Most of our current ministry began the day a group of Houston ministry leaders asked the question, "What is the difference between making good church members and making genuine disciples of Jesus Christ?" Part of that conversation eventually showed up in a diagram we use to describe the interplay of obedience, community and reflection in the life of a follower of Jesus. We believe that maturity comes in the willingness to drill deeply into each area.

Reflective lifestyle that leads to intimacy with God
We look to John 15 for the reminder that apart from an intimate vine-to-branch relationship with Jesus, we can truly do nothing that will bear lasting fruit. We're also painfully aware that everything in our culture--including church culture--works against this. We remember that the spiritual disciplines help us to slow down and be still, to listen to God and to turn our hearts toward Him, to receive from him everything we need for our life and work. This is the only antidote to ministry in our own strength.

Community of grace and truth
Surely Jesus knew what he was doing when he assembled a group of men and women who would follow him together, live life together, endure the days after the cross together, receive the Holy Spirit together. Surely community is not an optional part of our discipleship. So many ministers are lonely. Our church members are lonely. Our culture is lonely. Nothing brings the presence and power of Jesus into our midst like genuine, loving community--where we can tell and hear the truth, where we can be truly known. This is what the world is hungry for and what we must be committed to.

Radical obedience that leads to missional living
Jesus meant it when he said, "If you love me, you will do what I say." He is not some egomaniac on an authoritarian power trip designed to build up his self-esteem. He is the creator of the universe and the creator of me and he knows what is best. Trust looks like obedience. When I obey Jesus, I will necessarily join him in his mission. Jesus did not come to the earth as a tourist. He was on mission from the very beginning until the very end and beyond. Radical obedience will keep me from "playing church." It will keep me from ignoring the ones Jesus loved the most. It will give me new experiences with God that will coax me into new levels of walking by faith. It will lead me into joining the mission of God in the world and into leading others to do the same.