Class Response Eleven: Lee Rogers

Lee Rogers is the recently appointed missionary for Youth Alive in the Penn-Del district. I really enjoyed having him join on class on Thursday and present to us what the heart of youth alive is. He shared specifically on the four strategies of youth alive and about his calling, or how God led him to the position he serves in now.

I was fascinated during class as we talked about the strategies represented in the logo above. Blue is Campus Missionaries, Green is Campus Clubs, Red is the Seven Project, and Yellow is the Prayer Zone...

Lee asked us if the Seven Project was more evangelistic or discipleship focused. A few of us gave answers, generally coming to the idea that it's an evangelistic ministry that lays a foundation for discipleship. That was mostly right. Lee pointed our to us that it is actually mainly a discipleship ministry that gives way to evangelism. The Campus missionaries are challenged to intentionally live their faith with this motto: pray, live, serve, tell, give. As they commit to doing those things, practice living them out, and start reaching people... they become a disciple of Christ. Youth Alive also has an online accountability program that helps students track their progress and rate themselves on how they're doing. It is "marketed"as evangelism, but it really serves both purposes. I love that!

The cycle represented on the logo is such a great picture of what this ministry does. First Campus Missionaries are raised up, they start or join with Campus Clubs, Campus Clubs, students, or even faculty and youth pastors can work together to bring in the seven project, which presents the gospel on a larger scale and raises up more people committed to following Christ. It is so life giving and really requires students to step up and reach their school. 

My favorite thing about the seven project is just that. They don't make it about adults reaching students. It's all about students reaching their friends and classmates for Christ. They aren't just passing off the job to someone else, the student gets to experience leading a friend to Christ and helping them follow him. Often, Lee shared, families and friends way beyond the initial outreach are reached for Christ, too. They're not just reaching students... but families and schools through the students.

Service Learning Component Post

The Plan:
a. Who did we serve? (Our target population)
         We aimed to serve families, specifically children, who will be in the hospital over Christmas.


b. How did we serve them? 
(Was there a style of service or specific act of service that most effectively ministered to our target population?)
        We created fun, decorated Christmas cards with notes that will remind them they're special and cared for, even though they have to spend Christmas in a different place than they'd like to be. We will pray over the cards, asking God to bring healing to the families that receive them. We also will deliver them with hershey's kisses and candy canes. We would like to bring them into the rooms of the children, but if we're not able to do that, we will pack everything in a box for the nurses to distribute closer to Christmas. At the hospital we will, when it seems appropriate, tell them where we're from, invite them to our Christmas service, and pray with them. We will need to bring invitations for this. We may wait to sign the cards until we get there and can talk to the children and make the notes personal.

What level of evangelism is this on the E-scale of evangelism?
         This is most likely E-1 evangelism because it is outside of the church but still within our home culture. We may come in contact with families who go to church during this time, though.

c. Where did you serve them? Was there a location or a specific event where our target population gathers that is more effective for us in serving them there than any other location?
         We made the cards and did our planning at the church (with a few extra details added at Panera Bread :)) but we will deliver the cards and candy and minister to families at either Gettysburg or Hanover hospital. (We are waiting to hear back from Volunteer Services from Hanover and trying to reach Gettysburg on Wednesday) This location is best because it's going to the people. This is where they have to be over the Holidays and we hope to bring hope. Jesus has filled us with so much love to pour out on people.

d. When did you serve them? Was there a particular day and/or time that was better than others?
         We made the cards after school on Monday, but we will deliver the cards sometime in the next week before leaving for Christmas break. We would like it to be as close to Christmas as possible, since we will not all be in the area on Christmas. We will go whenever the nurses/volunteer services suggest as a good time.

500-700 word report on the outreach as well as a critique of our planning and execution that will include 3 things that were planned or executed well and three things that could be improved.

My Report:
          I wish I was able to write more here about the time we spent ministering to families in person. I am really looking forward to that and will be asking God to open doors so we will be able to form connections with the people, rather than just dropping things off at the hospital. We found this idea in Sjogren's book, in a slightly different form. The four of us girls spent a few hours together after school one day and really enjoyed making something special for kids who might not feel so special this year during Christmas time. Aside from serving other people, I think this time together was really good for Caitlyn, Kimmy, Kriston and I. I loved getting to spend time with them and we always enjoy being creative together.
         Not only do we hope that this will encourage kids and make them smile a little more during this season, we hope we are able to give them and their families hope. These cards will provide an opportunity to give a small blessing to bring joy, while inviting them to a place where they can meet with Jesus... maybe for the first time. I would also love if God gave us an opportunity to share the Gospel in those hospital rooms.

         Three things that were executed well:
             1. The actual act of service! I looked through the book a couple times and nothing really clicked until I saw the author write about the value of giving people cards. I think it's a great, simple, practical but powerful way to love people. It's all about going to them and loving them in a dark place. Our plan values encouragement, making people feel loved and special, and the importance of inviting people to church. It's not just a hit and run, we'll try to make ourselves available to be connected with later. Overall, I think it's just a beautiful way to love people.
             2. The cards themselves! Kriston and I brought the supplies and it was a great collection of things to make cards that would be really fun for the kids to receive. They looked creative and not just like a card someone would buy in a store. I think some of the best gifts are home-made and I love that we were able to do that... even though it's a smaller kind of gift. :)
             3. The time we spent together doing the card making! We got behind in our planning from a combination of feeling busy, forgetting about the assignment, and struggling to find a project that would work for us. I was really thankful we were able on such short notice to have a chunk of 2 hours where we could just sit together. Longer would've been better... but I look very positively at that time we got to spend together. It was good for our friendships and really makes me value having team building time to carry into your time of outreach together. Whether it's praying or just doing something else that's fun together, I think it will positively affect the way you minister together at the outreach.

