Gospel Based Discipleship Presented by: The Episcopal Church Center Developed and Distributed by Native Ministries and Gospel Based Discipleship

2 Gospel Based Discipleship u is not a program. u is not Bible Study. Gospel Based Discipleship Matthew Mark Luke John

3 Gospel Based Discipleship u is an encounter with the Gospel. u is designed to engage people with the Gospel* *either the Gospel appointed for the day or the Sunday proper. Gospel Based Discipleship Matthew Mark Luke John

4 Gospel Based Discipleship u does depend on participants being willing to share responses to these three questions: u What words or ideas did you hear? u What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you? u What is Jesus (the Gospel) calling you to do? Gospel Based Discipleship

5 Call to mission Groups that use GBD regularly should expect to begin to see their call to mission differently. Expectations and Outcomes

6 Benefit the Community Some congregations use GBD as a way to focus on what God is calling them to do in their community. Gospel Based Discipleship Expectations and Outcomes

7 Spiritual friendship As people become familiar with the process and each other, spiritual journeys are shared and people know one another in a new way, not based merely on similar likes or dislikes, but as disciples on a journey together. Gospel Based Discipleship Expectations and Outcomes

8 Encounter the Gospel  The entire faith community encounters the Gospel as peers, whether ordained or non-ordained.  This Gospel encounter leads to a vision of the community gathered around the Scripture.  The Sunday sermon is the place where critical commentary and teaching can be applied to the Gospel. Gospel Based Discipleship Expectations and Outcomes

9 GBD can be used:  by a regular study group  to begin a meeting  as a form of worship  as a personal devotion Gospel Based Discipleship A Description of Use

10 In GBD:  there are no right or wrong answers.  the engagement is with the Gospel in the center and not with a leader or the search for correct answers.  experienced leaders are not required.  leadership should rotate.  we seek the truth by hearing what the Gospel says to us individually and corporately. Gospel Based Discipleship A Description of Use

11 Gospel Based Discipleship A Description of Use u In GBD:  Statements like: “that's not what we believe”; or “you're wrong about that” are not helpful.  Statements that elicit response such as “Could you say more about that”; or “I've never thought of that before” keep the discussion going.

12 The Questions: What words or phrases did you hear? What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you? What is Jesus (the Gospel) calling you to do? are designed to elicit personal reflection, sharing and discussion. Gospel Based Discipleship A Description of Use

13  Place the authority for the interpretation of the Gospel in the context of the people gathered around the Gospel.  Are the core principal of Gospel Based Discipleship. Gospel Based Discipleship A Description of Use  Are rooted in:  African Bible Study  Base Ecclesial Community movements. The Questions:

14  Consistent practice of GBD will lead to new insights and revelations.  The ultimate goal is a changed understanding of your baptismal covenant as a “living disciple”. Gospel Based Discipleship A Description of Use

15 The following slides contain description of resources available for your use in Gospel Based Discipleship. This slide should be deleted after customization. Gospel Based Discipleship Instructional Slide

16 Gospel u Two or three translations u The Message by Eugene Peterson (NAV Press) Gospel Based Discipleship Materials

17 Disciple’s Prayer Book u Patterned after Daily Office  Format for various times of day u For Liturgical Use  Colored tabs to indicate season  Psalms for liturgical season Gospel Based Discipleship Materials

18 Disciple’s Prayer Book u Special Services  A Blessing Service  A Vigil Service  A Youth Gathering Service Gospel Based Discipleship Materials

19 Gathering Prayer Card u For Small Groups and Individual use u Contains:  Gathering Prayer  Guiding Principles  Rule of Life  Apostle’s Creed Gospel Based Discipleship Materials

20 To Order Resources  Write to the office Gospel Based Discipleship Episcopal Church Center 815 Second Avenue New York, NY Gospel Based Discipleship Materials

21  Download from website Gospel Based Discipleship Materials

22 The following few slides are available for you to customize or delete for your local presentation on Gospel Based Discipleship. Be sure to use brief bullets and discuss details verbally. This slide should be deleted after customization. Gospel Based Discipleship Instructional Slide

23 We invite you to review and describe what is currently in the center of your church life as well as personal lives. Gospel Based Discipleship Today’s Situation

24 List any relevant historical information. Discuss any assumptions you may have. Gospel Based Discipleship How did we get here?

25 u State the alternative strategies u List the advantages & disadvantages of each u State the cost of each option Gospel Based Discipleship Available Options

26 u Recommend one or more of the strategies u Summarize the results if things go as proposed u What to do next u Identify Action Items Gospel Based Discipleship Recommendations