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What is a Discipling Relationship and
Why You Might Actually Want One
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My home church began exploring discipleship resources some years ago. As a leader, I was eager to learn the ideas. But when invited to learn to put it in practice through joining a ‘huddle,’ I wasn’t so sure. It was no small commitment. Our small group of women, none of whom I knew, would meet online weekly for one year, then every other week for a second year. I was told there would be ‘homework,’ with encouragement and acceptance but also challenge and accountability. But this discipleship stuff was important to me and I wanted to grow. . . .
Reflection: Our Persistent God
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I rarely hear God described as ‘persistent,’ but I’ve lately learned just how persistent he is. On several occasions over the past two years, circumstances have caused me to recall a difficult time from when I was in college. Those recollections unearthed some ugly baggage I’d buried, and I realized God was nudging me to finally deal with it. I eventually reached out to a good friend from that era, and our conversation gave me a healthier perspective and a good start on dumping that baggage. It also impressed me with God’s persistence. He wouldn’t let me ignore the damage of a 50-year-old hurt.
The Bible describes God as always at work. Read more
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Resource Review: Multipli
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Most long-time church-goers are way more comfortable with faith-sharing through serving,than we are with faith- sharing through words. But words and deeds belong together, even and especially in a divisive and argumentative culture.
I’m happy to recommend “Multipli” as a resource that can help. Their 4-week Awaken and 9-month Genesis Leader trainings show how to share Jesus easily and naturally within everyday relationships. The trainings are online and live, giving participants the opportunity to hear each other’s stories and feel part of a community.
One participant told me, “My experience with Genesis Leader was very beneficial. I learned how to use the skills I already have to form relationships with non-Christians. I also learned how to build up the skills I don’t have yet. I enjoyed my time there and all the people I met!”
FYI to church leaders--the training and 'huddle' I described in "Discipling Relationship,' above, is one of several online and in-person trainings offered by PLI.
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From the archives: Going to the Dogs? (2014)
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I'm not a dog person. Due to family allergies, we never owned a dog, much to my sons’ disappointment and my relief. But now my church owns a dog. Last November, in a “passing of the leash” ceremony, we received Susie, a beautiful Golden Retriever, as our own Comfort Dog from Lutheran Church Charities. I’ve not only come to enjoy Susie, I’ve concluded we ought to treat all our church volunteers more like Susie.
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