         Three Things that could be improved:
             1. Timing. We didn't use our time responsibly in that we were really rushed at the end and STILL have to find a time where the hospital will approve us to come in. That's kinda a bummer and something I wish I would've worked on a month ahead rather that 2 weeks. That is something I'd suggest for the future.
             2. Dividing jobs better to improve the outreach and make more people feel ownership. I felt like I tried to take too much on from the beginning and distributing jobs would've helped us make the outreach better and accomplish more in the same amount of time. I felt like at the end, it was a lot of work trying to communicate the full vision of this and I think that would've changed if I helped them figure out their roles in it sooner.
             3. Better communication with the people we're going to. The biggest challenge that stemmed from timing was actually communication with the hospital. I think it will work out well and we'll be able to connect with the right hospital/volunteer service center, but it will take a few more phone calls. I called one hospital a few times and struggled to get connected with anyone who could tell me anything other than "I'll leave a message". That's fine, it just left us a little stuck. It all goes back to time management... it really puts you under pressure if you start assuming things will work before and depend on them before you really know.

Class Response Ten: Peter Almqvist

Peter Almqvist, Festival Director of Mission SOS, joined us in class via Skype Thursday morning.

My favorite story he shared was about the time he drove around in a jeep through Africa for four days. They were trying to find an unreached people group they'd set out to share the Gospel with.

When they arrived, the Holy Spirit told them it was the right place but it seemed they'd have to build a road to get anyone else in. The four wheel drive on the Jeep was enough for a few people, but the festival would require heavy equipment and many more people.

So, they built a road. 6,000 people came to Christ that week and 10 churches were planted. He told us stories about renovating a town so the festival staff could stay there, buying a sound system from a local night club for a festival, and even a time when a man who was a midget asked another man to throw him in the air to attract attention... all for the opportunity to share the gospel with more people.

Peter said that God gives us each a place in furthering the gospel and quickening the return of Jesus. The place that God has given Mission SOS is through these festivals. They have a confidence in what God has called them to do and they know it's value. They know it is a proven way to reach people and even when they come up against opposition or things just don't really seem to be working... they use their creativity and they overcome.

"Challenges are meant to be overcome" He said. Challenges are not meant to defeat us or be things that steal our joy and zeal for following God... they're simply things that are meant to overcome. Things that serve as rungs on a ladder that encourage us to take another step up.

I love the heart I see in Peter and Mission SOS for overcoming and pushing through, in never giving up... because there is something so much greater God wants to do. Whether it's to reach one person or one-hundred thousand, it is so worth it to be creative and not give up.

This week I'm asking God to give me wisdom in this area. When he asks me to reach a person or a certain group of people, I don't want to stop just because I see a challenge or two. God builds roads with us if we'll trust him and serve faithfully. I don't want to stop after 4 days of driving and give up just because I didn't think building a road was possible.

There might be one person or 6,000 on the other side of that brush, on the other side of that challenge, who are just waiting for me to be creative, push through, and share the beautiful, precious, overcoming message of Christ.

Not giving up or letting anything stop you

Class Response Nine: Jason Fitch, Josh Ploch, Mollie Myers

It was so nice to connect with our Freedom Valley Tulsa Church plant last Thursday in class. We were joined by the church pastor and founder, Jason Fitch, his team member and executive pastor, Josh Ploch, and Mollie Myers, director of Love Tulsa.

There were two aspects of the class that are really touching my heart today. I'd like to write about both.

1. It was such a joy to have Mollie join our class. I loved hearing her share about Love Tulsa, an organization that partners with people who are really making a difference and loving people in the city. She had such a sweet spirit and her love of people and following God to love the often ignored reminded me so much of my own Mom. I really value the two points she shared with us in balancing ministry and family:

First, your family is your ministry, too.
Second, God is not a priority. He is who you base all your priorities on. Our relationship with God floods into our relationship with our families and into our ministry. We are relationship based. God, ministry, and family are all personal. We can't shut the switch off on any of them.

2. This was a very honest class. Toward the end we talked about how we deal with those hard days when things feel like they just keep falling through or you're just facing discouragement. This was close to my heart as God and I have been getting victory over these challenges together the past few weeks. Jason said, for him, it's a conditioning process, that over the past year God has been conditioning him to be tougher. He said that some days he struggles with just wanting to cry and complain, in fact, that was the morning for him. Jason said that some days he would love for God to just release the pressure valve on his life. But at the same time, that pressure is being used by God to turn him into a man he is thankful to become.

I love this about God. I love that even though he made me a sensitive and loving person, he makes my heart strong! I love that in the midst of struggles and feeling discouraged, he doesn't leave me. If I'll hold onto him and choose truth over fear... I will always learn and always grow from it. Ministry is very personal and that's why sometimes it hurts to be faithful to God in it. But I wouldn't trade this for anything... and I think Jason feels the same way. I love that the God we serve knows us so well that he can literally understand every single thing I feel. He offers me better counsel than I could ever dream of. He's my strong arm to hold onto when it feels like my legs are just about to give out. And he's the one who breathes a fire of passion and confidence of God's call into my heart... over and over and over again.

I love that Jason lets people into his growth process. His blog has been really helpful to me in learning to follow up with the things that I'm praying about or that God's speaking to my heart on. The journey won't always be pretty and we won't always love the trials we're going through... but it is so beautiful to  keep following Jesus no matter what.

Interview with an Unchurched Friend # 2

Age: 20
Sex: Female


1. Have you had any past experience attending a Christian church? What was your experience like? (Please include the church denomination, if possible)
     I attended Lutheran church regularly as a child and adolescent. I was confirmed in the Lutheran church. My experiences there were pleasant. It was always a relaxing atmosphere and everyone was friendly as it was a small congregation and everyone was quite familiar.


