Discipleship: intentionally living in the ways and words of Jesus.
Discipleship
Discipleship can be defined as: intentionally living in the ways and words of Jesus. Throughout the Gospel story, and New Testament Scriptures we see followers of Jesus intentionally living life the way He did, and following closely the words He taught. We see discipleship as just that: Jesus ways and words. It wasn’t limited to His closest followers, but for all of us entering into His Kingdom, and embracing His saving grace in our lives. Discipleship is for every one of us: new believers, seasoned followers, and all of us in between. We start exactly where we are, with what we have, and begin to intentionally form (or re-form) our lives around the ways and words of Jesus. Below is a short list of possible disciplines that followers of Jesus have participated in throughout the centuries. Ancient practices that we can practice individually, and at times together, as we move to encounter and experience God and live life how He has created us to.
A short prayer as you get started:
“Dear God, I’m really wanting to give you all of my life - my everyday, ordinary life. The sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life. I place it before you as an offering. I want to embrace all that You have done for me, and all You plan to do. Have Your way in me. Come, Holy Spirit, and empower me toward your likeness. Amen.”
“Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.” Romans 21:1 MSG
Where to start
We want to offer five disciplines to help you get started in your growth with God. These are opportunities that help us encounter the living God. If, at any point, they aren’t giving life or bringing freedom we advise pushing pause and relaxing. You won’t be earning anything by participating in these disciplines. God loves you entirely right where you are. You can’t do anything more to get Him to love you more than He already does! HE LOVES YOU COMPLETELY. So, if along the journey these disciplines become exhausting or frustrating - take a break! It may take a little time and fumbling forward to begin to practice these in a life giving way.
Anyone and everyone can participate in daily discipleship. They are:
1 Daily Scripture Reading - we encourage everyone to read the Scriptures. As a church community we are going through the Bible by using the Bible in One Year APP. It’s completely free and offers a 25 minute & 10 minute option for Scripture and devotion. Here is the link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible-in-one-year/id504133402
2 Daily Prayer - Prayer is the bedrock of our relationship with God. Through prayer we discover God’s love for us and experience His peace that surpasses all understanding. Prayer is a learned habit. We encourage people to participate in prayer on a daily basis and start out with a prayer plan. Here is a link for a wonderful prayer app called Lectio 365 (daily prayer app): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lectio-365/id1483974820
3 Rest
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
4 Church
We encourage you to commit to the local church. The local church has so many wonderful ways of help us
5 Serving
THERE IS MORE
Growth Track - We recommend attending our Growth Track at Hillside for all those who want to connect further with us as a church.
Groups - Our small groups are a critical part of discipleship within community. Each spring and fall we offer specific small groups that cultivate God’s renovation of our heart. In the spring we encourage everyone to attend our Freedom Small Groups. And, in the fall we encourage people to attend the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Small Group (Pete & Geri Scazzero curriculum). These two small groups are an additional layer of discipleship for individuals that equip you to mature in Christ and influence your daily life.
ARE THERE MORE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES?
Yes! Spiritual disciplines are simply habits and rhythms that lead us to becoming more like Jesus. Below is a list of spiritual disciplines leaders & members of our church practice on a regular basis:
Giving through tithes and offering
Fasting - giving up food or drink for a day or prolonged season.
Serving - using our spiritual gifts and/or talents to strengthen the body of Christ, as well as the community
The key with spiritual disciplines is to know that they lead us to greater freedom and prosperity of our soul. We don’t fulfill spiritual disciplines to walk in pride but to walk in love. Please email (info@hillsidechurch.us) or speak with someone on our leadership on a Sunday if we can help you in anyway.
BOOK RESOURCES
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer (slowing down, Sabbath)
The Blessed Life by Robert Morris (giving)
The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan (Sabbath)
Prayer by Richard Foster (prayer)
The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard (discipleship overview)
The Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen (prayer and discipleship)
The Generosity Ladder by Nelson Searcy (giving)
How to Pray by Pete Greig (prayer)
The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster (solitude, silence and several other disciplines)
Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard