Celebrate, Connect, Develop, Serve, Share
Acts 2 churches-filled with the Spirit, led by the Spirit, experiencing authentic Christian community and bearing fruit
-Acts 2:1-4, 37-47
The Strive for Five is a strategic direction for the congregations and ministries of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.
Click to download READABLE Strive for Five .pdf
Click to download PRINTABLE Strive for Five.pdf
Strive for Five contents:
Five Elements
Who is a Disciple?
Who is a spiritual Leader?
What is an Acts 2 Disciple-Making Congregation?
Vision, Mission, Beliefs and Values
Anticipated Fruits
Accountability Flow
The Ten Point Plan
A Disciple's Vision: To become more like Christ by loving God completely, and those we encounter as a friend
-Matthew 22:34-40 The Great Commandment
Discipleship is a journey. As disciples, we personally encounter God's grace through Christ and are nurtured through the Spirit, becoming mature disciples within the faith community.
We recognize:
- Discipleship is experienced and learned;
- Discipleship is a continuous inward/outward journey of receiving and giving; of surrendering and
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becoming;
- Disciples humble themselves and magnify God's presence in their lives (faithful celebration/worship)
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through which they experience significance;
- Disciples begin with a personal encounter with God that is nurtured in Christian community (faithful
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connections) through which they experience lasting relationships;
- Disciples practice spiritual disciplines (faith development) through which they gain understanding;
- Disciples experience an inward change manifested through outward expressions of mercy and
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justice (faithful service) through which they experience purpose;
- Disciples make new disciples (faith sharing) through which they experience meaning.
1. Faith Celebration
Touched by God through Worship
You Lord, have made known the ways of life and make us full of gladness with your presence.
-Acts 2:28
Disciples Magnify God's Presence
We have significance as we experience God's presence through worship and live all of life as though it were the worship of God.2. Faithful Connections
Transformed by God through Relationships
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity so that with one heart you may glorify God. -Romans 15:5-6
Disciples Have Personal Encounters with God and Fellowship with Other Believers
We develop relationships as we are changed by God for fellowship with other believers.3. Faith Development
Shaped by God through Study and Spiritual Disciplines
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern the will of God.
-Romans 12:2
Disciples Grow Through Spiritual Disciplines
We grow in our understanding of God and how to live in the world by involvement in study, small groups, prayer, fasting, daily devotion time, and meditation.4. Faithful Service
Gifted by God to Serve Others
There are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit, and a variety of services all for the same Lord.
-1 Corinthians 12:4-5
Disciples Use Their Gifts In the Community
We have purpose as we serve others through ministries of justice and mercy in the community and the world.5. Faith Sharing
Led by God to Be A Witness
Go therefore and make disciples. -Matthew 28:19
Disciples Birth New Disciples
We have meaning as we witness to the presence of God in our lives by sharing our faith with others.
Disciples through the Spirit, surrender and live like Jesus Christ daily (1 Corinthians 12:7 and John 14:15). They love God completely (Matthew 22:35-38); treat everyone compassionately and justly (Matthew 22:39-40); and invite others to become disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) . Like first century disciples (Acts 2:41-47), today's disciples:
- Celebrate in worship - disciples pray daily, glorify God through all their actions, and gather with other believers to worship;
- Connect as one - disciples fellowship with other believers to strengthen and unify the body of Christ;
- Develop in faith - disciples read the Bible daily and participate in spiritual growth groups several times a month;
- Serve like Christ - everyday disciples live justly and show kindness, and several times a month they support and engage in justice and mercy ministries;
- Share the faith - disciples tell others how God has changed their lives and invite others to engage in the Adventure.
A spiritual leader is a disciple and a servant leader with the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:4-8) . They cast a vision of a church and world more like Christ, engages others in the Discipleship Adventure and bears Acts 2 fruit. The spiritual leader:
- Honors because of the vision. A Spiritual Leader cares about those whom s/he serves, respects people's past experiences, envisions a preferable future, and supports people through changes. Honoring deepens trust in the leader and strengthens relationships.
- Disrupts around the vision. Spiritual Leaders cast a bold vision that disrupts patterns which are not moving people and the church toward the vision. Disrupting challenges people, the church and the world to change their lives to become more like Christ.
- Aligns everything with the vision. Spiritual Leaders organize their and the congregation's time, gifts and activities on being like Christ. Spiritual leaders exhibit the Wesleyan faith, fire and fruits.
Clergy and laity can be spiritual leaders.
WHAT IS AN ACTS 2 DISCIPLE MAKING CONGREGATION?
An Acts 2 or disciple-making congregation carries out the life of Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:27) . Filled with the Spirit (Acts 2:1-4; 37-38) , a disciple-making congregation engages believers in the complete Discipleship Adventure (celebrate, connect, develop, serve, and share) and bears Acts 2 fruit (Acts 2:41-47). Disciple-making congregations:
- Focus all activity on Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). The congregation is organized to make and engage disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world (Matthew 28:18-20);
- Call, equip, and release disciples to pursue their passion and use their gifts to glorify God (Ephesians 411-13) ;
- Call, equip, send and support spiritual leaders to lead disciples in the Adventure (Mark 1:17) ;
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Lead disciples to meet the spiritual, social and physical needs of those in the community and world; and produce Acts 2 fruit (John 15:8, 16 and Acts 2:41-47).