2. Have you had past experience with serving in a church? Where did you serve/what did you do?   
     As part of confirmation we would all take turns having the responsibility of helping out with the services, including lighting the candles, helping with communion, and collecting the offering.


3. Why do you choose to not attend church regularly?
     I would honestly like to attend church regularly I just currently do not have the desire to motivate myself to get up and go although that is not my wish that is just how it is at the time.


4. What are some issues you see in the christian church right now that may be keeping you from attending a church?
     I do not really see too many issues in the Christian church that are holding my back I believe internal issues hold me back from attending. If anything would hold me back involving the church it would only be fear of judgment by other members.


5. What is something, or some things, that you see the church is currently doing well?
     I believe the church is doing very well at accepting new members and keeping teens and adolescents more involved which in turn will make them feel more important and necessary to the church.


6. Do you think there is any advantage to serving in a church and attending, rather than simply attending without serving in a ministry?
     I believe serving again can help create a feeling of importance and necessity as well as belonging.


7. In your opinion, what should the church's role be in the community? How about in the world?
     I believe the church should be a safe haven in a community as well as a helping hand to those in need in the community whether members or not. To the world, I believe the church should also be a safe haven, somewhere to go and be peaceful in your thoughts as well as a way to spread hope and belief in a brighter future to other countries.


8. How would you describe Jesus?
     I would describe Jesus as the central figure of Christianity and God's son who gave his life for us. 


9. Why do you think attending church is important to many people?
     I believe attending church is important to many people because it allows them to be alone in their thoughts and experience peace and hope. I can see church as an outlet after a hectic week of school or work or perhaps an outlet to request forgiveness after a mistake has been made. I also believe church is simply a part of life to many people therefore they go without giving it a thought such as people go to the grocery store because they need to, I believe some people need to go to church because that is simply how they were raised and how they live.


10. How could a local Christian church change, or what could they add, that would interest you in attending the church or getting involved?
     I love getting involved in ways that help others. I still lend a hand and help others through other ways besides the church. However, in order to help out in the church I think I would need to feel more of a sense of welcoming new help. As I said in a smaller congregation, to me it is difficult to fit in right away when others have been there for so long and have known each other for so long. I also do not know enough going on to be helpful. Perhaps more of a drawing in to bring attention, something that could seem more relaxed such as a social of some sort that would allow someone who has not been to church regularly to consider going without feeling pressure or concern of being judged.


My Response: 
This friend was one of my very best friends growing up. While she is no longer attending a church or really following Jesus... it is very good to see the beautiful things that exist in her heart. She has a servant's heart and sees the value of working together as a team to serve a greater cause. It seems like her biggest hesitation to really get involved in a church isn't the motivation to just get out of bed in the morning. I think she needs someone to really love her and tell her that she is welcome and so precious to God and his purposes, even though she hasn't lived the typical "church person's life". I can see incredible leadership potential in her to advance the kingdom of God and spread the pure, life-giving love of Jesus. She sees the value in helping people get excited about life and understanding that they have a purpose. I want Jesus to use that in her so, so much. I would love for my friend to know Jesus. 


This interview tool is incredibly precious and eye opening for me today. It's easy for us to assume what someone's view of the church is or what they're hungry for in life if we only make our judgements based on observation. I'm going to start praying today about the best way to start caring for my friend and connecting with her again. I'd love for her to come visit church with me. This interview tool is beautiful because it reminds us that there is more. There is more to a person than the destructive life style they live in. Jesus sees their heart, their hurts, their gifts, their potential.... He knows how free and alive they'd be if they knew him and came alive in following him. I want to see people like Jesus does. I want to see this sweet friend of mine like Jesus does and bless her the way she's always blessed me. Bless her the way Jesus blessed me in introducing me to what really being alive is like. 

Class Response Eight: Cullen Allen

Cullen Allen oversees Next Gen. ministries (including children, youth, and young adults) and the MCM School of Ministry at Allison Park Church. He is a man with a full plate in ministry and the truth God's speaking to my heart about is likely one of the many reasons why he gets it done so successfully.

I asked Cullen a few questions during our time together. One about consequences and the other about confrontation. While it sounds like I asked questions about two very cold and authoritarian-related subjects, Cullen shed so much light on why these two things, even though difficult, are important and Godly.

Consequences: Cullen said that one of the things he's done in the past that he would never do again was requiring high levels of discipline without consequences. In his words, it is "a recipe for failure." He said that standards and disciplines are absolutely meaningless without consequences. Consequences should be consistent and immediate. As a  leader in a discipleship and ministry training program, I want my students AND myself to succeed where we haven't in the past. Quick and definite consequence allow us to catch old bad habits and tendencies early on. Sometimes the idea of putting consequences in place in our program makes me feel like I'll just push people away... but I have a totally different perspective now. Even though it can be frustrating when I feel in my spirit the consequences of sin, or a lack of discipline, or poor time management, I am very thankful that there are consequences. The yucky feeling I get after choosing to waste time on useless stuff instead of being with God is a consequence that moves me to change (if I'll let it). Even though it's unpleasant at the time, God uses it for my good. This is a principle I need to apply in my leadership and in my life. He is such a loving father in the way he disciplines.

