The Grace Discipleship Group

Advice for New Church Planters

Murray McLellan — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:51:56 +0000

Jonathan Dodson gives the following advice for new churchpanters on his blog HERE.

Gospel-centered prayer

Murray McLellan — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:42:08 +0000

JD Greear shares with us three things he prays every morning to help him stay gospel-centered.

“God, because I am in Christ I know there is nothing I can do today that would make you love me any more, and there is nothing I have done that makes you love me any less.”

“God, your presence and approval is all I need to have joy today.”

“God, everything the gospel tells me about your intentions for my life is TRUE.”

How do you start your day?

Home from San Diego

Murray McLellan — Sat, 09 May 2009 15:31:25 +0000

Though I was hoping to be able to “blog” you through my trip, the full schedule just did not permit the time. I’ll try to give you a couple of highlights … On the final day (Thursday) when I did have a bit of free time in the afternoon in warm and sunny San Diego, I just didn’t want to spend it inside the hotel blogging! Now that I am back in cold and snowy Saskatoon, being inside blogging on my computer doesn’t seem so bad!

The entire trip was great from start to finish. In the grace of God, I got to connect with some great people whom God used in my life to gospel me, sharpen me, encourage me, refresh me, and amaze me. What an incredible blessing God has graced me with to be a part of the Acts 29 church planting network! The coaches’ training, which filled up the bulk of my time, was incredible. Scott Thomas led us through 17 hours of practical, life-changing coaching. The class was small - seven of us [Steve Fuller (son of Daniel Fuller who taught John Piper the big picture of the Bible and how to “arc” which has equipped Piper to preach as he does; and grandson of the founder of Fuller Seminary); Abe Meysenburg (of Soma in Tacoma; Abe was my roomie for the week and I learned much from this man of wisdom); Shaun Garman (dry, crusty sense of humor - but with a clear passion and love of Jesus and His gospel); Steve Inge (from Missouri - a man who would bleed in front of us for Jesus’ sake); Dusty Thompson (the Texan - a gifted man - yet ever desirous of growing and a huge blessing to each of us there); Adriel Ifland (she is Scott Thomas’ assistant and she provided not only beauty to the group, but great insight to the whole process of coaching. In addition Adriel went out of her way on a daily basis to serve us that our experience in San Diego was incredible - from rides to hotels to every other detail); and myself (what was I doing in this group?).

Scott Thomas, the director of Acts 29, led all the sessions. He is an incredibly gifted kingly leader with a keen eye and wisdom to get to the heart of issues. The sessions took us right where we were at - exposed us - led us to Jesus for our refuge, acceptance, identity, and joy - and instructed us how we can make our lives about others - serving them for their good and God’s glory.

On my final day in San Diego, Dan and Debby Jester took me out to a great little restaurant. Not only was the fellowship and food great, but there was an antique sign from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on the wall - in San Diego!

There is so much to tell, but my greatest prayer is that what I profited from this trip will be “seen” in me by all.

To God be the glory both now and forever!

Missional living made simple

Murray McLellan — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:44:31 +0000

Jonathan Dodson put these basic principles in writing:

Eat with Non-Christians

We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, just order pizza and put the focus on conversation. When you go out for a meal, invite a non-Christian friend. Or take your family to family-style restaurants where you can sit at the table with strangers and strike up conversations. Have cookouts and invite Christians and non-Christians. Flee the Christian subculture.

Walk, Don’t Drive

If you live in a walkable area, make a practice of getting out and walking around your neighborhood, apartment complex, or campus. Instead of driving to the mailbox or convenience store, walk to get mail or groceries. Be deliberate in your walk. Say hello to people you don’t know. Strike up conversations. Attract attention by walking the dog, carrying along a 6-pack to share, bringing the kids. Make friends. Get out of your house! Last night I spent an hour outside gardening with my family. We had good conversations with about four of our neighbors. Take interest in your neighbors. Ask questions. Engage. Pray as you go. Save some gas, the planet, and some people.

Be a Regular

Instead of hopping all over the city for gas, groceries, haircuts, eating out, and coffee, go to the same places at the same times. Get to know the staff. Smile. Ask questions. Be a regular. I have friends at coffee shops all over the city. My friends at Starbucks donate a ton of leftover pastries to our church 2-3 times a week. We use them for church gatherings and occasionally give them to the homeless. Build relationships. Be a regular.

Hobby with Non-Christians

Pick a hobby that you can share. Get out and do something you enjoy with others. Try city league sports or local rowing and cycling teams. Share your hobby by teaching lessons, such as sewing, piano, knitting, or tennis lessons. Be prayerful. Be intentional. Be winsome. Have fun. Be yourself.

Talk to Your Co-workers.

How hard is that? Take your breaks with intentionality. Go out with your team or task force after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form moms’ groups in your neighborhood and don’t make them exclusively non-Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Work on mission.

Volunteer with Non-Profits.

Find a non-profit in your part of the city and take a Saturday a month to serve your city. Bring your neighbors, your friends, or your small group. Spend time with your church serving your city. Once a month. You can do it!

