Discipleship Goals

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In Matthew 22:34-40 Jesus summarizes two basic commands: Love God and love others. Both of these commands exist under God’s love for us as demonstrated in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Loving God draws us deeper into relationship with the One Who redeemed us, establishing us in an unwavering faith in His character and a certain hope in His promises. By loving others, we express to the world God’s love for them – we become the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in His ministry of reconciliation.
As imperfect people, saved by grace and rooted in Christ, we seek to imitate Jesus by loving God and loving others. We believe every member is equipped by the Holy Spirit to grow in the following core competencies, which define who we are and set the agenda for our ministry focus:

Love God...

In His Word

We will love God by daily growing in our obedience and submission, corporately and individually, to His inspired, inerrant and infallible written Word.

  • Identify that we are under the authority of God’s Word in every area of our life.
  • Understand that to know God’s Word fully, we need to study it carefully and obey it rigorously.
  • Develop a regular habit of studying God’s Word on our own and with other believers.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

In Prayer

We will love God by devoting ourselves, corporately and individually, to daily communicating with God in light of who He is and what He has done according to His Word.

  • Identify as God’s children who need to pray, privately and alongside others.
  • Understand that as we pray, we are not changing God’s mind about circumstances, but allowing Him to align our thoughts with His.
  • Develop a regular private prayer habit that incorporates praising God for who He is, repenting of sin, giving thanks for His blessings, and humbly asking for His provision.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

In Our Witness

We will love God by actively telling others the Good News of Jesus Christ according to His Word and sharing our testimony of salvation by grace.

  • Identify evangelism as a command of Scripture, both of the church corporately and of each believer personally.
  • Understand the Good News of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
  • Develop a clear and simple gospel outline, with personal testimony, that can be shared at any time - then go share it.

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

In Our Worship

We will love God in spirit and truth by exalting and praising Him in everything that we do both corporately and individually.

  • Identify the Triune God as the highest priority of our lives.
  • Understand that everything we do should be an act of worship in response to God’s love for us and an expression of our love for Him.
  • Develop a regular habit of worship, through private devotion and in church gatherings.

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24

Love Others...

Through Church Community

We will love others through intentional relationships for encouragement, accountability, and holiness both corporately and individually.

  • Identify as a member of the covenant body of Christ, that is, the church.
  • Understand the biblical commands for loving one another and their implications for my life.
  • Develop a regular habit of meeting with other believers for the specific purpose of mutual spiritual growth and accountability.

“...that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3

Through Our Ministry

We will love others by using our God-given gifts to advance the church’s mission and meet spiritual, physical and emotional needs.

  • Identify as servants, following in the footsteps of our Lord.
  • Understand my own spiritual gift(s) and my indispensable role as a part of the body of Christ.
  • Develop a regular habit of serving the church, by using my spiritual gift(s) for the glory of God, and the good of others.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” 1 Corinthians 12:7

Through Our Generosity

We will love others and follow the example of Christ by joyfully denying self, with open hands putting others’ needs ahead of our own.

  • Identify as a cheerful steward, and never an owner, of my time, talent and treasure.
  • Understand that biblically, giving is both a command and a privilege, and should be done joyfully.
  • Develop a regular habit of sacrificially giving through my church in order to advance God’s kingdom agenda.

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

While On Mission

We will love others by intentionally and sacrificially engaging our communities and the world with the Gospel.

  • Identify my responsibility as a Christian to make disciples among all nations.
  • Understand that God’s heart is for all peoples to worship Him, from every tribe, tongue and nation.
  • Develop a plan to be involved in the church’s cross-cultural missions efforts by praying, giving, and going to support the mission of God both near and far.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20