DISCIPLEMakers

“Forgingrealrelationshipsthatignitetruetransformation”

Hope in the City |4407 Monterey Oaks Blvd Austin, TX 78749 | College Ministry: Hope 242 | www.hopeinthecity.org

DISCIPLEMakers Summary

“Wewanttosee…no,wewanttobeamovement.Birthed,shaped,inspiredandreleasedbyourKing,JesusChrist.My

lifeisHisbecauseHesoldeternitytobuymeandyou.Now,followingJesuscostseverything.Ourlivesarenotourown.

GodmadeusHisambassadors,witnesses,priests.WearecalledDiscipleMakers.ForgedwithpassionforJesusand

compassionforotherstotransformtheworldwiththegospelbymakingdisciplemakers.Here.Now.ForGod’sglory!”

MattKehn,collegepastoratHopeintheCity WeareaChrist-centeredcommunityofcollegestudentsinAustinwithaPASSIONforJESUSandCOMPASSIONforPEOPLE

WEARECOMMITTEDTO:v Beingfamilyanddiscoveringidentityv Forgingdisciplemakersandservingothersv Creatingfreedomandexpressingjoyv Embracingdiversityandredeemingculturev Thinkingglobalandlivinglocal

BE SIMPLE:Jesustransformedtheworldbymakingdisciples.Whetheryouknowitornot,YOUAREADISCIPLEMAKERatthefirstmomentoffaithinJesus.It’sapartofyournewspiritualDNA(notwhenyou’vecheckedoffsomematurityboxorcompletedatraining).Youmayormaynotknowmuchaboutdisciplemaking,andperhapsnotbeexcitedorexperienced.ButtobeadisciplemakerisnotanoptionforafollowerofChrist.Itis,instead,alifepursuingthepersonofJesus,committedtoobedienceandlivedoutinintentionalrelationships.

“AllauthorityhasbeengiventoMeinheavenandonearth.Gothereforeandmakedisciplesofallthenations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFatherandtheSonandtheHolySpirit,teachingthemtoobeyallthatIcommandedyou;Andlo,Iamwithyoualways,eventotheendoftheage.”Matt28:18-20

Whyarefewpeopleeffectivedisciplemakers? Most,becausethey’veneverexperiencedit,others,becausetheymisunderstandit,andstillothersbecausetheyareunwillingtomakethesacrificesnecessarytowalkinit.

GO DEEP:Disciplemakingisthemostfulfilling,exhausting,heartrending,satisfyingandrewardinginvestmentofyourlife.Godiscallingusalltobeandmakedisciplemakers.Themissionisclear,thestrategyissimple,thereturniseternal.JoinusintheSpirit-ledadvancementofGod’skingdominAustinandthenations!

IAMADISCIPLEMakerName:__________________________________Date:_________________

DISCIPLEMakers Basics

ThisDiscipleMakersstrategy issimpleanddeep.Theprinciplescanbeusedbyeveryone.Jesusisourstandardandoursubstance.OurgoalistomakeHimsupremeinourlivesandthosearoundusbecauseourlifeisnotourown.

“FortheloveofChristcontrolsus,havingconcludedthis,thatonediedforall,thereforealldied;and

Hediedforall,sothattheywholivemightnolongerliveforthemselves,butforHimwhodiedand

roseagainontheirbehalf.”2Corinthians5:14-15

DiscipleMaking:anintentionalinvestmentineachothertofollowJesusmorefullyandtoinviteandtrainnewfollowersofJesus.

