No one remembers how the debate started, but they remember what happened at the small group leaders annual retreat six years ago — a move toward a disciple-making approach that has made a transformational difference in the active engagement of maturing and serving disciples in Kingdom-focused ministry.
Carrie, a life group leader in her congregation, posed the following question during a weekly gathering of a couples life group: “If our congregation is seeking to soar with faith on a spiritual and strategic journey to reach its full Kingdom potential, is it more important for us to understand what Jesus did or who Jesus is?”
Jessica exclaimed, “How can I ever know God’s guidance for our congregation? That’s why we have a pastor — someone who is closely connected with God and can share His direction with us.”
What is the difference between tell me the stories of Jesus, and tell me your story of Jesus?
Merlin the magician, as depicted in T.H. White’s 1958 book “The Once and Future King,” is an enchanting wizard. He experiences time in a unique way. Born in the future, he views the present from the perspective of what has already materialized.
At a wonderful gathering many years ago, I learned from Christian spiritual and strategic experts about how congregations can effectively fulfill the Great Commission.
For Baptists and many other evangelical denominations or networks, the most important spiritual experience every person can have is to receive Jesus the Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.
Less than 10% of all congregations are soaring with faith and are on a God-empowered spiritual strategic journey to live into their full Kingdom potential.
I saw the following message posted by an association in an attempt to convince congregations to complete the Annual Church Profile.
Let’s talk about telling missional stories in the innovative ways available today, which can make storytelling come alive within the fellowship of associations.
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