Description

Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20 (Main Text) John 13:35; 2 Corinthians 5:11; Ephesians 4:11-12

Intro: (Podcast Sermon Title Suggestion: More AND Better: Discipleship in Tension)

• Why do we gather as the church? Our "why" determines our "how."
• Introducing a key tension from the Great Commission (Matt 28): The push to make more disciples (evangelism) versus the call to make better disciples (teaching obedience/discipleship).

Key Points:

1. The Tension Explained: More vs. Better:
   • More Disciples Focus: Prioritizes outreach, attracting seekers, inclusivity ("going wide"). Churches may become seeker-sensitive, sometimes seen as lacking depth.
   • Better Disciples Focus: Prioritizes teaching obedience, building up insiders, cohesion ("going deep"). Churches may become internally focused, sometimes seen as exclusive or stagnant.
   • Radiant's Position: To intentionally live in this tension, valuing both aspects.
2. The Resolution: Glory of Christ:
   • The ultimate reason ("why") we gather isn't solely to make more disciples OR better disciples.
   • We gather primarily for the Glory of Jesus Christ.
   • Both making more disciples and making better disciples bring Him glory. This higher purpose unites the tension. Our gathering is ultimately for Him.
3. Practical Frameworks for Living in Tension:
   • Seeker-Sensible (Not Sensitive): We strive to communicate clearly and welcome newcomers, being sensitive to the Spirit without compromising biblical truth. Balance fearing God and persuading people (2 Cor 5:11).
   • Community on Mission (Not Mission of Community): Strong, authentic community is vital, but it serves the greater mission of God. It's the means, not the end. Strong community is a powerful witness (John 13:35).
   • Church as a Fishing Net: View our church not just as individual "fishers," but as an interconnected web of relationships that God uses collectively to "catch" people for His Kingdom. Strength is in the connections (Eph 4:11-12 - equipping/mending).
4. Journey of Commitment & Calling:
   • Encourage personal growth: Moving from Interested -> Connected -> Committed (deep relationships, investment, service) -> Walking in Calling (using gifts).
   • Deep commitment and relationships are necessary foundations for sustaining one's calling within the church body.
   • Church focus includes equipping the committed to walk out their calling.

Conclusion:

• We embrace the tension between reaching out (more) and building up (better), refusing to sacrifice one for the other.
• We aim to be a strong, interconnected community (a net) on mission together, doing everything for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Call to Action:

• Consider where you naturally lean in this tension (more vs. better) and embrace the church's "both/and" position.
• Assess your level of connection (interested, connected, committed, calling) and prayerfully take the next step.
• Intentionally strengthen your relationships within the church "net." Who are you connected to? Who are you mentoring? Who mentors you?
• Join the community on mission for the glory of Christ.

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