Core Value #2

Make sure to read "Core Value #1" prior to reading this post.

The second core value we want to put in the center of all we do at First Christian in Monroe focuses on taking people from being "believers" into being true disciples of Jesus. To be a disciple of someone, you can't just hear about them and acknowledge how great they are. You must commit your life to following in their footsteps. You must commit to trying to become just like them in every way possible. Being a believer is easy. Being a disciple is not! It is demanding and it is difficult (see Luke 14:25-35). To be a disciple of Jesus, you have to be prepared for more than just going to church. You must be ready to do whatever it takes to become like Him.

CORE VALUE #2: "Training God's People"

At FCC, once we have introduced people to God's Word, we want to begin training them to become true disciples of Jesus. I love using the term "SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE". A Spiritual Discipline is an activity that enhances a person's personal relationship with God and obedience to what He has commanded. A person must practice these disciplines over and over until they become a natural part of their life.

A few common examples of Spiritual Disciplines a person might practice are: BIBLE STUDY, PRAYER, GIVING, SERVING OTHERS, WORSHIP, FASTING, and MEDITATION/SOLITUDE. Doing these activities does not define or determine one's salvation, but ARE part of a true disciple's life. These are some of the things we do that draw us nearer to God in our relationship with Him. These are the things we do to hear the Holy Spirit speak to us and to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's leadership.

At FCC, we don't just want to make believers. We want to make disciples. We what to show people how Jesus lived and what he commanded. We want to show people how to become true disciples of Jesus and to do these things in their lives too.

TEACHING GOD'S WORD and TRAINING GOD'S PEOPLE are the first two core values we are passionate about at FCC. If we do these two things well, the next two core values will be much easier to accomplish. Our mission is to MAKE DISCIPLES. That means we never stop and we never are satisfied. Once we help someone become a disciple, they join us on our mission to make disciples of others. That leads us to Core Value #3. I will write about that later!