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Ryan Rasmussen raises an interesting question in his article on discipleship: “What is the most effective way to disciple? Is there a best way? An easy way? An efficient way?” I’ve been involved in discipleship ministry for more than 25 years, and, truth be told, I’m still asking. But I believe the secret lies in the ways the early church went about disciple-making; after all, they learned from the Master, Jesus.
This week, I’ve been focusing on Colossians 1 in my personal time with God. The apostle Paul provided a number of vital principles for making disciples in this passage, among them: the importance of relationship, teamwork, prayer, calling, and mission. But the most vital thing is the supremacy of Jesus. “He is the one we proclaim,” Paul reminds us (v. 28). The most important thing in discipleship is not the newest method, nor our favorite theological topic or position, nor even our cherished history or heroes. We proclaim Jesus above all else, “admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom,” says Paul, “so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” When we do that, it’s a discipleship win. To this end, may we, like Paul, “strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in [us]” (v. 29).
—Michael C. Mack, Editor
A Day with Jesus: What He
Teaches Us About Discipleship
By Ryan Rasmussen
Everyone seems to have a take on the best way to grow people in their faith. So we try stuff. Some of it works well for a season, and then culture shifts or trends change and we’re back at the drawing board scratching our heads and wondering if we’ll ever get to the bottom of it.
Let’s table the trends for a moment to examine Scripture for a foundational answer through which we might filter future methods.
'Soul Winning' Made Simple
By Dudley Rutherford
Evangelism doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. And you can participate in it every single day of your life once you have the right tools. Once you do, you will be able to win souls for the kingdom of God. In looking at the great evangelists in the Bible, I’ve noticed five distinct traits in those who are compelled to tell others about Christ.
– Horizons –
Incorporating Missions
into Your Church
By Emily Drayne
From time to time, every church needs to refresh programs and activities, including missions ministry. No matter the church size, budget, or the number of missionaries supported, missions can easily be prioritized and incorporated into your church activities. Here are several ideas you can use.
– Communion Meditation –
What You're Looking For
By Jackina Stark
We do “see through a glass, darkly,” but we’ve seen Jesus, “the image of the invisible God,” and that’s enough.
Study for April 15, 2018
By Mark Scott
This week’s lesson, “Follow Me,” is from John 21:15-25.
New This Week
LifePointe Christian Church, which has worshipped in the Toano/Williamsburg, VA, area since 2006, has received permission to acquire its first permanent space. The James County Board of Supervisors approved the plan Tuesday,
"A horse-and-pony farm and a bed-and-breakfast currently sit on the property," the Williamsburg Yorktown Daily reported. "The stable will be 'up-fitted' into a church building that will hold up to 600 congregants." Phillip Murdock is the church's lead minister.
Several Christian colleges are planning special events in the near future, including:
• Lincoln Christian University's Christian Women’s Conference, “Joy in the Journey,” will be April 25. It will feature Mandy Harvey and Gwen Smith.
• Johnson University Tennessee’s Women’s Conference will be May 18, 19. The conference theme is "Treasured." It will feature Jennifer Taylor Johnson as main speaker.
• Johnson University Tennessee is planning three sessions of “Senior Saints in the Smokies”; the dates are May 21–25, May 28–June 1, and June 4–8. Main speaker will be Gary Weedman; Bible study leader will be David Eubanks
• Boise Bible College’s Spring Conference will be May 8–10. The theme is “Relational Proximity: Influencing and Investing in Others.” Keynote speaker will be Matt Proctor.
A suspicious package with wires coming out of it caused the evacuation of Creekside Christian Church, Elk Grove, CA, Monday morning. About 190 staff and children in the church's onsite preschool and kindergarten were among those forced to exit the building. The bomb squad with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department determined the package was non-explosive, the Sacramento Beereported.
– Imagine –
Three Ways Blade Runner
Predicted the Future of the Church
and Why We Should Pay Attention
By Mel McGowan
Sci-fi author William Gibson said, “Blade Runner changed the way we look at the world and the way the world looks.” I couldn’t agree more. Here are three things I learned from an obscure 1980s cult classic that I believe are relevant to church and culture today.
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