Covenant Discipleship Connection
by Steven W. Manskar
 Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35
Welcome to the Covenant Discipleship Connection! The name of this monthly e-newsletter was chosen because it describes the method of disciple formation in the Wesleyan tradition: Covenant, Discipleship, and Connection.
Covenant
The biblical understanding of covenant is a relationship initiated by God that is akin to a fetter. Baptism is the public expression of God’s covenant with the Church. It is also a person’s initiation into participation in that covenant. Part of the mission of Covenant Discipleship groups is to help Christians to faithfully participate in their baptismal covenant. If you read closely the content of Baptismal Covenant I (pages 33-39 of The United Methodist Hymnal) you will quickly realize that the promises made by the persons receiving baptism are not meant to be kept in private. They are to be lived out within the community of the congregation. And the congregation promises to do all in its power to "increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love." The group covenant, shaped by the General Rule of Discipleship, and the weekly dynamic of mutual accountability and support help the congregation to keep its baptismal promises and help the individual members live into theirs.
Discipleship
Discipleship describes how Christians live out the baptismal covenant. They do this through loving obedience to the teachings of Jesus; summarized by him in Mark 12:30-31, "you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength... you shall love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus said to his followers, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Discipleship is a life seeking to be conformed to the way of Jesus. Covenant Discipleship groups provide the support and accountability needed for disciples to witness to Jesus Christ in the world and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Connection
Jesus said to his disciples, "love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). Living the baptismal covenant and living the way of Jesus cannot be done alone. This way of life can be lived only in community. In the waters of baptism God marks us as God’s own and gives us a place in the church because connection with our sisters and brothers in Christ teaches us how to love as God loves.
Steven W. Manskar is the Director of Accountable Discipleship for the General Board of Discipleship.
Recommended Reading
A Disciple’s Journal: Daily Bible Reading and Guidance for Reflection
This journal will help you connect the inner spiritual life with the actions of Christian discipleship and help you maintain balance between works of piety and works of mercy.
Available from Discipleship Resources at www.UpperRoom.org/bookstore or (800) 972-0433 for $12.00.
Mainline or Mathodist?
Trying to be both mainline and Methodist is a deadly combination. In fact, it's a leading cause for the denomination's spiritual and numerical decline.
Available from Discipleship Resources at www.UpperRoom.org/bookstore or (800) 972-0433 for $13.00.
Opening Ourselves to Grace
This four-video, six-week Bible study presents a clear and contemporary understanding of Wesleyan spiritual practices.
Available from Discipleship Resources at www.UpperRoom.org/bookstore or (800) 972-0433 for $24.00.
Upcoming Events
Wesleyan Institutes
April 23-25, 2009 at Faith Community United Methodist Church in Xenia, OH
October 22-24, 2009 at Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, CA
www.WesleyanInstitute.org
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