Even those who struggle with churches think highly of Jesus Christ. Fortunately, Christ is the center of our faith, and we are called to become like him--to become his "disciples" (followers). A disciple takes up both the teachings and lifestyle of his or her master; however, disciples never do this alone. Like Frodo, we need companions for our Spiritual journey. And like he and his companions, we only become a true fellowship when we engage in a mission--a mission to save the world.

 

At High Pointe, some are beginning to take up a "missional lifestyle" in discipleship groups. These groups are made up of 3-4 men or 3-4 women who get together each week and encourage one another in taking up the lifestyle of Christ. This lifestyle (which can be found in Michael Frost’s work Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture and is called "BELLS" and includes the following:

 

 

Bless three people’s lives each week--one a Christian, one a non-Christian, and the other can be either. This blessing should be something that brings joy or hope into someone’s life. A blessing could be affirming someone verbally or through writing a note, buying some small item for someone that he or she will enjoy, or serving a person in some way (e.g. making a welcome gift packet for a new neighbor, visiting a co-worker in the hospital, or helping a friend clean her house). This follows Jesus’ example of bringing "healing" into their lives.

 

 

Eat together with others three times a week--one a Christian, one a non-Christian, and the other can be either. Eating with lost people was a major part of Jesus’ ministry, and he attended many weddings (turning water into wine!) and feasts. When Jesus fellowshipped with tax collectors and "sinners," the Pharisees and teachers of the law muttered and said, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them" (Lk. 15:3). In response, Jesus told the parable of the Prodigal Son! By eating with non-Christians, we show them that we love them, just as Jesus did. By eating with Christians, we build up meaningful relationships to help us on the journey.

 

 

Learn more about Jesus each week, reading a gospel or book about Jesus, or watching a film about him. If Jesus is our model for mission, we need to constantly be learning about him--his life, his methods, and his heart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listen to God’s voice each week, seeking to ascertain God’s will and the doors of opportunity that he is opening in our lives. This involves much prayer and reflection over God’s promptings and the biblical text. As we read about Christ in the gospels, we seek to ask, "What is God’s message to me today about how I should try to live?" We should also ask, who is God putting in my life with whom I can share my faith and ask God to help us in this endeavor. Even Paul, an extraordinary evangelist, needed prayer to proclaim the gospel (Col. 4:4).

 

 

Spend time in a "third place." with another Christian 2-3 times a week. First place is one’s home. Second place is work. Third place are where you meet people, share lives, and interact with others in a meaningful way. Third places can be places like a coffeeshop, a cafe, a park, a salon, a neighborhood pool, or community center. By "hanging out" with another Christian at these places, non-Christians get to know us and we get to know them. These become many of the people who we try to bless and with whom we seek to share Christ.

 

"B.E.L.L.S." is intended to be a "way of life," not a program, and it can be started by anyone. Find 2-3 people, invite them to be a part of this, and meet once a week to share how you have sought to live out these practices. Not only will you engage in mission, but your gain meaningful friends and be shaped into the image of Christ along the way.