Cultivating
As image-bearers of God humanity was created to live in community with one another.
Cultivating - Part 4
February 4, 2024 • Mike Tatlock • 1 Thessalonians 2:8, 1 John 2:5–6, John 15:15–16, Ephesians 4:16
The Power of Discipleship: Experiencing and Expressing the Essence of Jesus. The Path of Discipleship: Discipleship is the life-transforming journey of doing life with others and being fully known (Friendship) as we pursue and practice the life of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit (Purpose). The Plan of Discipleship: Invite, Invest, and Inspire Curious Follower: Those who follow Jesus with caution but are openly seeking Conflicted Follower: Those who want what Jesus offers but also want what the world offers Casual Follower: Those who believe fully in Jesus but follow as a consumer when it is convenient Committed Follower: Those who are all in and fully devoted their lives to risking and following Jesus Connected Follower: Those invested in a discipleship group and helping to cultivate Jesus in others
Cultivating - Part 3
January 28, 2024 • Mike Tatlock • Ephesians 6:14, 2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 6:15, 1 Peter 3:15, Habakkuk 3:2
As we navigate the discipleship journey, Pastor Mike reminds us that our joy is not only found in personal growth but when we invest in others. Drawing inspiration from the New Testament, he highlights the apostle Paul's repeated expressions of joy in those he mentored and walked alongside. Discipleship, is not only about gaining knowledge but experiencing the profound joy that comes from fostering genuine connections, much like the discipleship communities in the early church. Let's be intentional about pursuing discipleship together. Whether you've been a follower of Christ for years or are just starting, there's a place for you to connect, grow, and experience the joy that comes from being deeply rooted in Christ, both individually and as a community. Discussion Questions: 1. What areas of your spiritual formation are you desiring to grow in? 2. What gaps would you say are in your spiritual formation? 3. What helps us grow deep roots of trust in God? 4. What season of formation would you say you are in right now? 5. Of the categories of followers, which one best describes you? 6. Are you actively pursuing others to be in discipleship with? 7. How does getting into small groups help foster deeper discipleship?
Cultivating - Part 2
January 21, 2024 • Mike Tatlock • Galatians 6:7–9, Hebrews 13:21, Ephesians 4:11–13, Matthew 28:19–20, Colossians 2:6–8
There is a big difference between reacting and responding. When we react, our actions may come from fear, hate, and impatience. On the other hand, when we respond with intentionality, our actions are more often rooted in peace, love, patience, kindness, and wisdom. One of the most significant ways we can shift from reacting to responding is by walking together in community with other believers. The Holy Spirit actively operates within community, working through us to cultivate a sense of belonging, sharpening and releasing one another. These environments encourage us to respond to life’s challenges from a place of peace rather than reacting out of fear. Community is crucial for believers. “Christianity is essentially a social religion,” said John Wesley, and “to turn it into a solitary religion is indeed to destroy it.” Creating community transforms us from passive observers, relying solely on ourselves, to active partners with Jesus, fostering reliance on Him and one another. Community also plays a vital role in transitioning from a shaky faith to a solid one. When we recognize that our roots determine our actions, we can shift our focus to being firmly rooted in love. This will ensure that our faith remains unwavering, even in challenging seasons, which allows us to respond with love instead of reacting with hate. As we prepare together, reflect on these questions: In what areas of your life do you tend to react instead of responding? How does being deeply rooted in Jesus change your trust in God? Join us on this journey. Embrace the shifts from reaction to response, passivity to partnership, and a shaky faith to a firm foundation.
Cultivating - Part 1
January 7, 2024 • Mike Tatlock • 2 Corinthians 9:8, Ephesians 6:15–18, Galatians 6:7–9, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Matthew 21:43
I’m convinced many believers live as Passive, Powerless, Pointless and Paranoid…instead of Passionate, Provocative, Purposeful and Powerful. Our faith can feel Feeble, Frail, and Flimsy instead of Fearless, Favored, and Fervent. Jesus sent out his disciples as a movement to change the world. This was a movement led by the ordinary but empowered for the extraordinary. A movement led by the marginalized, uneducated, impaired, and ignored. Yet, their calling for greatness far exceeded their capacity for greatness. Our limitation is always the beginning of God’s demonstration. Discussion Questions: 1. Do you feel a spiritual malaise? 2. What does being ready spiritually mean to you? 3. How can we prepare ourselves for a move of God? 4. Where do you feel the most unprepared in your faith? 5. How does being in community help prepare you for uncertainty or challenges?