Jesus invites all people to become His disciples. Our definition of a disciple flows right out of Matthew 4:19. A disciple of Jesus is someone who
• is following Jesus
• is being changed by Jesus
• is committed to the mission of Jesus
This involves getting to know Jesus personally; to follow Him and actively engage in a relationship with Him. It also involves knowing and living out His teaching. A disciple is also being changed by Jesus. We can’t change our own hearts but Jesus is in the business of changing hearts and lives. He is the One who makes us more like Him. A disciple is also committed to Jesus’ mission of making disciples (Matt. 28:18-20). The disciple will naturally become more like his or her Master (Luke 6:40). The disciple of Jesus grows daily to Live Like Jesus.
This doesn’t happen overnight. It requires some practice. Whether you want to play an instrument or a sport, to improve requires practice, training. We could try to run a marathon and depending on our level of fitness, we might succeed. However, if we train for a marathon, our chances of succeeding are multiplied.
We believe that Living Like Jesus involves the 4 Practices of seeking, connecting, serving and multiplying. These are not checklist activities.They are practices that help us grow as Jesus’ disciples, in fact they come to characterize our lives as Jesus’ disciples. For instance, in order to follow Jesus, we must seek Him. Once we have given ourselves over to seeking Him, we continue to do as He commanded and seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). Next, humans are wired for community. We believe that connecting with other believers in Christ’s body is necessary for our growth and ministry. Serving and multiplying naturally flow from the life of the disciple of Jesus who is following the Master’s pattern of life.
The resources provided through the links, above or below, are not an exhaustive listing of all the tools available. They are provided as a beginning to encourage you, to get you going and growing in these practices. We hope they are helpful to you! You certainly may read and watch on your own … but why not go through one or more of these resources with someone else? You can practice connecting along the way!
This is the relationship-with-Jesus practice. Whether you’re seeking to check out Jesus for the first time, wanting to discover what this Christian thing is all about, or you’ve been a Jesus follower for decades and you are seeking diligently after God’s reign and righteousness (Matthew 6:33), the practice of seeking is necessary for life in Christ. God told His wayward people that they would find Him when they sought Him with all their hearts (Jeremiah 29:13). This practice also comes with a promise from Jesus. He said that the one who seeks after God will find that He is a gracious Father who cares for His children (Matthew 7:7) Below are some suggested books, videos and websites that we hope will help you on your journey with Jesus. After each brief introduction to the tool, you will find possible other practices for which that tool may be useful.
* Tools marked with an asterisk are introductory or foundational to this and other practices.
The absolute best place to begin seeking after Jesus is through reading Scripture. The Bible Gateway has many Bible reading plans from which to choose. Click on the logo to the left and choose a reading plan or just open up your Bible to one of the Gospels and begin reading Scripture today! Click here for a 260 day plan through the New Testament from Relicate.org.
Learn MoreRightnow Media is a library of Christian videos: teaching and training plus over 2,000 wholesome, educational and entertaining videos for kids. In order to view some videos referenced among these 4 Practices, create your free online profile by clicking the button below.
Learn MoreLuke-Acts Miniseries Videos from the Bible Project. The above link is for the Luke-Acts series. Click here for their intro video regarding how to read the Bible.
Learn MoreA book by Brennan Manning about what it means to live by grace not performance.
Learn MoreA book by Lee Strobel examining the evidence for Jesus.
Learn MoreRoom For Doubt (R4D) is addressing the growing need among youth and adults, both inside and outside the church, who have sincere questions and doubts about the Christian faith. It seeks to encourage questions, address doubts, and strengthen faith.
Learn MoreA website where over 700,000 questions about the bible are given answers.
Learn MoreDoug Lucas President of Team Expansion, has authored this wonderful resource guide to becoming multiplying followers of Jesus. We heartily recommend getting this, reading it and putting into practice the tools you will find in it.
Learn MoreClassic book on the way Jesus went about His life and ministry. This would be a great resource for your Life Group to discuss and put into practice.
Learn MoreIn this classic, Lewis explores the common ground upon which all of those of Christian faith stand together. A little deeper, thoughtful work for the serious seeker.
Learn MoreTimothy Keller book in which he notes that a truly gospel humble person is not a self-hating person or a self-loving person, but a self-forgetful person. Also a great resource for a Life Group study.
