Disciples in Action: from Hearers to Doers!
A disciple’s job description is to WORSHIP God regularly.
Worship is the practice of “stepping away” from the routine and stress of daily life to intentionally love and praise God. In doing so, the disciple gains a deeper understanding and experience of the majesty, mercy and mystery of God.
In worship we praise God for being God, for being our God!
The disciple can “step away” from the routine of the moment to honor God in numerous ways: through participation in the public event of a liturgy; through the creative act of art, drama, dance, craft, music and song; through listening to a homily or receiving the Sacrament; through an encounter of God in the beauty of creation, and more. While “worship” is more than what we often mean by the word “worship,” the maturing disciple acknowledges that the act of corporate worship within the context of a celebrating community, is key and necessary to a disciple’s walk and life of devotion.
Worship is a part of FELC’s life – and yours, too!
The season of Thanksgiving is the perfect time to recommit to regular participation in worship at First English. A local newspaper markets their publication with the slogan, “Miss a Day, Miss a Lot!” The same is true with worship at First English – every Sunday offers something unique and wonderful, and often the experience of learning through Scripture and sermons accumulates from week to week. “Miss a Sunday, Miss a Lot” makes a pretty good theme for our church! Come each week and discover the joy of deepening relationships with your church family, and deepening your knowledge of, and relationship with, your loving God!
A disciple’s job is to GIVE freely.
The maturing disciple knows that everything belongs to God; we are merely caretakers and managers. In response to God’s touch in our lives, we offer ourselves joyfully to others: our time, our talent and our financial treasures. God has blessed us abundantly, providing us with food and clothing, home and family, daily work, and all we need from day to day.
In and through our baptism we receive and discover our spiritual gifts. The growing disciple finds ways to unpack and use those gifts for the sake of Jesus, the Church and the world.
Knowing God has entrusted us with abilities and goods we ask, “How can we use these resources to love God?” Thus we do not waste time striving to be rich in things, but to be rich in love. The maturing disciple is also maturing in financial stewardship, and is growing in sacrificial and joyful giving for the benefit of others.
Giving is a part of FELC’s life – and yours, too!
There’s no shortage of opportunities for making a difference through the ministries of First English Lutheran Church. Whether we’re providing our time, talent or treasure, God’s people are at work for good at First English! From cooking and delivering meals for our meal train to teaching Sunday school, from providing treats for vacation Bible school to remembering First English in one’s estate planning, “giving” takes countless forms.
Supporting our church financially has the best “ROI” (return on investment) imaginable, as people of all ages are touched by the grace and mercy of our loving God through our ministries. Our gifts are a critical component of sustaining the growth First English has been experiencing, and for shaping its future in positive and exciting ways!
A disciple’s job is to ENCOURAGE others in their faith, and to pass on faith to future generations.
Disciples are not born mature; in reality, many disciples never grow beyond the infancy stage of their relationship with Christ. Inherent to the journey of discipleship is the ongoing call to grow and mature in faith.
Growth in faith happens as we are mentored and as we mentor and encourage others. Christian education is the more formal way children of God are “discipled” in their faith. Mentoring relationships are a less institutional way the building of faith happens as more mature disciples become “stewards of the mysteries of faith” with seekers.
Encouragement happens between more seasoned disciples and those growing, between friends at similar points in their journey learning together, between key teachers such as pastors, guides, and parish leaders and students of the faith. In this process of exchange it is not only the learner who grows, but the one who mentors and teaches. The maturing disciple knows she is never finished; that the path of maturity continues to the day we exchange this life for the next. A biblical model for this process can be Philp and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8).
Encouraging is a part of FELC’s life – and yours, too!
Confirmation mentors, prayer partners, and new member guides are all excellent examples of the kind of encouraging ministry folks at First English are engaged in, but that’s just the start. More experienced Bible students assist those who are new to the Scriptures. Adults and kids work side-by-side and in the cross-generational exchange younger disciples are positively influenced by their older brothers and sisters in Christ. You may have seen on young man, JJ, help serve communion by collecting empty cups, or others, like Henry and Bruce, help ushers collect the offering. These youth are excited about these responsibilities and it all started by an adult asking them to serve alongside them. The same encouragement to an active faith is happening elsewhere in the ministry as youth learn how to host at coffee hour and even lead Bible Studies for their peers during youth group—just to name a couple specific examples. This is a very powerful factor in passing on faith – can you imagine ways that you, too, can encourage others, of any age, in such ways?
A disciple’s job is to STUDY scripture.
The regular study of the bible, and books that help to enliven its message (such as the Catechism, commentaries and other study resources), is a key way the disciple practices loving and knowing God. Study happens privately through personal Bible study and a regular devotional time. Study also happens publicly as families and friends learn together, in small groups and through larger gatherings of formal study and worship. The maturing disciple attends to “study” in both private and communal contexts.
Through reading, meditating and the study of Scripture, the lively word of God becomes active in the lives of believers. For two thousand years, the words of Jesus, the teachings of the prophets and apostles, and the stories of God’s people have revealed God’s heart and hope for the world and each one of us. The Holy Spirit inspires us through Scripture to see ourselves as we are and as God would have us become. Through the Bible we come to understand how God works in the world, for the world and through people like us.
Study is a part of FELC’s life – and yours, too!
Our Sunday Youth Faith Formation and confirmation curriculums are based on the Bible and what it teaches. Most Sundays, sermons are based on Scripture and often there are some insights shared as to how we should understand the lessons for the day. Adult Faith Formation, our Book Group, the Ruth & Rebecca Circles, as well as other topical presentations and discussions take place on Sundays and throughout each week. But you don’t need a class! Individual learning is as close as your own Bible. Start with the Gospel of Mark, the shortest of the four gospels, and read a little each day. In no time you’ll be better acquainted with Jesus and his disciples, and eager to learn more through classes at church!
