connection, Community, and Contribution as the gospel works in and through us in every facet of our lives.
CELEBRATION
CONTRIBUTION
CONNECTION
COMMUNITY -2-
BECOMING AND MAKING DISCIPLES CONTESTED SPACES We need to ask ourselves what will be the cultural challenges to living these rhythms out? If the goal is to become disciples who make disciples, then what are the dominant narratives we will be warring against? Fundamental to making disciples is a recognition that everyone, everywhere is being discipled. The question isn’t are you a disciple? But rather who are you a disciple of? Put another way, everyone is a disciple of a particular vision of the good life. As followers of Jesus we want to take our cues from how he describes the good life instead of how the culture would describe it. The tension between these competing visions of the good life and the narratives surrounding them is the “contested space” in which we are called to make disciples and the space we are to inhabit. This discipleship guide sees that much of discipleship is a movement in the midst of the following contested spaces: from suppression to celebration, from distraction to connection, from isolation to community, from consumption to contribution. When we live our lives with anything other than the gospel at the center instead of lives of celebration, connected by our Creator into a community of disciples contributing their to the glory of God, we will live lives suppressing the truth of God, easily distracted by the pursuit of false promises of meaning and purpose, isolated from one another, and in fear forced to consume the things of the world in a vain attempt at satisfaction and fulfillment.
SUPPRESSION
CONSUMPTION
CELEBRATION
CONTRIBUTION
ISOLATION
CONNECTION
COMMUNITY
$ DISTRACTION
-3-
FROM SUPPRESSION TO CELEBRATION EXPLAINED
It is clear from the scriptures that we are not spiritually neutral. If we are not celebrating the truth of God’s story then we are suppressing the truth. We desire to help people move from suppressing truth into a full blown celebration of God’s truth. Life is ultimately about worship and when we suppress the truth, we end up worshipping lesser things. This is what Paul speaks of in Romans 1. Romans 1:18-23
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. It should be noted that it's not just unbelievers who suppress the truth, but also as Christians anytime we choose to ignore God's word and follow the course of the world and our own desires. All of our idolatry is ultimately a suppression of the truth. We want to help move people toward the truth, because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
-4-
FROM SUPPRESSION TO CELEBRATION CURRENT REALITY
Reflect on the previous page and use these bulleted questions as a guide to journal your way through your current experience of celebrating the gospel in your life. Listening • How are you currently actively engaged in hearing the truth of scripture? • What is your current plan for scripture reading? If you have none, what are the reason why? • How do you actively engage in listening in Celebration Service? Do you follow along wth the sermon in your own Bible? Do you take notes? Do you use the CG Study Guide? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Speaking • What value do you see in setting a regular time set aside for prayer? • What is the pattern you use for prayer? Do you have a prayer list? A prayer journal? An acronym that helps you to pray? A place you regularly go to pray? • Describe your experience with the corporate prayer of confession on Sunday mornings. What do you find you often pray about, confess or reflect upon? • Describe your experience during communion. What thoughts do you have during this time?
-5-
FROM SUPPRESSION TO CELEBRATION • • How does gratitude for the gospel in the sermon and communion inform your generosity in the offering and in worship during the last portion of the service? • With whom do you regularly pray? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Belonging • How do you engage with your household (spouse, children, roommates, friends) in knowing and applying the gospel to you daily life? • How do you evaluate your participation in the discussion at Community Group? • How consistent have you been in participation in Celebration Service, Community Group and other opportunities to gather with the church? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ … endeavor to promote spiritual appetites by laying yourself in the way of allurement
– Jonathan Edwards
-6-
FROM SUPPRESSION TO CELEBRATION SPECIFIC GOALS
Consider your reflection on the current reality of your experience with the habits of grace. What goals would you set for the coming year and how will you go about growing in these goals? Listening Specific Goal: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Plan for Growth: What steps will you take in the next year toward the goal above? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Speaking Specific Goal: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Plan for Growth: What steps will you take in the next year toward the goal above? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Belonging Specific Goal: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Plan for Growth: What steps will you take in the next year toward the goal above? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
-7-
FROM DISTRACTION TO CONNECTION EXPLAINED
In our cultural context distraction is such a major hinderance to the work of the gospel in our lives. The average disciple would unequivocally say he desire for his story to connect with God's story, but why do we so often fall short? Distraction. There are too many things vying for our time and attention that in and of themselves are not bad things, but we allow them to keep us from connecting with God. Take Netflix for example. There is nothing wrong with Netflix, but it can become a way that people seek to medicate their souls. Instead of engaging in spiritual disciplines like hearing from God's word and speaking to God in prayer, it is easier and seemingly less costly to start binge watching. It is easier to be distracted because we are often afraid of what we might find out about our hearts if we start allowing God, through his word, to examine our hearts and lives. But it goes well beyond Netflix. Our affluence and access affords much opportunity for distraction. Again, the distraction usually takes the form of a good gift in which we over indulge. We then wonder why we aren’t feeling close to God. Practically we have to repent of idolatry identifying what things have become a distraction and then walk toward greater connection with God. This movement is illustrated well in the passage below. Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Serving like Martha is a good thing! But, we want to ensure that we choose “the good portion.” This will take much intentionality learning to habituate our hearts with the things that will lead to a greater love of Jesus.
