Values

Discipleship

In terms of discipleship (becoming more like Jesus ourselves) here are some things that should describe us:

• Loving​ Jesus and others (worship & service)
• Learning​ of Jesus and about Jesus (spiritual growth & intellectual growth)
• Living​ as Jesus and for Jesus (imitation and purpose)

These are some things we value in our lives of discipleship:

• Head​ (renewed mind)

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this word, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

• Heart​ (rooted faith)

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7)

• Hands​ (humble obedience)

And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6)

Discipling

In terms of discipling (helping others become more like Jesus) here are some things that should describe us:

• Relational​ (we give time and effort to really know those we disciple)
• Intentional​ (we invest in others with purpose and focus)
• Faithful​ (we stick with those we are discipling)
• Formational​ (we guide others towards transformed lives as they become more like Jesus)

These are some of the things we value in our ministry of discipling:

• Presence over programming​ (people and relationships always matter more than events and activities)
• Listening over lecturing​ (we do teach, but it's within a context of active listening and two-way conversation)
• The few over the crowd​ (we are limited humans and can pour deeply into a finite number of people; big numbers do not equal deep ministry)
• Knowing God over knowing all the answers​ (we will never know all the answers, though we should be learning more and more as we ourselves grow in Christ; more important is knowing God intimately, truly, and faithfully)

Reflect - Discuss

• What are some of your own personal descriptions and values when it comes to your life of discipleship and your ministry of disipling?
• What are some areas listed above that you want to learn more about and put into practice in your life (discipleship) and/or ministry (discipling)?