DM-Rhythms:

HEAR OBEY

GODM-Priorities:Belonging–maturefaiththroughtruth(HEAR)Identity–nurturecharacterthroughidentity(OBEY)Purpose–developinfluencethroughexperience(GO)DM-Blueprint:1. Gather3disciplemakersintoaDMgroup2. Meetonceaweekforafullsemester(1hour)3. ChallengeeachothertofollowJesuseveryday4. InviteanewpersontotheDMgroup(freshmen&int.student)5. Multiplyafter4-5participantsExcellenceasadisciplemakerwillnotdependongreatmethodsbutontransformationgeneratedbyconsistentrelationshipsinfusedwithbiblicaltruth,grace-saturatedaccountability,andsharedexperiencesthatimpactothers.FullcommitmenttoeachotherandtheDMmodelisvital,withflexibilityingroupscheduleandformat.Everygrouppossessesauniqueexpressionandunitedmission!

MeetingIdeas:Scripture,Purplebook,topics

Prayer,worship,fasting

Shareobediencesteps

Goactivitiesincommunity

DISCIPLEMakers Groups

“DiscipleMakerGroupsaregatheringof3+peoplewhomeetweeklytoHEARGod,challengeeachothertoOBEYHimindailylife,andGOinviteotherstofollowJesus.”DMRepsAsthedriversofeachDMgroup,repshavechosentoinitiateandrepresentthegroup.Youmustbecommittedtocommunicateregularlyandprayerfullyselectthefocusofeachweek.UsethePurpleBookmaterialtobuildhonestconversationstogrowahealthyrelationshipwithGod.Youhavetheprivilege and responsibility to yourDMgroupon the adventure of following Jesus throughout aseasonoflife.It’sallaboutrelationships,notmethods!RhythmsAllDMgroupsusethesethreerhythmsintheirrelationships.Encourageandchallengeeachothertoworktheseoutindailylife.BelowarevarioustoolsyoucanusetofollowJesus.1.HEAR:impartingGod’struth

Read, study andmemorize specific passagesof theBible together (Models: LectioDivina,DiscoveryBibleStudy,bookexpositorystudies,Keyworddiscussions,topicalstudies)

Practicelisteningandpropheticprayerforeachother DiscussChristianliteratureandmessages(podcasts,sermons) Worship,fast,confess,pray

2.OBEY:nurturingsonshipidentity Say“Yes”toGodinonenewthingthisweek(“No”toself/sin/world) RemovesomethingsignificanttogivemoremargintoGod SeekwhatGodiscallingyoutodoeachday/week

Makeaplanofactionwithspecifictime/date/goals Doit,evaluateitandshareit

3.GO:developingmissionexperience InviteafriendtojointhejourneyoftheDMgroup(freshmenandinternationalstudents) Getout:Sharethegospel,prayerwalk,EngageAustin,“Treasurehunt” Diagnoseandaddresssocialproblemsincommunitywithrealsolutions MaketheaskforotherstoacceptandfollowJesusChrist

PracticalDMRepActions (Tips)

v PrayforandregularlyencourageeachDiscipleMaker. (setupGroupMeorgrext)v Determinemeetingtimes,locationsandweeklyfocus. (suggest3specificoptions)v Facilitatethe1hourmeetingatleastonceaweek. (askgood,openquestions)v ReporttotheDiscipleshipCoordinatoreverytwoweeks. (sharetestimonies&needs)v StrategizeformultiplicationandGOactivitiestogether. (takesmallstepswithpassion)

“Itiseasytomakeexcusestoourselvesandothers.Let’smakemovementswithChristinstead!”

DISCIPLEMakers Guides

“DiscipleMakerGroupsaregatheringof3+peoplewhomeetweeklytoHEARGod,challengeeachothertoOBEYHimindailylife,andGOinviteothertofollowJesus.”DMGuidesAsaguide,thebestgiftyoucangivetotheDMgroupistofollowJesuswithallyourheart,soul,mindandstrength.AhealthyrelationshipwithGod isanecessary foundation foryoureffectiveness indisciplemaking.YouhavetheprivilegeandresponsibilitytoguideyourDMrepontheadventureoffollowingJesusandmakingdisciples.It’sallaboutrelationships,notmethods!FocusyourattentiononbeingpresentandsupportiveoftheDMrepasyoutrustGodtouseyou.RhythmsAllDMgroupsusethesethreerhythmsintheirrelationships.EncourageandchallengetheDMreptoworktheseoutinthemeetings.Belowarevariouswaystosupportthem.1.HEAR:impartingGod’struth