Confrontation: Cullen told us a story about a recent confrontation with a student. The student had arrived late to class and as a result was locked out, missing the entire 40 minute session. Cullen met with the upset young man to talk about why MCM enforces their requirements. The student was in tears by the end of the meeting after Cullen expressed that they care about him and want to see God's best happen in his life. The student was just thankful that the school and leaders cared about him enough to stick with consequences AND confront him when he went off track. Confronting people, when done in love, isn't an attack. It's a way to help people walk into the fullness of the life that God has for them. It helps them become great in the kingdom of God and be open to the beautiful things God wants to do in them. The thing I love most about confronting in a godly way is that you get to speak life and potential into people. It's not about picking out every mistake. Instead, by speaking over them how much you love who they are, you can kindly and directly point out the ungodly things that just don't belong in someone who belongs to God.

Class Response Seven: Chuck Lenhart

Chuck Lenhart, a truly Holy Spirit-led missionary, spoke to us in class this past thursday, beginning the first of our evangelism focused classes.

The very first word Chuck shared with us was something God put on his heart during Lance's introduction. Chuck said, "God uses those people who yield themselves to him." It was so neat that he shared that, because around the same time, I was thanking God for the hold He has on my heart. I was caught up in the thought that I've done nothing to deserve his care for me or his plans for my life, but He is always so quick to remind me of them and pour love on me.

He went on to encourage us to turn the weak areas of our lives over to God because when we do that, He will use us in great ways. I'm really thankful for the things in my life that God helped me give to him at an early age... things like the TV I watched, words I could've said, or the ways I thought about myself. He saved me from a lot of bondage in those areas of my life. I can see that so clearly now, looking back now that a few years have passed. Today I'm asking God what things still exist in my life that I haven't submitted to him.

The first one that comes to mind is the discipline of my prayer life. I know that I need prayer. I know that it makes all the difference in how I live my day and how I minister. I am so hungry for victory in my prayer life, because in the past I've really struggled with just going after God for that to be satisfied. Even now as I write, I feel like God is bringing me to a place where He's breaking chains and thought processes that keep me in the same cycle of just not praying.

God, I want you to break off the lies that exist in my life about prayer and the guilt traps satan tries to use against me. I want to see prayer and intimacy with you in the purest form rather than being swept away by anxiety and condemnation. I CHOOSE today to submit this area of my life to you... to not go at it half-hearted or make it all about my schedule. I just want you. I just want to know you and choose you and remind my heart every day of your great love for me and all the counsel and help you offer me.  I rebuke anything that aims to frustrate your freedom in my life. I won't glorify areas of weakness, only tell them that victory is coming and that God's strength will be shown to be even more perfect in my weakness. I am victorious in Christ and nothing can hold me back from the freedom and life Christ already purchased for me when he gave his life for me. I love you, Lord. Thank you that your victory is real!

Thank you for the great things you have done in my life... there are many, many, many years of that still to come. Thank you for bringing me into freedom today, even as I write a blog. I love you, Lord.

I will always be one who yields myself to You.

Class Response Six: Ack Ackerman

The timing of this class was so great! On Thursday afternoon, the staff at Freedom Valley was so blessed to be treated to lunch and a tour by the staff at the Adam's Rescue Mission. AND it was the same day we were assigned to watch Ack Ackerman's (director of men's discipleship at ARM) video from last semester on discipleship. What God is teaching me through the timing of these two lessons together has to do a little more with my own perspective of ministry and trusting God with my heart and provision than it does with the way I actually disciple others.

I was amazed while we took the tour by the extensive list and rooms and recycling projects they do at the mission. It was absolutely incredible to see all they do in that one ministry. Honestly, at times I thought "Wow... do they really need to be doing this? Wouldn't something else work just as well to support the ministry?" Maybe it would... but I'm not sure that's the point. I feel like God is reminding me of a lesson he's been teaching me a lot the past few weeks. Sometimes God puts us in circumstances, directs us in his timing, and guides us to do things all in a way that doesn't exactly make sense to us. It's not always bad.. sometimes we just feel like life would be better if we could get a little less of "that" and a little more of "this" in our lives.

I don't know the start of ARM well enough to know how they chose to do recycling... but it sure is something God is blessing and something they are using to bless the community, too. It's not JUST about them and the best profit possible. It's about following God's heart, his will, his timing, and his instruction TO YOU, trusting that his plan will always be best... even if it SEEMS like we could come up with a better plan on our own.

The staff and volunteers at the Mission are joyful in serving and passionate about the ways God is healing and saving men, women, and families through their ministry. If I could take a guess.. I think it has a lot to do with their faithfulness to raising support through the recycling center. It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of trusting God to provide... but it REALLY causes them to rely fully on God. Not on the government or on people. I'm really challenged by this tonight. I loved seeing Ack's heart for the men he disciples and the atmosphere at the Mission was clearly affected by a group of people that just want to follow God and "recycle lives". What they're doing for our community in giving new purpose to old, broken, seemingly useless things... they're doing in the lives of men and women, too.

I believe that is a clear picture of God's heart. He brought purpose to my life and I pray that He'll keep using these lessons He teaches me through these ministry leaders to show others the abundant life we have in Christ... because of HIS love for us.

Class Response Five: Mark Chester

Yesterday morning we were joined in class by Mark Chester, senior pastor of Gettysburg Foursquare church.

My favorite part of these responses is that they call me to action. We can all think something was 'cool' or even 'gripping' that a speaker said... but, for me, writing it here and making it known what I am confident God did in my heart... it's like keeping myself (in a very simple way) accountable to do something with the word of God.

Mark shared briefly on Matthew 25 and on how he invests his time. He explained that he stays very busy and consistently receives more requests to meet with people than there is really time for in his day. I could really connect with this point. Not because I'm anywhere near as busy as Mark is, I'm sure, just because we all have things pulling on us and really can't spend an unlimited amount of time with an unlimited amount of people.

God started leading me on a really important topic for me to understand in my leadership. I'll start here. I don't mind being busy. I really don't. But I don't want to live burnt out or making the people who should be getting the most of Bonnie feeling like they're getting hardly anything at all. That just breaks my heart thinking about it.

