Give thanks to God for our recent CYA Leaders’ training, where we focused on Discipleship and Transformation. We had a wonderful time learning and sharing fellowship over a Mediterranean-style meal. Our training workshop aimed to help us consider and explore the different ways we can be intentional behind our discipleship of others. When we consider the importance of passing on the faith, we know that this involves being intentional whether it be personal mentoring or formal training workshops – as the old saying goes “if we aim small then we will miss small”. But what should be intentional about our discipleship? That the next generation may know what we are called to believe about God and how we are to live for his Glory. We can consider many things, but as a team, we focused on four key areas crucial to any discipleship being intentional. Namely, the Word of God (2 Tim 3:16, Josh 1:8), prayer (Jn 15:7, Phil 4:6-7), fellowship (Heb 10:24-25, Mt 18:20), and witnessing (Mt 4:19, Rm 1:16). These key foundational or core areas were reflected upon and intentionally considered: where and how we can encourage them among the next generation for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom. For those who follow Christ and trust in his name, we know these are the non-negotiables of our Faith.
Now, our combined Church camp where we shall be focused on the theme “God of the Generations” will be exploring these important things. Also, we will be able to discuss and ponder together as a church family the applications for intentional discipleship within our bible studies and one-to-one conversations during the camp, following the talks from our guest speakers. For this week’s pastoral sharing I would like to propose a challenge to everyone. If we are honest with ourselves, let us consider how we can individually spur each other on intentionally to love one another, and good deeds around these four key areas. The purpose is not to say we are doing Christian things but rather to live out our faith and be personally encouraged by each other, so that whatever we do, it will be done to the Glory of God as our motivation. Let’s consider these four areas: the Word, prayer, fellowship and witnessing, by asking God to provide us with strength, courage and motivation to foster and see his Church grow and mature for His Name’s sake.
感謝神,最近為英語主日青少年團契的領袖們舉辦了一個以造就門徒及轉變過程為題的硏討會。會中我們不單共進了一個地中海式的美味晚餐,更品嚐了互相分享及團契相交的滋味。
這硏討會目的是思考及探討如何用各式各樣方法,「用心」地去造就別人作主的門徒。每當我們想到傳遞我們所信的給別人是何等重要時,無論是以一對一的個別指導形式或集體式的訓練營,我們心知這非要「用心」不可。英諺有云:「𣈴小、失落亦小」(意思是目標越集中,達標機率越大)。那麼、我們造就門徒要「用心」在那裡?與此同時,藉此而使下一代知道我們被神呼召所信的是甚麼及如何在生活上去榮耀祂?我們可能各有方法,但作為一個團隊,無論是甚麼的「用心」造就門徒方法,我們都專注在四個關鍵上,那就是,神的話語(提後3:16、約書亞1:8)、禱告(約翰15:7、腓立比4:6-7)、團契相交(希伯來10:24-25、馬太18:20)和見證(馬太4:19、羅1:16)。我們在這四個基柱或核心點先自反思,繼而「用心着意」地思索在哪方面及如何為基督及祂的國度去鼓勵我們的下一代。作為基督徒,信奉主的名,我們深知在信心上這四關鍵缺一不可。這次的聯合教會退修會主題是「世世代代的神」。我們將會探討這些重要話題。在你聽完講員的訊息後,作為這個教會大家庭的一份子,大家可以一起討論,在查經時,或在一對一對話時,都可以探討如何實際地「用心」去造就門徒。這一期的牧聲,我想鼓勵大家考慮如何互相去「用心」彼此相愛,並在所追求的關鍵上努力工作。目的並非因這是基督徒份內該做而做,而是真真正正地活出我們的信仰,無論作何事都是為了榮耀神。讓我們思考這四個領域:祂的話語、禱告、團契和見證,祈求神𧶽力量、勇氣和動力,為祂的名,使祂的教會能繼續成長並成熟。