Plans for a Season and a Time
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time for grilling, and a time for slow cookers; a time for beaches, and a time bonfires; a time for lakes, and a time for raking. God oversees all such seasons and times (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11). He brings them about in his due timing. It is a mark of wisdom to receive and enjoy what is given, when it is given. I don’t want us to blow past the wonderful gift these summer months are. But I do want to whet the appetite for what the pastoral team is planning toward for September and beyond. Going into last fall, I wrote about “Our Fall Trellis.” We’re building on that same framework this year in the four directions of our discipleship structure.
As followers of Christ covenanted together to engage in his mission, we are aiming to advance healthy churches in the west metro and beyond. Wherever Christians go making disciples, local churches are established (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 11:19-26). And for Westview to be a net contributor to that work of revitalizing and starting new churches, we need to multiply and mature followers of Christ. We need to be healthy if we will advance other healthy churches. Our strategy for discipleship, for maturing our members who multiply—it moves in four directions. Here are new efforts we are and will be making in those directions to keep improving on the work of equipping you, Church.
As followers of Christ covenanted together to engage in his mission, we are aiming to advance healthy churches in the west metro and beyond. Wherever Christians go making disciples, local churches are established (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 11:19-26). And for Westview to be a net contributor to that work of revitalizing and starting new churches, we need to multiply and mature followers of Christ. We need to be healthy if we will advance other healthy churches. Our strategy for discipleship, for maturing our members who multiply—it moves in four directions. Here are new efforts we are and will be making in those directions to keep improving on the work of equipping you, Church.
Upward
As the primary direction of our discipleship strategy, we keep reorienting on the gospel in public worship. We have started having the pastor who gives the exhortation stay up front after the service to be especially available for prayer. Once a month, we have started incorporating in the service a time for the congregation to give voice to our prayers. And while it may not seem like a direct aspect of public worship, the monthly “bring your own lunch” Sundays are an expression and overflow of our gathering.
Toward
We move toward one another in Community Groups—low-bar entry points into the life of the church where we practice generous hospitality and gospel intentionality. We’ve got a couple new groups in the pipeline, but we would benefit from a couple more. Reach out to Pastor David this summer if you would be willing and able to host a new group. We will be working to communicate more with our current group leaders to sharpen the vision and purpose of these groups.
Inward
Discipleship Groups are where we press in to deeper relationships, doing the work of learning to obey all that Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:20). Pastor David will continue to strengthen the process of helping our members connect with a group. And we will be aiming to further support our group leaders through two “Discipleship Group Leader Summits” in the coming months. The first will be on September 13, and the second on February 21.
We are also expanding our Discipleship Class offerings for adults. This past year, we have been studying the Gospel of John and praying during that 9am hour on Sundays. Starting in September, Pastor Michael will be leading a class on finance, “Stewards of Wealth.” And Karen Peterson will be leading a class especially (though not exclusively) for women who are leading Discipleship Groups. We’ve been doing several things to equip men, and this class, “Discipling: Helping Christians Become Like Christ,” will focus on equipping ladies. Our children’s class (nursery - 4th grade) and student studies for young men and young ladies (5th grade and up) will pick back up again in the fall also.
We are also expanding our Discipleship Class offerings for adults. This past year, we have been studying the Gospel of John and praying during that 9am hour on Sundays. Starting in September, Pastor Michael will be leading a class on finance, “Stewards of Wealth.” And Karen Peterson will be leading a class especially (though not exclusively) for women who are leading Discipleship Groups. We’ve been doing several things to equip men, and this class, “Discipling: Helping Christians Become Like Christ,” will focus on equipping ladies. Our children’s class (nursery - 4th grade) and student studies for young men and young ladies (5th grade and up) will pick back up again in the fall also.
Outward
The outward movement of our structure is carried out through the fellowships of the Anselm Institute. From a starting point of faith in Christ, we seek further and deeper understanding. That pursuit is not an end in itself. It is for the sake of the mission. Each fellowship aims to equip you as a member of Westview to be better prepared to carry the work forward.
- Antioch Fellowship — Pastor David is reworking this fellowship to be offered over six weeks this fall. The aim is to grow as men and women in the skills and character needed to steadfastly preach the Lord Jesus as they did in Antioch (Acts 11:20-23).
- Churchmen Fellowship — We’ll continue another term, focusing this fall on the churchman. What’s your role in making disciples and opening the Word? In the winter, we will look at the churchman. What’s the nature and purpose of the church? Brothers, perhaps your Discipleship Group wants to join me for the fall term as we grow together.
- New this year will be the quarterly “Word & Worship Forum”—an opportunity on a Sunday evening for non-pastors to lead in song and have a chance to teach the Word. Church, plan to come and encourage the brothers who step up and grow as churchmen.
- Colson Fellowship — Terry & Barb F, newly commissioned Colson Fellows, are hosting this year’s fellowship. Read more about the impact this fellowship had on them, learn more, and register by August 1.
- Paraclete Fellowship — We plan to facilitate the “Dynamics of Biblical Change” course again as fellows grow in biblical counseling.
- Timothy Fellowship — The work of equipping faithful men who can teach others also as pastors (2 Timothy 2:2) will continue. We will look to build on the “Non-Pastors Conference” from this past winter.
These plans make me excited for the fall and all that the Lord will continue to do through your ministry, Westview. And knowing what is coming up this fall helps free up capacity to enjoy all that the Lord might be pleased to give for our enjoyment this summer.