| At its core, We Have a Part to Play is a brand-new, exciting starter kit for a unique look at Christian discipleship…with a community-facing stance. It is a 1 + 6 week mini-campaign (intro + 6 topics) focused on examining crucial “classically modern” spiritual formation components. In other words…we are taking 6 weeks to shape the world within us for the world around us. These 6 topics are loosely based on research done by my friend, Dr. Richard Kidger, into what constitutes effective subject matter for 21st-century discipleship. Each topic aims to answer the question: How do we have a part to play with ______________________? That is, how do we approach each part of our lives and existence in such a way that honors God, scripturally; respects the self, personally; and blesses others, relationally and even missionally? What are the topics? Week 0: We Have a Part to Play overview. We will begin by looking in Genesis 11 and 12 at how Abram became far, far more than the boxes he found himself in. Week 1: With our Bodies Week 2: With our Souls Week 3: With our People ● We will push pause at this point for our 30th anniversary celebration with Jim Laffoon! Week 4: With our Work Week 5: With our Tech Week 6: With our Mission What are the goals? The upfront, most visible goal is to raise awareness of how each topic impacts our ability to follow Jesus rightly in the 21st century, and to put into practice a small way to help us do better. Second, the series will also serve as a means to consistently call people into smaller groups for the purpose of “practicing the topic.” I continue to dream of a church full of people who increasingly love God, others, the city, and the world well. In light of that, allow me to challenge you to be here personally, week in and week out over this time, and to connect and be present in a smaller community to go deeper in God’s word and with other Christ followers on this multiethnic, multigenerational journey. Words like church, faith, God, community, and sacrifice are ideas and values that still really matter, and change people’s lives! Can’t wait to get started with you, Dr. Morgan Stephens Lead Pastor |
