FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is discipleship?
Isn't membership good enough for most people, and discipleship for super-Christians?
Is discipleship the same as a Bible study?
Does discipleship require me to be part of a group?
How will you help me?
What if I make mistakes or ask uncomfortable or dumb questions?
Does it cost anything?
What is discipleship?
A disciple is one who responds in faith and obedience to the gracious call of Jesus Christ.
Being a disciple is a lifelong process of dying to self while allowing Jesus Christ to come alive in us.
Isn't membership good enough for most people, and discipleship for super-Christians?
Jesus never commanded anyone to make members. He did, however, command His disciples to," Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."
Is discipleship the same as a Bible study?
No, discipleship is about life. Jesus invited twelve men to "Come, follow me." Discipleship is more than a Bible study, it is always about our lives, not just our minds. It is more than increasing in knowledge, it is about increasing in wisdom, applied knowledge.
Does discipleship require me to be part of a group?
Jesus, like the Jewish rabbis of his day, called together a group of people for intentional life together and we believe that pattern is important. Studying and applying what we have learned together with others allows us to learn from one another and grow with them. We can encourage one another, challenge one another and share our joys and pains with one another. The writer of Ecclesiastes said, "It's better to have a partner than go it alone.And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there's no one to help, tough! By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped." (The Message)
How will you help me?
We provide curriculum, a safe and healthy environment for growth, trained and mentored leadership, help in identifying the gifts you have been given for ministry, help in equipping you to use those gifts and help you to find the right ways and places to use those gifts. It is like when your parents taught you to ride a bicycle, we talk you through it, hang onto the seat and run alongside until you are ready to ride on your own.
What if I make mistakes or ask uncomfortable or dumb questions?
That is the point of being a disciple, learning. Sometimes we learn from our mistakes or others' mistakes and we generally learn by asking questions. There are many uncomfortable questions in the Bible asked by disciples and Jesus' disciples asked many "dumb" questions, some of which they left in the Bible so we could see it isn't about always getting it right.
Does it cost anything?
The cost is measured by how much we are willing to give Him. He will take what you offer but His real desire is for you to give Him everything. He felt like it was worth giving you His life.
