Intentional Discipleship Path Begins Here

Adult faith formation and sermon-based small groups begin meeting this week. When on-going classes and service groups are included, over 100 adults are participating in intentional faith formation. This is a great week for Brighton First and there is even more to be excited about.

The Tuesday morning Men with Tools begins at 8:30 with discussion and
prayer and then spends the rest of the morning on work projects.

Those who are participating, have the opportunity to intentionally grow in discipleship in five specific areas: Worship,  Hospitality, Obedience to Jesus, Living in Relationship with other Disciples and Enthusiastic Service and Generosity (WHOLE).

In September, Brighton First introduced the "WHOLE" process for intentionally growing as a disciple of Christ. Congregation members were invited to consider their place on their spiritual journey. In what ways did their lives reflect active discipleship and in what areas would they like to grow? Those curious about the path they could take used a printed chart or a web-based inventory for discernment.

The Adult Faith Formation Team then invited congregation members to choose classes, small groups, outreach teams and service groups. Many signed up for groups in which they were already participating. However, many also signed up for four new small groups, five new classes, music and service opportunities.

The plan of the Adult Faith Formation Team is to offer opportunities in every area of the WHOLE model each "trimester", making three rounds of classes and small groups available each year. In addition, there will be all-church small group studies in Advent and Lent. The "WHOLE" process is based on a three-year cycle and is an intentional plan to consistently and clearly offer opportunities to grow in faith.

The goal is to offer choices that appeal to a variety of interests and styles and, yet, point all down a path toward growing as disciples of Christ.

Intentional Discipleship Path Begins Here

Adult faith formation and sermon-based small groups begin meeting this week. When on-going classes and service groups are included, over 100 adults are participating in intentional faith formation. This is a great week for Brighton First and there is even more to be excited about.

The Tuesday morning Men with Tools begins at 8:30 with discussion and
prayer and then spends the rest of the morning on work projects.

Those who are participating, have the opportunity to intentionally grow in discipleship in five specific areas: Worship,  Hospitality, Obedience to Jesus, Living in Relationship with other Disciples and Enthusiastic Service and Generosity (WHOLE).

In September, Brighton First introduced the "WHOLE" process for intentionally growing as a disciple of Christ. Congregation members were invited to consider their place on their spiritual journey. In what ways did their lives reflect active discipleship and in what areas would they like to grow? Those curious about the path they could take used a printed chart or a web-based inventory for discernment.

The Adult Faith Formation Team then invited congregation members to choose classes, small groups, outreach teams and service groups. Many signed up for groups in which they were already participating. However, many also signed up for four new small groups, five new classes, music and service opportunities.

The plan of the Adult Faith Formation Team is to offer opportunities in every area of the WHOLE model each "trimester", making three rounds of classes and small groups available each year. In addition, there will be all-church small group studies in Advent and Lent. The "WHOLE" process is based on a three-year cycle and is an intentional plan to consistently and clearly offer opportunities to grow in faith.

The goal is to offer choices that appeal to a variety of interests and styles and, yet, point all down a path toward growing as disciples of Christ.

Discipleship Team Determines Framework for Adult Classes

Phil Maynard is consulting with our
Intentional Discipleship Team

The team charged with creating a structure for intentional discipleship development at Brighton First has announced its first step in developing a comprehensive plan. Classes offered at Brighton First will cover six different areas. All courses will be offered in a three-year cycle. Decisions were made based on the needs of the congregation, the resources that are already in use, and the great potential for growth as disciples for Jesus Christ.

The team began by defining the characteristics
of a disciple and then asking "How do we assist
people in growing as disciples of Christ?"

This is the first finalized portion of a comprehensive plan that will include small groups and intentional leadership development, as well as study groups and classes. The group is adapting its framework for classes from Phil Maynard's Membership to Discipleship: Growing Mature Disciples Who Make Disciples. In addition to using the materials written by Maynard as a guide, Brighton First has engaged Phil Maynard to coach the team through development of an intentional discipleship plan. Maynard is a United Methodist pastor who has created strong discipleship programs in the Florida churches he has served and now works with churches to strengthen their discipleship ministries.

