Embracing Our Future: Discipleship Groups 2024

Introduction: A New Chapter for Discipleship at Redeemer
As we begin the new year of 2024, I reflect with immense gratitude on the path Jesus has carried us through last year. 2023 was a significant year for us at Redeemer Church, we walked through a “Year of Transitional Grace” for our Grow Groups. This period has been a testament to our church’s dedication to growth in Christ and love for each other. We’ve moved at a pace mindful of all our members, ensuring that each step we take towards our sharpened vision is done with collective care and understanding. This approach underscores our commitment to move forward as one unified family in Christ. Now our transitional phase is complete and we are moving from Grow Groups to what we will now embrace as Discipleship Groups. This change symbolizes not only a new name but a renewed commitment to our mission and vision as a church.

The Transition: A Time of Growth and Learning
This past year has been one of remarkable shifts and refinements within our Discipleship Groups. It has been a season marked by learning, adapting, and growing together, with moments of profound understanding, patience, and dedication as we’ve embraced these healthy transitions.

2024: Fully Embracing the New Discipleship Group Model
Looking forward to 2024, we are ready to fully embrace our new Discipleship Group model starting January 15th. All Discipleship Groups at Redeemer Church will operate under this renewed structure, deeply rooted in our mission to passionately pursue Jesus together.

What to Expect in the New Model:
Simply put, Discipleship Groups embrace passionately pursuing Jesus together.

Deeply Rooted in Pursuit of Jesus:
This year in Discipleship Groups, disciples are learning how to run to and rest in Jesus. We move beyond a one-dimensional approach to discipleship that might focus solely on serving, studying, or counseling. Instead, we strive to engage every part of our being—our minds, hearts, souls, and bodies—in transforming all aspects of our lives through Jesus.

Crucial Role in Leadership Development:
In 2024, Discipleship Groups will play a crucial role in our leadership pipeline. They are where our future leaders come from, where we identify, nurture, and empower those who show a heart for Jesus and a passion for disciple-making. As each member grows, they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and heart to guide others in their faith.

Commitment to Making Disciples:
From now on, a Discipleship Group is where discipleship becomes clear. Members are encouraged and trained not just to be followers but also to be leaders who make more disciples. It’s a space where cultivating lifelong trust in Jesus becomes part of everyday life, and where our commitment to the Great Commission is lived out in tangible ways.

Focused Accountability:
This year, our Discipleship Groups embrace accountability as a path to freedom. This is a true mark of the church. We speak the truth in love. Understanding the distinct walks of faith of men and women, we only gather in gender-specific groups. This approach, inspired by Titus 2:3-6, creates an environment where men and women can guide and mentor other disciples. Such settings enable us to challenge and strengthen each other, embodying the proverb, ‘As iron sharpens iron’ (Proverbs 27:17), and also encourage and uplift one another in a spirit of love and good deeds, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:24.

Support and Guidance:
Our leadership team, including our dedicated Deacons, is committed to guiding, supporting, and walking alongside each group. We have prioritized a smooth transition with training sessions, resources, and continuous support to ensure that every member of our Redeemer family feels equipped and confident in this new chapter.

Conclusion: Stepping Forward in Faith
So, Redeemer, let’s get ready to take off toward Jesus together this year! Let’s step into 2024 with anticipation and eagerness to grow as a Gospel-Centered Disciple Making Family. We trust in God’s grace to lead us into this new chapter, becoming an authentic Jesus-loving family living out the Great Commission, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Excited to see what the Lord does with us as we seek His presence continually!

In Christ,
Cody McMurray