Encouragement For The Journey
“One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers – Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew – throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed him.” (Matthew 4:18-20)
This simple invitation by Jesus to his first disciples—come, follow me—is the same invitation for us today. The word “disciple” isn’t a word we use every day. In fact, it looks and sounds a bit churchy, doesn’t it? But, a disciple is really just a simple word for being a follower of Jesus.
As Bel Air Church, we take this invitation seriously. And yet, just because something is serious, doesn’t mean it won’t be a seriously beneficial, joy-filled, life-giving and transformative experience!
But what is Jesus really inviting us into?
Following Jesus isn’t about attending a church service for an hour on Sunday, knowing where we’ll go when we die, or having all the right knowledge about God. Following Jesus is about learning to know and love God, to be known and loved by God, and allowing that love to transform us…every day, and everywhere, with everyone…in each decision we make, the words we speak, the people we interact with, and in the actions we take.
As we venture into the eight-week Equip Experience, we will be introduced to six non-negotiable, inseparable, and essential priorities that are at the core of what it means for us to be the Church, the Church at work. Like strands of DNA or threads in a tapestry, each purpose is interconnected to the other. These purposes are tangible, action-oriented items that are accessible enough to put into practice now, yet expansive enough to eagerly spend a lifetime exploring.
Surrounding these six purposes are eight habits that are vital in sustaining our work as the church. These habits and purposes are not to be engaged in an effort to work for God’s love, but rather out of a place of being loved we get to join Jesus in doing God’s work.
Since these habits and purposes can be practiced every day, and everywhere, with everyone, we’ll quickly realize the same holds true for following Jesus.
Following Jesus isn’t an eight-week pathway, but rather a journey of a lifetime where we get to know and be known by the God who has been longing for us to experience the love, healing, peace, hope, strength, and power that only God can provide. Whether this is our first day or our fortieth year of following Jesus, God isn’t finished with us yet. The abundant “with God” life doesn’t start after we die, but rather right here and right now.
There is no moment, no situation, and no place where Jesus is not inviting us to “follow me.” This is Jesus’ invitation.
Let’s say ‘yes’ to Jesus, together.
Rev. Mike Morgan
An Intentional Cadence
Daily Rhythm
The Equip Experience is built around a five-day curriculum that follows a daily PRAY(er) rhythm:
- Pause to be still
- Read and Reflect on Scripture
- Ask questions and journal and/or self-reflect
- Yield to God’s will in our life
Scripture Memorization
Each day we will have an opportunity to memorize Scripture. The particular passage will help frame the ongoing conversation throughout the week.
Spiritual Practice
At the end of each day we will explore one of eight habits that are vital in sustaining our work as the church.
Weekly Rhythm
Each week consists of:
- 5 Day Curriculum
- Sabbath Experiment
- Gather and Share in Community
Commit to Creating a "Safe Space"
As Bel Air Church, it is our desire to promote a safe environment for sharing the most important things in life. In order to ensure a safe space for personal sharing, we ask that each Equip participant enter into an agreement of confidentiality. Confidentiality allows for us to reveal openly and confidently the broken areas of our lives without judgment or condemnation. We are not here to “fix” one another. Rather, we encourage openness, display vulnerability and seek to promote intimacy during our discussion and prayer times.
Additionally, to get the most out of this Equip experience, we ask that you commit to attend all sessions and participate in the group discussions. By your absence, group dynamics will be impacted. If you know you will miss more than two group meetings, it is asked that you inform your life group or fellowship community that you foresee your inability to fully participate.
I agree to attend all group meetings and keep all things shared by my group members confidential at all times.*
*Rooted Facilitator’s Guide, Mariners Church 2011, pg. 24.