Walking Together
The journey of discipleship is often characterized by moments of challenge, resistance and confusion, while also surrounded by moments of exhilaration and renewal. Over the coming weeks of August, we will focus upon the personal journeys of discipleship through a slightly more contemporary lens rather than through an historical focus on the lives of the disciples and apostles who served with Jesus. While the twelve disciples are quite familiar and some of their triumphs are sources of inspiration, there are modern examples that may prove to be instructive for us as we think critically about the obstacles that we conquer in our quests to grow spiritually and to surround ourselves with individuals who will provide models to emulate. We are also aware of the responsibilities that we assume to live in ways that allow our lives to become examples, not necessarily of excellence or perfection, but more often examples of perseverance and determination.
Our opening text is Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae that includes, near the beginning, words that describe how contentiously he is laboring on behalf of the new believers. Typically, the energy and excitement that is felt at the beginning of a journey is often-times difficult to sustain. There are also words of warning that Paul expresses to help prepare them for deceptive arguments that are quite likely to be presented. Paul quickly complements the new believers because of their discipline and their steadfast faith. All these words are provided with the realization that some of the hearers of the letter have not met Paul personally.
In the “See All the People” video resources, Rev. Junius Dotson and Rev. Jacob Armstrong share their insights on the key strategies that churches have embraced to create cultures that encourage change and growth at both personal and corporate levels. The primary focus is upon the individuals of the congregation, but the impact is exhibited in the corporate culture of the church that creates the sense of expectation regarding the ways that people will become engaged. The importance of the connections cannot be overemphasized—connections to God; connections to the other people present to worship; connections to our families who may or may not be present in worship with us; and connections to the sense of mission which ultimately propels the church to extend beyond the walls of the building.
The introductory series of classes will begin Monday evening. We are encouraging everyone to plan to participate in the courses to learn more about the contemporary expressions of discipleship.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
