Mark to Discipleship

After going through the book of Mark for the first three months of 2017, I'm excited to transition to the next sermon series.  Not that I don't enjoy doing inductive Bible Study...I LOVE this last sermon series.  

However, now we are able to transition into a bit more applicable sermon series on Discipleship.  It ties neatly in to the prior sermon series in Mark as Jesus chooses discipleship as the method to expand and grow his church.  

As we enter into this sermon series, it's important to analyze our preconceived notions about education and discipleship:

#1) Classroom structure doesn't grow and expand the Kingdom the way Discipleship does.  Take a class you offer each season of 10 people.  This is how Hope has historically done discipleship.  Now, take a group of three who commit to starting their own groups of three.  Not only is discipleship more impactful--it GROWS the Kingdom quicker!

YEAR 1     20 in classroom    3 in discipleship
YEAR 2     40                            9
YEAR 3     60                           27
​YEAR 4     80                           81
YEAR 5    100                          243

#2) I've done small groups before.  Discipleship isn't small groups: it is intentional, small--3 to 4 people--and focused on both learning scripture, holding one another accountable, and serving our church and community.  Small groups are a step better than casual church attendance.  But true transformation occurs through discipleship.  Consider those moments where you grew beyond expectation; were they moments where you were in a giant group or with one or two people who walked alongside you in a season?

#3) But I go to church.  Why more?  Because Jesus shows this is the way to become more like him.  You grow by transforming your thoughts and entire life into following HIM and then teaching others to follow HIM!  Going to church doesn't make you "good" or give you a ticket into heaven.  It is passionately transforming your life in all areas towards the one who gives true life!

Check out this youtube video that I didn't create, but thoroughly enjoy to gain the vision fo how a community focused on disicpleship looks: 

​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIPktkFOFMo