Becoming a Church of Disciples: Living Faith Together
Summary
In our journey as a church, we are not merely aiming to do discipleship but to become a church of disciples. This distinction is crucial because it reflects a deeper commitment to living out our faith in community, not just as individuals. Over the past two years, we've seen significant growth, with over 5,000 new people joining us this year alone. This growth presents a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to disciple these individuals effectively. Our church's multi-site and multi-country nature means that discipleship cannot be confined to Sunday services alone. Instead, it must happen in the day-to-day interactions within our groups, which serve as the primary vehicle for discipleship.
The concept of grouping is not unique to Christianity; it's a human reality. However, what we group around is vital. In the early church, as described in Acts 2, believers met both in the temple and in homes, creating a community where needs were met, and lives were transformed. This model of discipleship is not just about connection but about transformation and accountability. As we face societal challenges and potential persecution, our faith must be robust, grounded in the Bible, and lived out daily. This requires a shift from being Sunday Christians to being Christians every day of the week.
To facilitate this, we are considering renaming our groups to "discipleship groups" to emphasize their purpose. Regular meetings and alignment with church teachings are essential for effective discipleship. We aim to provide resources that help group leaders facilitate discussions and deepen understanding. This approach will help us align as a community and ensure that everyone who builds and serves in our church shares our core beliefs.
Ultimately, our goal is to create a church where everyone can belong, but also where belief is nurtured and aligned with biblical teachings. By focusing on discipleship, we can ensure that our church remains healthy, vibrant, and a true reflection of Christ's love and truth in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship as Identity: Our goal is to be a church of disciples, not just a church that does discipleship. This means living out our faith in community, where discipleship is a continuous journey of growth and transformation. [02:00]
- The Power of Grouping: Grouping is a human reality, but what we group around shapes our identity. In the early church, believers met in homes and the temple, creating a community where needs were met, and lives were transformed. This model of discipleship is about transformation and accountability. [05:31]
- Faith Beyond Sundays: Our faith must be robust and lived out daily, not just on Sundays. As we face societal challenges, we need to develop a conviction that we are Christians every day of the week, grounded in the Bible and accountable to one another. [10:45]
- Alignment and Resources: To facilitate effective discipleship, we are considering renaming our groups to "discipleship groups" and providing resources to help leaders facilitate discussions. This approach will help us align as a community and ensure that everyone shares our core beliefs. [15:47]
- Belonging and Belief: Our church is a place where everyone can belong, but belief is nurtured and aligned with biblical teachings. By focusing on discipleship, we can ensure that our church remains healthy, vibrant, and a true reflection of Christ's love and truth in the world. [33:34]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Becoming a Church of Disciples
- [03:54] - Growth and Responsibility
- [05:31] - The Importance of Grouping
- [08:29] - Acts 2 Model of Discipleship
- [10:45] - Living Faith Beyond Sundays
- [12:27] - Developing a Strong Backbone
- [13:54] - Historical Lessons of Faith
- [15:47] - Renaming and Reshaping Groups
- [20:46] - Providing Resources for Alignment
- [24:14] - Accountability in Discipleship
- [26:42] - Caring for Each Individual
- [28:11] - Shepherding the Flock
- [30:45] - Belonging and Belief
- [33:34] - Discipleship as a Requirement
- [35:20] - Building a Healthy Church Community
- [40:14] - Vulnerability and Connection
- [42:06] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 2:42-47
- Matthew 28:19-20
- Hebrews 10:24-25
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Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 2:42-47, what were the key activities that the early church engaged in, and how did these activities contribute to their sense of community and discipleship?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of grouping in the context of discipleship, and how does it relate to the early church model described in Acts 2? [05:31]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of regular meetings and alignment with church teachings in effective discipleship? [15:47]
4. What societal challenges and potential persecutions are mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the need for a robust faith lived out daily? [10:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the model of the early church in Acts 2 serve as a blueprint for modern discipleship, and what elements are most crucial for transformation and accountability?
2. The sermon suggests renaming groups to "discipleship groups." What might be the impact of this change in terminology on the church community's understanding and practice of discipleship? [15:47]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living out faith beyond Sundays can strengthen a believer's conviction and resilience in the face of societal challenges? [10:45]
4. How does the concept of belonging and belief, as discussed in the sermon, align with the biblical teachings in Matthew 28:19-20 and Hebrews 10:24-25?
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current involvement in church groups. How can you contribute to making your group more focused on discipleship rather than just connection? [15:47]
2. Consider the societal challenges mentioned in the sermon. How can you prepare yourself to live out your faith daily, not just on Sundays? What specific steps can you take this week? [10:45]
3. The sermon emphasizes accountability within groups. How can you foster a culture of accountability in your group, ensuring that everyone is supported and encouraged in their faith journey? [26:42]
4. Think about the idea of renaming groups to "discipleship groups." How might this change affect your perception and participation in your group activities? [15:47]
5. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from being part of a discipleship group. How can you invite them to join and support their journey in faith?