Participate in City Events

Instead of playing XBox, watching TV, or surfing the net, participate in city events. Go to fundraisers, festivals, cleanups, summer shows, and concerts. Participate missionally. Strike up conversation. Study the culture. Reflect on what you see and hear. Pray for the city. Love the city. Participate with the city.

Serve Your Neighbors.

Help a neighbor by weeding, mowing, building a cabinet, or fixing a car. Stop by the neighborhood association or apartment office and ask if there is anything you can do to help improve things. Ask your local Police and Fire Stations if there is anything you can do to help them. Get creative. Just serve!

Arrived in San Diego

Murray McLellan — Mon, 04 May 2009 23:12:45 +0000

I have safely arrived at my hotel in San Diego - took the bus from the airport and then had to walk the last two miles. (Why didn’t I pack lighter?) It felt good to sweat in the Californian sun! Talked briefly with Mark and Grace Driscoll in the lobby. Road up the elevator with Matt Chandler. I am going to finish up some reading prep for tomorrow’s sessions and then scout the area for some supper.

As time permits, I will update you with all I am learning - hopefully some of it will stick!

That’s my King!

Murray McLellan — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:15:40 +0000

Some of you asked for the clip of the video shown this past Sunday. Here it is.

Introduction to the Gospel Coalition

Murray McLellan — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:55:45 +0000

View the Gospel Coalition Video here: Gospel Coalition

Gospel Coalition Live

Murray McLellan — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:23:53 +0000

You can watch the Gospel Coalition live today. The schedule is HERE. Mark Driscoll speaks at 7:00 p.m. our time.

Living on Mission

Murray McLellan — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:21:13 +0000

Here is a clip from Francis Chan that reminds us of our purpose.

Eight Ways of being Missional in Ordinary Life

Murray McLellan — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:52:55 +0000

Jonathan Dodson, an Acts 29 brother, has written the following article worth reading …

Missional is not an event we tack onto our already busy lives. It is our life. Mission should be the way we live, not something we add onto life: “As you go, make disciples….”; “Walk wisely towards outsiders”; “Let your speech always be seasoned with salt”; “be prepared to give a defense for your hope”. We can be missional in everyday ways without even overloading our schedules. Here are a few suggestions:

Eat with Non-Christians. We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, just order pizza and put the focus on conversation. When you go out for a meal, invite a non-Christian friend. Or take your family to family-style restaraunts where you can sit at the table with strangers and strike up conversations (Mighty Fine Burgers, Buca di Peppo, The Blue Dahlia, etc.). Have cookouts and invite Christians and non-Christians. Flee the Xn subculture.
Walk, Don’t Drive. If you live in a walkable area, make a practice of getting out and walking your neighborhood, apartment complex, campus. Instead of driving to check the mail, go to the convenience store, or visit a neighbor, get out and walk. Say hi to people you don’t know. Walk the dog. Take a 6-pack. Bring the kids. Make friends. Get out of the house when your neighbors are out (weekends, after work, holidays, afternoons). Take interest in your neighbor’s hobbies. Ask questions. Engage. Pray as you go. Save some gas and the planet.
Be a Regular. Instead of hopping all over the city for gas, groceries, haircuts, eating out, and coffee, go to the same places. Get to know the staff. Go around the same times. Smile. Ask questions. Be a regular. I have friends at coffeeshops all over the city. I pray for them. They give me free drinks and food. I give them the free gospel of grace. I know a professor that used to wait by his trash can each week for the garbage collector and gave him a drink. Be a Regular.
Hobby with Non-Christians. Pick a hobby that you can share with your city, community, town. Get out and rub shoulders doing something you enjoy with others. City League basketball, football, soccer. Local rowing and cycling teams. Teach sewing lessons, piano lessons, violin, guitar, knitting lessons. Be prayerful. Be intentional. Be winsome. Be gracious. Have fun. Be yourself.
Talk to Your Co-workers. How hard is that? take your breaks with intentionality. Get a drink with your team after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form mom’s groups in your neighborhood, just don’t make them exclusively non-Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Be sociable.
Volunteer for a Local Non-Profit. Find a non-profit in your part of the city and take Saturday a month to serve your city. Bring your neighbors, your friends, or your small group with you. The options are endless here. Just do it.
Participate in City-wide Events. Instead of playing X-Box, watching TV, or talking to your mom on the phone every weekend, go to the city garage sale, fundraisers, the festivals, the clean-ups, the summer shows, SXSW, ACL, Pecan Street Festival, etc. Go and meet people. Study the culture. Reflect on what you see and hear. Pray for the city. Love the city. Participate with the city.
Look for opportunities to Serve your Neighbors. Help a neighbor by weeding, mowing, building a cabinet, fixing a car. Stop by the neighborhood association or apartment office and ask if there is anything you can do to help improve things. Stop by your local Police and Fire Stations. Ask if there is anything you can do to help them. Get creative.

Don’t make the mistake of making “missional” another thing to add to your schedule. Instead, make your existing schedule missional. Check out this related article on integrating Gospel, Community and Mission into everyday life.