Discipleship Archives - King's Grant Baptist Church

Small Group, Big Impact

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42

“Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ” (Bonhoeffer.)

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The beloved German pastor and theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, reminds us that our Lord cares greatly about discipleship – faith as a lifestyle more than something flimsy built on religious activity. But, how can Christian faith develop as a lifestyle (a genuine expression of life) in the church today?

A Lesson from Younger Generations

Research Groups have recently reported that although young generations seem to drop out of church, there are large numbers who have remained, and they remain because of meaningful relationships. In fact, many who have remained report they have had a spiritually meaningful and helpful relationship with an adult inside the church, and some have even reported that they have had an adult mentor other than their pastor.

Such findings encourage us to value the influence of relationships within the church, for this represents the foundation for Biblical discipleship. And, this is how faith becomes a lifestyle. Such influential relationships are most often formed from within smaller Bible study groups than from larger gatherings.

A Lesson from the First Church

In the records of the early church, we have discovered how followers of Jesus were strengthened through meaningful relationships. The Book of Acts reports that within the church many lives were changed through relationships that were formed within smaller settings.

Acts, Chapter 2 reports that 3,000 people were added to the church. Chapter four reports that the church had grown to 5,000. Within this massive surge, most historians agree that the growth of the early church took place through house churches that were likely not much larger that 15 to 20 participants. In Acts 2:42, the Bible describes the emerging church of the first century: “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Such writers as Thom Rainer remind us that this passage gives a clear acknowledgment of the importance of the smaller gatherings that foster meaningful relationships so important to our growth and encouragement in faith today.

One significant way the first century Christians encouraged one another was in their devotion to the apostles’ teachings. While no formalized doctrine nor systematic theology had converged with the church at this time, the Holy Spirit-led truths of Jesus (His teachings, facts of His death and resurrection, and eternal life) were taught. When I consider that the apostles sat under the influence of Jesus for three years, I imagine their teaching to be fully in manner and in substance much like their Lord, who through the Holy Spirit continued to grow His followers. The unfolding of Gospel truths before these smaller gatherings reflected a hunger for the truth, and a relinquishment of the old way of thinking and believing.

Today, the church should be a place where relationships mutually influence one another in a hunger for the truth of Jesus and encourage a freedom from former ways of thinking and believing that the world offers.

A Lesson for You and Me

So, this leaves us with two very clear and personal questions offered by the example of the very first church: (1) Am I presently contributing to the church as a place of meaningful influence toward spiritual growth in small groups (do I look for opportunities in smaller gatherings to encourage someone in the truths of Christ)? (2) Am I presently involved in smaller groups of Christian encouragement (Discipleship) so that I am growing spiritually through meaningful relationships?

If Christian faith is to be a lifestyle (more than religious activity), the influence of meaningful relationships is a must! For, it is indeed true: Christianity without discipleship is Christianity without Christ.

Let’s make a difference. Let’s champion meaningful relationships for spiritual growth. This is indeed the church. This is the heart of Jesus.

[ a devotion by Dr. Ken Pruitt, President of Leland Seminary ]

READ – Read Acts 2:42-47 and be encouraged by the simplicity and profoundness of the developing community of discipleship.

[ Read and Research About Authentic Discipleship ]

We’d Rather Sit on the Bench?

Ken has been very clearly sharing each week about the reality of community life in the church, which causes us to think about our current relationship with God. Perhaps his biblical challenges have forced you to admit that we as a church have often been simply a casual fan of Jesus, rather than a committed follower of Jesus.

We believe just enough to know that heaven is the place we want to go after this life, but not enough to make actual changes in our lives that will allow God to use us and therefore make an eternal impact on his kingdom.

We believe the mission and purpose of God is to call out pastors, teachers, and missionaries to build his kingdom, but we settle for sitting on the bench, or sidelines, never really wanting to get into the game.

We’re glad we “made the team” by saying YES to Jesus at some point in the past.
We’re wearing the team uniform so others know we are on God’s team, but we really don’t make an impact on the team’s success.
We know there’s a playbook we have been given, but admit we have not read it enough to know the team strategy.
We regularly show up at practice, but make little preparation for the actual game.
We’re content to just sit here on the bench and leave reading the playbook and running the plays to the starting team.

