Gospel Servant

Lee Campbell
Colossians 1:24-2:3

Paul teaches the Colossians what it means to be a servant of the gospel. The gospel is the priceless revelation of God that Jesus Christ died for sinners and wants a relationship where we are identified with Jesus through the cross. Living for the gospel is motivated by understanding God's work for us, knowing Him in a more intimate way and seeing people's lives transformed. We can do this by remaining focused on Jesus, understanding God's grace for us more and sharing that with others.

The Servant's Heart

Jeff Gordon
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

The Thessalonians accepted Paul's words as the very Word of God which continued to work in them after he left. As a result, they were persecuted because they were transformed by the Word and lived to serve rather than to be served. Paul intensely longed to see them because he loved them and they were his pride and joy. What is your view of God's Word and what is your pride and joy?

Adult Discipleship Models

Doug Patch
Colossians 1:28-29

What is discipleship and how do you do it? Doug Patch goes through what some general considerations for discipleship include; for example: the church's mission and how discipleship fits with that, personal considerations like time, and resources in the church. He presents different models of discipleship for adults including: 1 on 1 discipleship, couples discipleship, and a team model of discipleship. He also goes through the format for each model, pros and cons for each, and some content ideas.\r\n

Paradox of the Gospel

Jim Leffel
Mark 8:27-9:13

When Jesus asks his disciples who they think he is, they correctly identify him as the Messiah, despite the many possible answers. The paradox of Christ lies in the idea that he is both the King Messiah and the Suffering Servant who will die for sin. A similar paradox lies in following Jesus: those who lose their life for his sake will gain everything.

The Attraction of the Gospel

Jim Leffel
Mark 1:14-28

When Jesus calls Simon and Andrew, he points to his unique authority as he calls them to a relationship and a life of purpose. Their response shows that discipleship involves surrender, that experience follows action, and that Jesus calls people as a community. Jesus' authoritative teaching and spiritual power also drew people to follow him.

Adult Discipleship Models

Doug Patch
Ephesians 4:11-16

Doug Patch shares his personal experience in adult discipleship relationships to show how this sort of intimate and intentional relating within the body of Christ changes lives. The pros and cons of three different adult discipleship models are discussed. Though discipleship models may vary, the definition of discipleship should not. Discipleship is a Christ-centered friendship with the main goal of helping one another to reach spiritual maturity through character transformation and a ministry lifestyle. No matter the model, discipleship should include Bible study, ministry, counsel, and prayer. If done right, discipleship is certainly not easy, but it is eternally worthwhile.\r\n

Transitioning to a Cell-Based Church

Ken MacGillivray
Ephesians 4:11-13

Small groups pastor Ken MacGillivray, discusses the process of transitioning from what he calls a traditional church (pastor-centered, program-based, church-campus-oriented) to a cell-based church. Frequently drawing from experience he has gained in doing just that, MacGillivray provides a blueprint for making this shift and answers a variety of questions from audience members about making the transition!\r\n

Maturing In God's Family

Gary DeLashmutt
Galatians 4:12-20

Once we become Christians we are a part of God's family, and can play a role in each others spiritual lives and growth. We do this through sitting under God's Word, sharing it with each other, and choosing to initiate deeper conversations. This involves encouraging each other, but it also involves being willing to admonish each other such as Paul is doing in the letter to the Galatians. Being able to receive admonishment and give it is vitally important for our spiritual lives!

Discipleship

Jess Lowery
Matthew 9:36-38

Choosing to make disciples, as Christ calls us to, is a choice that requires personal commitment. Helping a younger believer grow and bear fruit in their life takes casting vision, prayer, and developing friendship. Once you have entered into a discipleship relationship, it is key to ascertain spiritual needs and choose to persuade and meet those needs.