Living the way of a Disciple: Our Journey Together

Greetings, beloved community,

As I reflect on our recent gathering and the profound journey we have embarked on, I feel a deep sense of excitement and responsibility. We have started a significant conversation about what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus. This is not just another sermon series but a transformative season for us individually and as a church body.

During our time together, we explored foundational truths rooted in Jesus’ teachings—the greatest commandments to love God entirely and to love our neighbors as ourselves, alongside the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations. These are not merely ideals to ponder, but actions to embody and live by.

The American church has often been caught in the pursuit of growth by numbers, yet we find ourselves in a "rain shadow," witnessing the effects of a focus that perhaps did not emphasize the depth of discipleship as fully as it could have. We are called to more than just believing and belonging; we are called to bear fruit, to multiply disciples, and to make a lasting impact in our community.

As we consider our own congregation, our mission remains clear: Belong, Believe, Bear Fruit. These are more than words. They are a call to action.

Belong: We belong to Jesus and to one another. We are a community rooted in love and acceptance, fostering a safe space where everyone is invited to grow and to serve.

Believe: Our faith in Jesus forms the foundation of our identity. We must continually seek deeper understanding and transformation, aligning our lives with the teachings of Christ.

Bear Fruit: We are called to be active bearers of God's love, serving our community and beyond. Our lives should be evident testimonies of this truth, inviting others into the journey of discipleship.

Our vision moving forward is to be a deeply formed, fully equipped people, multiplying disciples and making a lasting impact in our community. This vision is more than a statement; it is the heartbeat of our church. We will focus on being transformed people who are committed to equipping ourselves and others, those prepared to engage our neighborhoods with love and truth.

Being a disciple is not a passive experience. It requires surrender, obedience, reflection of His goodness, and a commitment to multiply. As Jesus himself said in Luke 14, being a disciple is not without cost. It calls for sacrifice and intentionality.

Over the next weeks and potentially beyond, we will delve into what it means to live this out authentically. I encourage you to stay present, to lean into this journey, and to open your heart to what God is asking of you. Whether you are a new member or have been with us for many years, there is always a next step in our walk with Jesus.

As we sit with this invitation, let us listen for God's voice in our lives. Ask yourself: What are you asking me to surrender? Where are you calling me to take a step as your disciple?

Let us continue to pray for one another and for what God is doing in and through our church. I am grateful to walk this path with each of you, and I look forward to seeing how we will grow together in His love.

Blessings to you all