“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