During an Illinois (USA) FCA staff meeting one
of our colleagues was asking about our best tools for developing the
sportspeople we serve in developing Christian discipleship. We talked about
specific books, videos, and other resources, but no one had a simple, clear,
game plan for holistic Christian discipleship development.
Later in the day, I realized that I had been
given such a tool by my mentor, Fred Bishop of No Greater Love Ministries http://nogreaterlove.org/, back in the
1980s. We who grew up in Fred’s ministry were well drilled in Pray, Study,
Fellowship, and Witness. For our use in FCA, I have updated the language a
little for a more secularized audience, and have shaped these timeless
spiritual disciplines into a two page document with lots of flexibility for
anyone to insert his or her favorite resources into the process.
The premise is simple. We have a vertical
relationship with our Lord through prayer and study. We have a horizontal
relationship with other people through Christian community with other believers,
and sharing our faith with those not yet committed to Christ. The stronger our
vertical relationship is, the greater shadow it casts in the world. If our
relationship with the Lord is weakened, our influence with those around us is
diminished.
The first page simply serves as a road map,
asking where shall we begin the process of development. The second page offers
processes and resources for growth as a follower of Christ Jesus. One can
insert his or her favorite resources into the processes as they fit.
I hope this simple form is of value to you and
to those whom you serve.
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