Book and Bible studies will develop disciples
in these six areas. Studies will be offered
in a three-year cycle.

 The six categories into which classes will fall are a life of worship, a life of hospitality, a life open to Jesus, a life obeying Jesus, a life of service and a life of generosity. Some of the curriculum that will be used is already part of our faith formation classes, including Disciple Bible Study. We will also be offering Financial Peace University as part of the curriculum. As we have practiced in the past, there will also be all-church studies offered in the seasons of Advent and Lent.

The first cycle of classes will be offered in the fall. Please hold the Discipleship Team in your prayers as they continue their work through the summer.

Discipleship Team Determines Framework for Adult Classes

Phil Maynard is consulting with our
Intentional Discipleship Team

The team charged with creating a structure for intentional discipleship development at Brighton First has announced its first step in developing a comprehensive plan. Classes offered at Brighton First will cover six different areas. All courses will be offered in a three-year cycle. Decisions were made based on the needs of the congregation, the resources that are already in use, and the great potential for growth as disciples for Jesus Christ.

The team began by defining the characteristics
of a disciple and then asking "How do we assist
people in growing as disciples of Christ?"

This is the first finalized portion of a comprehensive plan that will include small groups and intentional leadership development, as well as study groups and classes. The group is adapting its framework for classes from Phil Maynard's Membership to Discipleship: Growing Mature Disciples Who Make Disciples. In addition to using the materials written by Maynard as a guide, Brighton First has engaged Phil Maynard to coach the team through development of an intentional discipleship plan. Maynard is a United Methodist pastor who has created strong discipleship programs in the Florida churches he has served and now works with churches to strengthen their discipleship ministries.

Book and Bible studies will develop disciples
in these six areas. Studies will be offered
in a three-year cycle.

 The six categories into which classes will fall are a life of worship, a life of hospitality, a life open to Jesus, a life obeying Jesus, a life of service and a life of generosity. Some of the curriculum that will be used is already part of our faith formation classes, including Disciple Bible Study. We will also be offering Financial Peace University as part of the curriculum. As we have practiced in the past, there will also be all-church studies offered in the seasons of Advent and Lent.

The first cycle of classes will be offered in the fall. Please hold the Discipleship Team in your prayers as they continue their work through the summer.

Quiet Discipleship a Gift for Brighton First

The marks of Christian discipleship include being a part of the body of Christ, becoming more like Jesus and joining Jesus in ministry. Many people at Brighton First live out their discipleship, their commitment to Christ and the body of Christ, through support of church ministries. Sometimes their discipleship efforts are essential, but accomplished quietly and humbly.

Una Couch, a member of the Sanctuary Guild, spends a 
Monday morning going through the sanctuary pews, cleaning, 
straightening and refilling supplies. Una prays as she works. 

Counting Sunday's offering, entering attendance data and compiling large church mailings are a few of the tasks accomplished "behind the scenes" by teams of disciples. One group of volunteers works weekly to prepare for Sunday's worship by "house cleaning" in the sanctuary. The Sanctuary Guild members take turns cleaning the pews and straightening and refilling the pew racks. All of these tasks are important to the body, even if not "showy".

As we consider what it means to be a disciple of Christ, we cannot become dismayed if our contribution as disciples seem meager or of little account. The body of Christ is not supported by one or two, but by all doing their part. The opportunity to grow more like Jesus and join Jesus in ministry is available to us in many forms. Sometimes our role will be to take the lead in a public way and other times our discipleship practices will call us to humbly serve.

Quiet Discipleship a Gift for Brighton First

The marks of Christian discipleship include being a part of the body of Christ, becoming more like Jesus and joining Jesus in ministry. Many people at Brighton First live out their discipleship, their commitment to Christ and the body of Christ, through support of church ministries. Sometimes their discipleship efforts are essential, but accomplished quietly and humbly.

Una Couch, a member of the Sanctuary Guild, spends a 
Monday morning going through the sanctuary pews, cleaning, 
straightening and refilling supplies. Una prays as she works. 

