Discipleship at NHV

Purpose

At New Horizon Vineyard Church, we are developing a culture of discipleship, in which all members are empowered to fulfill the Great Commission:

 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

 

 Following Jesus’ example, disciples are invited into a year-long community of trust and commitment, through which spiritual barriers are pruned and increased fruitfulness is cultivated.

Key components of any culture are symbols and a common language, which are used to communicate shared values and beliefs.  We use life shapes, introduced by Breen (ref), to develop a language.

 

Focus

The theme of discipleship at NHV is “intentional intimacy with the expectation of transformation”. Dissecting this phrase, we see that there are four key aspects: intentionality, intimacy, expectation, and transformation. Intentionality and expectation are states of being that we can control, while intimacy and transformation are outcomes of being intentional and expectant. The intentionality of the language of life shapes and the structure of huddles will facilitate an environment in which intimacy can develop. Through these intimate and accountable relationships, expectation of transformation can be built. In this setting, we are positioned to be transformed.

Intentionality leads to intimacy, which can build expectation and accommodate transformation.

While there are many aspects of discipleship, at NHV we focus on balance in our relationships. Just as we are triune as images of a triune God, so are our relationships. Each relationship has an aspect which connects to God (UP), to our community (IN), and to the world (OUT).  These aspects also connect to the tagline of NHV: drawing closer, growing stronger, living louder.

UP

UP refers to our relationship with the Father (drawing closer). Its focus is on God and our intimacy with Him. In this relationship, we become expectant and discerning. Maturity is characterized by a vibrant prayer life.

FOCUS: God (Father, Son, Spirit)
ACTION: develop an expectant and discerning nature
OUTCOME: loving God

IN

IN refers to our relationship with our community within the Body of Christ (growing stronger). Its focus is on community and our connection to it. In this relationship, we equip and empower one another. Maturity is characterized loving each other and loving mercy.

FOCUS: community
ACTION: equip and empower one another
OUTCOME: loving each other and loving mercy

OUT

OUT refers to our relationship with those outside our community, including the world (living louder). Its focus is missions and our role in it. In this relationship, we live out the Gospel of Christ through words and actions. Maturity is characterized by loving others and acting justly.

FOCUS: missions
ACTION: live out the Gospel
OUTCOME: loving others and acting justly