Sometimes as a leader, we think we're the only person the people we lead can come to. I don't think we do this on purpose. But sometimes, good intentions to love and help can go bad when we want to take ownership of everyone's healing and counsel. I'm convinced that it can become a big pride and self-dependency issue. It is so good to be confident of the gifts God has given you... gifts in counsel, in prayer,  in relationships, in ministry... in whatever. But I've got to understand that I'm NOT the only one with gifts that God wants to use.

I'm so thankful that God's given me a counselor's heart and a love for people being healed and cared for... but God is telling me that there's another part of my gifting that I ignore if I get too stuck on that first part: I am gifted at building leaders, too. When God teaches me, I can join with him in teaching others... and then ministry multiplies. I don't get burnt out because I don't act like everyone's growth depends on me.

I know this post might sound exceptionally prideful... but I think that's the point. I love that God uses me. I am so undeserving and He is so good. But I want to be used now to raise other people up to a place of confidence in counseling, mentoring, loving, blessing, and just praying for people. We don't have to live feeling burnt out. I think what God's teaching me here is this: If I'm feeling burnt out, burdened, and losing focus on what ministry is really about... it's probably because I'm trying to do it all myself. I'm responsible for me and when I've been with God, I have a much greater sensitivity to what I'm supposed to handle and how I'm supposed to handle it.

And the most beautiful part about that? I'm never going to be alone. God is always my helper.

Book Review: The Complete Book of Discipleship

The Complete Book of Discipleship: on Being and Making Followers of Christ truly lived up to its name. Author Bill Hull took his readers through his vision for writing the book (the idea that we've made discipleship optional, focusing on self and a lack of "carrying our cross"), through the history of discipleship (both biblically and secularly), and through several forms of application in the area of developing discipleship in programs, relationships, small groups, and more.

To be quite honest, within the first 60 or so pages of the book, I began to grow a little discouraged by Hull's approach. It seemed that, while maybe it was all true, he would simply spend the book discussing what's wrong with discipleship in the church today... and it seemed like it was everything. That portion was an interesting read, but a little exhausting. I was feeling ready for application and fresh vision that answered, "If we're just not getting what discipleship is about now... how do we get there?". One aspect I loved about Hull's approach in this portion of the book was his emphasis on the necessity of discipleship. It's not just a program or for "the super-spiritual". We're all called to be disciples. By following Christ, you are his disciple. He mentioned several times throughout the book that a common mindset in Christianity today is that, essentially, picking up your cross to follow Christ is optional. That it's ok to just be a "normal" Christian. But that's allowing Satan to define normal for us and allowing evil to set our standards. Hull gave a compelling argument that, as Bonhoeffer stated, "Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ."

The history portion of Hull's study on discipleship was very interesting. I enjoyed reading about biblical examples of disciples, monks, and the reformers. I was especially impacted God's timing in the reformation. He brought together men with different gifts, personalities, and places of influence to bring the church back to a deep place of understanding that Salvation can only come from faith in Christ and that God truly desires to have relationship with us.The boldness of these men was truly inspiring and encouraged me to be intentional about the way that I make my life reveal what it means to be a follower of Christ and take up my cross, even in the every day.

The end of chapter 4 and the whole of chapters 5 and 6 especially grabbed my heart. I have been learning so much lately about doing discipleship the way Jesus did it. It seems so obvious that it should be done that way... but that's not really the example we see lived out before us most of the time. The Six-fold definition of being conformed to Christ's Image (130) serves as a great tool for us to really understand what it means to grow to become more like Christ. A powerful line on page 140 says, "Christ loved others until they knew that he loved them-- until they actually experienced his love." It's easy to just try to be nice to someone.... but loving until they KNOW you love them... loving until they can say they've experienced your love... that is so different. That's the love of Christ. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt Jesus loves me. To say he doesn't would be to deny all he's done in my life, his sacrifice, and the Word of God as authority. Today I want to keep this mindset burned in my heart. I want to seek out opportunities to love. Not just with warm fuzzy feelings... but with sacrifice and giving of myself for the benefit of someone else. And keep doing that until my life displays to that person as an individual, "Wow, Bonnie really, truly loves me." I want to go so much deeper than my words. But I am thankful beyond measure that God uses those, too. He is so good in teaching us to love. This portion of the book has really helped me understand "As, I have loved you, you must love one another."

Chapter 5 was gripping and spoke of creating the right environment for discipleship. The Holy Spirit really spoke to my heart as I read that section last night. I was struggling to know, when I'm aware of a spiritual issue in the team, how much to correct and how much to let go and just let God handle it. I think it's still something I need to pray through and practice... but the Holy Spirit was speaking to me as I read about affirmation and grace. When we constantly criticize or correct, that becomes our heart. We can only see a person as their failings and their "lack". There is a time for rebuke and correction but discipleship can also not happen without grace and affirmation. Speak life over disciples. Tell them what they're doing well and what gifts you see in them. Rejoice with them about their victories and keep speaking truth. Don't excuse sin but trust that showing grace and speaking life over them will give you the right heart to rebuke or correct when it's time. God is doing so much healing in my heart with this right now. An atmosphere of grace encourages people to see the value in others and not count them as "failures" or "rebellious" the first time they mess up. God, I need so much help in this. Keep speaking truth to my heart and mind about the way you love AND corrrect and discipline your children.

The book seemed to end on a lower note for me than the rest as it spoke about congregations and small groups. It was interesting and in some ways very applicable... but I think his main audience was someone different that me. And that's ok! God is leading me to start a new small group now for teenage girls so there were some real gems in there about outreach and vision in small groups that I will definitely be applying. The rest was just a little hard to connect with because it was a very different structure than the way i'm doing small groups now. It is always valuable to learn from other perspectives, so I wouldn't be surprised if God ends up using an abundance from what I learned in those last few chapters in my life sometime very soon.

