North Carolina Synod ELCA Spirituality Committee
          Discipleship                

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What Is Discipleship?

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Disciple:
The word comes to us from the Greek language and means learner, "an apprentice or pupil attached to a teacher or movement; one whose allegiance is to the instruction and commitments of the teacher or movement. Closely paralleling rabbinic custom, most New Testament references to "disciple"   designate "followers" of Jesus, often a large group of His closest associates (the Twelve) and a larger number who followed with varying positive response..."
Harper's Bible Dictionary, I. Achtemeier, Harper & Row - ISBN 0-06-069863-2
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Why Should I Be A Disciple?
As we ponder what Discipleship is, and why we should be Disciples, we need only to look in one direction to the One who came into this world some 2,000 years ago.

That One is Jesus Christ. There is no one who has changed the world as profoundly as He. Is He with us today?  The answer is "Yes" from millions. We all see and approach Him in many different ways; and we speak of Him in many  different tongues. Every day He is with us in Spirit. Yet,  He still can be seen. We find him in the faces and hearts of His followers who try to do what He taught and what He did. This is the essence of Christian Spirituality.

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As we try to do what He would do, we are being His disciples. This is what we call Discipleship. Combining Christian Spirituality with Discipleship enriches our faith in profound ways, so much so that we think not about denominational boundaries or boxes. We try to find the paths on which we may follow Christ. The best way to follow Him is to read, study, and discuss Holy Scripture. Then, we try to apply Scripture - particularly The Gospel - to our daily living. As we walk this walk, we learn that we need not walk alone. Jesus promised "help along the way"   The Holy Spirit.

Consider the following verses:
Jesus said, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." 
(John 14:26 - RSV).
 
St. Paul wrote: "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,"
(2nd Timothy 3:16 - RSV),

We believe the Holy Spirit is at the heart of the mission statement below. Jesus proclaimed it in John 14. St. Paul affirmed it in 2nd Timothy. The Holy Spirit teaches, in many profound ways, through many people. Our Spirituality Committee desires to extend beyond traditional outreach and to be "the fire beneath" your Christian spirituality and discipleship. Our hope is that the retreats and programs, we offer impart learning experiences that are - at least - an extension of what Jesus has promised through the Holy Spirit. If we can be that ember, or flame, guiding you to a vital, and deeper quest for a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, then we fulfill our mission statement and amplify your discipleship.

The Spirituality Committee of the North Carolina Synod provides assistance to pastors and members of congregations seeking to hear and embrace God's call to discipleship. Let a call to discipleship be "the fire beneath" your faith journey.

Another Perspective
Pastor Brady Faggart has shared the following thoughts:
       When we pray, many times  "...we miss the point so beautifully described by David Miller in his little book, Friendship with Jesus.  After describing his own search for a deeper relationship with Christ, he finally becomes aware that his desire was only a reflection of God's desire for relationship with him." 

Brady provides us a powerful example from the old Red Book Hymn.
The Inner Life


I sought the Lord and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him seeking me;
It was not I that found, O Saviour true;
No, I was found of Thee.

Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;
I walked and sank not on storm vexed sea;
'Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold
As Thou dear Lord on me.

I find I walk, I love, but O the whole
Of love is but my answer, Lord to Thee;
For Thou wert long beforehand with my soul,
Always Thou love`dst me.

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Acts 2:17

 
Please visit our Home;  Retreat; Books;  Ecumenical;  ELCA Resources:  In Our Prayers; and Spiritual Directors   web pages. We sincerely pray that we are a guide to your discipleship and a support to your spiritual walk.

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