Learn MoreA deeper dive in to the person of Jesus. N.T Wright Summarizes 200 years of modern Biblical Scholarship and models how Christians can best retell the story of Jesus today.
Learn MoreExcellent resource for exploring the various facets of spiritual formation. Mulholland defines spiritual formation as the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. This is a helpful look at what it means to continue to seek Jesus even after years of following Him.
Learn MoreFrancis Chan video teaching of Crazy Love on Rightnow Media.
Learn MorePrayer is vital as we seek after Jesus. Gordon Smith provides wonderful help with this important practice in this book. A great introduction to prayer.
Learn MoreRightnow Media Basic Series Francis Chan video about prayer.
Learn MoreThe relationship-with-other-people practice. We need one another. As Jesus followers, connected to Him, we are connected to one another. The Apostle Paul said it like this to the Corinthian church, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Cor. 12:27). We believe that it is vital that we are connected to one another to grow in relationship with Jesus. There are things that Jesus has for us that we can only learn through relationship with one another. Therefore, we seek to encourage and foster relational environments where each of us can know others and be known by others, where we can experience the love of Christ in real relationships. We encourage you to get connected!
Below are some tools to help you. Some of these are books or videos that you might read or watch about the importance of community . . . OR . . . better yet, you might pull together some friends and go through these together in community! There are also links to our Life Groups page and other possible connecting points. After each brief introduction to the tool, you will find possible other practices for which that tool may be useful
* Tools marked with an asterisk are introductory or foundational to this and other practices
Check out these groups here at FCCC by clicking the above image. Another way to get and stay connected with what’s happening within the FCCC community is to sign up for text messaging. To receive all-church texts, text the word CREEK to 94033.
Learn MoreRightnow Media video series from North Point Resources to help a group start off on the right foot. Gather some friends and begin connecting in community. Connect with Rich (rich@ferncreekcc.org) to ask about how to begin a Life Group here at Fern Creek Christian Church.
Learn MoreConnect your students with the FCCC student ministry by clicking on the above link to their website and see what they’re doing to form and grow community.Parents to keep up with what’s happening in Student Ministry sign up for our texting service by clicking here.
Learn MoreThe FCCC Kids Ministry is for Every Kid and would be delighted to have your kids involved! Click here to see what is happening with Kids Ministry.
Learn MoreConnect with friends to pray for the persecuted church. Prayer guides available at the link.
Learn MoreThis is a Rightnow Media video series that would be great to use in your Life Group. This series will challenge you to connect with one another as you seek to learn together how to grow in relationship with God.
Learn MoreA Rightnow Media video series with Tony Evans. In his inimitable way, Evans, challenges us to live out the “One Another” passages in the Scriptures.
Learn MoreThis classic book on spiritual disciplines would be a wonderful study for your Life Group community.
Learn MoreThis book is a great resource to help your group catch a vision of living as disciples who make disciples.
Learn MoreConnecting with your spouse is vital. Here is a book to read together.
Learn MoreA helpful book encouraging us to understand marriage as a tool that God uses to shape us as His children.
Learn MoreRightnow Media series In The Sacred Search, Gary Thomas will transform the way you look at romantic relationships. Whether you are single, dating, or engaged, Gary's unique perspective on dating will prepare you for a satisfying, spiritually enriching marriage even before you walk down the aisle. As Gary reminds us, a good marriage is not something you find-it's something you make.
Learn MoreZúme training is another great way to begin meeting together as a community of disciples who make disciples. Better yet, it’s free. This is best used in a group to encourage one another along the way
Learn MoreThe exercising-your-ministry-muscles practice. Jesus served. As we follow His teaching and manner of life, we will naturally serve our brothers and sisters within the church body as well as the community in which we live and the world. We want to lift up Jesus in our service so that He is honored. This is why we seek to be a church that is #ForFernCreek. The resources and links below are offered as on-ramps to get you prepared for and involved in the practice of serving. After each brief introduction to the tool, you will find possible other practices for which the tool may be useful.
* Tools marked with an asterisk are introductory or foundational to this and other practices.
Discover new opportunities through FCCC to serve Louisville and beyond.
Learn MoreTo serve with student ministry, please contact Jeremy Welch (jeremy@ferncreekcc.org)
Learn MoreTo serve with Kids ministry, please click on the above logo or contact Gary Boschain
Learn MoreAs you work out your serving muscles, don’t forget to continue to grow in your understanding of God’s Word in scripture. This is a good and accessible introduction to help you grow in your reading of the Bible.
