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.
I like when our minds think alike because we are best friends and all, because those were my 3 favorite things and exactly what I was going to write about, but when you sent me this...I was like ohhh well guess I'll pick something else from the notes. :) I loved how he talked about love and laughing as 2 of the main goals. My two favorite things. :) Very good post, Baby B! Not that you'd ever disappoint me with a bad one anyways, because you never do. :) Love you! <3
ReplyDeleteI really like when you talked about choosing to see the best in others and encouraging them. That kind of hit me because i think i have to be able to sit down and realize that i have the choice to act the way i do towards people and if i'm gonna choose to look at the good in them or the bad. It's a choice and i know that is something that i need to work on because when i get frustrated with people or upset with them i choose to look at the bad so thank you for helping me to realize that Bon Bon! Your post was great once again! <3
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I love hearing your heart on things. Not exactly sure how to put this. You always have fantastic insight after we have a class with people. I think it's great how you and Chad have a passion for discipleship! :)
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