What's Sunday School?

"Sunday School" seems an old-fashioned term for the cool church these days: lots of churches create clever names for the time during or after a church service kids gather in classrooms or meeting space to learn about God; it makes that hour seem more exciting and fun, I suppose. But really, it is still Sunday School: a time for children to learn that God loves them, has interesting and important stories to share with them through the Bible, and that He cares about their lives, now and eternally.

I had a jumble of Sunday School and catechism classes in my childhood: I attended an Episcopal church until I was ten, and then a Catholic Church for many years. I am grateful to both churches for having people who cared enough to spend time with children on Sundays. From my teachers at Grace Episcopal, I learned the stories of the Bible. 

Years later, as a 24 year-old teaching Confirmation Classes at my church, I was stunned that none of the 14 year olds could tell me about Moses, whom God used to lead Israel out of slavery in Egypt, or of David, the boy shepherd who became king of Israel (David and Goliath, anyone?). Their stories were foundational to learning about Jesus at Grace Episcopal.

At St. Catherine’s, our Confirmation class in eighth grade was led by a married couple who had a couple of toddlers. They must have had busy lives, but they taught our class every week at their home, and they were fun. They actually liked us, and we could tell it was genuine. That was a special time, and though I did not understand it then, God was doing a significant work in me during those classes and at my Confirmation. Whatever your theology holds about the work of the Holy Spirit, especially in regards to baptism and Confirmation, I can tell you, He was present in that little church that day.

I teach “Sunday School” now--both to teens and adults, and I love it, but not just because it can be “fun.”  Having the responsibility of discipling others makes me even more thankful for those adults who sacrificed time so I could learn more about Jesus and His Word, and His amazing, saving grace. 

Abundant Life by Jenna Vick Silliman

Jenna Vick Silliman, 2012

Do you want to focus your life on what is really important to you? Write your own obituary!

Jenna Vick Silliman lived the abundant life of Jesus Christ!

Jenna danced for the last time as she twirled off the planet! Jennifer Elizabeth Vick Silliman (Jenna) was born on February 18, 1958 and died at age 107 on March 1, 2065. Born in San Francisco, California she was the daughter of James Allan Vick and Jacqueline Frances Pearson. She was married to Clifford Arthur Silliman (Cliff) who preceded her in death. Together they had eight children, Daniel James (Married Elizabeth Jarvis), Valerie Joy, David Arthur (Married Charisa Nelson), Michael Aaron, Joshua Andrew, Stephen Matthew, Luke Thomas, and Peter Stanford and ___ grandchildren… and ___great-granchildren…[It will be glorious to have a LONG list of all the grandbabies here!]

Jenna was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, married Cliff at age 22, and homemaking was her chosen career. She resided in Sequim, Washington for 65 years, but delighted in traveling, dancing and flagging in worship, speaking, and encouraging disciples for Jesus all over the world.

Jenna was a prayer warrior and made a lifestyle of living in unbroken fellowship with God. Her favorite verse in the Bible was Psalm 16:11/Acts 2:28 “In the Lord's presence is the fullness of joy!”

She was a writer and author of many published books, the most well-known is “Shall We Dance?” about dancing in the Holy Spirit.

She was known for loving King Jesus with all her heart, for her inspirational speaking, her colorful clothing and twirly skirts, and enthusiasm for the abundant life of the Lord. She will be missed by many.

Her life was not a journey to the grave…rather she danced till she dropped, body thoroughly used up and worn out so that she arrived at those gorgeous pearly gates screaming, “Whoohooo! What a ride!”

Readers as Disciple-makers

I feel inadequate as a disciple-maker, but I know the importance of the mandate Jesus gives to his disciples in Matthew 28: 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

It is easy to give lip service to God: I believe in God, I pray to God, God gave me a job, God is good. It is far less easy to become His disciple. And we certainly can’t disciple others if we are not disciplining ourselves in our own practice of discipleship.  And the first and primary step in growing as a disciple is reading and applying the Word in our everyday lives.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Heb. 4:13

If you believe that the Word is living and active (“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” John 1:1), then you will believe verse 20 of Matt. 28: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus did not leave us to fend for ourselves. He gave us gifts: His Word, His grace and the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit, we can understand the Word and have the ability to obey it and to reflect the love and grace of God.

Richard Lovelace once wrote that a lot of the problems believers have in their lives stem from a failure to appropriate the promises of the Gospel. There is truth in this. I am not denying the complexities of genetics and chemical imbalances regarding our physical and mental health: as a mental health counselor, to do so would be irresponsible. But I don’t think Lovelace is talking about that: he is addressing the very real problem of Christians giving lip service to the Gospel, while thinking, behaving, responding and reacting otherwise.