We think to ourselves…

“I don’t expect to get in the game so I’m just fine sitting here on the bench, dressed out, and wearing my team’s colors.”
“I don’t really like practice all that much: the coach is always telling us what to do and how to do it.”
“I don’t like that the coach makes the whole team run, shoot, get in shape, hone our skills, and get prepared for the games.”
“I admit that don’t really DO all that stuff. I prefer just sitting over here on my team bench, next to this little orange water cooler filled with Gatorade.”

So, you may be asking, “Why are you even on this team?”

“Well, it’s because I like the crowd cheering for me and my team, knowing I just might make it to the Final Four and the Championship Game because of all the dedication, commitment, skills, and efforts of those five starters who get all the playing time.”

Wow, I didn’t think I would take this illustration so far, but the more I thought about it, how often is this true in the church?

My faith is all about ME.
My faith is personal.
My church is also about ME, and my preferences.
My church is here, people know how to find us.
My spiritual growth is optional.
Finding my place of service is optional.

But the Bible begs to differ. Faith is not something that we just have or live out personally or in isolation. There is way too much evidence in Scripture that the Christian faith is meant to be carried out in the context of community.

We often seek God’s will in our own lives but fail to realize that God has a will for HIS church.

The church is the gathered group of Jesus followers.
The church is people, those who have confessed allegiance to the One who bought them and saved them, not just to sit and soak, but to serve.
The church is gifted to do exactly what the Lord desires for each of us to do and accomplish.

I’m not talking about just volunteering, although that is expected when we have a corporate mentality of Christianity. I’m talking about truly understanding what the church is all about.

What does God expect of the church?
What is God’s vision that he has shown to pastor Ken?
What does a disciple of Jesus look like?
Why do we gather in worship?
What is the Great Commission (Acts 1:8) and how am I supposed to be a part of it?
What are my spiritual gifts and where can I exercise or use them?

Jesus mentioned that there are two great commandments: to love God, and then to love others (Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 22:36-40). The whole law can be summed up in these two commands, but the Bible also has a lot to say about HOW we live as believers and followers and disciples of Jesus.

This is why Ken has spent so much time casting vision for King’s Grant, defining who we are as a church, helping us to discover our spiritual gifts, and how to exercise and employ the gifts of grace that God has so thoughtfully supplied.

Let God have his way for this church (Philippians 1:6). Stop being content to sit on the bench.

[ This is re-posted from www.scottchafee.com ]

Discipleship Means Life in Community

Jesus called His disciples into a life of community. He did that with His first disciples, and He continues to do that today. Following Jesus as our leader is not merely an individual exercise. He calls us into His body, His family, His flock, His church. He knows that we will need traveling companions on this life journey—brothers, sisters, people to encourage us, people to challenge us, people to walk alongside us, people to get in our face when we get off the path.

Who are you walking alongside today? Who encourages you as you learn to follow Jesus? Who are you strengthening by your presence? Into whom are you pouring your life? Who is pouring life into you?

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.— Hebrews 10:24-25

We hope that you get involved in community life here at King’s Grant. Sunday morning small groups are quite convenient, at 9:45 a.m. (after and before morning worship) and Wednesday groups begin January 9 at 6:00 and run through Easter 2019.

10 Reasons to Join a Group

King’s Grant Baptist is about building the Kingdom through making disciples, which means helping you to become a devoted follower of Jesus. Small groups are the key in your spiritual growth process. Below you will find some positive benefits in becoming involved in a small group; yep, you get something out of being in a small group.

1. You will begin to really feel like part of God’s family.

We believe it is imperative that as a church grows larger, it should also grow smaller at the same time. It should be the desire of growing churches to provide a small group for everyone that wants to get connected. In a society that is increasingly mobile and where families are fragmented, small groups can provide a family atmosphere where no one has to stand alone.

2. You will grow spiritually faster in a group than alone.

We have been “predestined to become conformed to the image of Christ” (Romans 8:29). Spiritual growth involves life change. Life change is optimized in the context of a small group. 2 Timothy 2:22 teaches that we are to “run after” godly character and “run away” from the passions of youth. This verse instructs us not to do this alone but “with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.” God wants us to stop “trying” and start “training”. It’s always easier to exercise physically or spiritually in a group than alone (1 Timothy 4:7b).

3. You will receive customized care.

Each member of a small group provides care for the other members of the group (1 Corinthians 12:25). The group leader oversees the pastoral care of the group through the sub-group leaders. The group, rather than church staff, becomes the first line of resources. This is accomplished as believers in the group see themselves as contributors and not just consumers, givers and not just attenders.