Counting Sunday's offering, entering attendance data and compiling large church mailings are a few of the tasks accomplished "behind the scenes" by teams of disciples. One group of volunteers works weekly to prepare for Sunday's worship by "house cleaning" in the sanctuary. The Sanctuary Guild members take turns cleaning the pews and straightening and refilling the pew racks. All of these tasks are important to the body, even if not "showy".

As we consider what it means to be a disciple of Christ, we cannot become dismayed if our contribution as disciples seem meager or of little account. The body of Christ is not supported by one or two, but by all doing their part. The opportunity to grow more like Jesus and join Jesus in ministry is available to us in many forms. Sometimes our role will be to take the lead in a public way and other times our discipleship practices will call us to humbly serve.

Faith Development Team Plans for Disciple-Making at Brighton First

Brighton First's Faith Development Team is creating an intentional plan for disciple-making at Brighton First. At its latest meeting, the group discussed discipling programs at other churches and what would work best at Brighton First.

They are developing a three-prong plan. Discovery Groups will serve as an introduction for new people to Brighton First. Study groups will be available for those who appreciate the student aspect of discipleship. The third will be life groups/home groups that serve in the "relationship building" aspect of discipleship.

The team agreed that it will take the formation of more small groups to build lasting relationships at the church. Groups may be assigned by region, by age group or by life circumstances. The team will prepare the church for an November 2015 all-church study Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels. Small group leaders will be trained for the event.

The team discussed the need for congregational assessment tools, one to see what types of small group settings will work best and another to assess where individuals are on their spiritual journeys. 

The team spent time discussing the availability of adult classes on Sunday morning and what class offerings would be effective. Possible Sunday morning opportunities include a men's Bible study, a class on Methodism and John Wesley, and a group for sermon discussion with follow up questions. Another possibility is to offer a Sunday brunch group with rotating topics, which might include a FAQ session about the church, a tour of the facility, sermon discussion and/or a brief time with clergy.

The Wednesday night program, Crossroads, has seen a decline in attendance in the last few years. The Faith Development Team believes that the ideal would be to see classes and small groups available every night of the week, some at the church and others in the community or in homes.

Please pray for the Faith Development Team as they continue their work. Members of the team are Loretta Job, John Phillips, Amy Steffans, Verne Hoshal, Suzanne Everett, Hilary Bott, and Karen Wagg.

Look forward to a small group experience with the November all-church study, Just Walk Across the Room

Faith Development Team Plans for Disciple-Making at Brighton First

Brighton First's Faith Development Team is creating an intentional plan for disciple-making at Brighton First. At its latest meeting, the group discussed discipling programs at other churches and what would work best at Brighton First.

They are developing a three-prong plan. Discovery Groups will serve as an introduction for new people to Brighton First. Study groups will be available for those who appreciate the student aspect of discipleship. The third will be life groups/home groups that serve in the "relationship building" aspect of discipleship.

The team agreed that it will take the formation of more small groups to build lasting relationships at the church. Groups may be assigned by region, by age group or by life circumstances. The team will prepare the church for an November 2015 all-church study Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels. Small group leaders will be trained for the event.

The team discussed the need for congregational assessment tools, one to see what types of small group settings will work best and another to assess where individuals are on their spiritual journeys. 

The team spent time discussing the availability of adult classes on Sunday morning and what class offerings would be effective. Possible Sunday morning opportunities include a men's Bible study, a class on Methodism and John Wesley, and a group for sermon discussion with follow up questions. Another possibility is to offer a Sunday brunch group with rotating topics, which might include a FAQ session about the church, a tour of the facility, sermon discussion and/or a brief time with clergy.

The Wednesday night program, Crossroads, has seen a decline in attendance in the last few years. The Faith Development Team believes that the ideal would be to see classes and small groups available every night of the week, some at the church and others in the community or in homes.

Please pray for the Faith Development Team as they continue their work. Members of the team are Loretta Job, John Phillips, Amy Steffans, Verne Hoshal, Suzanne Everett, Hilary Bott, and Karen Wagg.

Look forward to a small group experience with the November all-church study, Just Walk Across the Room