The Mission Statement of FBCER is, “FBCER exists to bring glory to God by making disciples of Jesus Christ.” Our goal has never been to simply get rear-ends in seats, but rather to see people grow in “grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” If we are making disciples then getting rear-ends in seats will take care of itself. Men and women being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ is the goal. Some of this happens on the personal level. Being disciplined in areas like prayer, scripture reading, memory, and study are key in growing as a disciple. I hope you take things like this seriously because the truth is, you will not grow without them. No person will grow apart from serious effort in these key areas because these are how we commune with God.

I hope you are regularly involved in a corporate worship service. There you are, surrounded by other believers, joining their hearts and voices together in the worship of our great God. There you are, challenged and encouraged with the truth of God’s word as he equips us through preaching and teaching. There you are, forced to realize that this whole thing is bigger than you. There you see that God is at work in the lives of others around you and is using you in the lives of others. Corporate worship is vital to your development as a disciple.

For the most part, I think many of us understand the importance of these two aspects of discipleship, but let me challenge you to take a deeper plunge into your growth as a disciple. Get into a discipleship relationship. Whether it is with another person or a group of people, invest your life into the lives of others and allow them to do the same for you. This can happen in a Small Group on Sunday or Wednesday, over lunch, in the evening…just be in relationship with other believers.

This is an important part of my life. As I write this, I meet with a group of four men on a weekly basis where we read and share together. This is an invaluable part of my life. There I find encouragement, am challenged, am prayed for. There I am pouring out and being poured into. I also meet weekly with a couple of men for a time of prayer. We share concerns, needs, and joys with one another. Having other people in your life is necessary in your growth as a disciple. Let me challenge you, don’t wait! Get into a discipleship relationship!

For His glory and your joy,

Pastor Charlie