If we don’t know the Word, then our faith will be shallow. Oh, we will be able to walk in the shallows, looking like we know what we are doing,  but when we hit the deep water and our feet leave the shore, we will flail and flounder. The Gospel--the Good News that shouts while we are more sinful than we dare believe, we are more loved and accepted than we ever dared hope (paraphrasing Jack Miller here)--is our lifeline, our buoy, that not only saves us but propels us through the deep waters of life.

Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Cor. 4:2

It can be tempting to use Bible verses to accomplish our own goals or desires. There have been heinous crimes committed using the Word as an accomplice. Televangelists have stolen money from generous people who believed God would bless them if they gave; American Christians in the 19^th century took the Word out of context to justify slavery; there are husbands who distort scripture to abuse their “disobedient” wives; there are those who believe the freedom promised to believers means anything goes, because God will forgive us anyway.

These are not reasons to throw out the Bible. God is not responsible for sin. We are. And these examples prove how important it is to study and grow in the Word as true disciples of Christ.

For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:4

The Word of God by Jenna Vick Silliman

Oh how I LOVE Your Word, O Lord! (Psalm 119:97) I awaken before dawn, go to a place where we can be alone and I pray there. (Mark 1:35) In the morning I cry out to You with my voice. (Psalm 5:3) Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Your Word! (Psalm 119:18) Lord Jesus, God, You are the living Word. (John 1:1) My expectations are in You. (Psalm 62:5) I am satisfied with Your goodness. (Jer. 31:14) When I read two pages of Your Word each morning I wait for You to speak to me for I have ears to hear. (Matthew 11:15) I know Your Word becomes ‘rhema’ enlightenment for me in my relationship with You. I know there is no life in the Scriptures apart from relationship with You. (John 5:39) If I abide in Your Word and possess it I am truly Your disciple. (John 8:31) I know the Truth and the Truth has set me free. (John 8:32) I delight in Your promise that if I continue to abide in You and Your Word continues to abide in me, I may ask whatever I will and it shall be done for me. (John 15:7) In Your Word we are given many great and precious promises that we might be partakers of Your divine nature. (2Peter 1:4) I meditate on Your Word all day. (Psalm 119:97) It is a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105) It revives me. (Psalm 119:159) I let Your Word dwell in me richly. (Col. 3:16) I have hidden Your Word in my heart. (Psalm 119:11) You have put Your Word in my mouth. (Isaiah 51:16) When I speak Your Word it does not come back void. (Isaiah 55:11) It endures forever. (1Peter 1:25) Like the Bereans, I search the Scriptures daily, to see whether things are true. (Acts 17:11) I know every Scripture is inspired by You and profitable for instruction, for reproof, for correction of error, for discipline in obedience to You, and for training in holy living so that we may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16,17) I want to be like Apollos—well versed and mighty in the Scriptures, instructed in Your way, O Lord, burning with spiritual zeal, teaching from the Scriptures accurately and speaking freely and fearlessly. (Acts 18:24-26) I meditate on Your Word day and night and habitually continue to think about it, and, as You have promised, I have become like a tree firmly planted by streams of living water and my leaves do not wither, even in times of drought, and I am steadfast in times of storm. By Your Word, I am prospering and flourishing! (Psalm 1) Your Word is perfect and makes my heart rejoice…Your Word is pure and bright, enlightening my eyes. Your Word is sweeter than honey and the honeycomb—better than dessert! (Psalm 19:7-11) I take heed, also, to the prophetic Word, confirmed by Scripture, as a light that shines in the darkness. (2Peter 1:19) I rejoice in Your Word, O God, as one who finds great treasure. (Psalm 119:162)

Call it like you see it...in the name of Love.

Seems like a pretty silly sign...

Yet as Christians, we often find ourselves in places physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually we have no business being. Situations we know better than be in. Lord knows I've spent way too much time in those places myself. Wish I'd seen the sign of obvious advice on my detours.

To me, that's where discipleship comes to play. If we use Jesus and His relationship with His disciples as the ultimate template, discipleship really isn't that difficult...yet so very important in the life of a Christian. Christ was constantly instructing, encouraging and correcting His disciples all out of His love for them and need for them to carry on His ministry and grow His kingdom. When He left to return to the Father and complete the plan of salvation for you and I, He gave us the Great Comforter to guide and lead us on our journey.

I've been very forthcoming about my dark time of agnostic ignorance and how empty that time was in my life. I can't help but think if someone spiritually mature had vested interest and invested time in me, things might have been different. Of course, that wasn't God's plan for my life, and I've come to understand more clearly what that plan may be...although I still ask and listen for an answer daily.

As much as I love the privilege God gives at times to be His light drawing someone new to come to know Him, I don't believe it's my ultimate calling. Don't get me wrong, I'll throw down and talk my testimony any time the Spirit tugs at me and says 'You're up!' ...but sharing my testimony and empathizing with young Christians struggling at the same point I did just comes natural for me. There are a number of young adults in my Sunday School class, and I pray for them regularly as individuals. I also send them text messages and Facebook messages of encouragement. When needed, I remind them how important it is to be in touch with God daily through His Word and in prayer. Sometimes I send passages of Scripture that answers a particular issue going on in their life at the time.