Overall, I loved taking this journey through discipleship. This may sound silly, but in addition to what I learned (as listed above) from The Complete Book of Discipleship, I simply learned the incredible value of reading. By making ourselves available to just sit and read, we make ourselves available for the Holy Spirit to teach us, fill us with new ideas, and learn from the lives of others and Biblical truth... in a way we might not have otherwise. It's been a while since I've really pushed through and finished a whole book on something I see as so valuable. I believe there will be real, beautiful, kingdom advancing, disciple-making fruit that comes out of what God taught me through the writing of Bill Hull. For that, I am very thankful and so excited to apply.

* I read 100% of "The Complete Book of Discipleship: On Making and Being Followers of Christ" by Bill Hull.

Class Response Four: Andy Landers

There were three main areas our guest speaker spoke on yesterday that really gripped my heart. Andy Landers is the director of Youth with a Mission in Louisville and it was such a blessing to be able to converse with him and my class yesterday afternoon.

After only an hour and a half of talking, it was very clear that he is a genuine man of faith who is passionate about Jesus' call to take up your cross and follow him. Every discipleship-focused class we have, I know I can go in expecting to learn such great, applicable, and exciting things that reveal more of God's heart... this week wasn't any different :) I just want to spend the rest of this post writing about the things from class that keep resonating in my heart this weekend.

Each of these three main areas connect pretty closely... they're all really about family. Andy shared  great words of wisdom with us about the ways he keeps loving and being there for his family even with a busy schedule and both he and his wife working in ministry. He told us girls how important it is to marry the right person. Marry someone who God has also given a passion for ministry. As Andy spoke about the ways he involves his whole family in their ministry, he said that if someone said to their children, "Your parents are missionaries, right?" his son and daughter would likely reply, "Yeah. And I am, too." That's a big dream of mine.. to have a family actively involved in discipleship where everyone lives that discipleship and ministry isn't just a job... it's a lifestyle and a choice to follow Jesus. Really encouraging to get a few tips from Andy on that topic. :)

He shared for a few minutes on the area of team building and used such a great word picture. He asked us who we would want to be with in the trenches. In the hardest times of ministry... who would you want to have praying with you? Who could you depend on to not leave just because things didn't go as expected? I am so grateful for the friendships Luke and I have already with couples who would be our answers to these questions. I am so excited for a future of following God with Luke, our family, and some on-fire-for-God friends with whom I can already picture us praying with in the trenches and stepping up to fight with, too.

The last of these three connected areas was the area of community within a discipleship team like ours. Andy shared a little about the way his program uses small groups and one on one mentoring. I loved hearing about the way they do things... but our schedule is a lot different. I described our schedule to Andy a little and asked how, with a 7:30am-2pm time slot, we could find more time to just laugh together, rest and talk together just like a family. He responded that what he was hearing was a hunger for community. That was right on. I am so thankful to minister in a program that does so many things well.. but I've really been feeling this challenge lately. Sure, there are times when the team "hangs out" but usually those just have the feeling of being "out of class time"... and it can be hard to pull people back together to really understand that we can be honest with eachother. That we can have fun AND be growing as disciples... growing to be more like Jesus... at the same time. It's so important for a team to get deep and really know one another. I think God is already blessing me with some ideas about growing in this area of our program and in my life as a whole. I want to spend some time praying about this tonight and this weekend. But my heart really is hungry for this tonight. Not to force people to spend time together... just to be together as a team... growing together and falling more in love with Jesus... and experiencing that life with Christ IS fun and IS an adventure. And God surrounds us with people to help us grow, laugh, and heal. I really want our team to operate in that. I'm so thankful for who You are and for who you've surrounded me with, Jesus.

Interview with an Unchurched Friend #1

Age: 19
Sex: Female

1. Have you had any past experience attending a christian church? What was your experience like? (Please include the church denomination, if possible)

Answer: I have never attended a Christian church. (I was raised Eastern Orthodox/Greek ORTHODOX)

2. Have you had past experience with serving in a church? Where did you serve/what did you do?

Answer:  I have never served in a church.

3. Why do you choose to not attend church regularly?

Answer: I choose to not attend church regularly because I was not brought up going to church regularly.

4. What are some issues you see in the christian church right now that may be keeping you from attending a church?

Answer: Some issues I see in the Christian church is that I feel as if the religion is almost being forced on to others that do not practice the Christian faith.

5. What is something, or some things, that you see the church is currently doing well?
Answer: I think that the Christian church does many things well; they help those in need and the church itself has many followers. 

6. Do you think there is any advantage to serving in a church and attending, rather than simply attending without serving in a ministry?
Answer: I think there is an advantage to attending and serving in a ministry; you're helping so many others in need!

7. In your opinion, what should the church's role be in the community? How about in the world?

Answer: I think the church's role in the community should be simply a place where you go for answers, and to worship. Worldwide, I feel as if the church's role should be the same.

8. How would you describe Jesus?
Answer: I describe Jesus as the son of God.

9. Why do you think attending church is important to many people?

Answer: I think attending church is important to many because people want to practice their religion and keep a sense of tradition. 

10. How could a local Christian church change, or what could they add, that would interest you in attending the church or getting involved?
Answer: I think the Christian church around my hometown could stop being so pushy. Having flyers sent to my house and having people going door to door is not going to want me to attend the church or 
become more involved!


