"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:19-20
From the earliest days of the Methodist movement, discipleship has centered on spiritual growth supported by small group involvement. Classmeetings and Bands formed the core of the discipleship. These groups were built on relationship conceived in love and trust. They were formed purposely to talk to each other practically about their spiritual journey.
We are seeking to recover the practice of bringing all believers into a deeper relationship with Christ by being in deeper relationships with each other as we follow Jesus.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
-Hebrews 10:23-25
Through our preaching, teaching, and through small discipleship groups, we are pursuing the fruits of discipleship.
These fruits of discipleship include:
- Deep, life changing love for God and for people.
- Prayer by which we hear God and are led by the Holy Spirit.
- Unity in faith and purpose in the Church to serve God.
- Miraculous Ministry in which God supernaturally gifts and empowers ordinary people to do more than they could on their own, and God makes miracles happen.
- Generosity that breathes forth our trust in God, the deep love in our hearts, and the calling God gives to us.
- Telling others about Jesus, inviting others to trust Jesus, and being leaders who can guide others to follow Jesus is the mission that consumes us.