How do you develop a community that embraces Jesus Christ in their daily lives? Being a follower of Christ is not just about serving in church groups or participating and coming to Sunday service. It requires a shift in living habits. Over the last month, I have discussed discipleship and developing a discipleship program. This program would endeavor to teach people to live lives that embody practices that emulate Christ.
The Lord loves all of us no matter what stage in our faith journey we are at. All of us, at some level, want a deeper relationship with God. We want a faith that allows us to completely give ourselves over to God and recognize that God will provide, protect, and comfort us no matter our situation. Typically, fear stops us from moving forward and developing this deeper faith. Either fear of commitment or fear that we will not do it correctly. God does not care; the only concern is if we are trying.
As advent approaches, I hope all of you consider this program that will give people the relationships and tools to go beyond a faith that stays on the surface. Advent is thought to be a time of preparing for the coming of Christ. Discipleship takes preparing beyond Advent to become a continuous activity that is lifelong. It allows us to share our faith without the stress of prejudices. If you would like to learn more, please come and talk with me.