Offerscripturestoread,studyand/ormemorizetogether Sharelisteningprayertoolsandpropheticfeedbackforeachother GiveyourpersonallyimpactfulresourcesofChristianliteratureandmessages Worship,fast,confessandpraywiththem

2.OBEY:nurturingsonshipidentity Observethelifestyleactionsanddecisions Challengeareastoadd/removetogivemoremargintoGod SupervisewhatGodiscallingthemtodoeachday/week/month/semester

Assistcreatingaplanofactionwithspecifictime/date/goals Superviseit,evaluateitandcelebrateit

3.GO:developingmissionexperience AskwhotheyareinvitingtojointhejourneyoffollowingJesus (maketop5list) Brainstormwaysandspecificpeopletosharethegospel Discoverstudentpassionsandresearchopportunitiesofserviceincommunity Followupwithnewseekers/believerstovisitchurch

PracticalDMGuideActions (Tips)

v PrayforthethreemembersoftheDMgroupdaily. (setreminderonyourphone)v Attendthe1hourmeetingonceamonth. (askforbesttimeofmonth)v CheckinweeklywiththeDMrepforimportantupdates. (meetorskypetogetperson)v MentorDMrepandtroubleshootgroupissues (affirm,empower&release)v Givespiritualandpracticalsupportformultiplication (focusonheart,notnumbers)

“YouhavetheGod-giveninfluencetochangeonelifethatwillimpacttheworld,donotwasteit!”

DISCIPLEMakers Framework

ThreeDiscipleMakerLayers In this framework, we will survey the process of disciple making, with the focus on forming amovement of reproducing disciplemakers (Matthew28:18-20 and 2 Tim2:1-8). The three layersfocusprimarilyonthemodelandrelevantapplicationofJesus,PaulandTimothy.RecommendedReading:TheLostArtofDiscipleMaking LeroyEims JesusChristDisciplemaker BillHull

ThePurpleBook RiceBrooks/SteveMurrellBasicDiscipleshipFloydMcClungTheCostofDiscipleshipDietrichBonhoeffer

MasterPlanofEvangelism RobertColeman ResourcedArticles:MakingDiscipleMakers RonBerrus 6RhythmstoDiscipleship CaesarKalinowski

Layer 1:TheCoreofDisciplemaking

YOUAREADISCIPLEMAKER:FollowingJesusmeansIchoosetoberelational,missionalandinfluential.

REAL RELATIONSHIPS: LifeTogether Tomakeone,beone.Youreffectivenessisdependentonyourabilitytomakeandsustainlongterm,influentialrelationships.Tomakeadisciplemakeristomodelaholylifeupcloseandpersonal.Jesussaid“AstheFatherhassentMe,Ialsosendyou”John20:21.Paulsaid“Beimitatorsofme,justasIalsoamofChrist”1Corinthians11:1.Wetransferitbylivingitandcallingotherstodothesame. ThegospelsportraynotjusttheteachingsandmiraclesofJesusbutverysignificantlytheydocumenttheultimatedisciplemakerdemonstratingthepatterns,priorities,andprinciplesofmakingdisciples.

“Jesuslivedhislifeopenlyandinfullviewofothers.Heinvitedthedisciplestolearnbothfromwhathesaidandfromhowhelivedhislife.”FloydMcClung,BasicDiscipleship

Whatisessentialforhealthydisciplemakers?DisciplemakingbeginswithPersonalPassion. “Itstartswithme.”

o SettingasidetimetospendwithGodo Readingscriptureo WorshippingGodo Prayerandlisteningo RespondinginobediencetowhatHesays(John14:15)

DisciplemakingdevelopsInterpersonalCompassion. “It’saboutlovingothers.”

