We recently received a more updated statistical report about two square miles in the southeast side of GR where GRDC has its deepest work. We are a whole family
ministry that seeks to transform moms, dads, and children. Statistics tell us there are currently 6,100 children in this area and an estimated 4,880 kids that are not connected to any church or ministry of any kind. While there are over 50 churches in this area there are only seven active youth ministries. 7 ministries for 6,100 kids and we are one of them. It is our heart and mission to continue to mobilize the “Big C”, the church, to reach our community because Jesus commanded us to make
disciples. Look at this open harvest field! We can’t do it without you!
The last year the GRDC has been learning the importance of multiplication from the word God gave us, which is “Advanced2”. What does this mean? Multiplication of
transformation or, as we like to say, “Disciples who make disciples”.
If someone is truly growing as an obedient disciple of Jesus Christ, their life will transform greatly, and eventually they will make new disciples. But we have to not miss that keyword: Obedient.
Charles Finney wrote that the key to Revival is a renewed conviction of sin and repentance, followed by an intense desire to live in obedience to God. It is giving up one’s will to God in deep humility.
It really isn’t trust in God if we disobey Him. Scripture says,
“ And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.” 1 John 2:3-4 NLT*
Transformation comes from learning and walking in obedience to Jesus Christ. Our goal is to continue to create a discipleship culture and atmosphere. This culture brings people into processes to learn to be an obedient disciple of Jesus because they fall in love with Him. Here are five examples of what that looks like for us:
1 | Want it. Find those who want it. We have more processes now than ever to help us distinguish those who are serious.
2 | Commit to it! Call to commitment of something higher; the life of a disciple. Jesus said, “Follow Me.” They commit to the process.
3 | Own it! This is practical. Our processes call for ownership, discipline, proving, and showing commitment; working hard, and getting your reps in week after week to help you grow.
4 | Don’t “alone” it! It’s still about community. Learning to walk in obedience can take dozens to hundreds of attempts. If someone is committed, they are connected. When we fail, we are still there for each other.
5 | Don’t quit it! We always say, “We won’t want it more than you do! If you want it, we will fight as hard as you do to get it!”
In 2022 God is elevating GRDC, showing us how to grow this kind of culture; making disciples and disciple makers. We are excited because we have been developing
the tools with on-boarding, team training times, and manuals to better equip us. And finally, this is all built on a culture of HONOR. I can’t wait to share more about this in the next newsletter in early August!
*To be clear, I am talking about someone being willfully disobedient; knowing the truth and purposely justifying living a sinful life that leads to brokenness or less than what God has for them. The Bible says those who “practice” sin are in darkness. I am not talking about someone who occasionally falls into sin that the blood of Jesus covers.
