How are you “making disciples?”

by | Sep 16, 2019 | church, discipleship, evangelism, pastor

Recently, I had a discussion with a friend in church about strongholds in the journey of discipleship. I shared how generosity was a personal stronghold for years and how the guilt and shame seemed to increase by layers every week during the offering. Once I made the decision to give a tenth (tithe) of my income to the Lord through my church, my worship suddenly changed! God taught me about His sufficiency, taught me to trust Him, and showed me what I could be part of by simply being obedient to the teachings of Scripture.

Another area that the majority of Christians struggle with is the Lord’s command to “make disciples.” Many substitute “disciple-making” with church attendance, serving in a church program, or teaching a church curriculum; however, there is no way to ignore the command. A “disciple-maker” (Christian) cannot NOT make disciples. Not every Christian is called to serve overseas or serve in vocational ministry through a local church, but EVERY Christian is instructed to make disciples.

Many Christians deal with the same layers of guilt and shame over making disciples that I did over generosity. What if though…they were one decision from releasing the guilt and finding joy? …just as I did with the sin relating to my lack of generosity? How can a person find freedom and joy and encouragement in this area of the disciple-maker’s life? Please allow me suggest three things to do in response to your decision to change:

  • Identify WHO. This isn’t complicated. It is simply someone you know that you have not shared the gospel with and have not heard their unique story of how they became a believer. Begin voicing a prayer to the Lord daily, “Lord, grant me the opportunity to share the gospel with ____.”
  • Learn HOW. There are dozens of good ways to share. At Englewood (the church I serve) we promote and use the 3 Circles approach. I have used many approaches through the years. I like this one for a number of reasons, among which is the fact that it feels the least awkward when getting started.
  • Rehearse WHAT. Write out your own story of conversion (testimony). Share it with a friend, your Connect Group leader, a pastor, or your neighbor’s dog. Listen to how the Gospel is rehearsed in weekly worship services. Practice sharing the Gospel using the 3 Circles approach with your spouse, your children, or a friend. Make it so familiar that you can do it in your sleep.

If this is an area that you would love to experience joy in, join me for the upcoming Focus Group on Becoming Conversational with the Gospel, beginning October 9. I would love to be part of your journey to victory.

Going Public… and New Beginnings

by | Sep 9, 2019 | discipleship, evangelism, Leadership, pastor, Uncategorized

What a cool (figuratively speaking of course) day with our church family at Englewood Baptist Church yesterday. With Summer coming to a close, we celebrated together with our Second Annual Tailgate Party on September 8, 2019. It was, as you might expect, “Eastern NC” HOTTTT!

One of the highlights of this special gathering is the opportunity to celebrate baptisms outside on the field together. Twenty-one people went “public” with their faith yesterday! I don’t say that to make much of Englewood or to create a comparison trap based on numbers; rather, each “number” had a story. We had young and old, white, black and brown, confident and timid…people from varying backgrounds…all step into the baptismal waters with a singular intent: To Make Much of Jesus!

I love baptisms for two primary reasons.:

  • First, it is a beautiful picture of the Kingdom and the heart of our King Jesus. No matter one’s background, age, politics, race, or any other cultural identity…all are welcome and all are ONE in the Kingdom.
  • Second, I love the stories of adversity. We had a man whom I had the privilege to lead to Christ days before brain surgery several months back…who came with his wife to be baptized yesterday. We had another man who only weeks ago had major neck surgery step forward to go public. Another church member who is a passionate evangelist and is extremely active in missions confessed that she had her baptism out of order and God convicted her. With tears, she went into the waters and came up from the waters beaming…knowing that she was now fully obedient! Another child with a terrible fear of water due to a trauma clung to my neck as she was baptized. This day was so important to her she was willing to face a terrible fear for no other reason than to make Jesus famous!

Reflecting on the privileges of the day, I was reminded that not everyone treats this precious ordinance with such significance. Just know though…Jesus did and does. When we obey Him, trust Him, follow Him and honor Him, the Gospel itself shouts from the waters of the baptismal pool… “Jesus Christ is Lord of all!”

I wonder how many others would say that they are absolutely certain that they have honored him in the same way as these precious twenty-one people did yesterday? If you cannot but want to, I would love the privilege to help you GO PUBLIC with your allegiance to the King of kings!