Ken Cooper

Ken cooper to me is the image of someone who has had their life changed by God. So often we as Christians claim a radical relationship with God, but that s evident in the life of Ken. The thing that stood out with me was not his past, but how he is so willing to serve. I feel like that is one of the biggest signs of discipleship is that we are willing to put aside our time and reach out in any way that we can. His life and his efforts reflect the inner change in himself.

I feel like serving shows we are being discipled, because unlike any other gift it shows that we are submissive to Christ and helping his kingdom advance in whatever ways that we can. We begin to shine out the fact that we understand what Christ did for us and that he calls us to love however we can, and Ken Cooper is one of the more shining examples of that fact that I have met. He was and is willing to help call people on behalf of the church even though it isn’t the most glorious job, but because people needed help. Being willing to serve seems to be what Christ was about and that can be seen in Ken Cooper’s life.

George Krebs

This man truly blew me away as he spoke about his view on discipleship. I totally agree with his view. He was very big on the fact that as you disciple people you should do it in small groups over common interests. He is big on building relationships and friendships without extra motives, but that through your life they will be able to see Christ and his light in your life. So often we build friendships to lead people to Christ, but his take is that we should just build friendships and Christ will deal with the rest. We shouldn’t be getting to know people strictly so that we can share Christ with them, but because we care about them, and in that overflow of caring we will be able to share the love of God with them.

On another note as he openly shared with us about his current situation you could tell that he was a true disciple and a truly devoted follower of Christ. Even as he sat there and he told us about the hard times of life and how they can be gut wrenchingly tough he was still able to smile and talk about the prize awaiting him in heaven. That in and of itself was a true example of his beautiful and wonderful discipled relationship with Christ.

Amanda Anderson

Amanda comes from a large church setting which is something I am not entirely used to, and so have in the past been very skeptical about, but it seemed to me that this church was doing things well. Something that I always have issue with the “big box churches” is that a lot of times I feel like people can come in and go out and fade under the radar, and they are simply just a number, they are never involved or never do anything to help, but I didn’t see that from this church.

There were a couple of things that I liked about the way this church did things. They were intentional that the visitors would be called every week and would immediately have a chance to get plugged in. They made a connection so people didn’t feel like they were a number, but rather that they were cared for by this church. The other thing I really like was that they called the people who were out of church that week who were regular attendees. This showed me that not only were they concerned about growth but also the relationships that are built in this church are very close and the church actually cares about its members. For a big church I feel like they are doing things well.

Deb Bube

This was an interesting look at discipleship. It was from a different perspective because the people that Deb was working with were already in church and this was more or less phase two for them. This, for them, wasn’t really about taking people to a place where they could make a decision about Christ, but this was more about taking them to a place where they could take their decision and put it into action in helping the church. The people that she is working with are moving forward and taking a step that so few do, but is such a huge sign of internal working. I feel like one of the things that is huge when it comes to people being disciples is they need to be willing to lend a hand.

That is where Deb is working. She works with those who are trying to take the internal discipleship and focus it outward. Once Christ has changed who we are we should see that joy overflow in our lives and we should start to pour that love and joy out, through helping others. A true heart that is changed will constantly be looking to show love and help in any way that they can.

Dave Barnett

This guy was very interesting to me both as a pastor and a person. He was very enthusiastic and sold out to his perspective on the church and how it functioned, or at least should function. It was so interesting to hear him pour out his heart on it. I really think there is a lot of potential when it comes to his style of church and I think that it could allow a lot of Growth and a lot of community. I am always interested in small group movements, because that is how the early church started.

I worry about though that it could run dry or become stagnant. If it is in constant connection to God then yes it should work, but it is made up of people and what happens when they drop the ball or when someone comes unprepared. Maybe I am thinking from a skewed perspective, but that is something that I wonder. That may just be the fact that I have grown up in a denominational mindset and it also may be because it is new to me, but where are the checks and balances? I love small groups and I love their ministry, but sometimes I wonder what happens if one goes off course and has nobody to help them find the tracks again?