A Disciple's Path is an engaging approach to discipleship from a distinctly Wesleyan perspective. Whether used as an introduction for new members or a renewal course for existing members, the program guides individuals to take the next step in discipleship and become dynamic, engaged followers of Jesus Christ. The study combines a Wesleyan understanding of our growth in God's love and grace with the time-tested practices of spiritual discipline expressed in the membership vows to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Participants will develop spiritual p.
How can we transmit a living, personal Catholic faith to future generations? By coming to know Jesus Christ, and following him as his disciples. These are times of immense challenge and immense opportunity for the Catholic Church. Consider these statistics for the United States. Only 30 percent of Americans who were raised Catholic are still practicing. Fully 10 percent of all adults in America are ex-Catholics. The number of marriages celebrated in the Church decreased dramatically, by nearly 60 percent, between 1972 and 2010. Only 60 percent of Catholics believe in a personal God. If the Church is to reverse these trends, the evangelizers must first be evangelized-in other words, Catholics-in-the-pew must make a conscious choice to know and follow Jesus before they can draw others to him. This work of discipleship lies at the heart of Forming Intentional Disciples, a book designed to help Church leaders, parish staff and all Catholics transform parish life from within. Drawing upon her fifteen years of experience with the Catherine of Siena Institute, Sherry Weddell leads readers through steps that will help Catholics enter more deeply into a relationship with God and the river of apostolic creativity, charisms, and vocation that flow from that relationship for the sake of the Church and the world. Learn about the five thresholds of postmodern conversion, how to open a conversation about faith and belief, how to ask thought-provoking questions and establish an atmosphere of trust, when to tell the Great Story of Jesus, how to help someone respond to God's call to intentional discipleship, and much more. And be prepared for conversion because when life at the parish level changes, the life of the whole Church will change.
A Disciple's Path is an engaging approach to discipleship from a distinctly Wesleyan perspective that is perfect for a new member class or other small group. The six-week program guides individuals to take the next step in discipleship and become dynamic followers of Jesus Christ and engaged, vital members of the local church. The study combines a Wesleyan understanding of our growth in God's love and grace with the time-tested practices of spiritual discipline expressed in the membership vows to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Participants will develop spiritual practices, discover their unique gifts, and become engaged in ministry that brings transformation in their own lives, the lives of others, and the world. This Leader Guide provides group facilitators with helpful tips for leading a group, material for leading an introductory session or pastor’s coffee, and six ready-to-use session guides. Also included is a link to downloadable resources, along with previews of these online tools, including sample e-mails handouts, including customizable templates that can be modified for any congregation,and PowerPoint presentations. “A Disciple’s Path has transformed countless new members into deeply committed disciples – people who are using their gifts, praying in new ways, worshipping regularly and not only when it’s convenient, giving sacrificially of their financial resources, and seeking to be a witness to Christ’s love and light in the world. I am deeply grateful for this resource and recommend it wholeheartedly." Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor of Mount Veron Place United Methodist Church and author of A New Day in the City Endorsements “A Disciple’s Path has the potential to revolutionize the way we view our participation in the church. Following this ‘path’ can transform us from wanderers into pilgrims.” —Dr. Steve Harper, Retired Professor of Spiritual Formation; author of Five Marks of a Methodist and Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition “For churches transforming their invitation to membership into an opportunity for a discipleship journey.” — Lovett H. Weems, Jr., author and Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership and Director, Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary “A very useful explanation of the traditional Wesleyan view of Christian discipleship, strengthened in particular by its stress on the balanced approach of the Methodist way.” —Dr. Richard P. Heitzenrater, Duke University Divinity School
The Call Bible Study Book is an intentional 6-session disciple-making study that answers the question "Who am I as a disciple of Christ?" More than a Bible study on identity, The Call is a disciple-making resource that emphasizes practice and mentoring for group settings of multiple sizes to take disciples on a journey into what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Like all the releases in the Disciples Path series, The Call uses teaching, questions, conversation, exercises, and individual study to facilitate transformational discipleship. It begins by exploring the question "Who is Jesus?" Then it takes group members through the priorities of a disciple, the cost of a disciple, and the fruit of a disciple. Far too often we neglect to teach the trust cost of discipleship. It could end up costing everything, but true discipleship is worth that and even more. The sessions include: 1. Who Is Jesus? 2. What Did Jesus Do? 3. Following Jesus 4. The Priorities of a Disciple 5. The Cost of a Disciple 6. The Fruit of a Disciple The study includes an introduction to the weekly session topic, guided prayer options, and Scripture focus with text and narrative explanation that drives the weekly meeting. Also included each week are discussion questions and group exercises that reinforce the primary teaching points of each topic. Individual study and out-of-group activities have all been crafted to help users take their next step as disciples of Christ. These optional activities include but are not limited to reading plans, prayer exercises, personal study, and journaling. Features: Bible study format, content, and activities created and written by practicing disciple-makers Individual exercises to provide opportunities to practice discipleship A personal Bible study plan Benefits: Examine six facets of what it means to follow Christ. Facilitate transformation through modeling and practice. Use as a "handbook" for one-on-one or two-on-one discipleship situations. Lead effectively--requires minimal leader preparation and allows the facilitator to model what it means to be a disciple. Initiate an intentional discipleship path with individuals or groups.
The Movement Starts with You Do you doubt you can actually make a difference in the world? Do you struggle with knowing how to express your faith in the daily routines of life? The Only One: Living Fully In, By, and For God shares simple approaches to grow as a follower of Jesus. Dive into the concepts and tools to find the connection between “being” and “doing” with God. Designed to be read, processed, shared, and used to equip others, The Only One is a tool to not only grow as a disciple, but also to make and multiply disciples. This is about living into a greater impact on the world and the purpose for which God designed you. It’s time to experience life with Him, and others, as a joyful and exciting adventure—read this book and get started!
Clayton King serves as a Teaching Pastor at NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC. In addition to his leadership role there, he spends his time traveling, preaching and speaking in churches, conferences and leadership events, as well as running Crossroads/Clayton King Ministries. He is married to Sharie, and they enjoy working, writing, and speaking together. Book jacket.
This book explores in depth six Gospel scenes so as to discover in these the essential elements of Christian discipleship. It describes the basic requirements for receiving the Word of God effectively in our hearts: namely, that we "become wet clay in God's hands", so that God can impress upon us any form he chooses. It also contemplates the vital position of the Mother of the Lord in the life of his disciples. The author shows that the call to discipleship is above all an invitation to intimate companionship with Jesus, as we read in Mark: "Jesus called to him those whom he desired... in order that they might be with him" (3:14-15). What we normally call the "active apostolate" can never be an end in itself, but only the fruits of a life of prayer and adoration. These are what must be at the heart of a disciple's life, which can never be swept up by mere activism.
