Moving from “Christians” to Disciples
August 18, 2024
Thresholds: A Three Part Invitation
To cross a threshold is to move from one place to another. We speak of this when we pass through a doorway from one room to another. We use this language to describe when we enter into a new stage in life...be it in our vocation, or in a relationship, or in some other area of life we value. Thresholds are being crossed all the time. But the ultimate threshold is to move into deeper discipleship to Jesus.
Moving from "Christians" to Disciples
Becoming disciples is the goal. This cannot and will not change year to year. Therefore, it’s imperative that we always start here, remembering the invitation of Jesus…Follow me.
Moving from Restlessness to Rest
For the 2024-25 ministry year, we are focusing on the threshold of moving from restlessness to rest. This is not so much a physical rest, but a deep, soul level rest. One where by God’s grace we become a non-anxious presence. Present to the Lord, ourselves, and others.
Moving from Trying to Training (Silence & Solitude)
But how do we move from restlessness to rest? That’s where we must embrace training, not simply trying. In other words we are invited to follow the very practices of Jesus. To that end, we are inviting you to join in the ancient practice of silence and solitude.
Silence & Solitude Practices
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. – Mark 1:35
Here's a few ideas you can try...
- One time this week spend time in silence–this could be a silent car ride, a walk without technology, scheduled time alone in silence and stillness.
- Take an undistracted lunch break–no technology, books, or company.
- Set an alarm on your phone for 2-3 times throughout the day. When the alarm goes off, stop and spend 10 minutes in silence, bringing your thoughts, to-do lists, and worries before Jesus.
- Take a technology free walk alone where exercise is not the priority.
- Silence and solitude before sleep–Have a technology free hour before bed.
- Spend 15 minutes in the presence of something beautiful–a sunset, a favorite spot in nature, a poem.
- Try praying a prayer of transition–before you transition to a new part of your day, take 5 minutes to sit in stillness, reflect, and pray for the transition.
- Silence before screens–spend 10-15 minutes of silence and solitude when you wake up in the morning before checking your phone.
- Prayer of recollection–while in silence and solitude, write down every thought that comes to mind and ask the Lord to show you any themes.
- Take either half or a full day to get out of your normal routine and retreat. Spend the time in silence and solitude.
Recommended Resources
A few books and podcasts we have found helpful...
The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
Invitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Haley Barton
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who…are identified as “Christians” will become disciples—students, apprentices, practitioners—of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence.
– Dallas Willard, The Great Omission