Here’s my fourth update on the process of writing the discipleship book, Love Jesus.
Last week, I wrote:
“I made some major gains this week on developing the concept. Not sure we’re there but it’s progress. Thanks for praying. And keep praying, please!.”
This week was… well, a repeat of my experience last week. I also realized that I’ve been asking the wrong question.
If you have 3 minutes, you’ll see…
Tim’s “Love Jesus” Update 2019-02-16 from Grace Church on Vimeo.
I just listened to your “Love Jesus” update. I can hear the pain in your voice due to the pressure to come up with something new and different but relevant. When you teach using the white board the graphics seem to be more memorable for me. Maybe continue with that approach and craft the narrative around your graphics?
When I think about how Jesus went about discipleship he would teach a lesson to be followed up by action. Discipleship seems to be an invitation and not a command. He seems to talk in “if, then” statements. This would seem to fit your flow charting way of thinking and skills. Blessings to you!
Chris, that is so uncanny (God?) that you’d encourage me to do that. That’s exactly what others have been encouraging me to do: (1) embrace more of my approach and personality in my writing instead of shying away from it; (2) use the whiteboard and/or pictures I draw to help people see it. That’s my direction right now!
Will keep you in my prayers! ❤️ To visit Grace when we come to town. Your sermons are always helpful be yourself!
Thanks so much, Judy!
First off, I commend you for taking a “creative discipleship sabbatical” to birth a tool that will be hugely beneficial as Grace births so many new churches. Once the adrenaline of a “church plant” settles in, it’s so crucial to have the “meat” of a simple, duplicatable discipleship system to lean into. You are a pretty linear, logical teacher, but it’s always been when you share your heart, your struggles and real life examples that captivates. That’s not self indulgent or self gratifying… that’s being authentic, vulnerable, and relatable. I think it’s ok for future churches to have a feel of the “genealogy” and some of the personal stories from their “great-great-grand poppa” Tim Howey 🙂 You’ve got this!!
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Kristie. Your prayers and support and a huge blessing!