Learn MoreThis book points to away of remaining balanced while serving. This is a helpful reminder that Christian service is not at the expense of one’s relationship with Jesus.
Learn MoreFree online assessment to explore Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experiences. This is an aid designed to help get you plugged into serving in a place that fits well with how you’re wired.
Learn MoreReminding us that Jesus came to inaugurate God’s kingdom and change the world. Discipleship Minister, Rich Teske said, “If I could have written a book about the Kingdom of God, it would have been this book.” Thumbs up! Another great Life Group conversation resource.
Learn MoreServing is one way thatGod changes people. This book helps us understand God’s process of changing us.
Learn MoreHelpful resource for…examining and discussing the character, posture, vision and shaping of leaders in 12 sessions. Great for growing in your service as a leader.
Learn MoreThoughtful insight…regarding how to help people in need with compassion and thoughtful care not to harm. From the book blurb on Amazon: “Poverty is much more than simply a lack of material resources, and it takes much more than donations and handouts to solve it. When Helping Hurts shows how some alleviation efforts, failing to consider the complexities of poverty, have actually (and unintentionally) done more harm than good.But it looks ahead.” … Read more
Learn MoreWebsite filled with materials from North Point Ministries to help you as you facilitate a Life Group or other types of groups. You’ll find training videos, studies and resources (some free, some for purchase) here at this site.
Learn MoreA helpful blog on fasting. The disciplines keep us centered on Jesus in the midst of serving.
Learn MoreTake advantage of the wisdom of other leaders as you grow in service.
Learn MorePodcasts Stanley shares on leadership and a variety of topics.
Learn MoreThe making-disciples practice. As we examine Jesus’ life, we see that He came to establish a disciple-making movement. He called the Twelve to be with Him and so that He might send them out to proclaim the kingdom of God (Mark 3:14). Later He also sent out seventy-two to proclaim the kingdom and heal the sick (Luke 10:1-9). At the close of His earthly ministry, Jesus gave us the Great Commission instructing His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20) who would obey everything He had commanded, including making disciples of all nations.
We believe that this practice is vital for all Jesus followers. Even the newest or young Jesus follower can do something to practice multiplying (like inviting a friend to a group or service opportunity). We offer these resources to help us all grow in this practice and find God’s Spirit encouraging us forward as we take these steps of faith. After each brief introduction to the tool, you will find possible other practices for which that tool may be useful
* Tools marked with an asterisk are introductory or foundational to this and other practices.
The three circles method of sharing the gospel. On YouTube, Doug Lucas shares his version of this gospel presentation tool. Also check out his book, More Disciples (shared also on the Seeking practice page), by clicking here.
Learn MoreThe website for the collaborative community of Jesus-style disciple makers. You’ll find free resources for multiplying disciples.
Learn MoreHelpful as you seek to aid your children as they navigate elements of culture. As you seek to disciple your children, this guide will help you guide them through various challenges of culture.
Learn MoreRightnow Media video series exploring, in brief 3 - 8 minute videos, arguments for 13 apologetic topics such as the existence of God, meaning of life, who Jesus thought he was and evidence for Jesus’ resurrection.
Learn MorePractical tools for understanding the spiritual development process and how to help someone grow in relationship with Jesus.
Learn MoreFree disciple making materials in paper and video format. David Platt and Francis Chan collaborate to help us grow in multiplying disciples.
Learn MoreThis book includes an inductive Bible study, a memory verse study, content and questions for each of 25 different foundational topics for Jesus followers.
Learn MoreDallas Willard share show God changes people through spiritual disciplines. This is a deeper reflection on the nature of the disciplines but is worth the work to consider Willard’s insights.
Learn MoreFCCC staff and elders found this book very helpful as we have sought to become a community that is discerning God’s will and then pursuing it together. This book is full of practical challenges and spiritual insights.
Learn MoreHelpful book as you seek to grow in leadership and multiply leaders.From the first recordings of history God has made it clear that He has designed creation to be led by His covenant people. More than that, He has decided what His people are to do with that leadership. Whether you are called to lead in your home, in the marketplace, in God’s church, or in your community, you are called to lead others to worship the glory of God in Jesus Christ.
Learn MoreJim Putman blog with many great articles and podcasts helping disciples make disciples.
Learn More