Communication...
is perhaps the most challenging element of life together in the Body of Christ.

Like many pastors, following worship I spent time greeting worshippers, sharing conversation
and listening to needs.

Some conversations caught me off guard. "Pastor, your message spoke to me today," was
usually followed by an interesting elaboration! After listening to what the worshipper restated
as message content, I was thoroughly confused and absolutely astonished! Not only had I not
said what they said I said (figure that out!), but I had never even thought of what they said I
said!

Like I said, communication seems to be one of God's great miracles among us!

Examining the priority...
of Jesus, forming a clear Biblically based, theologically sound position, and then effectively
communicating it to the Body of Christ is a formidable challenge.

It is especially true when taking seriously disciple making.

Why so?

While these observations/suppositions are not exhaustive, I trust they are helpful:
• When past traditions collide with Biblical reality, communication suffers.
• When a favorite mentor's mentoring is raised to the inerrant, infallible level of Scripture,
communication suffers.
• When methodology is raised to the level of Divine inspiration, communication suffers.
• When systems-thinking takes the place of prayer, intense study of God's Word and Holy
Spirit leadership in teaching/preaching preparation, communication suffers.
• When personal preference is embraced as THE standard for everyone, communication
suffers.
• When my Biblical viewpoint is solely shaped by my “hero” or a “hero” – whoever that is –
communication suffers.

I tell you, communication is difficult...
at times impossible and often flawed!

A good story sometimes helps me past the obstacle of flawed communication.

Years ago Dr. Howard Ramsey, NAMB Personal Evangelism leader, shared a great story about
three South Florida business men who travelled all night to join their families in their mountain
retreats.

Arriving near dawn stopped for breakfast first! The mountain cafe became a monument to
communication skills – or the lack thereof!

After they were seated, a waitress brought all three coffee and began taking breakfast orders.
The third man ordered a number two from the menu with toast. The waitress disappeared
through swinging doors only to reappear moments later asking the third man: "How'd you say
you want them eggs?" He said, "Just eliminate the eggs."

Seconds later she reappeared and asked, "I'm sorry, how'd you say you wanted them eggs?"
He said, "Mam, just eliminate the eggs, ok?"

Third time is always the charm, right? The lady arrived table side the third time to make this
announcement, "Sir, the cook said the ELIMINATOR is broke, he's going to scramble them
eggs!"

Poor grammar, great truth – communication is a challenge!

Discipling and communication…
related to disciple-making often suffer the same fate as a south Florida gentleman attempting to "eliminate" eggs from his breakfast order!

Called to make disciples....
is certainly a strong, vital, Biblical emphasis for SCBI family reflection and consideration.

How seriously will we take the call of Christ, "as you are going, make disciples!"?

If we take Him seriously, what must we then consider?

Let's get at this by way of several questions:
• Who or what will shape your disciple-making process?
• Can or will you summarize a compelling, Biblical, description of discipling intentionality for
your congregation?
• Can you clearly and simply outline a Biblically based, life-shaping disciple-making process?
• How does disciple-making shape your pulpit ministry?
• Can we call our people to Christ likeness found in "disciple-making"?
• What does the SCBI leader team need to revisit as to emphasis related to transformation
and disciple-making in order to walk with you in the disciple-making challenge?

I'm thinking, praying, longing for every SCBI congregation to become a “colony of heaven on
earth!”

We will never see that without serious consideration given to intentional discipleship, the
development of passionate, consistent Christ followers who look, talk and walk like Christ!

Our assignment is difficult, our challenge is great, our hope is IN HIM!

Transformation suffers without a serious commitment to disciple-making.

Disciple-making is IMPOSSIBLE without transformation, regeneration and salvation in and
through Jesus Christ.

So, SCBI, let it be said of us – our calling is to the Harvest and our commitment is a commitment to disciple the harvested!

Peggie and I are blessed to call you family!

Thanks for loving us, praying for us and encouraging us!