Go therefore and make disciples of all nations … Matthew 28:19

Church Family,

Replicating disciples is a principal component of being a follower of Jesus and a member of his church. Growing as disciples and helping others to do the same should be fundamental to our daily lives.

Dr. Mark Leiderbach, one of my professors at Southeastern Seminary, casts an inspiring vision for discipleship: “The eternal privilege and adventure of discipleship will always involve us chasing the Lord’s infinitely wondrous, perfectly good, beautifully loving, just and holy, mercifully gracious self. This was Gods’ design and desire for Adam and Eve in the garden before the Fall, it is His desire for every believer today, and it will continue to be the privilege of every sinner saved by grace forever into the eternal future.”[1] It is a terrific opportunity to be part of disciple-making!

Beginning Wednesday, August 10, and continuing each Wednesday night through August, I will lead a 4-session disciple-making practicum. We will cover the theology and methodology of leading others to follow and mature in Christ. Then, starting in September, we will launch new long-term discipling groups that will run through next June. I invite you to lean in and take part in this new disciple-making wave!

I will be traveling to Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina on Wednesday for my next doctoral seminar, "Critical Issues in Disciple-Making.” The course is strengthening my understanding of discipleship to the people we minister to in the world in which we live. Please pray for my travel and growth.

I’ll fly back Saturday night and plan to lead gathered worship on Sunday. Brandon Vaughn will preach this week from Psalm 66, “Sing the Glory of His Name.” As is your habit, please be praying for the preaching of the word and gathering of the church this coming Lord’s Day.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

[1] Mark Liederbach, Chasing Infinity: Discipleship as the Pursuit of Infinite Treasure, (Orlando: Cru Press, 2017), 12.