Discipleship Rhythms

We became interested in deepening discipleship at Covenant for several reasons.

First, because it was Jesus’ method of helping his followers take hold of the “full life” that he promised. (John 10:10).
Second, because we live in a world that has deformed us so that we are overworked, over-busy, hyper-consumeristic, hyper-individualistic, over-sexualized, and insanely self-focused. Discipleship is Jesus’ means to re-form us in his image to become like him and bring freedom from these heavy burdens. (Matthew 11:28-30).
Third, because Covenant Church has asked for it. When The Center conducted a survey among us, and when in a later group of over 50 leaders deliberated on three-year goals for Covenant, both processes revealed an intense felt-need for more discipleship. For all these reasons we are launching the Discipleship Rhythms in 2022-2023.

WORSHIP

We are committed to a life full of worship in both weekly gatherings and daily solitude. Something special happens when we gather, putting aside our individual schedules for a time. We also surrender time daily to read scripture, examine our hearts, and participate in the rich and diverse prayer traditions of our faith. Examples include:

Weekly worship services
Daily quiet time/devotions
Reading the Bible a little each day
Annual or regular retreats for seeking God’s direction
2-3x/month community group engagement

EMBODIED DEVOTION

Our bodies are how we interact in the world for good or ill. With them we speak, touch, approach, or withdraw. Our bodies learn habits and become used to certain behaviors and responses. We are committed to dedicating our bodies to God’s work and Kingdom. Examples include:

Baptism at the beginning of our Christian journey
Regular celebrating of the Lord’s Supper
Practicing self-control with sex according to God’s teachings
Practicing self-control with food and drink
Growing more emotionally healthy
Exercising our bodies

MISSIONAL ENCOUNTER

We seek to share the good news of Jesus with those who don’t know him by sharing our own stories and practicing patient and wise dialogue. We believe that meeting another person has a spiritual dimension whether in shared service, enjoyment of the arts, work, play, or by opening our homes and calendars in hospitality. Examples include:

Sharing how God has changed our lives; “testifying”
Praying with a stranger
Hosting people from whom we derive no advantage
Engaging in honest conversations about our values and beliefs with others
Serving our local and global community

SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP

We are committed to learning how to be great friends with other believers. We believe each Christian life needs friendships with people from whom we might learn and with those in whom we can invest. We refuse to coast through our friendships with shallow conversation and insist on asking better questions, becoming better listeners, and looking for God’s leading together. Examples include:

Mentoring relationships and coaching relationships
Meals, messages, and meaningful trips with Christians
Pursuing each other
Showing up in times of need and for celebration

FEASTING & FASTING

Everything God made can be enjoyed with Thanksgiving, but we should not be mastered by anything. Fasting is intentionally refraining from food and drink for the sake of the greater enjoyment of pursuing God. Feasting is how we celebrate God’s abundant gifts together. Examples include:

Giving up some food items during Lent or other seasons or days of the week
Throwing celebratory meals for major life events or for the sake of generosity
Addressing our over-consumption by taking breaks from media
Learning contentment with what is before us instead of chasing more
Learning to truly enjoy the abundance God provides