A disciple’s job is to SERVE others.
When the prophet Micah told his people how to practice faith, he told them to do justice and to love mercy (Micah 6:8). When Jesus was asked about ultimate matters, part of his response was “to love your neighbor as yourself.” Practicing justice and doing acts of mercy and service put flesh on God’s love. Caring for others in Jesus’ name in active, tangible ways 1) incarnates Christ’s presence and heart to others; 2) helps those we serve in places where they truly hurt and have need, and, 3) is a witness to those who are watching from the sidelines about the integrity and heart of Jesus’ followers.
Jesus didn’t just address the spiritual needs. His was a high-touch, hands-on ministry that addressed human needs for health, wholeness, and inclusion. The maturing disciple seeks to serve as Jesus served.
Serving others is a part of FELC’s life – and yours, too!
It’s obvious that First English Lutheran is a church that loves to make a difference. We are deeply involved in Christian service to others! The opportunities seem countless. Some serve by assisting in worship: reading lessons, playing instruments, setting up communion. Some teach, or chaperone youth events, or keep the church yard looking beautiful. Some cook and serve meals; others pack Snack Packs, make quilts, visit members as a Care Minister, help at the East Bluff Community Center, or give to help others through LSSI and St. Vincent de Paul Society…the list goes on and on. Some actively participate in service experiences, such as the summer youth mission trips, and special Outreach Committee partnerships. Some make it possible for others to participate by generously supporting fundraisers, or contributing to the First English Foundation, which annually gives over ten thousand dollars to various local, national, and global service organizations.
In the end, everyone wins when we choose to serve Jesus by serving others in His name!
A disciple’s job is to PRAY frequently.
Prayer is the way a disciple enjoys an intimate relationship with God. Prayer can be private or public, ritualized or conversational, silent or out loud, spoken or sung, words or action, simple or profound. Through prayer God’s will is discerned and greater clarity is gained for our journey. Prayer is powerful. Indeed, God’s creative, redeeming and healing power is often directed through prayer.
Jesus modeled the power and importance of prayer and provides our inspiration to embrace a prayerful stance toward all moments of life. One of the key ways Jesus showed his love for his Father was by regularly engaging in prayer. Throughout the Gospels we read how Jesus “went up to a mountain to pray” or “knelt down and prayed” or “continued all night in prayer.” As Jesus prayed, he gained a clearer sense of who he was (his identity) and what he was to do (his mission). Before he taught or healed, before choosing the Twelve or submitting his will to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed. Whatever the opportunity or challenge, Jesus turned to his Father first and sought the guidance of God.
Prayer is Adoration (praise, honoring God), Confession (saying “I’m sorry,” acknowledging sin, that “I can’t do it on my own”), Thanksgiving (saying thanks, counting blessings, allowing God’s perspective to shape life) and Supplication (asking for, praying for others, “petitions” in prayer) — ACTS. The Lord’s Prayer provides ample instruction for the content and elements of prayer and a prayerful life.
Prayer is part of FELC’s life – and yours, too!
Each Sunday, the Buzz includes a list of persons hospitalized the prior week; a list of our homebound members is available; and post-it prayers are shared weekly in worship. Use these prayer requests to remember fellow disciples in prayer throughout the week. Also, consider joining our prayer group, the First English Prayer Chain.
A disciple’s job is to INVITE others often.
The experience of God’s loving touch in one’s life is a meaningful gift the maturing disciple feels compelled to share with others. One way our faith becomes active is when we put into words what God has done for us. Words of witness and acts of genuine hospitality directed toward our friends, relatives and neighbors create the opportunity through which the Holy Spirit brings others into a relationship with Christ and his Church.
The biblical model for evangelism is relational: friends bring friends to Jesus.
“Come and see” are the operative words and find frequent expression in the Gospels, the story of the early Church, and in the tradition of the Church over the centuries. The disciple plants seeds and invites; the Holy Spirit works the miracle of faith and conversion.
Inviting is a part of FELC’s life – and yours, too!
In talking with new members or first-time visitors to First English, the story is almost always the same: “I came to First English Lutheran because my friend (or neighbor, or co-worker, etc.) invited me.” There’s simply no more effective way to get people to experience the love, hospitality, and exciting ministries of our congregation than person-to-person invitations.
As you think through the list of people with whom you work, play, or just bump into in your daily routine, it’s very likely that someone is “disconnected” from the faith community that the Holy Spirit is eager to welcome them into. You can be the catalyst of the significant improvement of someone’s life, just by saying, “Hey, you should check out my church. We have an awesome _____________ (whatever you feel would be beneficial to that person) that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. Come with me!”
“Disciples in Action: from Hearers to Doers!” is the theme for our Fall 2024 annual appeal. The theme comes from the core message of the Letter of James:
But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers… those who are doers, who put their faith into action—they will be greatly blessed in their doing!
True faithfulness before God is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to reflect God’s love and purity in all of one’s dealing with the world.
James 1:22, 23 & 25 (paraphrased)
Building on FELC’s focus, “Redeemed by Christ to Witness and Serve,” we will explore the 7 faith practices that make up a “disciple’s job description.” These are seven areas of responsibility in which God asks each of us to be engaged as a way to show both our gratitude for God’s grace in Christ Jesus, and our care for God’s children in our community and world. This year, we’ll go even further in exploring specific opportunities for ministry engagement, with the goal of connecting each and every member of First English with at least one new ministry commitment.
The 7 faith practices are invite, pray, serve, study, encourage, give, and worship.
Watch for these symbols in the weeks ahead as we prepare to make disciple commitments during worship on November 24, the Sunday before Thanksgiving!
