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Sometimes the hardest missionary
journey is the walk next door . . . Discipling
My Neighborhood is an innovative group study
that shows you how to reach your world
for Christ in practical, relevant ways.
It might be as simple as inviting
a neighbor to church . . .
According to Barna Research Group, only
25% of the U.S. population has been invited to
church. Another 11% would attend if asked.
It may involve encouraging a
co-worker to stick with a troubled marriage .
. .
2002 University of Chicago research showed
that those who end a troubled marriage only have
a 19% probability to happily remarry within 5
years. Of those discontented couples that stuck
with it, 80% reported that they reestablished
satisfying relationship during the same 5 years.
Discipling My Neighborhood
is a study about how God wants to and will use
us in discipling our friends, neighbors, and co-workers
if we will follow His lead, and the daily challenges
with put “feet to your faith.”
Encouraging People to Christ-likeness
As disciple-makers, Jesus commanded us to be salt
and light to the world, saying that we will be
known or “different” by our love for God and love
for our neighbor (Matt 5:13-16, John 13:35, Matthew
22:37-39). But how do we show this love, how do
we demonstrate the difference? Discipling My Neighborhood
takes a step-by-step approach to training people
how to see the loving opportunities to disciple
friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
For example:
- In Session 1, the Bible study in Proverbs
3 assures us that God is guiding our steps,
and the Leader’s Guide provides a prayer map
for participants to begin to pray for their
neighbors by name. The 6 daily challenges reinforce
the power of prayer in discipling our neighborhoods
and communities.
- Session 3 studies Matthew 5:14-16, which encourages
us to “let our light shine!” The Leader’s Guide
works in additional questions and activities
that help identify the “subtle sins” of irritability
and complaining as real stumbling blocks. The
daily challenges encourage participants to think
out ways to shine in their neighborhood as Christians.
- Session 6 is titled “Who really Cares?” and
it challenges believers to serve the sick and
needy (Matthew 9:16-38). The Leader’s Guide
provides an exercise involving King David’s
comfort for a deceased friend’s son. The daily
challenges present opportunities to act in compassion
for the afflicted.
- By Session 9, participants are expected to
be looking for opportunities to disciple. The
Leader’s Guide provides additional ways to make
the discipling connection, such as recommending
or buying a Christian book for a neighbor in
need. Daily Challenge #2 revisits the neighborhood
map and asks for each neighbor’s concerns and
spiritual needs for which participants have
been praying.
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“My
study of Discipleship in America has
been eye-opening. Almost every church
in our country has some type of discipleship
program or set of activities. Stunningly
few churches have a church of disciples.”
George
Barna, excerpt from his book, Making
True Disciples
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“Perhaps
never in our history have believers
been in greater need of discipling
than now. To follow Jesus, one must
first know Him. To know Him, one must
study and be obedient to what He has
said. A Discipled Nation Plan provides
an excellent way of achieving God’s
ultimate will for each of us.”
Cal
Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist
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Workbook & Leader’s Guide
Practical applied discipleship: that is the mission
of Discipling My Neighborhood Workbook
and Leader’s Guide. Here is a complete list of
the topics covered:
- Where He Leads Me
- Love Your Neighbor
- This Little Light of Mine
- Loving the Unlovely and Neglected
- Your Dual Citizenship
- Who Really Cares?
- Informed Disciples are Well-equipped Disciples
- Discipling those in Authority
- Surrounded by Discipling Opportunities
- Reach for and Working for the Blessings
Click
here for a PDF sample of Session 1 of the
Discipling My Neighborhood Workbook
Click
here for a PDF sample of Session 1 of the
Discipling My Neighborhood Leader's Guide
Pastor's Guide
A recent ASCG study reported that 85% of
church members surveyed felt the church’s main
purpose was to meet their needs, while only 15%
said the purpose was to reach the lost.
A pastor may have a heart for
discipling, but to effectively reach a community,
he or she needs help instilling these values in
the members and engage them in outreach. Discipling
My Neighborhood is a great tool that will
assist the pastor in effectively equipping for
the Great Commission.
To help the pastor, we created
Discipling My Neighborhood Pastor's Guide.
This book provides the context for Pastors to
support the Discipling My Neighborhood
small groups and classes within the church by
providing defined expectations, suggested resources,
and outlines for sermons and promotional event.
A "Kick-off Weekend" is an excellent way to spike
interest in the church's discipling program and
drive up class attendance.
Click
here for a PDF sample of Session 1 of the
Discipling My Neighborhood Pastor's Guide
Order information
Click
here for information on how to purchase Discipling
My Neighborhood today!
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