My Response:
      I was a little surprised by my friend's gentleness and kindness in the way she answered these questions. I knew some of her religious background and I think I expected her to have more negative feelings toward the Church as a whole. 
I love that she perceives the church as being a group of people that can provide wisdom, a safe place for worship, and help for those in need. 
      The only complaint my friend really had about the Christian church is that they can be pushy or attempt to force their religion on others. I agreed with her that flyers and door to door invitations are not really the most appealing ways for churches to draw more people into their congregation. I'm not exactly sure what her experience has been like with Christian churches. Maybe Christians have been pushy around her, unkindly trying to force their views into her belief system. Or maybe she hasn't had much interaction with the Christian church. The idea of Christians being pushy is a pretty well known stereotype. And we're not innocent of that in many cases, so it is possible that that is a mentality she's adopted from someone else. 
      I think my sweet friend's responses are so valuable and can provide a lot of insight into the way we do outreach and discipleship. Her final response about the door to door church people and flyers reminded me how important relational evangelism is. This friend of mine, though it's been years since we've spent time together, has always been very relationship focused. I love the way God uses relationships between people to bring his children back to him. 
      God, tonight I'm praying that you send someone who is nearby into my friend's life to build a great friendship. I pray that this relationship would open doors for her to hear the truth of the gospel. Lord, in this relationship may she meet a follower of Christ who loves and accepts her, even if she doesn't agree with them about faith. Do great things in the life of this girl who was such a great friend to me. Help me to love people unconditionally, to be patient, and to walk through doors of opportunity when they come, never shrinking back from a moment to speak truth and love into someone's life.

Class Response Three: Chad Furlong

Today in class, Chad Furlong skyped in all the way from San Diego, California and I was so blessed by two hours he spent "with" us. :)
I connected with Chad's love of discipleship right away. The majority of our class time was spent on question one, "What is the underlying philosophy to your discipleship?", and I'm so glad it was. Chad took the time to guide us through what he considers the16 values of discipleship.Nearly every value and its description brought some kind of "aha!" moment. It seems my notes will take some time to really process through so tonight, about 12 hours after sitting in class... I'd like to share just a little bit about how I'd like God to use 3 of these 16 values to develop my discipleship.

1. We value love & We choose to see the good in one another & are quick to give praise: I was struck by this truth found in John 13:34-35: Jesus said... "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Chad reminded us that true discipleship is found within relationship. Throughout the class I kept picturing our current GMC team. I wonder what the way we love each other says about our desire for God.If it's impatient and conditional... we're probably only seeking the best for ourselves. The key word is "team". We're journeying through this year of discipleship and ministry training together and it's not just to love God more... but to love people, too. I'm asking God for ways I can encourage our team to be full of love and grace for one another. When we spend as much time as we do together (I am so thankful for that time!) we will definitely see the good and the bad. And that's OK. What an awesome opportunity we have in this program to learn to CHOOSE to see the best in others and to speak words of blessing over them. What an awesome opportunity to learn to love unconditionally and grow together... never isolating ourselves or going at it alone. I absolutely loved Chad's accountability sheets the students fill out with prayer needs and updates about how they're doing. Chad's practice of praying over them on Thursdays seems like it would build in him such a heart for his students each week... I'd love to do something like that.

2. We value laughing: I love that this is a core value for Chad's ministry and I am confident it delights God's heart, too. When I go through this program with our students I don't want them to leave thinking God is someone we can only be serious around, only be intensely focused around... He's fun and following him is an adventure! I love what we've got going here in the program... but I am determined to find new ways to help our students really enjoy this season of their lives. God is so good. we have so much to celebrate, and He is so good to celebrate with. :)

3. We value balance: This seems to be a topic that so many people are hungry to know the answer to. Chad gave an awesome illustration of a yard stick. Personal life (me as a daughter of God, a future wife, future mom, etc.) is on one side of the ruler and my calling (or ministry life) is on the other side.I think people get so frustrated with balance because they think if they find just one point of balance, they'll always be able to keep it there and they'll be fine. But that just doesn't work. Life brings surprises, seasons change, and we have to be ready to adapt. This point holds so much importance in a discipleship program like ours. We could always add more work or rules... but it just wouldn't be realistic. It's so important that we walk with students through their lives while they're here and help them understand how to live a healthy lifestyle. We're all going through the student's time at Gettysburg MC together... and I'm amazed by the common theme of working together to make more effective and healing discipleship happen.

I am so excited about what the Lord is doing already this year in our program. We are doing so many things well and I feel like God is encouraging me in that tonight. I always want to stay open to the idea that there could be a better way out there yet to be discovered that would connect to a student's heart in a way we couldn't before. I love that! Chad's teaching and testimony on discipleship was full of ideas and little sparks that I believe the Holy Spirit will ignite in our program to make it something even greater.

Class Response Two: Jeremiah and Cori Herbert

The Holy Spirit is turning the wheels in my heart and mind tonight for outreach and discipleship after conversing with Jeremiah and Cori in class this morning.

I took pages of notes, but with only 250 words I'll have to be pretty picky about what I write. About halfway through class, after our break, Jeremiah and Cori sat down with us at the table and asked about where God is leading each of us in ministry. I shared God's call on my life for counseling and my love of what I'm doing now with bringing students into ministry and starting the active discipleship process with them. I'm not sure where that will all specifically lead... but I know something else for sure. God has made my heart for the town of Gettysburg.

Jeremiah and Cori's heart for loving and giving to Gettysburg inspires me. Beyond that even, it makes my heart come alive. Like the Holy Spirit was reminding me of how exciting ministry gets when I ask God to make me his partner in reaching the people that we (God and me) love with the gifts and passions and beautiful vision that he's given me (and wants to keep growing in me as I use it).