o Discerningverbalandnonverbalcueso Askingopen-endedquestionsthatdrawothersouto Guidingconversationsinagraciouswayo Takinginitiativetomeet,shareandlisteno Invitingothersintothecommunityo Buildingtrustandbelongingo Workingthroughconflict

DisciplemakingflourisheswithCommunityinvestment. “ItgrowsGod’sfamily.”

o Identifypotentialleadersandentrustthemwithbeginningresponsibilitieso Castvisionandfacilitatemultiplicationo Ensuresizeofgroupishealthyfordiscussionandcommunityo Leadoutwithvulnerabilityandaccountabilityo Directtheglobalenvironmentofthegroup(setthetone,managethetime,listento

theHolySpiritfordirection)o Focusedprayer

DisciplemakingfocusesonJesus “ItbuildsonChristthecornerstone.”

o FollowingJesusandnottheleader,takingeveryopportunitytopointthemtoJesus.o HelpingapersongrowinfoundationalwaysofJesus.o PointingtoScriptureandapplyingitrelevantlytothesituation.o DiscerningtheliesoftheSatan/society/self.o Recognizingandcastingdownidols.o Identifyingselfishmotivationsandconfessingsino Helpingpeopleidentifyaplaceofservingandsowingalongtheirgiftlines.o ListeningtoGodandfacilitatingpropheticwordsforoneanothero Sharingthegospeltogetherwiththosewhodon’tknowJesus

TRUE TRANSFORMATION: theJesusApprenticeModel “Andheappointedtwelve,thattheymightbewithhim,andthathemightsendthemouttopreach,andtohaveauthoritytocastoutthedemons”Mark3:14-15.JesusdevotedtheentirenightinprayerbeforemakingHisselections(Luke6:12-13). RELATIONAL ThefirstreasonJesuschosethesemenwasrelational….“to be with Him.” True transformation is most complete,effectiveandenduringthroughrealrelationships.Godchangespeople through people. It takes an intentional investment toinfluenceotherswithChrist.Jesus chose Peter, but he also chose 11 others to be in constant contact with them. It was atransformational small community. They walked together, worked together, served together,struggled together, ate together, learned together, failed together and triumphed together. Thisintensive relationshipwas central, as they learned how to relate, submit, rebuke, restore, pray,preach, and change. Jesusmade disciples in the context of daily relationships and thousands ofteachablemoments.WhenJesustoldthedisciplesto“goandmakedisciples”,theyknewwhatHemeant.Theyhadexperiencedit.ItwasacontinuationofalifelearnedandlivedwiththeSavior. MISSIONAL ThesecondreasonJesuschosethesemenwasmissional…“tosendthem.”Itwasknownfromtheoutsetthatthisrelationshipwasintendedtoresultintheirbecoming“fishersofmen.”TheyexpectedfromthestartthatJesuswouldtraintheminministryskills.Hislifewasthemodelfortheirlives,andHisministrywasthemodelfortheirministries.Again,theGreatCommissioninMatthew28:19-20expectedthatthesediscipleswouldmakeotherdiscipleswhowouldbecompletelyobedienttothesameexpectationsandcommandsofJesus. INFLUENTIAL ThethirdreasonJesuschosethesemenwasinfluential….“tohaveauthority.”WithoutthepowerofGod,theimpactofthediscipleswouldremainminimal.JesusgaveHimselfandHisauthoritytoempowerthedisciplestotransformlives.ItisGod’swork,weareHischosenvessels.

“God changes people through

people”

Initially,thetwelvehadmanymisperceptions.Someofthesemissionalmisunderstandingslastedlongerthanothers.Everydisciplebringshisownbaggageintothejourney.Thelongerwe walk with Jesus, however, the clearer our missionalunderstanding becomes as our character and purposesbecomemoreandmorelikeChristHimself.

