A Follower

What is a disciple? What does it mean to be a disciple? This can be a heavy word and one that some find intimidating while others find it to be impossible to clarify. I wonder what your thoughts are on the subject.... Do you think about it? Do you ever stop and consider what it means to be a disciple?

Being a disciple is central to Christianity. This is an important topic for discussion if we hope to be the people God has called us to be. Will Mancini considers the thoughts of Scott McKnight and his take on how to determine the type of disciple a church or ministry is producing.
Here is what McKnight he says are important in the mature disciple.


Kingdom Understanding: A disciple is someone caught up in Jesus’ Kingdom

Kingdom Dreaming: A disciple is someone who is lost in the Kingdom dream of Jesus

Love: A disciple is someone who loves God and loves others with everything they’ve got.

Justice: A disciple is someone who is radically committed to doing what Jesus teaches and working toward conditions that reflect those teachings.

Peace: A disciple is someone who is at peace and works toward peace

Wisdom: A disciple is someone who is wise and seeks wisdom

Church: A disciple is someone who lives out his or her calling in the context of a local church.


Here is the link to the full article if you are interested:

http://www.willmancini.com/2011/05/scott-mcknight-reveals-his-measures-for-discipleship.html

Maxed Out on Creativity

I love to be creative in what I do. I do not like things to be just the same all the time.

Being creative is one of the ways God geared me to do His work. Being creative is not easy, it takes time. There is no doubt that creativity is in the heart of God. So I wonder why we are unwilling to press ourselves in this area.

I believe we must work this into our lives and work if we are going to leave a mark that will last. In my world of ministry, I believe creative work is work that releases the heart God and touches the soul.

True, creative work is hard and not everyone is bent this way. If you are then maximize it. If you are not then surround yourself with those that are.

Here is a good blog by Seth Godin on very idea. Consider his thoughts and let your creative genious begin to show up in the work you do.


http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/05/underextended.html


Another thought... let creativity work it's way into your marriage as well. A friend of mine challenged me yesterday to take as much time planning a date with my wife as I would on my next sermon. Hmm, this punched me in the gut... Thanks Will!!

Vision Power

Here is a good blog on vision. Does your church or organization have vision.
Think about how you live: are you living for something bigger than yourself? A vision can help individuals, churches, ministries, and businesses do more because they have the solid foundation of a vision.

http://shawnlovejoy.com/