VISION, MISSION, BELIEFS AND VALUES
The vision, mission, beliefs and values for the Baltimore-Washington Conference Discipleship Adventure, were developed through a process involving more than 1,100 people from across the conference. They provide direction and parameters for the work of BWC, and their intent is to be life changing:
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Vision - from self-centered to Christ centered;
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Mission - from institutional to missional communities;
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Beliefs - from congregation minded to Kingdom minded;
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Values - from detached alliances to strategic alignments.
Vision - Become like Christ through our congregations and ministries - Philippians 2:1-11, Luke 4:18- 19 and Acts 2:41-47
As we become more like Christ, we will:
- Love God completely and our neighbors as ourselves;
- Humble ourselves and put God and others first;
- Undergird all ministry and life with prayer;
- Be good news to the poor, pardon prisoners, recover and heal the sick, set free the oppressed;
- Be prophetic as we demonstrate creative risk taking in the church and the community;
- Invite and welcome all into God's love and accept and affirm others as God accepts and affirms us;
- Intentionally disciple all believers and invite, welcome and disciple new believers.
Mission - Call, equip, send and support discipling leaders - Luke 9:1-6, and Luke 4:18-19
As we fulfill the mission, we will:
- Develop people's gifts and encourage them to pursue their ministry passions;
- Lead people to work cooperatively and multiculturally through teams;
- Engage our ministry with the unchurched;
- Grow and send more people into the community for ministry that are in touch with the culture and who can offer an alternative to a broken world;
- Develop more younger leaders;
- Organize team ministry, streamline congregational organization and reduce bureaucracy;
- Connect with other believers in accountable, faith-building relationships and groups that embody the five elements of discipleship.
Beliefs - The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is near, repent and believe -Mark 1:15. We Believe...
- We are created in the image of God - People, congregations and ministries that affirm the sacred worth of everyone and care for God's creation, imitate the Creator within them.
- God loves everyone and through Christ redeems, revives, and renews the world - Everyone needs a relationship with God as experienced through the grace of Jesus Christ.
- God changes lives through the Holy Spirit - People, congregations and ministries that are prayerful and open to the Holy Spirit have life-changing experiences and transform the world.
- The church is the body of Christ - People, congregations and ministries that seek unity in the midst of diversity and make and engage disciples for the transformation of the world are the body of Christ.
- The Bible is the Word of God - Studying the Bible in Christian community, using Wesleyan touchstones of Scripture, tradition, reason and experience to understand it, and apply Scripture in their daily lives grow deeper in their understanding and experience of God.
- Discipleship is a continuous adventure - People, congregations and ministries demonstrate health by continuing to grow deeper in their faith and reliance on God.
- God has gifted everyone and the church for the purposes of God - People, congregations and ministries that assist people in discerning and utilizing their gifts better fulfill God's calling.
Values - Your heart will be where your treasure is. -Luke 12:34. We Value...
- Making disciples - We focus resources on congregations, ministries and spiritual leaders that make new disciples and engage all disciples in the Discipleship Adventure.
- Fruit bearing - BWC congregations, ministries and spiritual leaders make new disciples, grow worship and engage in and support mission in the community and the world.
- Servanthood - BWC congregations, ministries and spiritual leaders serve like Christ and care for the poor, seek justice and change the systems that oppress others.
- Courage and risk taking - BWC congregations, ministries and spiritual leaders are led by the Holy Spirit and creatively face challenges and transform the church, the community and the world.
- Diversity - BWC congregations, ministries and spiritual leaders respect others and model hospitality by receiving and including all people in ministry based on their gifts and calling.
- Authenticity - BWC congregations, ministries and spiritual leaders demonstrate Christ-like character, openness and transparency, and develop relationships based on mutual respect, lfove and prayer.
- Unity - BWC congregations, ministries and spiritual leaders serve in the midst of diversity and differences to seek unity of vision and mission within the body of Christ.
Conference Fruits - John 15:1-11 and Luke 13:6-7
End the trend by 2010 (end the BWC fifteen year decline in confessions of faith and worship attendance):
- Increase by 1% the total BWC congregations' confessions of faith and worship attendance;
- Increase by 4% the amount of apportionment percentage paid;
- Assist 85% of the BWC congregations to produce one additional fruit;
- Engage 85% of BWC worshipers in ministry;
- Decrease the benevolence factor to 21%
- Increase giving by 4% in BWC congregations;
- Increase the number of congregations giving 100% of their apportionment to 90%.
Begin a trend by 2012:
- 600 BWC churches will become Acts 2 congregations - Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, authentic Christian community and fruit bearing;
- Increase the combined worship attendance of BWC congregations by 10% over 2008 figures;
- Grow the combined confessions of faith of BWC congregations by 10% over 2008 figures;
- Engage 90% of worshipers in ministry;
- Decrease the benevolence factor to 19.5%;
- Increase giving in BWC congregations by 6% over the previous year;
- Receive 95% of the apportionment and increase to 95% the number of churches paying 100% of the apportionment.
