It is hard to believe that next week is the start of school! Wow, time flies! I am very excited for not only the start of another school year, but also for the return of our Wednesday night activities. This year’s theme is ENGAGE! We want you to fully engage in the life of the church. ENGAGE in Fellowship (Oh, by the way, we have a new Food Service Coordinator, Chef Sandy. You’ll learn more about her next week), ENGAGE in Evangelism (We’ll talk at length about that this Fall), ENGAGE in Worship (Choir is gearing back up), and of course, ENGAGE in Discipleship. We have a great line-up for Discipleship classes. See the note below from our Associate Pastor for Discipleship, Rob Sauls, about what to expect this Fall as we encourage you ENGAGE your calling.
Expecting His Best,
Stephen V. Allen
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Although it’s the middle of summer, Fall is in the air! That means a new school year, school supply shopping, and football. At Tabernacle, Fall means discipleship class selection time. Our Fall Kickoff is Wednesday, August 22. Check out our exciting schedule that has opportunities for all ages.
ENGAGE! Discipleship
4:30 PM Prayer Meeting in Room 206
5:00 PM Supper
6:00 PM Discipleship for All Ages (Preschool 3’s-Adult)
Here's a brief Q & A about discipleship classes.
Q: What’s the difference between a Sunday School class and a Discipleship class?
A:
What distinguishes Sunday School classes, including off campus small groups, is an open group strategy. Sunday School classes study the Bible and teach individuals how to relate biblical truths to their life and world. Sunday School classes also help people connect and experience fellowship, ministry, and a sense of community, though more on a social level than on the intimate level that is the goal of many small groups. So what makes it open? This short definition explains it best:
An Open Group Expects New People Every Week.
A: Discipleship classes are short-term, topical classes that equip believers to grow in some aspect of discipleship. Classes typically meet for 6-8 weeks, delving deeper into a particular topic (i.e. marriage, parenting, how to study the Bible, etc.). There is usually a charge associated with workbooks or books which participants purchase for the duration of the class. Most discipleship classes meet on campus on Wednesday nights for an hour. Classes typically begin meeting at the beginning of the Fall and Winter/Spring semesters.
Q: Why discipleship?
A: At Tabernacle we believe in the Great Commission found in
Matthew 28:19,
"Go therefore and make
disciples
of all the nations." God has called us to make disciples; therefore one of the church's greatest responsibilities is to "grow" Christians into mature disciples of Christ. In order to be faithful to the Great Commission, we believe we must be intentional in our discipleship training process. To this end, we put great emphasis on discipleship classes.
Discipleship classes have been established out of our desire to help every person grow in faith, mature in character, and operate in their giftings. There is a fit for you no matter where you are on your spiritual your walk. Each semester we offer a variety of classes on Wednesday evenings from 6-7:00 p.m., so it's easy to jump in and begin
GROWING
with us!
Got kids? Your kids will enjoy WAM! Worship Arts and Missions. Children’s activities take place in the education building for babies through 5
th
grade. Starting at four years old, our kids have the opportunity to participate in Worship Arts and Missions. During Worship Arts, kids learn to praise God through playing instruments, singing, art, drama, puppets, and movement. Missions Education teaches kids how to pray for and support missionaries around the world, but more importantly, how to BE missionaries. Childcare is provided for children age 3 and under.
Check out the new Adult Discipleship classes in the Fall Program Guide in your Sunday School room, at the sign-up desk (outside the Worship Center), and at the Welcome Center desk.
Godspeed!
Pastor Rob Sauls
