In this empowering episode, we delve deep into the essence of discipleship with Derek Heumann, pastor of Evergreen Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Join us as Pastor Derek explores the transformative question: What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Recorded live at our home base in Columbus, this sermon is part of the ongoing series, "Follower."

Pastor Derek opens with a profound definition: To follow Jesus means to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did. He draws from the richness of gospel accounts and the Great Commission to illustrate the indispensable role of discipleship in spreading the kingdom of God.

Throughout the sermon, Derek invokes the power of the Holy Spirit granted to us, emphasizing our call to adopt Jesus’s model of ministry—balancing solitude with active ministry as depicted by his life in the Gospels. Learn how discipleship involves a reciprocal act of receiving and giving, akin to breathing in and out, a rhythm essential for a sustained spiritual life.

This episode is particularly special as it not only challenges each of us to step deeper into our faith but also provides practical guidance on how to cultivate and engage in discipling relationships. Whether you're a seasoned believer or just starting your spiritual journey, there's rich insight awaiting you here.

Dive into this episode to discover:

- The foundational aspects of being a disciple under the New Covenant.

- Practical advice on initiating and nurturing discipling relationships.

- A fresh perspective on spiritual disciplines as means to emulate Christ.

- Insights on the balance of spiritual intake and output in our daily lives.

Don’t miss this call to deepen your walk with Christ and impact your world by making disciples who make disciples. Whether through interaction with the city of Columbus or through personal stories of growth and challenge, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone eager to live out the great commission.

Chapter Breakdown:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:30 - Thankful for Derek Heumann

00:01:55 - Celebrating Columbus with a visit to the city

00:02:31 - What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple of Jesus?

00:04:12 - The Great Commission

00:08:16 - The Life of Discipleship

00:16:37 - Make disciples: The kingdom of God

00:24:41 - Be with Jesus, Become Like Jesus This Week

00:28:09 - Conclusion

Join us in this journey of faithful following and fearless fruitfulness, rooted in the teachings and life of Jesus Christ.

In today's sermon, titled "What Does it Mean to be a Follower?", Pastor Luke delves deeply into the concept of followership in Christianity, a theme that promises to reshape our understanding of our roles not as leaders, but as devout followers of Jesus. Our culture glorifies leadership, associating it with power and control. However, the path of true discipleship calls us to embrace followership, shifting our focus from leading to being led by Christ.

We explore how the societal view of being a follower often carries negative connotations, seen as less desirable compared to being a leader. Yet, Jesus Christ himself calls us to follow him, presenting a stark contrast to our society's leadership-driven focus. This year, our sermon series titled "Follower" will guide us through a journey to discover what it means to truly be a follower of Jesus. We will engage deeply with the Gospel of John, learn from biblical figures who exemplified true followership by leading through following God, and discover the character traits essential for being a disciple of Christ.

The word "follower" implies a devoted adherent to a person or cause. True followership to Jesus means aligning our actions with His teachings and actively participating in His mission - it requires action and intention. As we dissect the Greek word "akoloutheo," used for 'follow' in the New Testament, we gain insights into the active nature of discipleship. This episode challenges us to examine what and whom we follow in our lives, urging us to align more closely with Jesus.

We also touch on the concept of leadership within the church and challenge the conventional understanding of what it means to lead. Reflecting on the words of Paul, "Follow me as I follow Christ," we are reminded to lead by example of followership.

This profound reflection is not only theoretical but also practical. We conclude with the sacred act of communion, a direct invitation to actively recall and participate in the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Dive into this episode to redefine your understanding of leadership and followership, to align your path more closely with that of Jesus, a journey of devout and active following, rather than leading.

**Episode Chapters:**

- 00:00:00 - Introduction

- 00:00:23 - 2026: A Year of Follower

- 00:06:38 - Jesus Calling: Follow Me, Not Lead

- 00:11:44 - What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?

- 00:16:59 - What It Means to Be a Follower of Jesus

- 00:20:26 - Paul: Follow Me as I Follow Jesus

- 00:27:25 - A Moment of Reflection

- 00:31:33 - Conclusion

Pastor Luke Continues our Philippians summer sermon series by digging into chapter 2 verses 12 through 18.

This week we have guest preacher Pastor Chet Martin filling in for us, as he continues in our summer sermon series walking through the book of Philippians. This week Pastor Chet looks at Philippians 2:5-11.

This week Free Methodist Pastor John Lefler fills in for Pastor Luke to preach on Philippians 2:1-4.

Pastor Luke continues in our Philippians sermon series by wrapping up chapter 1 with verses 27 through 30.

This week Pastor Luke continues ins our Philippians summer sermon series by looking at Philippians 1:21-26.

On this Father's Day Sunday Pastor Luke continues in our summer sermon series walking through the book of Philippians. This week Pastor Luke looks at Philippians 1:12-20.

Pastor Luke preaches in the midst of our summer series digging into the book of Philippians. He digs into chapter 1 verses 7 though 11.

Pastor Luke continues in our Preoccupy sermon series by exploring what it looked like for Jesus to be preoccupied with the Holy Spirit, and how He interacted with the Holy Spirit during His ministry.