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.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, October 7, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Interview with an Unchurched Friend #1
Age: 19
Sex: Female
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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.
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.
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