ThebookofActsisfilledwithnames…evernoticedthat?Namesofpeople.Ordinarypeoplewithanextraordinary purpose. They were connected with the original disciplemakers, who madedisciplemakers,whothenmadestillmoredisciplemakers.Andherewearetoday.JesustrainedPaul…PaultrainedTimothyandTitusandmanyothers…andTimothytrainedstillmore.Thistrainingwasrelational,missional,andinfluential.TheJesusmodelrequiresall. LIFETOGETHERprinciplesfordisciplemakers.

1. Neverdoanythinginministryalonethatyoucandowithsomeoneelse.2. Liferequiresdoing,notjustknowing.3. Changeismosteffectivewhenitisseeninalifelivedupcloseandpersonal.4. Themosteffectivegrowthmomentsoccurinordinarylifespenttogether.5. Failureisthebestopportunityforlastingchangetotakeplace.6. Trustandhonestyisbuiltovertimeingenuinerelationships.7. Growthismademosteffectivelywhenfailureisacknowledgedandhelpgivenimmediately.

Summary Jesus’calltoHisdiscipleswas:“followmeandIwillmakeyou…”Matthew4:19.HispurposeandstrategyinMark3:14wastochoosetwelvemen“tobewithHimandtosendthemforthtopreachandtoheal”.HeselectedindividualstomoveintodailyexperiencewithHimsothatinthemixofdailyexposure,exampleandexhortationtheymightbetransformedandpreparedtogoanddeclaretruth,demonstratecompassionandmakedisciplesamongallthenations. Theessenceofdisciplemakingislifetogetheronmission.Disciplemakersarecalledtoliveandgrowinpublic.Wearenotperfectbutwemustbetrustworthy,onthejourneywithGod.

“(Hewill)remindyouofmywayoflifeinChristJesuswhichagreeswithwhatIteacheverywhereineverychurch”1Corinthians4:17. “Brethren,joininfollowingmyexample…asyouhaveusforapattern”Philippians3:17.“Thethingswhichyoulearnedandreceivedandheardandsawinme,thesedo”Philippians4:9. “Youhavecarefullyfollowedmydoctrine,manneroflife,purpose,faith,longsuffering,love,perseverance”2Timothy3:10.

Thesuccessofyourimpactdependsonyourabilitytobuildandsustainlongtermrelationshipsandthepowerofyourinfluencethatresultsfromthem.Beginwiththefollowingworksheet.

“Disciplemakers are called to live

and grow in public”

WORKSHEETFORDISCIPLEMAKINGSTRATEGY WHO POTENTIALDISCIPLEMAKERS Men 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Women 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

WHAT AREASFORGROWTHDEVELOPMENT

BIBLESTUDY

v PersonalDevotions v BibleStudyMethods v BibleSurvey v BiblicalTheology v NamesofGod v AttributesofGodv WillofGod

CHARACTER

v Teachability/Humility v Discipline/Diligence v Respect/Listening v Integrity/Honestyv Commitment/Loyaltyv Acceptance/Flexibilityv Forgiveness/Gracev ConflictResolutionv Accountability

MINISTRYSKILLS

v Evangelism v PublicSpeaking v Teaching v DiscipleMaking/Mentoringv Intercessionv Healingv LeadingTeamsv Service

PRIORITIES–StepbyStep

1. 2.3.4.5.6.7. 8.

HOW METHODSTOEMPLOY OneonOne DMGroups HopeCommunities HopeCouncilLeadershipTeam PastoralCoaches MATERIALSTOUSE Options? The Purple Book Bible Blue Letter Bible App Verse of the Day My Utmost for His Highest Other: WHEN TimeOptions?DaysoftheWeekLengthofSessionsNumberofSessionsFrequencyPeopleInvolved WHERE

