We know that it’s the desire of every believer to be able to grow in their faith and be prepared to share it. But, it takes practice and an intentional effort. This is the opportunity to do just that.
Intentional Discipling Relationships make all the difference in the world in growing to understand and know Jesus more closely. For those of us that have been involved in this kind of relationship, it’s helped us to be much more prepared to share the good news of Jesus with others. As Jesus sent out his disciples he always sent them in twos. There was no mistake in that strategy; we need each other for support, encouragement and prayer. Throughout the year we offer a three-month Discipling Relationship journey, and we pray you will consider joining us and allow Jesus to further transform you on this all important journey of recklessly living out his mission.
Proverbs 27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
What would you be signing up for?
- We’ll connect you to a Discipling Relationship Partner, someone who has previous experience being in a discipling relationship.
- Men connected with men, women connected with women
- You’ll touch base regularly with your discipling partner (weekly would be great, but at least twice a month), for lunch, coffee or maybe just a phone call. There is total flexibility in your schedules to gather whenever it is convenient.
- You don’t need to be all churchy. There are no quizzes. No minimum requirements to participate. Just be a struggling sinner like the rest of us.
- Be ready to have fun, grow in community, and have some open, honest discussions about life and God.
- We are looking for at least a three-month commitment and a desire to walk with someone who wants to mutually invest in growth as a disciple and accountability to discipleship habits. You are encouraged to continue these habits beyond the three months with your partner or by pouring into someone new.
- You and your partner will be provided a variety of resources from which to choose to help get your discussions started. Together you can decide which resource the Holy Spirit is leading you to explore more deeply. You can use one of our resources or one of your own.
- Beyond your one-on-one time together, all that are participating in this journey together will gather for a Kickoff Dinner, and then again as we wrap up the three-month journey; to share life, our experiences in this journey and build friendships and community.
If this is something God is calling you to do, please submit the form below. We’ll be in touch to talk with you about more details.
Discipling Relationship Resources
The following books are great resources you can use to get the conversation started. Take a look and see if any of the books speak to an area you feel you may want to focus on in your Discipling Relationship. If you have another area you feel God is trying to grow you in, let us know, and we can point you to other great resources!
- “One Way Love: Inexhaustible Grace for and Exhausted World” by Tullian Tchivijian (available here) – This book examines the Gospel in its purest form; God’s love is one way and does not require any action of our own to earn salvation. The world, Christians and non-Christians both, struggle deeply with understanding this bizarre statement. It unpacks why our performance driven culture (I get what I deserve and earned) is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus.
- “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan (available here) – Francis Chan explores how we often forget to depend on the promise Jesus gave after his resurrection that the Holy Spirit will come to be our comforter, will live in us to prompt us to do good works to serve others and to help us have a closer relationship with the Father.
- “Speaking of Jesus” by Carl Medearis (available here) – Carl Medearis provides excellent insight on when allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives we can witness Jesus in amazing ways create his Kingdom and save others. The Spirit gives us confidence to proclaim the reign of Jesus and his love for all people. Medearis has spent decades in the Middle East and has a unique perspective about speaking of Jesus to people that aren’t yet followers.
- “Tangible Kingdom” by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay (available here) – Hugh Halter and Matt Smay wrote this book to help nurture authentic faith communities. This book offers new hope for churchgoers who are looking for practical new ways to re-orient their lives to fit God’s mission and reach the lost. They outline an innovative model for creating thriving grass-roots faith communities.
- “The Art of Neighboring” by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon (available here) – When Jesus was asked to sum up everything into one commandment he said to love God and to love others. What would happen if every follower of Jesus took the Great Commandment literally? This book explores just that, “building relationships with our neighbors leads to better communities, better cities and ultimately a better world.” And, it gives us license to share in the hope of Jesus Christ.
- “Flesh: Bringing the Incarnation Down to Earth” by Hugh Halter (available here) – God understands how hard it is to be human, and the incarnation (God with us) enables us to be fully alive. Flesh reveals the faith we all long to experience; one based on the power of Christ in the daily grind of work, home, school, and life. For anyone burned out, disenchanted, or seeking a fresh God encounter, Flesh will explore a deeper understanding of the Kingdom.
- “Adventures in Saying Yes: A Journey from Fear to Faith” by Carl Medearis (available here) – This book is almost a guide to help you step out in bold faith. Whether the call of Jesus for you means international intrigue, giving up all you have for the poor, or simply being the suburban neighbor you were always meant to be, it’s time to begin your own adventure! To live a life where fear takes a backseat and God takes the wheel.
- “Brimstone: The Art and Act of Holy Non-Judgement” by Halter (available here) – Jesus came to influence and draw, not condemn and repel. This book will help you navigate the great law of love given by Jesus. You’ll find a disruptive invitation to be holy, as Jesus was holy, and engage the sinful word with a smile instead of pointing a finger.