-8-
FROM DISTRACTION TO CONNECTION CURRENT REALITY
Reflect on the previous page and use these bulleted questions as a guide to journal your way through your current experience of celebrating the gospel in your life. Heart • Reflect on what motivates your heart. What do you tend to get excited about? What tends to worry you? • What do you rely upon to comfort yourself with when things go bad? • How are you actively engaged in preaching the gospel to your own heart? • Consider the following root idols:
Power idolatry: Life has meaning if I have power and influence over others.
Approval idolatry: Life has meaning if I am loved and respected by others
Comfort idolatry: Life has meaning if I have a particular quality of life
Control idolatry: Life has meaning if I am able to get mastery over life circumstances. • What are the root idols that tend to underly your surface, or more observable, sins? • What are the activities, relationships and thoughts in recent months that tend to distract you from devotion to Jesus? What encourages your devotion to Jesus? • Where have you recently seen growth in your trust in the gospel? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ -9-
FROM DISTRACTION TO CONNECTION Household • Reflect on the relationships in your household (spouse, children, parents, roommates, etc.). How are you helping to connect the story of God to the story of their lives? • How have the habits and activities you have developed together contributed to greater distraction from devotion to Jesus? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Community • Reflect on the relationships in your community (neighborhood, dorm, workplace, school, hobbies, sports, etc.). How are you helping to connect the story of God to the story of their lives? • How is the gospel informing your relationships? How does the gospel transform how you relate in your community? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
- 10 -
FROM DISTRACTION TO CONNECTION SPECIFIC GOALS
Consider your reflection on the current reality of how the gospel is informing and transforming your relationship in the Community. What goals would you set for the coming year and how will you go about growing in these goals? Heart Specific Goal: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Plan for Growth: What steps will you take in the next year toward the goal above? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Household Specific Goal: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Plan for Growth: What steps will you take in the next year toward the goal above? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Community Specific Goal: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Plan for Growth: What steps will you take in the next year toward the goal above? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
- 11 -
FROM ISOLATION TO COMMUNITY EXPLAINED
Though we regularly admit our need for community, the reality is that it is easier to drift toward isolation. Why? Because community is hard. It takes effort. Busy schedules coupled with proximity challenges create a situation that is ripe for isolation. Beyond the external challenges there is the internal, heart level issues that inhibit true community. Part of this is the shame that we carry. We worry that we will be rejected. Thus, it is vitally important that we really know the truth so that we can combat our shame with the power of the gospel. The challenge in all of this is that it is often in community that we are reminded of the truth of the gospel, and yet when we tend to isolate ourselves and so move further and further from the very source of proclamation and reminder. We need to actively work to create opportunities to move from isolation to greater levels of community. Ecclesiastes 4:12
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. True gospel community does not have its foundation in our efforts to spend time together and shared interests, or our backgrounds and stages of life. Gospel community is the fruit of Christ’s work on the cross. We find ourselves humbled before Jesus. We look around and see that there are others nearby who are in the same place, kneeling on the same ground. These are our brothers and sisters. This is our community. And so, our community, our love for one another, gives evidence of the reality of Christ and his gospel to our culture and the reality of discipleship to our congregation. At CrossPointe we have two pillars in which we manifest our community together: GATHERED GOSPEL CELEBRATION SERVICE: The body gathers to remember the ground of the gospel and to celebrate the fruit of the gospel. SCATTERED GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS: The body scatters together into geographically related missional households who gather for mutual encouragement and missional engagement.
