“At HFM, we are passionate about helping people discover, trust, and follow Jesus, because He gave His people a commission—not to make converts, fans, or adherents, but to make disciples: followers of Him.”

 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

(Matthew 28:18-20)

 

More than just belief, being a disciple of Jesus entails living a life which seeks to follow, obey, and grow in relationship with Jesus, by the help of the Holy Spirit. (John 3:3; 14:15; 1 John 2:3; 2 John 1:6)


Jesus’ disciples seek to…

  • Learn from, imitate, and serve, Jesus. (Ephesians 5:1)
  • Trust God and the truth of his Word. (Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 55:11; Romans 10:17)
  • Rely on the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit in all areas of life. (John 14:15-17, 26; Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22-23)
  • Love God with heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37-38)
  • Love others as they love themselves. (Matthew 22:39)
  • Take an active role in helping others follow Jesus, as part of his commission for all disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)

 

In light of what the Bible teaches about what it means to follow Jesus, we like to think of discipleship as three spheres that make up the faith-life of a disciple. God works in us (personally), to work along with others (in community), to help serve others and bring them along with us in the journey (externally).

 

What we mean, and how we approach it….


PERSONALLY: (God in us)
The journey of discipleship begins in us personally as we turn to and trust Jesus.

All people have been broken because of sin, and all are in need of a savior. God provided the only Savior in Jesus, and calls all people to place their trust in him. Therefore, we joyfully invite all to turn to, trust, and follow Jesus; finding life, joy, peace, and ultimate fulfillment in him. (John 3:16; 14:6; Romans 3:23; 5:1-2; 6:23; 10:13; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Peter 3:18)

When one turns to, trusts, and follows Jesus, God not only grants forgiveness and eternal life, but begins a process whereby he then helps that person grow to become more like Jesus in this life. This is a lifetime experience, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and is uniquely experienced by each believer. (John 17:3; Acts 2:38; Romans 5:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thess. 5:23; 1 John 1:9)


IN COMMUNITY: (Us to each other)
Discipleship continues in the context of community (the local church) as we worship, serve, and grow alongside other believers.

God designed Christian discipleship to happen in regular, vibrant community with other believers through both relationship and worship together. Therefore, we not only encourage Sunday morning worship, but facilitate and encourage life group participation whereby disciples are encouraged, supported, and challenged via exposure to, and teaching from, God’s Word. (Prov. 27:17; Matt. 4:4; 18:20; Romans 12:5; Colossians 3:12-16; 1 Thess. 5:11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Hebrews 10:24-25)

As shared experience and service are vital to Christian growth, we facilitate opportunities for all to serve Jesus alongside others in the church, in our community, and around the world. (Isaiah 58:10; Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; Acts 20:35; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 2:10; James 2:18; 1 Peter 4:10)

As growth in Jesus comes with inevitable ups and downs, highs and lows, we do everything to promote a culture of grace in our midst which fosters sharing and support. (Proverbs 27:17; Colossians 3:12-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

We invite all to this life-journey through the faithful preaching of God’s Word, humble recognition of our own continuous need, and participation in sharing the Good News of Jesus with all those we encounter. (Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)


EXTERNALLY: (Us toward others)
Discipleship matures and blossoms as we take up Jesus’ call to serve, point others to Him, and invite others into His kingdom.

In the Christian life, Jesus’ followers are called to serve. We facilitate this through experiences and service opportunities designed to put into practice what Jesus taught. (Mark 10:45; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10)

We seek to love others with grace and perseverance. (Galatians 6:9; Ephesians 4:2, 32; James 1:12)

We seek to create opportunities whereby we can share the truth of the Gospel and demonstrate the love of Jesus to our community through our time, talents, and resources. (Isaiah 52:7; Matthew 25:35-40; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:14; 2 Timothy 4:2)