6. Reflect on the Acts 2 model of meeting both in the temple and in homes. How can you incorporate this model into your own life to enhance your spiritual growth and community involvement?
7. The sermon discusses the importance of alignment with church teachings. How can you ensure that your personal beliefs and practices align with biblical teachings and the core beliefs of your church community? [15:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Discipleship as a Communal Identity
In the journey of faith, the goal is not merely to engage in acts of discipleship but to embody the identity of a disciple within a community. This means living out one's faith collectively, where discipleship is a continuous journey of growth and transformation. The church is not just a place to gather on Sundays but a community where faith is lived out daily, and where each member is committed to supporting and holding each other accountable. This communal identity is crucial for nurturing a robust faith that can withstand societal challenges and potential persecution. [02:00]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth of your community this week, and what steps will you take to encourage someone in their faith journey today?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Grouping
Grouping is a fundamental aspect of human nature, but the focus of these groups significantly shapes their identity. In the early church, believers gathered in homes and the temple, forming a community where needs were met, and lives were transformed. This model of discipleship emphasizes transformation and accountability, where believers are not just connected but are actively growing and changing together. The power of grouping lies in its ability to foster deep relationships that encourage spiritual growth and mutual support. [05:31]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to the transformation and accountability within your group, and how can you encourage others to do the same?
Day 3: Living Faith Beyond Sundays
Faith is not confined to Sundays; it must be robust and lived out daily. As believers face societal challenges, it is essential to develop a conviction that they are Christians every day of the week, grounded in the Bible and accountable to one another. This daily living of faith requires intentionality and a commitment to embodying Christian values in every aspect of life. It is about moving beyond the routine of Sunday worship to a vibrant, daily expression of faith that impacts every interaction and decision. [10:45]
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your daily life where you can more fully live out your faith, and what specific actions will you take to make this a reality today?
Day 4: Aligning Through Discipleship Groups
To facilitate effective discipleship, there is a consideration to rename groups to "discipleship groups" and provide resources to help leaders facilitate discussions. This approach aims to align the community and ensure that everyone shares core beliefs. By focusing on discipleship, the church can create an environment where belief is nurtured and aligned with biblical teachings. This alignment is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant church community that reflects Christ's love and truth in the world. [15:47]
"Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the alignment and unity of your discipleship group, and what steps will you take to ensure that your beliefs are in line with biblical teachings?
Day 5: Belonging and Belief in Community
The church is a place where everyone can belong, but it is also where belief is nurtured and aligned with biblical teachings. By focusing on discipleship, the church can ensure that it remains healthy, vibrant, and a true reflection of Christ's love and truth in the world. This involves creating an environment where individuals feel welcomed and valued, while also being challenged to grow in their faith and understanding of biblical truths. It is about balancing the need for belonging with the call to deeper belief and transformation. [33:34]
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." (Ephesians 2:19, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you help create a welcoming environment in your church community, and how can you encourage others to deepen their belief and understanding of biblical teachings?
Quotes
"Yeah, I think the heart of it was that we wouldn't just be a church that does discipleship, but we would be a church of disciples. That's really the end goal because I don't think that ever ends. And by God's grace, people will keep coming and they need to be plugged in and not just discover Jesus for themselves, but discover Jesus through us." [00:01:09]
"And so we have a huge role and responsibility to play in not just discipling those that have been a part of life, but those that are coming in to understand what it is to be a follower of Jesus, which is why I'm so passionate about groups because it really has to be the key vehicle for discipleship to actually take place in a church like ours, multi-site and multi-serviced and even multi-country. And it's not going to be enough just for the shop front window of a Sunday to do it, but it's the day-to-day gathering together where we're going to see that discipleship take place." [00:04:23]
"And that is why I think, you know, the Book of Acts talks about it, where they met at the temple, but they also met in homes. Sometimes, you know, if you want the purest picture of a thriving, healthy, strong discipleship reality church, it's right there in Acts 2, where it even goes to the point where the depth of relationship was such that you realize the day-to-day or the house-to-house meeting where the transactional of relationship took place got to the point where anyone that was in need inside of their community got cared for." [00:05:43]
"And, you know, I think that's the challenge for us is that we don't see groups in a church that's got a lot of activity and a lot of size and a lot of different realities and opinions and can do a lot of different good things, some things we fail on and learn from, but if we see groups as just an add-on, then I think we'll be a church that does discipleship, not a church full of disciples." [00:06:56]
