The Forge

Charlie Eggert. Isaiah White. Gary McCourt.  Matt Taylor. Phil Swain

Series Rewind

Polycentric Leadership

Creating Mutual Spaces

Kingdom of God is omnidirectional

Panel Questions

Brief intro of you and the ministry(s) you participate in that create multigenerational spaces.

Why did you begin to participate and/or serve in the ministry(s) that you are? Why do you continue to do so?

How, if at all, has the younger generation in these spaces helped grow your faith and helped you see God in a deeper sense. 

If you are in the younger generation in any of these spaces, how has it helped develop your faith? How have you participated in developing their faith?

One-minute (each, max) closing thought on the importance of Inverted. space.

Discussion Questions:

Has this series helped you see the importance of intentional discipleship relationships?

If so, where/how? If not, what do you think is the cause of that?

What have you learned from the students’ walk with the Lord (shared through this series) or today's panel discussion?

Do you feel inspired to get involved in mutual space community relationships? 

Megan McCourt. Mikaela Ochocki. Jacob McNamara. Josh Milligan

Resilient Disciples

Young Adults who have committed to Jesus, who they believe was crucified and raised to conquer sin and death;

are involved in a faith community beyond attendance at worship services;

and strongly affirm that the Bible is inspired by God and contains truth about the world.

Panel Questions

What have you found to be the most challenging part of living out your walk with Jesus since graduating high school?

Of the 6 themes from the graphic describing “Resilient Discipleship”, which most resonates with you and why?

You three have all been a part of our Leadership cohort for YA and we just wrapped up a multi-month track on Spiritual Formation. What’s one thing you learned from our time that has impacted both your discipleship and your leadership formation?

Table Discussion Questions

What do YOU find to be the most challenging part of living out your walk with Jesus in this season of your life?

What parts of these young adults’ discipleship and formation are something you might be able to take away and apply to your own life?

Of the 6 themes from the graphic describing “Resilient Discipleship”, which most resonates with you?

Statistics say... 

63% of Christians become Christian between ages 4-14.

34% of Christians become Christian between the ages of 15-29.

97% of Christians become Christian before the age of 30.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” - Mark 10:15 

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”   

- Proverbs 22:6

There is an urgency in youth ministry

Young people are being formed 

Eventually, a child grows up and has to make his/her own decisions

Prayer Cards

Commit to praying for the teen on your card

Pray for them as they go through Alpha 

Pray for them with the 3 Questions 

3 Questions every teen (and adult) wrestles with 

Identity - Who Am I?

Belonging - Where Do I Fit?

Purpose - What Difference Do I Make?

Deuteronomy Chapter 6

Discussion Questions

What stood out to you most about the panel?

How do you see God moving in young people today?

If you could go back to your teenage self, what would you tell yourself? And how would you say it? 

Are teens the only group that struggles with identity? Do you believe a teen/young adult can help you find your identity in Christ?

It’s easier than you think.

We are a Kingdom-minded church! The Kingdom of God is not linear, it is omnidirectional.

Who is the next generation?

Anyone younger than you in age,

Anyone younger than you in faith,

Anyone who is walking with Jesus.

Anyone who isn’t walking with Jesus yet.

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…” 2 Timothy 1:6–8

“Where I am, there He (Jesus) is” -Jerry Cook

I don’t have to be uncomfortable to invest in the next generation.

Being available for people is #1.

“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;  therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37–38

What do I have to offer others?

My Testimony

My Time

My Energy

My Prayer

My_____________________

My_____________________

Does reframing the idea of the next generation help inspire you to reach others? How?

Who comes to mind immediately in your life that you could help follow Jesus?

What does it look like for you to go out of your way to help someone follow Jesus?

What gifts/stories do you have that others can benefit from?

Task yourself with following through on someone to invest in for the next 6 months.

Question of the day:

How can we create mutual spaces for men of all ages to inhabit?

Why it matters:

if we don't create contexts where all are welcome, we will inhibit the discipleship of young people

"the variables most correlated with mature faith in high school and college are involvement in _______________ and _____________________."

If young men are not participating in intergenerational discipleship, that is on US.

So how do we do it?

1)

2)

"Lord help me to see people the way that you see them"

Acts 2:14-17

On earth, as it is in heaven.

QUESTIONS

What stood out to you / resonated with you from what Jeff shared?

