Dear Church,
 
Who is a disciple?  The first definition of a disciple comes from Jesus in Matthew 4:19 where he called his first disciples by saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”.  In this single verse, Jesus promises transformation (I will make you fishers of men).  In other words, Jesus’ definition of a disciple is someone who is called by God, to be transformed by Christ, and lead others to do the same, by the power of the Holy Spirit.  A disciple is a person who is transformed to multiply (not just to worship in solitude in a church building).  Jesus double downs on this when he gives the final command to his disciples.  Make disciples of all nations… and behold I am with you always, to the end of the age. 
 
So, a disciple is a learner–  He/she is learning to live for Christ, learning how to rest in Jesus finished work, learning to live in obedience to the Holy Spirit. Learning to share Christ with others and live in a vital relationship with God and each other.  Jesus intentionally spent three years of his ministry forming these kinds of disciples and his final command to us was to do the same.  The early church took Jesus’ command with gusto and invested in others and this multiplication grew the church.  God’s plan of church growth has always been through intentional discipleship.  It is time as a church we recognize this cardinal truth and invest in people. 
 
I would encourage you to join one of the Intentional Discipleship Groups (IDI).  This is our attempt as a church to give intentional structure and direction to Jesus’ command to make disciples, so that purposeful, maturing in Christ and multiplying discipleship occurs in the church. If you are hungry to grow in Christ and committed to be available, then you should consider joining a group.  This is not an initiative you can ‘try-out’ and if you don’t like it, you will disengage.  IDI is a covenantal initiative to stick together as a team, learn from the scripture, be candid about each other’s struggles and learn to know and love God and each other – with the aim for multiplicity.
 
Pray, if God is leading you to Join a group, please do not hesitate.
 
Be Encouraged,
Mathews