"...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Ephesians 3:17-19
Discipleship is the process by which Christians grow to be more like Jesus as we follow Him. While growing in Jesus is an all-encompassing, sometimes overwhelming concept for people, we tend to keep things pretty simple.
Here are 4 things we often say about discipleship at Emergence:
Here are 4 things we often say about discipleship at Emergence:
There Is No Perfect Discipleship Model
There are hundreds of models for discipleship that churches use to help people grow in Jesus. While we know that no model is perfect, we believe God will prove faithful in our lives if we seek Him humbly. (Hebrews 11:6)
Discipleship is Lifelong
Jesus tells us that if we wish to be His disciples, we should "deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him." (Luke 9:23) Discipleship for the Christian is a daily process that never ends.
Discipleship Happens in Community
God has always intended for man to dwell in community. We see it from Genesis (Gen 2:18) all the way through the New Testament where there's over fifty "one another" commands.
Discipleship is Organic
While we intentionally provide structure for discipleship at Emergence, the structure exists to create an environment where discipleship can flourish organically.
The call of the church is to make disciples who make disciples. To do that well, it takes opportunities and environments that help us all grow toward Jesus while growing together.
HERE'S HOW TO GROW AT EMERGENCE:
These environments are for anyone, regardless of where you may be in your spiritual life:
Ongoing Environments (we continue to meet in these places on an ongoing basis weekly)
WEEKEND GATHERINGS
We meet together at 2 campuses each weekend to hear the Gospel and the Bible preached and proclaimed. This is an important part of every Christian's life, as it keeps us unified, centered on truth, and motivated for Gospel mission.
COMMUNITIES
Communities are small groups of people who meet to learn, grow, pray, and encourage each other as we apply the truth of God's Word to our lives together. There are around 75 of these groups that meet all around North Jersey in homes or public spaces.
Temporary Environments (these have starting and ending points--we don't stay in these forever)
DISCOVER EMERGENCE
Discover Emergence is a 3-week long program (4-weeks if you are pursuing membership) designed for newcomers and regulars alike. Come find out who Emergence is, and what it means to grow in the way God has made you!
REDEMPTION & RECOVERY
Redemption & Recovery is a combination of a weekly large group gathering and smaller "step groups" designed to help those wrestling with hurts, hangups, or habits. Whether it's as deep as an addiction or dealing with guilt, anxiety, or another issue, "R&R" is a safe, welcome place to be honest about our struggles.
These environments are for those brand new to faith, or simply exploring who Jesus is:
Temporary Environments (these have starting and ending points--we don't stay in these forever)
STARTING POINT
Starting Point is an eight-week casual, relaxed small group of people. It’s not a lecture. It's a conversation. On any given week you can participate or you can just listen. It's facilitated by leaders who are both authentic and knowledgeable. Starting Point is offered seasonally and does require a registration.
FIRST STEP MENTOR
If you're new to faith or wrestling with foundational questions, Starting Point may be a great option--but if the next group isn't ready to begin, let us know. We would love to partner you with someone who can walk through the basics of faith in Jesus with you and help you in this part of your journey.
These environments are for those established firmly in faith and have a desire to "go deeper":
Ongoing Environments (we continue to meet in these places on an ongoing basis weekly)
COMMUNITIES
Communities are small groups of people who meet to learn, grow, pray, and encourage each other as we apply the truth of God's Word to our lives together. There are around 75 of these groups that meet all around North Jersey in homes or public spaces.
Temporary Environments (these have starting and ending points--we don't stay in these forever)
Winter/Summer Sessions
In between Community seasons, Emergence offers classes, or sessions, for those wanting to go deeper on certain elective-style issues or topics. For past recordings, you can head here. Keep your eye out for the list of the upcoming offerings.