4. You will not have to go through struggles alone.

It’s not only possible but also probable that you could walk into and out of a large group event with hurts, heartaches, and soul-searching questions but never connect with someone that will show an interest in you or identify with your difficulty. In a small group setting the principle of “commonality” is often experienced. Many of us think our struggles are unique to us, but in a small group we find out that personal problems are universal. It’s exciting to find out that the members of your group have not only struggled with common problems but have found common solutions in God’s Word (1 Corinthians 10:13).

5. You will have a natural way to share Christ with friends, relatives, and work associates.

It may be that some of your friends who don’t know the Lord wouldn’t be caught dead in a church. They have a preconceived idea and just the thought makes them defensive. But those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home or office setting. In a small group, your unbelieving friend can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling “put on the spot”. When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of your group, it will make him more receptive to the good news (John 13:35; Acts 5:42).

6. You will be a New Testament Christian.

The early church met as a large group for corporate worship at the temple and then as small groups from house to house (Acts 2:46; 5:42; 20:20; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2). The New Testament is very clear about how God intended for His people to meet in small groups so they could experience authentic biblical community. The New Testament is also very clear to point out that these were communities with a purpose. They used these small groups to fulfill the Great Commission in a Great Commandment way. They weren’t an end in themselves.

7. You will have a place to discover and use your spiritual gifts.

When people are born into their physical family they are given natural talents, but when they are born into the family of God they are given spiritual gifts. These gifts are God-given abilities that enable believers to effectively serve one another. Attending a spiritual gift workshop and taking a gift assessment is a vital step in discovering your gift mix, but it is the members of your group that provide confirmation of your gift after watching you in action. People that have no arena in which to exercise their gifts struggle to identify them. A neighborhood group is a wonderful place to steward the gifts God has sovereignly given you (1 Peter 4:10, 11).

8. Prayer will become more meaningful to you.

Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large church. In a small group of 6-12, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you’ll be able to pray sentence prayers and join in. There are many promises in the Bible related to group prayer. In praying together with a few others, we are drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives (Matthew 18:19).

9. You will develop leadership skills.

Many people are scared of the word “leadership”. John Maxwell says, “Leadership is just influence.” Most believers would say without reservation that they want to influence their world for Christ. They would love to be used by God to lead someone to Christ and see him grow up spiritually and multiply himself. Acts 4:13 says “Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” These men had obtained the confidence they needed to lead others to the Savior because they had been discipled in Jesus’ group. Discipleship ultimately produces leadership skills in you. One day you will be discipling a small group of believers.

10. You will understand the Bible better in a neighborhood group.

Have you ever listened to a message from the Bible at a worship service and wanted to stop the speaker and say “But what about?” or “I don’t understand!” If so, then a small group is for you. The message that is taught in our worship service is one way communication. You listen while the speaker speaks. It’s fine for imparting knowledge, but not as effective for personal application as a small group. In a small group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear others share their insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situations and that happens best in small groups.

8 Purposes of Small Groups

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King’s Grant Baptist is about building the Kingdom through making disciples, which means helping you to become a devoted follower of Jesus. Small groups are the key in this growth process because we are created for community. Below you will find some positive reasons to become involved in a small group.

1. You will build authentic relationships

Most people who have been a part of a small group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. You’ll also discover that your needs and feelings are not unique – we’re all in the same boat. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties, or have lived through them and learned spiritual principles in the process. The Bible instructs us to pray, love, encourage and accept one another. The best way to do this is in a small group! We really do need each other. God never meant for you to go it alone in life. If you’re lonely, the answer is to join a group. In a small group, you can belong before you believe.

2. The Bible will make more sense in your life

In a small group setting, you can ask questions, participate in discussion of the text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth your group grasps. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situations and that happens best in small groups.

3. You will discover the benefits of prayer

No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you will be able to pray sentence prayers and join in. There are many promises in the Bible related to group prayer. In praying with others, we are drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives. Prayer draws you into a deeper relationship with God.

4. You will be able to handle stress and pressure better

Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change and stress. You will experience a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care and support you when you need it the most.

5. You will have a natural way to share Christ with others

It may be that some of your friends who don’t have an intimate relationship with God would not be caught dead in church. They have a preconceived idea and just the thought makes them defensive. But these same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home. In a small group, your friend can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling “put on the spot.” When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of those in your small group, it will make him or her more receptive to the Good News.

