From Angela
Pastor Keith,
I really enjoyed our session tonight. And, I like the path we are heading down. I like to see immediate goals, short-term goals, long-term goals and the ultimate goal. As I mentioned at the end of the session , I strongly believe the quadrants will overlap, work hand-in-hand and, in some cases, be dependant on one another. For example, we can create and develop a discipline and/or curriculum, but one's spiritual life must be "healthy" and ready to produce. I think it would do me a world of good to know what the spiritual life quadrant is doing to promote healthy spiritual life. I need to see the big picture and I need to see how things relate. Our output will only be enhanced by the cooperative efforts of other quadrants. It is more important for me to SEE what is being done than just to KNOW that it is being done.
I also feel strongly about having a plan of action. I would love for us to get to a place where we can evaluate our current discipleship programs/methods. If we look at what we do now, it should help guide us in the direction we need to go. Is there anything that Dr. Lee has created that we could use to evaluate what we currently offer? Does he have anything that shows what a healthy discipleship plan should include? In order to complete an evaluation, we would need something to compare it to. What is the "model" discipleship program? Small groups seem to be flourishing right now. However, I sometimes wonder what the parameters/requirements are for someone who would like to lead a small group. Are there any parameters/requirements? I love that we have a ton of small groups, but are we going for quantity or quality? I know of someone who wanted to start a small group and was immediately granted permission to do so. Since this is a leadership role, what do we do to ensure that what is being taught is what we want to be taught? Do we ever audit the person leading the group? I know for Children's Ministries, background checks are completed, we are asked if we were abused as children, etc. I realize this is for the protection of our children because it is obvious that we do not want a predator working in Children's Ministries. However, do we conduct any time of checks on those leading small groups? I think it is equally important to know the leader is in a healthy condition whether they are leading a child or an adult.
Also, in thinking about creating a discipleship "unit" (e.g., curriculum, plan of action, etc.) at Trinity....is there something that already exists that we can use as a model and customize it for Trinity? Would that help us get to point "B" quicker? How do we know that what we produce will be a comprehensive and complete work? Will we be having it audited and/or compared to something that already exists or by an expert in the field?
I think we have several obstacles to overcome when dealing with discipleship. Taking a look at what exists, creating/structuring/establishing/filling in the holes....whatever terminology is appropriate.....to facilitate the end product of a discipleship "unit" that is functional and effective for Trinity. Then, we need to have the resources in place that get the word out and let folks know what we have to offer. So, basically, we need to (1) figure out what needs to be done, (2) do it, and then (3) tell folks what we can do. I noticed the group tonight has a lack of confidence and assurance in our current offerings. In part, it seemed it was because they'd experienced themselves. Also, perhaps because they don't know what is even available. Communicating what we have to offer is a battle all in itself and it certainly is a never-ending task.
God bless,
Angela Le
I really enjoyed our session tonight. And, I like the path we are heading down. I like to see immediate goals, short-term goals, long-term goals and the ultimate goal. As I mentioned at the end of the session , I strongly believe the quadrants will overlap, work hand-in-hand and, in some cases, be dependant on one another. For example, we can create and develop a discipline and/or curriculum, but one's spiritual life must be "healthy" and ready to produce. I think it would do me a world of good to know what the spiritual life quadrant is doing to promote healthy spiritual life. I need to see the big picture and I need to see how things relate. Our output will only be enhanced by the cooperative efforts of other quadrants. It is more important for me to SEE what is being done than just to KNOW that it is being done.
I also feel strongly about having a plan of action. I would love for us to get to a place where we can evaluate our current discipleship programs/methods. If we look at what we do now, it should help guide us in the direction we need to go. Is there anything that Dr. Lee has created that we could use to evaluate what we currently offer? Does he have anything that shows what a healthy discipleship plan should include? In order to complete an evaluation, we would need something to compare it to. What is the "model" discipleship program? Small groups seem to be flourishing right now. However, I sometimes wonder what the parameters/requirements are for someone who would like to lead a small group. Are there any parameters/requirements? I love that we have a ton of small groups, but are we going for quantity or quality? I know of someone who wanted to start a small group and was immediately granted permission to do so. Since this is a leadership role, what do we do to ensure that what is being taught is what we want to be taught? Do we ever audit the person leading the group? I know for Children's Ministries, background checks are completed, we are asked if we were abused as children, etc. I realize this is for the protection of our children because it is obvious that we do not want a predator working in Children's Ministries. However, do we conduct any time of checks on those leading small groups? I think it is equally important to know the leader is in a healthy condition whether they are leading a child or an adult.
Also, in thinking about creating a discipleship "unit" (e.g., curriculum, plan of action, etc.) at Trinity....is there something that already exists that we can use as a model and customize it for Trinity? Would that help us get to point "B" quicker? How do we know that what we produce will be a comprehensive and complete work? Will we be having it audited and/or compared to something that already exists or by an expert in the field?
I think we have several obstacles to overcome when dealing with discipleship. Taking a look at what exists, creating/structuring/establishing/filling in the holes....whatever terminology is appropriate.....to facilitate the end product of a discipleship "unit" that is functional and effective for Trinity. Then, we need to have the resources in place that get the word out and let folks know what we have to offer. So, basically, we need to (1) figure out what needs to be done, (2) do it, and then (3) tell folks what we can do. I noticed the group tonight has a lack of confidence and assurance in our current offerings. In part, it seemed it was because they'd experienced themselves. Also, perhaps because they don't know what is even available. Communicating what we have to offer is a battle all in itself and it certainly is a never-ending task.
God bless,
Angela Le
posted by Dr. Keith G Edwards at 6:57 PM
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