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Journeys 401. The Stretch

We never outgrow our need for encouragement, support, and mutual accountability . . . even in the home stretch.

Jesus talked about that in the Upper Room. He had just finished three years of preparing these disciples. First he led them to Discovery of Jesus and his call to discipleship. Then when they answered that call, he led them to Grow spiritually (in the Gospels, about 40 weeks). Then he began giving them assignments to teach them how to Serve. The fourth stage, he turned them loose on the world, and told them to Abide in Christ for the rest of their lives. All the way down the stretch, to the end.

Those who have served well as veterans of many years of service were qualified to become overseers in the Early Church. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 states other qualities of character for these model Christians.

Senior Mentors at The Fellowship may move on to a variety of opportunities:

  • Ministry Coaches serving a small team of leaders
  • Board of Elders
  • Pastors and church staff, here and elsewhere
  • Missionaries.

All staff and elders need to stay plugged into some group for growing and accountability. For most, that is continued participation in DMC.

We offer Co-Laboring to prepare those who will serve as a Ministry Coach or as a Board Elder.

Seminars and Bible colleges offer training for pastors, ministry staff, and missionaries. They also offer online resources for which we can begin to organize to use within the church setting. For instance, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary offers two online resources we would like to develop:

Advanced Doctrine is our own course that builds on the Basic and Intermediate courses. Advanced Doctrine will be occasional discussions of readings on topics of current need or interest, often in areas of ethics, or of ministry practice and church life, or of comparative doctrinal traditions.

101—201—301—401

“Do I have to take all these courses and steps? Always in the same order?” No. Each person is on a unique journey designed by God, and each is at a unique place in that journey. This brief catalogue tries to lay out some of the opportunities we make available at The Fellowship from time to time. They are laid out in the usual order of progress. We encourage you to reflect on where you are in your own journey, to think about what you need next, and what you are interested in. A discussion with Pastor Powell or Discipleship Director Steve Cox can be helpful to sort things out.

Generally, we encourage three areas of regular involvement:

  • Love God—Start by attending Worship regularly.
  • Love One Another—Then find a group at the appropriate level.
  • Love the World—And then get involved in a serving role.

These 2-3 weekly involvements should provide a healthy balance in your Christian life and growth.

Previous Journeys 301: Growing