Inviting Others on the Journey
See All the People is the name of one of the primary resources that the Visioning Team is using. See All the People was developed by the discipleship division of The United Methodist Church. Many of the accompanying videos feature an introduction and overview by Rev. Dr. Junius Dotson, the former General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries. One of the most important components of discipleship is relationship. Although we are called by God to live as disciples, we are also instructed to go into the world to make disciples. However, it can be extremely intimidating to simply initiate a conversation about the journey of discipleship, especially with someone who is a stranger or someone with whom we don’t seem to share many commonalities.
As we envision the ways the church will become better connected to the families and the institutions in the community, we will continue the exploration of strategic partnerships that allow us to identify the similarities in our missions. For example, it may be easy to see the similarities between the roles of the church and the roles of the school—supporting the cognitive, social and emotional growth of children. However, we sometimes overlook the shared emphases on physical growth and nutritional health. An even more obvious, but often overlooked similarity, is the fact that many of the same people who populate the schools also populate the church. As a result, there are many overlapping opportunities to further our existing relationships. In other words, the invitations to discipleship do not always require initiating a conversation with a complete stranger, the invitation can involve the exploration of another dimension of the existing relationship.
There are many individuals who have lived in the community all their lives and they’ve witnessed many changes. Many of these changes reflect the efforts and plans of leaders in the community to offer encouragement and assistance to individuals and families. The changes that we witness reflect the work of God around us and within us. Some may interpret the changes as surprising, frustrating and/or disappointing. However, when viewed through the lens of faith, we can discover the plan of God being revealed. When Jesus came among the disciples walking along the road near Emmaus, they were attempting to make sense of the changes that had recently occurred. Jesus was able to “open their eyes” and help them see the unfolding plan of God.
As you encounter friends, acquaintances and even strangers along the streets of the community, listen to the stories they tell about the changes in the community and the changes in their lives. Perhaps, God will reveal opportunities for you to help them interpret these events through the lens of faith. Perhaps, you can also invite them to allow you to accompany them along the journey of discipleship as you walk and grow together. Maybe, through your willingness to extend an invitation, you may be able to help restore someone to a relationship with Christ and renew their connection to the church.
Invite someone to attend the worship services and participate in the ministries of the church. Just as Jesus opened the eyes of the disciples who were walking along the road, we are also encouraged to walk alongside others on our journeys to discipleship.
We’ll see you in church Sunday morning.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
