Making disciples who make disciples who make disciples is our commission as followers of Jesus, as sons and daughters of God. In fact it’s not only our mission, but our birthright. Multiplying missional disciples with Christ-like character and a clear calling is how we make a kingdom impact where the things that are true in heaven become true right here, right now. We believe that Jesus came to give us a fully alive life (John 10:10) in a world where the enemy is continually trying to kill, steal, and destroy. We want to be a church where we are not just making converts that volunteer and serve, but a church that is being equipped to be leaders on mission where they live, work, learn, and play. Leaders who make this world a better place in their own unique way is what we are after that we might help more people live life with Jesus everyday.
I Want to Take My Next Best Step!
A simple equation for making a kingdom impact:
The MyImpact Equation: Character X Calling = Impact.
Intimacy is how relationships work in heaven. Intimacy grows as you grow in character.
Influence is how power is used in heaven. Influence grows as you grow in calling.
Impact is Jesus, through you, making life on earth “as it is in heaven.”
Five Essential Ingredients of an Intentional Disciple-making Environment:
We seek to be intentional about our efforts in making disciples who make disciples and we have found these five ingredients are essential to creating an environment where disciples are actually made. The environment/group is OUTCOME FOCUSED, which means our primary goal is spiritual development; becoming more like Jesus in our character and activating our masterpiece mission through our personal calling. It is HABIT FUELED, which means we are self-feeders and self-leaders. It is CONTENT FLAVORED, which means scripture is still the inerrant and life-giving Word of God, but it becomes transformational rather than just informational when it helps develop our character and calling. It is COMMUNITY FORGED, which means we can't do this alone. We need genuine and securely attached relationships to win with accountability and move forward with our masterpiece mission. It is MISSION FIXATED, which means we are passionate about blessing the world and making a kingdom impact where we live, work, learn, and play. We are constantly asking, "Jesus, what are you doing around me and how can I join you?"
I Want to Take My Next Best Step!
How do we at Gloria Dei define what a disciple is and does? We believe a disciple of Jesus Christ is one who is living fully alive in God's grace, which means we are:
Seeking Christ First in All Things
Disciples seek Jesus Christ and His kingdom first above all things. We believe Jesus is the Word of God, He is Lord of all, and He is reigning over His kingdom, of which we are a part. He is the center of our life. Jesus' life was not just prescriptive or descriptive for our life as a disciple, but definitive. His life provides the complete, final, and perfect model for our own life as we imitate His words, works, and ways. We ask the question: "Who would Jesus be if He were you?" - Dallas Willard. (John 1:1, Matthew 6:33, 1 Corin. 11:1, Matthew 22:37, Colossians 3:1)
Obedient to God's Calling for My Life
Disciples know who and whose they are and it is from this identity that we love Jesus and glorify God through our obedience to Him. God has gifted us an identity as His sons and daughters through the work of the Holy Spirit and it is from this gift that we respond in love through obedience. Jesus tells us that if we love Him then we will obey His commands. Through Him, we have all been created with a unique design and calling as we are called his masterpieces. The good news is that our obedience far outweighs our competence for God can accomplish His work through us when we are simply obedient. (John 14:15, Ephesians 2:10, 2 Peter 1:10, John 15:16, 2 Thess. 1:11-12, John 17:4)
Loving and Serving Others
Disciples love God, each other, and serve their neighbors as they become an incarnational presence of Jesus where they live, work, and play. Serving others is a great thing, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so in our society today. But, it is the love of Jesus pouring through us as His disciples that sets apart our service of others. When we love and serve, we bring a piece of heaven to earth; wrong things are being made right. Jesus set the example of serving and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, so we do the same. (Mark 12:30-31, Luke 10:1, John 13:1-17)
Devoted to God's Word
Disciples are devoted to God's Word as they intently listen for His voice in community. We see God’s Word, the Bible, as the primary truth in our lives. We seek to grow in understanding it and living it out. We abide each day in Jesus and let the Holy Spirit lead us on a life of mission. (Mark 12:30-31, John 10:27, John 14:15, Acts 2:42, Mark 3:35, Gal. 5:25)