There have been times I've scolded a little...because I love them so much.

Is it discipleship? I never really thought about it that way before, but I guess it truly is. As their teacher, Scripture tells me plainly I will be held accountable for what I teach them. I get that and always keep that fact in mind. But, I'm also told there are two great commandments (Mark 12:30-31), and using those as my daily guide, it seems everything else falls into place.

I hope and pray there will come a day each of them follow in my footsteps and take interest in young, growing Christians. If God uses me to just keep one of them from falling into the traps of the world as I did...hallelujah! To Him goes all the glory and honor!

Thank you Lord for providing that ultimate example for me to follow.

No More Masks

I’m stumped.  This blog on discipleship has me stumped.  Maybe it is because I don’t know as I do it very well and maybe it is because I don’t receive it very well.  I have been alone so long that I can imagine someone coming along side of me.  I think the other problem is that it is such an “old fashioned” term.  As I was thinking about it, I thought when was the last time I heard that word?  It’s been a while.

I think the new terms are spiritual direction or mentoring… both are good terms.  I am sure there must be some difference between them but I’m not even sure what the difference is between discipleship, mentoring or spiritual direction.  I really think they are all versions of the same thing.  It’s about caring about another person, investing your life in theirs, and helping them along the path.  It’s like being on the same path it’s just one has traveled it a bit longer and can show the other one the ropes.  It’s teaching them what you’ve learned and hoping they can avoid some of your pain.  It’s being transparent, love and occasionally assertive and directive.

I am old enough to be the one to be the one doing the discipleship.  I also have known the Lord all my life – I guess I’m supposed to be mature.  I get asked from time to time to mentor someone.  I take that request seriously but somehow I don’t think that I am at the best at it.  I get distracted and caught up in my own stuff.  I think that’s because no matter how old you get, you still need someone ahead of you to help you to keep going as well.

If you read the comments from yesterday’s blog by David, you’ll see we talked about being honest and being transparent.  I think that is what is important about discipleship – it’s being real.  It’s struggling through pain and joy together.  It’s the ability to not wear a mask with someone else and know they’ll love you and help you anyway.  When you find someone like that, hold on to them.  It’s the most valuable relationship you’ll ever have.  Have you ever found someone like that?  Who disciples you?

The Art of Parenting - Discipleship

A father stands on the shore of a small pond teaching his son to cast lures. In his hand a white Shakespeare rod with a Phantom Pflueger spinning reel. On the end of the leader a red and white Daredevil "spoon".

The father carefully shows the "finger grab" to hold the line after the bail is opened - one of the tricks of the trade. His son lifts the pole over his shoulder; quickly thrusting the pole - releasing the finger holding the line and remembering to follow-through - pointing the tip of the pole out at the horizon. The quite buzz of line plummeting past the guides. It's as exciting as watching a grand-slam arc over the fence. Suddenly, there is a faint splash. The perfect cast! Father and son congratulate each other as the younger one reels in the line.

This week your Kingdom Bloggers are writing about discipleship. Evangelicals often focus on getting saved, and little else. The Bible, however; says to make disciples.

It was a sunny day at a pond not to far from our home. Dad and I stood casting lures. Later we took a break sitting on the field-stone dam; listening to the water falling to the pool some distance below. The smell of pine trees was in the air. There we were eating sandwiches with one eye on the line, talking about which lures were best, and what we would do when we hooked the big one! I don’t think that we caught anything at all day. Actually I guess the fishing wasn't all that important if I don't remember whether or not we caught fish. I do remember we were together, dad and I— yes, I remember that. Over 40 years has passed since that day and dad is gone now; he has been since 1998. But I remember that day. How I wished it would have never ended.

Discipleship is like that. It is one person parenting another - teaching, breaking bread, sharing, talking, doing, enjoying - growing in intimacy with Jesus.

For many years I have been in the church, and honestly, few people have invested in my life. I often think how different things could have been, had there truly been someone that I could trust, hang out with, and learn from. How different life might have been if my fishing teacher had not been an alcoholic. At this point it is all water over the dam.

Recently I have been attending a new church and for the first time in my church life, it seems to matter to someone besides me that I walk in my God given destiny. Previously, it has been about joining a church, and filling a slot. Here it is about fulfilling a destiny - one that I am passionate about.

Yesterday's service was amazing. More amazing was that the my pastor; a spiritual dad, had me minister in the elders meeting. At the end he told me that he loved me and was proud of me. That's the beginning of real discipling.

How about you, have you had a father or mother in the faith? Tell us about it.