"on subject matter when it comes to Sundays to, in a strategic way is the way I would put it, speak to the culture of the day, reminding people the Bible's got every answer we need, first and foremost. But secondly, speaking to people's Mondays to develop a conviction that I'm not just a Sunday Christian, but I'm a Monday Christian, a Tuesday Christian, a Wednesday Christian. And so the fundamentals like why the Bible, why the church, you know, why give all of these principled things the Bible teaches us, if we don't do those personally, and we don't have people keeping us accountable to do them personally, we will get picked apart." [00:10:50]
"But because the enemy's trying to snuff out the light, the light shines brighter and becomes the answer. And so that's why I get excited, not for the fact that I'll probably end up in some paper and probably some people in this room will believe the lie that's in there. But the reality is... I don't know about that, Pastor Luke. The reality is, we're going to have to have a backbone that says, you know, I know without a shadow of a doubt that he is Lord, that he is King, that he is Savior. But I don't just know it because I've got a great faith as an individual following Jesus. I know it because I've got people like Tim." [00:12:27]
"that when the church hears are you in a group it's not just are you in a connect group oh cool so we connect around a sport or a hobby or they're all good things and I think they can still exist however I think we want to go on this journey of redefining discipleship through groups and groups being the main vehicle for that so I think there are key things like the praying for each person in our group like the regular meeting it's really hard if you call it a discipleship group in my opinion if we're going to see groups be the main vehicle for discipleship to meet once a month because that probably equals 10 times a year January February January December if you make everywhere and then the one and two so someone might get five it's pretty hard to say I've effectively discipled those individuals so we're throwing around all sorts ideas at the moment as you know but I think like if we could if we could attempt to rename them and reshape them around discipleship rather than connection as the primary and second second to that regularity of aiming for a fortnightly now we're all time poor let's be honest but again thinking about the more regular it is the more opportunity we have to have people come into our world and us to disciple them I mean if you want to do the acts to account they met in the temple daily I'm here pretty much every day but not for the temple matters all the time it's work meetings whatnot but the regularity is what we see the change in the disciples lives take place and so I think there is a model there of saying if we're really serious about this we probably have to consider those types of things yeah I also think alignment is quite critical and again I've had this conversation with you but I've asked myself if discipleship is what we are going to be known for not just what we do and I'm in this season of my life charged with the responsibility of facilitating what God has for life and am I putting enough of my own time and energy into facilitating the alignment of what God's wanting to disciple the church with" [00:15:47]
"How many in this room would find it helpful in time poor society where there's this plethora of videos on the website where it's not like, hey, you must do this one this week, but hey, here's a whole lot of options. What would meet a need for your group around Sunday sermons or around topics or around other bits and pieces? And why that's important to me is, A, it might help, but B, it brings alignment so that when there is something going on in our society and we need to do something about it, and we need to develop backbone, it might be, hey, why don't we all focus on this one? Because it's a key subject matter that we're going to teach on." [00:19:52]
"That's why I think there's going to have to be an increasing level of accountability around us all buying into. If we're responsible for these people that call life home, I want to make sure that we're doing it. I want to make sure that we're all in this together, saying that, hey, on behalf of life, we're going to keep accountable to make sure that these people are being discipled. Because I want to know that no matter how big it may get because of God bringing people to what he's building here, that we are accountable, not to the upline that might be asking for it, but ultimately to God, that he's brought these people into our world that we've got to care for and disciple. And that's why that really matters. It does matter to me going forward." [00:26:42]
"And when you're a shepherd, you look at it differently. A shepherd makes sure that one doesn't disappear. The shepherd leaves the ones all good. To go find the one that's not good. That's not good mathematic assessment. You wouldn't do that for the probability as a mathematician. But biblical maths aren't the same as earthly maths. Shepherd's math goes the ones more important than the 99. Whereas if we're not careful, our math is, well, I've got 99. It was only one. And I think that's the thing is that we care so much that we go after, but we're also accountable to that. So that we actually all disciple well." [00:28:11]
"Because right now, our society is all about our word, our opinion. That's our stone-throwing reality. As we read in the Bible, that's how people throw stones, 21st centuryers, our words, our opinions. So we have our word, we want our will, and we'd rather have it our way. Whereas we actually got to come back and say, nope, it's his word, his will, his way. That's what we believe. And out of that place. And out of that place, those that then build our house, God's house, will build it much healthily and much stronger than they could have ever built before. And I think we'll stop any kind of form of burnout or anything because now it's not, oh, I better do it because that's the good Christian thing to do. Or, oh, they needed me and someone asked me to jump on a team. It's like, man, I get to? I actually get to play a." [00:36:24]
"Be kind to yourself in the pursuit of Jesus. Keep your heart right and the rest will follow. But I think the more we can lead with vulnerability, the more we connect with people. Think about the power of the cross. That was Jesus' most vulnerable moment. He was naked and it was the saving of all mankind. Your vulnerability speaks volumes to people that are going through it." [00:40:14]
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