Vision for Discipleship
The Way
We need a compass to lead The Way. These three ideas are our compass.
Be With Jesus
Being in loving union with our Savior and Friend, Jesus should be actively pursued. We strive to abide in His eternal presence of love even in the normal routines of life. To experience the life of Jesus, we must adopt the lifestyle of Jesus.
Become Like Jesus
A disciple of Jesus strives to be like their Master. It is a long journey of everyday faithfullness to put on Christlikeness. This should be the goal of each follower of Jesus.
Do What Jesus Did
Spiritual formation means that we actively train and practice the way of Jesus in this long journey of Christlikeness. We slowly start to become like our Lord by doing the things that He did.
The Triangle of Transformation
How do we know if we’re on the right track? Well, this triangle is the thermometer on our spiritual life to help us diagnose where and what we need to change in order to grow spiritually.
Renewing the Mind
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” In order to be transformed into the image of Jesus, we must be willing to change our minds about how we used to think and learn the way of Jesus. Our narratives of what we think about God must be centered on truth.
Training the Body
1 Timothy 4:7-8 says, “…train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” Practicing the spiritual disciplines will help us put on the character of Jesus. It’s not about trying really hard, but training really hard. The way of Jesus takes commitment and dedication, but Jesus promises that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Living in Community
Hebrews 10:24-25 says,”Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Having friends who help us follow Jesus better is such an important part of discipleship. We cannot live this life alone. We see the church as a family encouraging one another on a consistent basis by gathering together each Sunday, serving together, learning together, and doing life together.
Following Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:22-25 says, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. . . Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Our will power can only get us so far. We desperately need the power of Holy Spirit actively working in our lives. We do this by walking in-step with the Spirit in the other corners of the triangle. He is helping us renew our minds, train our bodies, and live in community. Without Him and His power – we cannot grow.
Over Time Through Suffering
Romans 5:3-5 says, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Growing as an apprentice of Jesus requires time and suffering. We cannot expect to become like Jesus overnight. It takes picking up our cross daily and allowing Holy Spirit to take us through the trials of life. We will rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, and be consistent in prayer (Romans 12:12).