PEFC Distinctives:

We are committed to a variety of formats -- including small groups, one- to-one, formal and casual settings -- with which to reach all ages with the Good News of the saving grace of Christ and to mentor them into a mature relationship with Him. Spiritual leaders empowered by the Holy Spirit will emerge through these efforts, possess personal integrity, and exhibit spiritual gifts - all for the encouragement of the church.

I. We are Disciples

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:6

It meant you no longer set the agenda for your life…

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:19-20‬

Jesus has authority over all, everything is coming under his authority, and we share in the work of bringing all things under the beautiful authority of Jesus.

Did the disciples know how to share the Gospel and what it looks like to follow God?

“We are disciples first and parents, employees, pastors, deacons, and spouses second. Disciple is an identity; everything else is a role. Our roles are temporary but our identity will last forever.”

3 Aspects of Discipleship:

• Rational

“And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:23

3 Aspects of Discipleship:

• Rational
• Relational

“But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12:48-50

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3 Aspects of Discipleship:

• Rational
• Relational
• Missional

“A disciple of Jesus, then, is someone who learns the gospel, relates in the gospel, and communicates the gospel.”

Which aspect of discipleship comes easily to mind?

Which aspect do you neglect the most?

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II. Jesus Commands us to make disciples

“And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20

Have you ever been discipled?

Have you ever discipled someone?

DISCIPLESHIP FROM PHILIPPIANS 3:1-21

“The “deeper life” is deeper only because the average Christian life is tragically shallow.”

“The difference may be stated this way: Paul was a seeker and a finder and a seeker still. They seek and find and seek no more. After “accepting” Christ they tend to substitute logic for life and doctrine for experience.”

III. How do we make disciples?

“We don't need to call everything we do “ministry.” Just call it Tuesday. That's what people who are becoming love do.”

We do not need to be married to one form of discipleship, formal or informal, we need people who naturally live as “disciples who disciple.”

Next Steps:

We all have projects we can do alone but we can make a kingdom impact if we chose to do them together.

“You may feel that you don't know much. Find someone who knows less than you do and tell him what you know. Find someone who knows more than you do and listen to him. Teach and be taught.”

“It is very easy to build churches in which seekers congregate; it is very hard to build churches in which biblical faith is maturing into genuine discipleship.”