Discipleship City Words

When attending a First Steps Discipleship Seminar you repeatedly hear the word "specificity". We must be specific in our prayers, in applying God's word, and in relating to new or renewed believers. First Steps attendees in the Texas Capitol City of Austin emerged with another "city" word … "authenticity".

An essential element of discipleship is "common temptations". This aspect establishes credibility and authenticity with the disciple. When we teach new believers about their new life in Christ, it is critical to establish the reality that trials, temptations and hardship are right around the corner. Satan does not like those who commit to love and follow Jesus. The reality is that he will hurl his same ole tired schemes in front of new believers. Those first few weeks can be very trying.

We can help new and renewed believers by specifically and authentically communicating that their new found life will not only be filled with love, joy, peace, patience and kindness; it will be accompanied by ups, downs, trials, tribulations and temptations. Authenticity is one key to establishing a firm foundation in Christ Jesus. A pretentious picture perfect portrayal of the new life is Christ is deceptive at best. Pretentiousness damages the testimony of the church, and sets up failure for new or renewed believers.

Austin is a city known for its skepticism of Christianity. Authenticity, realism, factual presentation of Christ and the Christian life are essential to winning the city. Northwest Fellowship (NWF) of Austin is not a pretentious congregation. Pastor Trey Kent is a man that has literally been delivered by the Word of God. His humility and Christ-centered life is reflected in the congregation he leads. Pastor Trey, the congregation, and even the facilities at NWF, reflect the authenticity found only in lives that have been truly transformed by Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord.

Forty-five folks, mainly from NWF, attended the First Steps Discipleship Seminar on Saturday, June 13th at NWF in Austin. Two local pastors interested in First Steps One-On-One Discipleship were among the crowd. Twenty concerned parents also attended the Disciple Your Child Seminar. Children also see through the façade. They are perplexed by duplicity, and are more likely to relationally connect when we practice authenticity.

Specificity and Authenticity: Key Discipleship words for winning any city.