Discipleship (& Formation)
Discipleship Opportunities | Home Groups | Personal Devotions | Online Bible | Verse for Today | Prayer
By definition whenever a person becomes a Christian, by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord, they begin a journey which Jesus calls discipleship - notably in the last chapter (28) of Matthew's gospel,
19 Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptise them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
The work of discipleship is a
partnership between the Holy Spirit who dwells within the believer, and the
individual's own efforts to be formed in the Christian life, with the help
others.
At St Mary's we take seriously the challenge to create well-formed Christians.
Without cultivating our Christian discipleship, we become weak-kneed Christians
in danger of being spiritually buffeted because we do not know the biblical and
historical
foundations of our faith.
We encourage Christian discipleship in the following ways:
Baptism, if you have not already been baptised. There is no right age to come for baptism. For adults, teenagers and older children full immersion baptism is recommended but not mandatory. Please discuss your options for baptism before or after submitting a completed baptism request form.
By urging each member to have a personal daily devotional time where they consciously connect with God, often through bible reading and personal prayer. Check out this series of five short teachings, "How to Study Your Bible".
Through regular attendance at church services where our discipleship is promoted both in our altogether times and in our break out groups
Through promoting mid-week home groups meeting in the homes of church members for fellowship, bible study, prayer and support
Taking opportunities as they present to attend seminars, courses and other teaching or ministry events which are organised by St Mary's or by the wider church, e.g. Way2Go children's ministry training, Admission to Holy Communion for children, etc.
And, the best promoter of Christian discipleship is by actively ministering with the love of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Check our Ministry page for more info.
If you would like help establishing or want the Church to consider some other
forum for Christian formation please request this via our contact form or
contact the Pastor directly.
Home Groups
Sometimes known as Cell groups, small groups of 6-12 adults meeting in a
member's home provide opportunities for life-giving Christian discipleship.
The groups may run for a season or longer term; they may assume a variety of
formats or major on one or two.
Core ingredients of a weekly home group meeting are:
Typically there will be a designated leader or leadership couple, however
components of the group meeting may be shared around the participants.
From time to time the group may take a recess, merge or combine with another
group, permanently or for a season.
St Mary's Home Groups
Sunday evenings - a younger group @ Macdonald's - ph. 237 7045
(Currently merged with the Adult ALPHA Group)
Thursday evening - Mixed Group @ Sylvia's - ph. 234 6596
The Monday morning ladies' home group
(Click on image to enlarge)
Please feel free to ring one of these hosts for more info about their group.
Alternatively, contact St Mary's using the form and we will provide more info.
Personal Devotions
The Christian tradition has always promoted a daily routine which includes some
consciously God-time.
Some rigorously keep a formal daily office, a cycle of prayers and readings with
perhaps a song or two, which is used as an aid to cultivating and maintaining a
wholesome relationship with God.
In medieval monasteries and even modern Christian communities a daily "office"
or two will be offered as part of the worship of the community.
Many do not have access, or the timing is not convenient, to daily worship God
in this way. A well proven alternative is a personal daily devotion or "quiet
time" which may include:
You will note that below is access to
online Scriptures which you may use, in the absence of (or instead of) a printed
Bible.
Some people find it very helpful to keep a journal alongside during their
devotional time to record significant awarenesses or insights, perhaps prompted
by the Holy Spirit. Later reflection on such entries can be a source of
blessing, especially in dry or challenging times.
There are various schemas for how to order our personal devotional prayer time.
One commonly used is built around the acronymn ACTS
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication (prayers of asking or intercession)
Another more simple acronymn to guide our praying is JOY
Jesus
Others
Yourself