[Lawrence Dietz]

As I was reading what you wrote, a motorcycle roared down my street, its muffler modified to make a huge amount of noise, over which the rider was blasting music. Listening to God? Humans continue to be remarkably expert at finding ways to fill up our lives with “stuff.” Check e-mail, check text messages, look at and respond to a bunch of social media feeds. Music, news, all kinds of distractions. Bridge Leaders work to bring a purposeful focus on God/goodness to others, while surrounded by the maelstrom of “regular” daily life. It is a profoundly rewarding, profoundly humbling experience.

[James Milley, Chief Catalyst]

Some have used the metaphor of moving against the flow of a river as the effort it takes to live a life of listening to God in our society today in America. The book called Subversive Spirituality comes to mind

[James Milley, Chief Catalyst]

Someone asked. Here is more.

The advantages or disadvantages that i am referring to are those related to defining discipleship so narrowly.

BridgesUS does not include teaching in abstract, written theology in our definition. The definition includes actions, practices, conversation with God.

Jesus did say “teaching them everything that I have commanded you.” So Jesus wanted his disciples to teach his commands. If you search the scriptures, i think you will find 7 or 8 commands of Jesus.

Discipleship in churches often includes teachings related to many topics: salvation, baptism, scripture, holy communion, worship, etc. BridgesUS is discipling people who are not part of a church community. We aim at the truly basic, first step.

So what problems might that create? Why or why not? What are the advantages of keeping it basic? Why might that be ok?

[Tara Martinez Fernandez]

Does Discipleship also include creating other spiritual leaders?

[James Milley, Chief Catalyst]

Tara, Great question! The BridgesUS answer is YES. Discipleship is not complete until the disciple learns how to make a disciple. Imagine if the answer was “no.” What would actually happen? Could it be that the result would be what we are seeing today in America?

• This reply was modified 2 months, 1 week ago by  James Milley, Chief Catalyst.

[Betsy Hall]

That’s what I thought of when I read, “And helping our friend help another friend.”

Leadership training by showing. Sermons not spoken, seen. Spiritual truths emulatable because visible.

When I am responsible for following Jesus’ path of leadership, I can walk and I can talk.

I can demonstrate, and then commentate to provide context and intention—when instruction is welcome.

Bridge Leaders reinforce and resource our visions. Keeping it simple is enabling.

Communication with God is empowering. The ultimate Resource.

[James Milley]

Thanks Betsy. Your words seem like poetry. They flow from your heart. And from your experience.

[Tara Martinez Fernandez]

Thank you for your comment Betsy! Communication with God is everything!! I always tell the youth that I minister to at my church- keep the dialogue with God active. 🙏