Why do you think intergenerational worship is so critical for the discipleship of young people?

When you think of young guys — be honest here! — what are the first words that come to mind?

What's one thing you can change in your mind, your life, or your schedule right now that would reflect you "being intentional" about creating mutual spaces?

Modernity’s effects on how we practice our faith (15th century-WWII):

Rejection of moral/religious practices

Individualism

Loss of faith

Silo of religious activity

Post-modernity’s effect on how we practice our faith (End WWII-2000):

No universal religious truth or law

Reality is shaped by social, historical, and cultural context

Removed faith from organizations and overall culture

You do you

It seems broken. It also seemed broken to a boy at the age of 8 when he became king.

King Josiah-“The Lord will Support”- (2 Chronicles:34–35)

Became king after a lineage of terrible kings who had abandoned God

Set out to restore the temple

Workers found the lost and forgotten Torah (the Jewish Law)

He wept, tore his clothes, grieved, and sought counsel.

Repairing doesn’t always mean fixing. It might mean shattering. 

Polycentric leadership case studies (Mon, Wed, Thurs):

relational approach to leadership, a communal approach to spiritual formation and being the church, an incarnational and distribtutive approach to mission, and a multiplication approach to movement. 

God is at work. He never stopped. 

He desires unity among his people and all of creation.

Resulting of the inbreaking of His NOW and not yet Kingdom.

Our Father, in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

For yours is the kingdom,

the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

What to expect over the coming weeks.

Questions: 

What areas in your life need a “King Josiah moment”?

How have you appreciated being poured into by older generations?

How can you pour into younger generations? 

Do you honestly feel comfortable being led by someone you may perceive as ‘lesser than’ you?

Called to love people well, particularly in their difficult moments or seasons. 

From the grand gestures to granular moments 

redeemed new creations in Christ, we GET to respond and love well by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit reigning in our lives.

John 13:34-35 1 John 3:18-24 1 John 4:7-19

Love through presence

the day-to-day, face-to-face relationships, and interactions we have with others

Colossians 3:12-14 Ephesians 4:1-3 Ephesians 5:1-2

What does it look like to walk in love?

-Saving a life

-Letting someone stay at your house

-Defending someone who's getting picked on/slandered

-Giving someone a generous gift (monetary or otherwise)

-Asking for forgiveness for something you did or said

-Extending forgiveness for something someone else did or said against you

-Praying for someone who's going through something

-Asking about someone's day or week (and listening to the response)

-Being slow to speak and quick to listen to your spouse/s.o./kids/co-workers

-Asking God to give you perspective about and patience for someone who's difficult

-…and thousands more...

We need to be assertive in looking outward-- SEEING people for real-- and extending the compassion and kindness of Jesus to them. We can do this because we've been adopted into the family of our Almighty God, who now indwells us and empowers us with His grace!

...Christ in you, the hope of glory! (Col. 1:27b)

Discussion questions:

1) What does loving people well mean to you?

2) What does responding and loving well look like (from the grand to the granular) practically in your life? List things you think of.

3) As responders of love, to whom in your life do you think you could extend more compassion and kindness?

4) Is there anyone you need to forgive?

What does God desire for all men?

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants ALL men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2:1-4 (NIV)

Do you judge the marginalized or lesser among us?  Or do you defend the rights of the poor and needy?

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

Do everything in love

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Cor 16:13-14 (NIV)

Things to ponder?

Do I pass judgment on the homeless? Drug addicted? Mentally ill?  If so, why?

How can I serve the less fortunate in this current season?

What would it look like to be courageous and do everything in love?

“God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful.” - Mother Teresa

“Success” through the teachings of Jesus looks like this:

We are all first responders.

Anchor Verse:

“Here is another illustration Jesus used: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.’” Matthew 13:31-32 (NLT)

Questions

FAITH

FAMILY

FIRE

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIORITY

SELFISHNESS LED TO FEAR - by way of struggles

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13

FEAR

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

THE ULTIMATE DISPATCH

Questions:

What are your fears? What are they preventing you from? Are they controlling you and leading you down other roads?There is so much ability in this room.  What is getting in the way of your dispatch? Is your balance off? What Kind of foundation are you building in your home?  Have you lost your voice in your own home?  My battles kept me from having a voice in my own home. We live in a crazy world right now.  How are you calling people forward instead of just out?