Congregational Fruits - John 15:1-11 and Luke 13:6-7 (to be achieved by 2007) The anticipated fruits within thecongregations are based on Acts 2:41-47:
1. Acts 2:47 - Receive people by profession or reaffirmation of faith into the faith community (one person for every 25 worshipers).
2. Acts 2:41 - Increase worship attendance (grow worship attendance by 2% of the worshiping congregation or 2% over the percentage growth of the community where the congregation is located).
3. Acts 2: 44-45 - Mission engagement
a. Address poverty and community development through ministries of mercy, justice and development (the Shalom and Holy Boldness strategies are two potential strategies);
b. Activate 90% of the worshiping congregation in ministry within five years;
c. Financially support mission through locally identified community and world mission projects and fulfill 100% of apportionment giving;
4. Acts 2:43 - Demonstrate signs of God's power and wonder; Ministry results that are more than human ability and are clearly God's movement through the congregation. (examples of signs and wonders in Jesus' ministry were: 1) multiplication - several fish and loaves that feed thousands or, jars of water into gallons and gallons of wine, or twelve followers to a world wide movement, and 2) kingdom reversal - death to life, blindness to sight, bound by demons to freed for kingdom living
1. Bishop is accountable for achieving the conference's fruits and the Acts 2 fruits through the congregations.
2. District Superintendents are accountable for their district's performance to achieve the Acts 2 fruits.
3. Pastors are accountable for their congregation's performance to achieve the Acts 2 fruits.
4. Conference staff are accountable for the Acts 2 fruits for the peer learning groups they resource and the conference
fruits that they resource.
5. Congregations are accountable to work in collaboration with their pastor to engage and work with the community to bear Acts 2 fruits.
1. Exploring the Adventure - A DVD series to help congregations explore, understand, plan, organize and participate in the Discipleship Adventure
2. Discipler Groups - Peer-to-peer coaching groups to spiritually condition, equip, inspire, improve technique, redirect activity and support spiritual leaders (pastors and key lay leadership) to grow disciples and congregations to engage in the Discipleship Adventure and bear Acts 2 fruit. Pastors in addition to participating in the Discipler Groups will be supported by a staff coach (either a district superintendent or a staff person that will meet one-to-one monthly for support, problem solving, and development of technique. Pastors will form Discipler Groups in their congregation to develop lay spiritual leaders.
3. The Discipleship Adventure Academy - An Academy open to all congregations. Each congregation will send a team of seven or more people to meet three to four times a year to equip laity and pastors to lead and carry out the Discipleship Adventure and bear Acts 2 fruit.
4. The Adventurer Book Series - practical how-to books to assist lay leadership to carry out Discipleship Adventure ministries (e.g. - developing small groups, lay visitation ministries, organizing community ministries, organizing a Volunteer-In-Mission ministry, addressing justice ministries, hospitality ministry, welcoming new disciples ministry, church organization, staffing for discipleship, etc.) The books based on the Consecration Ministry booklet model and process will present the material through: Biblical principles, life and organizational principles, planning steps, organizing steps. implementation steps, celebration steps, thank you steps, sample boiler plate resources to carry out the ministry, evaluation steps
5. The Adventurer Immersion Series - five week immersion programs to help congregations make new disciples, grow existing disciples, develop small groups and grow worship attendance.
Celebration - Five weeks to grow deeper, wider, further and closer worshiping disciples
Connections - Five weeks to grow deeper, wider, further, closer fellowshipping disciples
Development - Five weeks to grow deeper, wider, further and closer studying disciples
Service - Five weeks to grow deeper, wider, further and closer serving disciples
Sharing - Five weeks to grow deeper, wider, further and closer witnessing disciples
6. D--12 (Disciple 12) - These are groups of twelve disciples to start new faith communities and develop existing congregations. Some of these strategies will be initiated by the Conference but most will develop through the passion and calling of congregations and disciples.
7. Adventures in Advocacy and Justice - A team ministry moving from electing people to organizing conference laity and clergy based on their calling, gifts, passion and leadership to spread scriptural holiness (John Wesley's balanced approach to share personal and social holiness - personal change and social change). These ministries may include regional and international actions on gambling, child advocacy, the environment, racism, peace, the death penalty, immigration, Zimbabwe partnership, substance abuse, etc. Grants will be provided to assist with team based advocacy and justice ministries.
8. Adventure Encampments - Campus ministry, camping ministry, ROCK, and young adult retreats, to make, engage and support younger disciples of Jesus Christ for the Adventure.
9. Consecrating the Adventure - Consecration Sunday and the Baltimore-Washington Conference foundation to raise givers to resource the Discipleship Adventure.
10. A Time to Build for the Adventure - Assist congregations with capital assessment, planning and campaigns for new buildings, building renovations, building additions and reducing debt.