As we left the grocery store tonight, I told Luke a lot about what the Holy Spirit was doing in me during our class today. I told him I've always been a little frustrated and even discouraged about my involvement in evangelism. I have a hard time connecting with the idea of doing my evangelism with door to door methods or other "in and out quick" techniques. I'm very, very open to opportunities to pray over someone I don't know on the street or follow a word God gives me... sometimes for me it's just harder to really apply that to my everyday life. The Herberts are confident that God uses them most effectively through relationships to evangelize the lost. Luke and I believe this is where we're at, too. Our hearts really connect with the lifestyle of building relationships in our community to evangelize... which then turns into discipleship.

I felt so, so hungry during class for God to open the door in my life to relationships with the unsaved in Gettysburg. I spend almost all my time around Christians doing ministry at Freedom Valley. And that's ok. I know I'm in the right place... but I am so excited about some of these wheels God is now turning in my head. Jeremiah said he went through a season of being really frustrated about just being around people who already love Jesus. He saw that when he was willing to go out of his comfort zone and take that step to build relationships, God blessed him, led him to people and people to him.

During class I had a few images and ideas I believe the Holy Spirit was using to speak to me about these areas of my life. Starting tomorrow, Luke and I are going to go to the ragged edge or another down town coffee shop on the morning ( or evening) of our day off and just sit. We'll use it as time to spend together, time to talk, pray, read... time to let God just connect our hearts over and over with the people, culture, and "everything" of Gettysburg. I'm praying that as we consistently go to 1 or 2 places, we make connections. I'm praying that we'll start to talk with employees and have opportunities to just love people and, while God ministers to our hearts, minister to the people of the town we just love so much. We're both seeing God highlight our creative gifts and really believe He'll use that to reach our generation. Coffee shop environments are so great for connecting with creativity... God is up to something very, very good. :)

I think this seemingly simple step is going to open big doors for us. It feels good to follow His leading. So here's to going after God-given dreams and many prayer times and conversation times to come. :) I'm sure I'll have updates soon about how God uses this is Luke and I's lives. Thank you, Lord.

10 Questions for Unchurched Friends

1. Have you had any past experience attending a christian church? What was your experience like? (Please include the church denomination, if possible)

2. Have you had past experience with serving in a church? Where did you serve/what did you do?

3. Why do you choose to not attend church regularly?

4. What are some issues you see in the christian church right now that may be keeping you from attending a church?

5. What is something, or some things, that you see the church is currently doing well?

6. Do you think there is any advantage to serving in a church and attending, rather than simply attending without serving in a ministry?

7. In your opinion, what should the church's role be in the community? How about in the world?

8. How would you describe Jesus?

9. Why do you think attending church is important to many people?

10. How could a local Christian church change, or what could they add, that would interest you in attending the church or getting involved?

Class Response One: Jan Workman

I absolutely loved this session with Jan Workman, the children's pastor at Christian Life Assembly! Even though I watched over video, I could still feel her passion for being used by God to creatively disciple and evangelize. Every time Jan's words speed up and she rubs her hands together, the wheels start turning faster in my head about how I can be more creative in my ministry at Gettysburg Master's Commission.

There were two topics Jan discussed in depth that are really sticking to my heart this afternoon. The first was a program called 'Adopt-a-block'. This idea was borrowed from Tommy and Matthew Barnett who founded The Dream Center in Los Angeles. Jan's son in law, Tommy Arnold, and his young adults ministry "adopted" an apartment complex near Harrisburg. God has really opened doors up to this community as the young adults ministry, youth ministry, Jan and her team, and many other people from CLA have faithfully gone and just loved the people there without asking for anything in return. They were very purposeful in the way they began to reach out to the people of Orchard Springs. They had a Mega Sports Camp event that would draw families and eventually open doors to ask the parents to allow their kids to come on Wednesdays, being picked up by a CLA church member. I loved Jan's simple approach to outreach here. She stressed that outreach doesn't have to be a big "once and then done" event.  Choose a low income neighborhood, a place in distress, or any where that obviously needs help and just go. No matter where you are, there are always people you can reach and love for Christ.

The second subject that grabbed my attention was the topic of team building. Izetta asked Jan who she would put on her staff if she was starting a children's ministry from scratch. Jan was very aware, and confident, in her gifts and I think that makes her a great recruiter! She knows what God has gifted her and called her to do and she doesn't try to take on more than she should. Instead, she has built into her life the principles of delegating jobs and building teams. She recognizes the value of recruiting people that are different than her, too, because it brings balance to a team. I was really encouraged when Jan said she would also look for the young people with a spark in their eye who had a passion for the ministry but just needed some training. I feel like that is so me right now! This is something I always want to do... speaking life into the dreams and vision God is giving young people for ministry.

Some key concepts I gained from Jan's session that I'll apply include...
1. Being real. In any place in ministry it is so easy to think you have to have all the answers and act perfect or your ministry will fall apart. This was a good reminder that humility, honesty, and accountability go a long way.
2. Go after the heart of God. Don't over work yourself or over complicate things. Just start at the place the Holy Spirt has led you and trust that he'll keep leading you. Be faithful when he opens doors.
3. Be creative! It makes ministry and building relationships with your students a lot more fun and opens doors for students to see they can be creative in the way they reach people, too!
4. Take good care of yourself! Ministry will burn you out if you let it. Exercise, eat well, guard your day off, laugh and have fun with friends and family.
5. Jan's philosophy about children's ministry did something great in my heart... "Kids are capable of glorifying God, understanding scripture & and articulating it, and Kids can receive spiritual things from the Holy Spirit (capable of walking in the Holy Spirit)."

It was such a joy to watch Jan's presentation. I'm not sure I can express in words even half of the things she said that are really stirring my heart and getting my creativity going today. :)