Layer 2:ThreeQualitiesofaDisciplemaker

Teacher–helpingthediscipletoknowandbelieve–it’saboutBELONGING

Father–helpingthediscipletogrowandbelong–it’saboutIDENTITY

Coach–helpingthediscipletodevelopandserve–it’saboutINFLUENCE TheJesusmodelofadisciplemakerincludesthreemajorcharacteristics:theteacher(Hear:TRUTH),theparent(Obey:CHARACTER),andthecoach(Go:EXPERIENCE). THETEACHER Truthsetsus free (John8:32). Information,while insufficient, isabsolutelyessential.God’sWordpossessesthepowertosaveandtransformanyone.Truthwelltaughtbyalifewelllivedisapowerfultool. Biblical illiteracy is a worldwide epidemic. When truth is absent, deception reigns; wheredeceptionreigns,destructionresults.GivefollowersofJesusastrongbiblicalknowledgeandskillstominethatknowledgeforthemselves.This is inherentinthegreatcommission,“teachingthemtoobeyeverythingIhavecommandedyou”Matt28:20. Disciplemakers instruct others formally (studying God’s word) and informally (spiritualconversations) in “the whole counsel of God” Acts 20:27. Foundational truths must becommunicated clearly with practical application for godly living. The on-going disciplemakingrelationshipallowsinstructionandactiontotakeplaceimmediately. Addingrelationshipsamongbelieversatvariousstagesofgrowth to generate maximum influence in the body isimportant.Beingandmakingadisciplemakernecessitatesworking inpartnershipwiththosewhoareabletoworkwith others as well. This is the blessing and benefit ofintegratingdisciplesintoafamilyofbelieverswheretheycanbenefitfromallspiritualgifts. THEPARENT

“ToknowGod’swillforthefuture,wemustfirstobeywhatwealreadyknowinthepresent!”FloydMcClung,BasicDiscipleship

Disciplemakersprovideanexampleofgodlinesscoupledwiththenecessaryresponsibilityoflovingrebukeandcorrection.Likeaparent,thedisciplemakerrecognizesthatimmaturityalwaysprecedesmaturity.Thedisciplemakermustapplydifficultandpainfultruthwithgraceandlove,whilesharingstories of past failure, victory and growth. If a disciple is convinced that his disciplemaker iscommitted to him, seeks his best, believes in him andunconditionally loves him, hewill usuallyrespondwithhumilityandrepentance.Repentance isalwaysthefruitof theSpirit,so itmustbeprecededbyandaccompaniedwithferventprayer,andaspiritofgrace,patienceandlove(2Tim2:22-26;4:1-2).Thegoalofgentlerebukeisalwaysrenewedmotivationtowalkinobedience.Thecombination ofpositive examplewith the corrective application of truth is at the heart of theparental role.Disciplemakersmust ever bemindful that the disciple is accountable for his owndecisions,thatGodalonecancausetransformationintheheart,andthatthefruitofgrowthisaprocessthattakestimetomature.

“Truth well taught by a life well lived is a powerful tool”

THECOACH Disciplemakers have the purposeof influencing the growing disciple in the investment of their time,energiesandabilitiesinmakingotherdisciples.Toaccomplishthis,thecoachequipsotherstodiscovertheirspiritualgiftsandtalents,assessskillsandresources,andembraceobligationstoinvesteverythinginthelivesofothersforJesus’sake.Again,thelifetogetherapproachwillorganicallybringexposuretovariousministry opportunities as they live and serve alongside of the disciplemaker. Serving early is

critical. New followers of Jesus are usually eager and excited about theirrelationship with disciplemakers, and with opportunities to serve God byservingothers.Thedisciplemakermustremainalertandeagertoinvolvethediscipleinvariousvenuesofministry,takingthemfromobservertoparticipantto leader in the process. Afterward, evaluate the experience of servingtogetherandsoimprovethenextopportunity.