- 12 -
FROM ISOLATION TO COMMUNITY CURRENT REALITY
Gathered gospel Celebration • Where does Sunday Celebration stand in your list of priorities? What has given you reason not to gather in recent months? How do these reasons stand up against the benefit both to yourself and others of gathering? • How do you prepare during the week, on Saturday night and early Sunday morning to gather with the church on Sunday? • How do you carry your experience with God, his gospel and his church into your week? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
- 13 -
FROM ISOLATION TO COMMUNITY
Scattered gospel Community • Where does Community Group stand in your list of priorities? What has given you reason not to gather in recent months? How do these reasons stand up against the benefit both to yourself and others of gathering? • How do you participate in the GroupMe and other forms of communication during the week? • How do you pray for and encourage other Community Group members? • How are you working together to engage in pointing your community to Jesus? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
- 14 -
FROM ISOLATION TO COMMUNITY SPECIFIC GOALS
Consider the following two goals: • Gather with us on Sundays every single celebration service that you are in town • Gather with us every single Community Group night. There is a very very short list of reasons not to gather; especially if the reasons to gather are as glorious and essential as those given in Hebrews 10:19–25. The conflicts to Community Group gatherings are even greater than Sunday morning, which simply means that we will have to fight harder as households and work harder together to keep our gathering for encouragement a core element of our lives. What goals would you set for the coming year and how will you go about growing in these goals? Consider not only how often you gather, but also the effort you put into serving and growing together. Gathered gospel Celebration Specific Goal: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Plan for Growth: What steps will you take in the next year toward the goal above? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Scattered gospel Community Specific Goal: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Plan for Growth: What steps will you take in the next year toward the goal above? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
- 15 -
FROM CONSUMPTION TO CONTRIBUTION EXPLAINED
Perhaps the dominant narrative of our Western culture is one of consumption. We are bombarded constantly by marketing campaigns that treat us as though consuming is all we were created for. However, the true narrative of the bible tells us that we were made as contributors, as stewards. To be an image bearer is to be a contributor. This has implications on how we utilize our time, talent, and treasure. At CrossPointe we believe we must build a strong serving culture of serving on teams, responding to crisis situations, being hospitable, etc. But, we must also take seriously the call to be a disciple who makes disciples. While few would argue that the Great Commission is not for every believer, but practically very few wake up thinking about how they can make disciples each and every day. While not everyone is equipped to be a community group leader, a ministry director, or an elder, every Christian is called to make disciples. Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Everything we have in this life, if we are to faithfully leverage it for the glory of God, can be used in one of the following. • • • •
Sacrifice: Lay down for the sake of our own soul (what is evil or unprofitable) Generosity: Lay down for the sake of another Mission: Leverage for the sake of the gospel Thanksgiving: Enjoy the good gifts of our good God
The true test for all that we possess and enjoy in life is this; can I enjoy this while simultaneously offering a prayer of thanksgiving. More often than not we will find that our greatest joy will be found not through consumption, but through sacrifice, generosity and leveraging God’s provision in mission.
- 16 -
FROM CONSUMPTION TO CONTRIBUTION CURRENT REALITY
Time • When you have flexibility with your time (free time) where do you tend to spend it? • What are the time-stealers in your week? • What are some of your most beneficial uses of time? • How are you using your time to contribute to the mission of CrossPointe? • How do you created space in your life and household for neighbors and friends? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Talent • What are some specific talents God has given you? How does the gospel inform and transform how you understand and use your talents? • How are you using your talent to contribute to the mission of CrossPointe? • How can you exercise sacrifice, generosity, mission and thanksgiving through your labor in the workplace? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ - 17 -
FROM CONSUMPTION TO CONTRIBUTION Treasure • How has God provided for you in recent months? • How would you evaluate your faithfulness with your finances in the last year? • How are you using your treasure to contribute to the mission of CrossPointe? • The book “Oikonomics” by Mike Breen suggests that there are “five capitals” revealed in scripture:
Financial: money we have available to invest, measured in dollars and possessions
Intellectual: creativity and knowledge we have available to invest, measured in concepts and ideas
Physical: time and energy we have available to invest, measured in hours and minutes
Relational: “relational equity” we have available to invest, measured in family and friends
Spiritual: “spiritual equity” we have available to invest, measured in wisdom and faith
Consider these “five capitals.” In what areas do you have “surpluses?" ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
- 18 -
FROM CONSUMPTION TO CONTRIBUTION SPECIFIC GOALS
Consider a specific opportunity in each of the following areas. Choose which of the following means of leveraging what you have for the glory of God best fits that opportunity. • • • •
Sacrifice: Lay down for the sake of our own soul (what is evil or unprofitable) Generosity: Lay down for the sake of another Mission: Leverage for the sake of the gospel Thanksgiving: Enjoy the good gifts of our good God
Time Specific Goal: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Growth Opportunities: _________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Talent Specific Goal: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Growth Opportunities: _________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Treasure Specific Goal: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Growth Opportunities: _________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
- 19 -
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES CELEBRATION •
“Habits of Grace” by David Mathis
•
“The Explicit Gospel” by Matt Chandler
•
“One to One Bible Reading” by David Helm
CONNECTION •
Partnership Manual teaching on “Root Idols”
•
“Counterfeit Gods” by Tim Keller
•
“Gospel-centered Life” by Bob Thune
•
“The Cross-Centered Life” by C. J. Mahaney
COMMUNITY •
“Liturgy for Life” sermon series at CPCoast in January 2015
•
“Community” by Brad House
•
“Total Church” by Steve Timmis
•
“The Mark of the Christian” by Francis Schaeffer
CONTRIBUTION •
“Every Good Endeavor” by Tim Keller
•
“The Art of Neighboring” by Jay Pathak
•
“Tactics” by Gregory Koukl
•
“Oikonomics” by Mike Breen
- 20 -
CROSSPOINTECHURCH www.crosspointetogether.com - 21 -
