Salem's Discipleship Pathway

"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry." — Jesus

 Haven you ever enjoyed a really wonderful meal? Imagine, the chef brings you an amuse-bouche, a little bite of food to entertain the mouth, awaken the senses, and create a desire for more. For instance, bacon wrapped dates with almonds are a wonderful amuse-bouche. The salty crisp bacon with sweet chewy dates with a rich almond center definitely amuse the mouth.

 Next, a warm, butternut squash soup or a crisp, fresh salad is set before you, offering more enjoyment and something more filling, too. Sometimes that’s all you need for enjoyment and sustenance.

 Still, to have complete nourishment for our bodies, we need the entrée, the main course. The steak and baked potato, shrimp fettuccine Alfredo, chicken cordon bleu, leg of lamb, or roasted pork loin is set before you, served with a side of bacon, uh, I mean, with a side of asparagus or brussels sprouts.

 After all of that, even if you’re quite full, you think, “I could really go for some cake!” Or cheesecake. Or pie. Or ice cream. Or pie with ice cream. Or ice cream cake. Or more bacon wrapped dates with almonds. Dessert is a wonderful, sweet, perfect end to an incredible meal, something to be enjoyed by all.

 When you have enjoyed a meal like that, you are full, satisfied, and nourished. After all, food is the nutrition we need in order to live, work, heal, and grow.

 We are implementing a new discipleship pathway at Salem. This is one of our Healthy Church Initiative prescriptions, to create a clear path for people to follow in order to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. This past year, Joe Dunnwald, Linda Jandik, and Tim King have worked with me on a process for meeting people where they are on the spiritual journey and inviting them to take the next steps in following Jesus. I am very grateful for their service, wisdom, and creativity. As we begin to implement this discipleship pathway, Joe Dunnwald is continuing as the new Discipleship Team Leader.

 The four of us have imagined Salem’s discipleship pathway as a meal. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry” (John 6:35). We eat along the path in order to live, work, heal, and grow. Sometimes we eat just a bite, an amuse-bouche, like Connecting Point or an outreach event such as Trunk or Treat. Those bites encourage us and whet the appetite.

 Sometimes we eat soup or salad, like our new Connect! small groups or the Hospital Care Team. Those portions are more filling and sustaining for our journey.

 At times, though, we need the entrée for the most nourishment and fulfillment as we follow Jesus. Alpha, a thirteen-week introduction to Christianity, or Disciple Bible Study serve as excellent entrées.

 Often, we enjoy dessert, something to be enjoyed by all, such as special events or potlucks or the new fifth Sunday brunches we hope to begin when we move into our new facility. Each part of the meal has it’s place, but if we’re going to be nourished by Jesus, the bread of life, we need every part of the meal throughout the year.

 There is a central path within the path. It begins with our two minute greeting at the beginning of worship. Everyone is invited to fill out the communication slip (soon to be renamed the “connection card”). Then we invite newcomers to Connecting Point, a once a month gathering with the pastor and other leaders, to help them take the next step: Connect! This is a four-week small group introduction to Salem and how we follow Jesus. The next step is Alpha which we’re planning to start next year. After that the full menu is available. All along the path will be opportunities to accept and profess Jesus as Lord and Savior, be baptized, and commit to following Jesus on our journey together.

 Even now the table is being set. You’re invited! “O taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).

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