“Faithfulnessislikethehingeonadoor.Itisonlyasmallthingyetwithoutiteventhelargestofdoorswillnotopen.BybeingfaithfulineverythingGodhaspresentlyspokentous,wemakeahingeonwhichhecanswingthedoorwideopenforusinthefuture”FloydMcClung,BasicDiscipleship

Layer 3: SixHabitsofanEffectiveDisciplemaker Oftenwheneverwethinkofdiscipleship,it'sthiscrazydisjointedprogram,"Idon'tknowhowI'mgoingtofititintomylife.Allthismissionalstuff.I'msobusy!"Weneedtochangeourthinkingaboutdisciplemaking.Weneedtomovefromamindsetofsomethingadditionaltooneofintentional.WhatifGodhasactuallygivenusthisamazingwayofseeinglifethatwouldmakealloflifeonebighugeopportunityfordiscipleshipandmission?Hehas.

“Serving early is critical”

It'stherhythmoflifethathe'splacedusin.Discipleshipisnotthissetofactivitiesorclassesthatweneedtotake.Godhasactuallybuilttheworld,andeverythingwe'reaboutandeveryoneyouknowisinthesamerhythm.Itisperfectlysetupalreadyforustolivethisway.Herearethesixhabitsofeffectivedisciplemaking.Onceyouseetheseitopensupyourwholeworld.You’realreadylivingintheserhythms.Nowyoucanmovefromadditionaltointentional.YoucanbringagospelintentionalitytothemandjointhedancewithGodinthewayHehascreatedus.

KNOWINGTHESTORYFirstoneis"Knowthestory."Weallhaveastory.IsourstoryapartofGod'sstory, or are we believing a different story that's been told to us by ourparents,ourboss,peoplegrowingup,theculture.DoweknowGod'sstoryas a story?Weneed to. Ifwe're going tobe living asdiscipleswhomakedisciplesweneedtoknowGod'sstory,weneedtogettoknoweachother's

storydeeplyenoughtoapplythegospelinabsolutelyeveryareaoflife.LISTENINGWe'realwayslisteningtosomeone,butarewelisteningtoGod?Wesayitthisway,"WeneedtolistenbackwardsthroughthewordofGod.WhoisGod,howhashealwaysbeen.WeneedtolistenforwardthroughtheHolySpirit."MyprayertimesaremostlyfilledupwithmetellingGodwhattodothenIshootoffintomyday.ButtocultivateahabitoflisteningtoGodandincommunity.That'showyougettoknowpeople'sstoriesandfollowingthedirectionoftheLordineverythingyoudo.CELEBRATINGLifeislivinginalifestyleofcelebration.Thinkaboutalltheholidaysthatarejustcomingaroundandbirthdays,everybodyyouknowhasone,andanniversaries,andgraduations.Weneedtojointhosecelebrationsandbethebringersofthebetterwine.LikeJesuswas(John2).They'regoingon,it'slowhangingfruit. Jointhatevent,throwthebestparties.Thechurchshouldbethemostcelebratorypeopleontheplanet.“Wegettoliveforever.Hey!Awesome!Party!”Peopleinyourcityshouldgolike"Idon'tknowifIbelievewhattheybelieve,butwhoadotheyparty!Yeah,I'min!"EATINGWe'realreadyeating21timesaweek…ormore.Juststartthinking,"Whatif IwastohavethreemealsaweekwithpeoplethatI'mtryingtomakedisciplesof?Notyetbelievers.I'meatingthesemealsanyway."Let'sjustintentionalizethat.BLESSAskthespirittorevealtoyouthreepeoplethatyoucouldbless intentionallyeachweekthrougheitherwords, action,or gift. Imaginea communityofpeople inaneighborhood like10or12allblessingthreepeopleaweek.Youthinkthatneighborhoodwouldnotice?It'lltransformtheplace.RECREATEThenthislasthabitisrecreate.It'sthisideaofrestinChrist'scompletedworkandthenoutofthatwecreatebeautyandweworkandwecreatevalue.RestingonwhatChristhasdoneforus.Nottoearn,butthenwework.It'stheideaofSabbath.Ifyoufeellikeyourlifeissojampackedthatyoucannotdodiscipleshipandliveonmission,yougetadifferentrhythm?GodhasgivenyouallperfectrhythmtojoinHiminHisdance.

“We all have

a story”