As Lay Pastor of Discipleship and Stewardship, I feel a bit schizophrenic at times, because it’s a ‘two-hat’ job. My friend Chris Goulard (Stewardship Pastor at Saddleback Church in California) reminded me that it’s really one in the same. A growing disciple of Jesus will usually be growing in their level of generosity and a faithful steward will naturally be advancing in their walk toward being a fully-devoted follower of Jesus. It’s much like the old song, “Love and Marriage”; ‘you can’t have one without the other.’

One of the most important things to remember is that we’re all on a journey. Each of us is at a different place as a steward and disciple of Jesus. Whether we’ve been walking out your faith for a month or ten years, there’s always more to learn and apply to our lives. That’s the rewarding part. It’s not so much about reaching a destination as it is about becoming more Christ-like along the way.

Also, I’m painfully aware that sometimes we have setbacks, and that’s just part of our spiritual growth. The main thing is that we stay pointed in the right direction, or as Eugene Peterson puts it, “A long obedience in the same direction.”

It is helpful to have a good understanding of what discipleship is, and I love the responses many of you have given me in the first three months I’ve been here. Here’s a sampling:

“Serving God and leading others in their faith...Being a shining light so people can see God’s glory...Walking with people, listening and caring...Leading by example...Discipleship means we’re all ministers...Mentoring Christ-like behavior.”

Interestingly enough, the common threads through them are: Serving, inviting, modeling, caring, leading, ministering, mentoring, and listening. It may mean slightly different things to each of us, but isn’t it really the work of intentionally looking more like Jesus each day?

In my previous position at Open Door, I counseled a woman who was recently divorced and helped her navigate through challenging life issues. One Sunday, I was caught off-guard when she gave me a hug and said, “You’re like Jesus with skin on.” I felt like I didn’t deserve that description and carried a huge responsibility for a sinful mortal like me!

I love Dallas Willard’s description of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus: “An apprentice of Jesus, seeking to live a life of consecrated goodness through the power of the Holy Spirit, for the sake of the least, the last and the lost of this world.”

One of the best ways we can grow deeper in our faith is to be part of a small group. It seems logical since that’s what Jesus modeled with His ‘small group’ of disciples. It was relational, intentional, authentic, caring, growing, challenging, and loving. They were pointed in the same direction – directly at the Cross. For me, being a part of a small group has been absolutely essential in my Christian faith. I’ve been in several small groups since I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior back in the early 1990’s: In Arizona, Indiana, and for the last eight years in Minnesota.

And, I’m always more than happy to tell you stories about the small groups I’ve been in – without breaking the covenant of confidentiality of course! Currently my wife and I are in a couples small group and it is an essential part of our spiritual growth. Our small group has been together long enough that if I got a call for help at 2am, I’d respond without thinking. On the flip side, I know that they would do the same for me.

My vision is that someday everyone at Grace will be in a small group. That’s how much I believe in them and feel they’re essential to spiritual growth and development. Not everyone may be ready for a small group or are in a season of life where it just doesn’t work, and that’s fine. At some point, I’d encourage you to pray about it, and listen for God’s prompting.

You’ll hear more about small groups in the future, but in the meantime, if you’re interested, check with Jeannie Hellmann, our Director of Small Groups. Or, if you have a friend who’s in a small group, ask them what it’s meant to them.

Ultimately, with both ‘hats’ I wear, it’s a continual process of growing deeper in trusting Jesus and increasing in generosity…a journey of the heart. And, as I grow deeper, I’m able to be the person God made me to be and do what God calls me to do next.

My vision is that more of us will experience abundant living and become more Christ-like as we walk toward financial freedom and understand our ‘sweet spot’ of spiritual gifts. Both are critically needed in our journey of faith.

In His Name,

Pastor Chris