http://root48.wordpress.com/2008/06/11/proposal-3-mission-pieces/
Some were concerned that the Roles & Goals model would be too nondescript. Many were concerned that Maturity Mile Markers concept is too regimented, linear, possibly even bordering on legalism. Between the two could be something like “Mission Pieces” - okay, so the creative titling needs a little work!
The idea is to:
- Start with your church’s mission statement
- Identify key clusters of Biblical direction for each segment of that mission
- Create a resource page for each cluster of Biblical direction
- Let people figure out for themselves (or with a group) when, how, and what they need to work on next with Jesus
For example, my church’s mission statement is to “connect in life-changing relationship with Jesus, church family, and people who don’t know Jesus.” Key clusters of Biblical direction under the first part of our mission (life-change with Jesus) would include prayer, confession, and worship, as well as a handful of others. We would then create a resource page on prayer covering Biblical teaching (Lord’s Prayer, Hezekiah’s Prayer, Paul’s Prayers, etc…), exercises & activities (practicing thankfulness, experiencing solitude, etc…), links (International House of Prayer), self-assessments, and book recommendations (Brother Lawrence) that may help someone achieve a vibrant prayer life as part of their life-change with Jesus.
People might choose work on the prayer piece for this season of life to develop “life-change with Jesus,” or they might choose confession, or maybe something else. People might feel stuck and choose to utilize the resource page, or they might have a clear call from God and not need any additional input. People might pursue maturity on their own, or they might find support in a group setting.
The important part is that disciples of Jesus are always choosing to work on something, that what they choose to work on incorporates a comprehensive picture of Biblical direction (not avoiding the stuff they don’t want to change), and that they understand Biblical direction and personal growth in Jesus alongside their local church.
Gateway Church has provided a foundational example of what I’m talking about in their Ways of Christ Resources. After working through an 80-page individual guide to the ways of Christ, participants set quarterly goals with the help of a self-assessment tool, and turn to the resource website as needed. For those wishing to do this with another individual or a group, Gateway lists some simple “Running Partner” ground rules and discussion questions to be used each time they meet (recommended no less than monthly).
For a review of the Root48 discipleship discussion in its entirety, click here.
Keywords: Discipleship Models, Gateway Church, Gateway Community Church, Jesus, John Burke, Pieces
