The Attraction of the Gospel

Jim Leffel

Mark 1:14-28

When Jesus calls Simon and Andrew, he points to his unique authority as he calls them to a relationship and a life of purpose. Their response shows that discipleship involves surrender, that experience follows action, and that Jesus calls people as a community. Jesus' authoritative teaching and spiritual power also drew people to follow him.

Adult Discipleship Models

Doug Patch

Ephesians 4:11-16

Doug Patch shares his personal experience in adult discipleship relationships to show how this sort of intimate and intentional relating within the body of Christ changes lives. The pros and cons of three different adult discipleship models are discussed. Though discipleship models may vary, the definition of discipleship should not. Discipleship is a Christ-centered friendship with the main goal of helping one another to reach spiritual maturity through character transformation and a ministry lifestyle. No matter the model, discipleship should include Bible study, ministry, counsel, and prayer. If done right, discipleship is certainly not easy, but it is eternally worthwhile.\r\n

Transitioning to a Cell-Based Church

Ken MacGillivray

Ephesians 4:11-13

Small groups pastor Ken MacGillivray, discusses the process of transitioning from what he calls a traditional church (pastor-centered, program-based, church-campus-oriented) to a cell-based church. Frequently drawing from experience he has gained in doing just that, MacGillivray provides a blueprint for making this shift and answers a variety of questions from audience members about making the transition!\r\n

Maturing In God's Family

Gary DeLashmutt

Galatians 4:12-20

Once we become Christians we are a part of God's family, and can play a role in each others spiritual lives and growth. We do this through sitting under God's Word, sharing it with each other, and choosing to initiate deeper conversations. This involves encouraging each other, but it also involves being willing to admonish each other such as Paul is doing in the letter to the Galatians. Being able to receive admonishment and give it is vitally important for our spiritual lives!

Discipleship

Jess Lowery

Matthew 9:36-38

Choosing to make disciples, as Christ calls us to, is a choice that requires personal commitment. Helping a younger believer grow and bear fruit in their life takes casting vision, prayer, and developing friendship. Once you have entered into a discipleship relationship, it is key to ascertain spiritual needs and choose to persuade and meet those needs.

Community & Commitment

Gary DeLashmutt

Romans 12:1

Radical commitment to Christ is the substance that attracts people to Him and grows people into maturity. To cultivate commitment in a group it takes creating environments for people to spiritually thrive. The most important element to cultivate commitment is maintaining passionate commitment to Christ in your own life. This is a process that at times calls for challenging conversations and radical dedication to the simplicity of devotion to Christ.

How to Motivate People

Dennis McCallum

Romans 12:1

Motivation is different for Christians than it is for people in the world. Christians need to be convinced and motivated by Biblical truth. To be fruitful in motivating you must instruct, persuade, and convince people of the urgency of Biblical goals. You must also be prepared to speak truth and solve problems that would hinder someone from being motivated. Once someone has committed themselves to the goals of the Bible, it is imperative to continue to nurture ongoing motivation.

The Need for Authentic Spiritual Growth and Christian Community

Jim Leffel

Romans 12:1

Christian community is essential to grow spiritually. The mark of a growing Christian involves deep love relationships. American individualism hinders this way of life as it prioritizes self above God and others. God's will for His church is to love Him and others by speaking into each others lives, being there to support one another and sharing His good news of forgiveness with those who don't know Him. Being involved in Christian community is necessary to grow spiritually.\r\n

Guard What has been Entrusted to You

Tom Dixon

2 Timothy 2:2-7

True spirituality is caught and taught within the context of close, intentional relationships. This is the main method of evangelism that was used by Jesus and the early church fathers through multiplication. Modeling this method involved entrusting sound doctrine about grace to reliable men.