 As I look back on the past two years as a member of a Covenant Discipleship Group, I find myself blessed and thankful for John Wesley's emphasis on its importance to Christian growth and the Reverend Jim Reuteler's devotion to it. To explain its impact on me, I need to briefly describe my religious background and personal spiritual journey.
I was raised in the Roman Catholic tradition. It's a tradition that has served millions (like my parents) well. But somehow it didn't fit me. While still a teen, I left the church and busied myself with other aspects of life. I worked, married, raised a family, and did the other incidentals that all people do. I still considered myself a Christian. I prayed most mornings, gave thanks (whenever I remembered to), and occasionally attended a Sunday service at different churches. In hindsight, I recognize that I was a lukewarm Christian like the people of Laodicea referred to by John in Revelation (3:14-16). At some point in my life, certain events unfolded that led me to understand that I needed a community to worship with. So I joined Grace United Methodist Church. There I found a Christian family that I liked and felt a fellowship with. But I continued to maintain a lukewarm posture until I was invited to attend a Discipleship class. Fortunately, I thought I was attending a two- or three-week class and not making a lifelong commitment. Had I known that, I'm quite certain I would have passed on it and missed out on the most important and inspiring part of my religious journey. I would have continued to attend church on Sundays. But I believe that would have been the extent of my "Christian Experience."
Instead, I've been compelled to look further within myself and grow as a Christian. I've learned to appreciate the warmth of writers like Joseph Girzone and the conviction of martyrs like Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I find myself wanting to understand Scripture instead of just hearing it. I am enjoying the challenge presented to me each week by my fellow disciples. Because of Covenant Discipleship, my spiritual growth has been tenfold.
We each travel a different road on our journey to be closer to our Savior Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. But I pray that many more of you will consider joining a Covenant Discipleship Group and experiencing the possibilities it presents. It's been one of the most important decisions I've ever made. Whatever your journey, may the Holy Spirit guide you. "I long to
see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith" (Romans
(1:11-12).
••••
Return to Covenant Discipleship Qurterly (Spring 2006) Home Page
Text Only Version
|
