On the Record - One Answer to One Question

 

I've been thinking a lot about your questions and comments regarding my hour with United Methodist pastors next week. 

I was recently asked, "What is your model or vision for discipleship?"  I thought of our strategies in student ministry. I thought of our Wesleyan manner of helping kids live in methodical holiness and disciplined love.

Here are my thoughts on discipleship.

No one ever drifts to greatness. Want to be a great musician? Methodical practice is required. Do you long for athletic prowess? You must train, and train methodically. Building a great marriage, a great family, a great friendship or a great career requires the ongoing discipline of methodical effort. Wesley had it right; the methodical practice of scriptural holiness is the way to maturity.

Just as God calls us into community, Wesley called his “awakened” to live in community. Iron sharpens iron and Wesley knew the best strategy for discipleship included the honesty (and sharpening effect) of Christ-centered friendships. At Granger, we embrace that pattern. Our vision of discipleship resonates with the inevitable results found in the synergistic power of collaboration and community.

Our best practices for discipleship are rooted deeply in Wesley’s model for advancements made through methodical community disciplines. Determined followers of Jesus, routinely gathering for prayer, worship, service, study and accountability experience dramatic growth in a remarkably short time. At Granger, we envision discipleship as the consequence of similar life-on-life experiences.

We help every person at Granger do five things:

1. We want everyone to have friends who follow Christ and be a Christian friend. We launch new groups for new people every month.
2. We want everyone to serve at least once a month. We offer an easy “first serve opportunity” – called 2nd Saturday – to help everyone get involved.
3. We want people to read their Bibles on a regular basis. Every weekend message is accompanied by a daily devotional guide that helps people consider the scriptures each day.
4. We want every person to invest in the lives of others and invite them to church. We make every weekend a safe place for newcomers to the experience a dangerous message…that just might change their lives.
5. We want everyone to worship God. We constantly reiterate the value of doing the next right thing. We teach everyone to take their next step toward Christ…together.

If you don't know what you want...you're drifting.

Comments

[Sarah Koutz]

I love this post. The things that make my heart beat the fastest in ministry is worship and discipleship. I've been pondering this same question as I've been taking another look at my philosophy of youth ministry. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Jerry McQuay]

Mark, I don't think I've ever heard it expressed better!
Thanks for the clarity and passion and superb strategy. I pray that your 'fire' will burn in the 100 pastors you speak to!

[Melisa Johnson]

Thank you for this message. As someone dealing with lots of life factors adrift at the moment, this reminds me to set an anchor in trustworthy places and focus what's important. Even if it's painful or difficult.

[Corey Mann]

Who is the good looking couple on the left about the middle of the group? Oh wait, the Manns!