6. You will develop leadership skills you never knew you had

The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or “gifts” to benefit others in the family of God. As you share and participate in a relaxed small group setting, you will discover your confidence and self-esteem rising. This will help you at work, at church and in every other relationship.

7. You will deepen your understanding of worship

Worship isn’t something that can only happen on Sunday morning. Worship happens anytime we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a smaller group praying or singing together. In fact, all five purposes of the church can be experienced within the small group setting.

8. You will be a New Testament Christian!

The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for his people to grow and have their needs met in the church. We will never be able to hire enough professional ministerial staff to meet all of the individual needs within our church family. But God never intended for it to work that way! Consider the following verses:

•”They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. And they continued to meet together; they broke bread in their homes and ate together; and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47)

•”Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ.” (Acts 5:42)

•”Greet also the church that meets at their house.” (Romans 16:5)

•”Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the church that meets in their house.” (2 Corinthians 16:19)

•”Give my greetings to Nympha and the church in her house.” (Colossians 4:15)

So, now what?

Small groups offer the eight benefits shared above that no believer can afford to give up. If you are not participating in a small group, why not join one? If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our pastor of discipleship, Scott Chafee.

* Adapted from “Eight Reasons to Join Small Groups” at www.saddleback.com.

What is a Disciple?

In a previous post I pondered the question, How to Spot a Disciple of Jesus, but I recently developed this definition of a disciple describing, What a Disciple of Jesus Looks Like, using the acrostic DISCIPLE. If we are commanded to make disciples, we need to know what a disciple should look like!

The English word “apostle” comes from the Greek term apostolos, which means a messenger, envoy, or ambassador. Related to the verb, “to send,” it refers to one who is “sent” on behalf of another.

The term “apostle” in the New Testament is used primarily to designate that group of leaders within the early church(es) who were historical witnesses of the resurrected Lord and proclaimers of God’s saving mercies enacted through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus originally gave the title to His closest circle of friends, the twelve (Luke 6:13).

The term “disciple” comes to us in English from a Latin root. Its basic meaning is “learner” or “pupil.” The term is virtually absent from the Old Testament, though there are two related references (1 Chronicles 25:8; Isaiah 8:16).

In the Greek world the word “disciple” normally referred to an adherent of a particular teacher or religious/philosophical school. It was the task of the disciple to learn, study, and pass along the sayings and teachings of the master. In rabbinic Judaism the term “disciple” referred to one who was committed to the interpretations of Scripture and religious tradition given him by the master or rabbi. Through a process of learning which would include a set meeting time and such pedagogical methods as question and answer, instruction, repetition, and memorization, the disciple would become increasingly devoted to the master and the master’s teachings. In time, the disciple would, likewise, pass on the traditions to others.

The Gospels clearly show that the word “disciple” can refer to others besides the twelve. The verb “follow” became something of a technical term Jesus used to call His disciples, who were then called “followers,” (Mark 4:10). These “followers” included a larger company of people from whom He selected the twelve (Mark 3:7-19; Luke 6:13-17). This larger group of disciples/followers included men and women (Luke 8:1-3; 23:49) from all walks of life. (Even the twelve included a variety: fishermen, a tax collector, a Zealot.) Jesus was no doubt especially popular among the socially outcast and religiously despised, but people of wealth and of theological training also followed (Luke 8:1-3; 19:1-10; John 3:1-3; 12:42; 19:38-39).

The Book of Acts frequently uses the term “disciple” to refer generally to all those who believe in the risen Lord (6:1-2,7; 9:1,10,19,26,38; 11:26,29). In addition, the verb form “to disciple” as it appears in the final commissioning scene of Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20) also suggests a use in the early church of the term “disciple” as a more generalized name for all those who come to Jesus in faith, having heard and believed the gospel.

We have seen that, as references to the twelve, the words “apostle” and “disciple” could be synonymous. However, just as the term “disciple” could mean other followers of Jesus than the twelve in the time of His ministry, so also after His resurrection the term “disciple” had a wider meaning as well, being clearly applied to all His followers. Whereas the term “apostle” retained a more specific meaning, being tied to certain historical eyewitnesses of the resurrected Lord, the word “disciple” tended to lose its narrower associations with the twelve, and/or those who followed the historical Jesus, or who saw the risen Lord, and became a virtual equivalent to “Christian” (Acts 11:26). In every case, however, the common bond of meaning for the various applications of the word “disciple” was allegiance to Jesus.

This information is an excerpt from the Holman Bible Dictionary.