Why no groups?
Why are there no community groups or men’s, women’s or youth groups at Covenant Baptist Church? One word - discipleship. Josh and I believe in discipleship. It is inefficient but it creates lasting fruit. It is also hard to get going because it is hard to change our evangelical church culture. We desire to forge a culture of discipleship at Covenant Baptist Church and we want it to be forged with commitment. It will require commitment from a leadership and a congregation.
My working definition of discipleship is an intentional relationship that is focused and committed to spiritual growth. We intent to deepen our relationship with God through regular times of exhortation and encouragement as we live life together.
You will hear me say regularly, “someone at church must have their finger on the spiritual pulse of your life.” We don’t need places to hide in the body of Christ. What is needed is life-giving connection that propels us onward in our Christian faith. However, I fear that far too many men, women and children who attend church remain stagnant and idle. Faith in that state is boring, cowardly and weak. But, true discipleship provides accountability and training. It is for a day that you can’t see coming but you know is inevitable. It is preparation for the coming storm.
So, we can’t have groups because we are committed to developing a discipleship culture. I’m writing this blog as a way to get people at Covenant Baptist Church to think differently about their spiritual growth. How are you growing? Why wouldn’t you try something intensive that could cause your faith to grow more rapidly? If it feels like there is not enough going on at Covenant Baptist Church.. not enough programs.. It’s intentional. We desire to shepherd you well so we have limited what we offer.
It is time to act now! Discipleship is inefficient by design. It is one on one (sometimes one on some). Right now the pastors at CBC have time in their schedules to meet with you. Josh and I don’t meet with women one on one, but I know Kristen has time and is an excellent discipler of women.
Reach out and get started today. It’s how we grow at Covenant Baptist Church.
-Bart