Information/Imitation/Innovation

This course is organized in such a way that all three dynamics of the Discipling Triangle regularly take place throughout (see image below). Because of this, each session is broken up into two lectures. The first lecture will have the title that describes the Information that is being covered (i.e. God the Father). The second lecture will always be titled Imitation/Innovation.

This format can be handled in a number of different ways. Some people fit it all into one meeting while others prefer a separate meeting for each. Talk it over and establish a rhythm that works well for you.

As tempting as it may be to focus solely on covering the information in this course, I strongly encourage you to value the Imitation/Innovation sections as well. In chapter 9 of A Jesus Shaped Life: Discipleship and Mission for Everyday People, Bob Rognlien tells us, "The way we become like Jesus is by living in relationship with someone who can show us the kind of life Jesus lived. First we receive the information we need to understand from them. Then we begin to imitate the example they set for us. After this we are ready to innovate the specific way God is calling us to follow Jesus and make disciples" (p.93)

This isn't a new method. It's the same approach Jesus took when he made disciples. Rognlien goes on to explain, "As we consider our call to make disciples, it makes sense that we would follow Jesus' example. By definition disciples will learn to do it the way Jesus did. This means that if we are disciples of Jesus, we will follow these same steps with others" (p.94).

Course Materials

Christianity 101: An Introduction to Faith by Jeren Rowell.

To complete the Information sections of this course, you will need a copy of Christianity 101: An Introduction to Faith by Jeren Rowell. We will be happy to provide you with a copy, however, they can also be purchased directly from The Foundry Publishing here: https://www.thefoundrypublishing.com/christianity-101-an-introduction-to-faith-participants-guide-9780834139015.html

The Bible

To complete the Imitation/Innovation sections of this course, you will need a Bible in a translation that you can easily read and understand. The NIV (New International Version) and the NLT (New Living Translation) are both good options.

There are four books in the Bible that are referred to as the Gospels. The word gospel means "good news" and these four books each tell the story of the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. They are called Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and during this course you will be encouraged to study the Gospel according to Luke.

As you read the Bible, you will be encouraged to reflect on the following questions:

• What sticks out to me?
• The Four Questions: In this passage, (1) Who is God? (2) What does God do? (3) How should this impact who I am? (4) How should this impact what I do?
• What is God saying to me through this reading?

A Bible Commentary

You may choose to read the Bible without any supporting commentary. Just know that understanding and interpreting the Bible is a little bit different than reading and interpreting a modern day text. Because of this, I recommend using a resource that sheds light on what is being said and done in the text in light of the genre, the original language/culture, and the greater context of the larger story of God.

There are three different resources for you to choose from in this course. Choose the one that resonates best with you.

• The Bible Project's Luke/Acts Video Series

This is the shortest option and is a good choice for those of you who prefer to cover both sets of assignments in one meeting (for a total of 9 meetings instead of 17). This also involves the least amount of reading. I have included a link to each video in the series under the Gospel Reading headings for each session. Each link is followed by a Bible passage from the episode that you can look up and read for yourself.

• Luke for Everyone by N.T. Wright

This is the longest option and is a good choice for those of you who would like to gain confidence in understanding and interpreting the Bible and are prepared for a heavier reading load. If you read one passage/reflection a day 5-6 days a week, you will complete the book in 16 weeks. Though it does require more time than the other two resources, it is my personal favorite and I consider it well worth the effort.

You can purchase a copy of Luke for Everyone here: https://www.amazon.com/Luke-Everyone-New-Testament/dp/0664227848/ref=sr_1_3?crid=344P8N5NTD15L&keywords=luke+for+everyone+by+n.t.+wright&qid=1645486189&sprefix=luke+for+e%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-3

• The Gospel of Luke (OneBook: Daily-Weekly) by Jim Miller. 

This option serves as a good middle ground for those of you who'd prefer something in-between the previous two options. This book does not cover every passage of the Gospel of Luke. Instead, it provides a reflection on a number of key passages along with thought provoking discussion questions.

You can purchase a copy here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/gospel-of-luke-onebook-daily-weekly/

Prayer

In addition to developing skills for understanding and interpreting the Bible, you will begin laying the foundation for a fruitful and powerful prayer life. Your mentor will be demonstrating what it looks like to pray aloud and will guide you in doing the same. Eventually you will be encouraged to pray aloud for your mentor as well.

Kairos/ Learning Circle

The Imitation/Innovation meeting will also include a time for processing Kairos using the Learning Circle. These two concepts were introduced during the Following Jesus onboarding class but you may want to review them again by rewatching the teaching videos below. If you do not have the Kairos/Learning Circle Cheat Sheet handy, go ahead and print a copy to keep in your Greenhouse binder.

Additional Resources Sections

Please note that you can find a wide range of additional resources at the bottom of each information lecture. The assigned materials only scratch the surface, so if you find yourself wanting more, be sure to check them out.

Introductory Meeting

Check on course materials

• Make sure mentees have all of the materials necessary for the course.  
• Make sure mentees are comfortable accessing the online content on the teachable platform.
• If mentees are not familiar with the layout of the Bible, teach them how to look things up using the table of contents and the chapter:verse references.

Introduce the confidentiality guidelines

1. I won't gossip about what you share with me. If I feel the need to share information about you that is of a personal, intimate, or sensational nature, I will only do so on a need- to-know basis. This means that I will only share it with someone who needs to know to help resolve a problem and only after asking permission to do so. 
2. Please let me know if you would like something that might easily be mistaken as “common knowledge” to be kept confidential (ex. losing a job, buying a house, having surgery) and I will honor those requests.
3. I do want to let you know that the one place I may be discussing some of our conversations is with my mentorship coach. I will be checking in with this person from time to time as you progress through the course and may seek his/her feedback and guidance to help me grow as a mentor.

Mentee's life and faith background

• Do you consider yourself a follower of Jesus?
• If so, how did you come to faith in Jesus? If not, what has led you to taking this course?
• What, if any, experience do you have with the church?
• What, if any, experience do you have with being in a mentoring relationship?
• If you took Following Jesus 201, would you be comfortable sharing your Self-Assessment with me?

Mentor's life and faith background

• What has your journey of faith been like?
• What difference does Jesus make in your life?
• What has your experience with discipleship been like?

Determine meeting schedule

• How often will you meet?
• How quickly do you want to move? How much do you want to try and cover when you meet?
• Where do you want to meet?
• Schedule your next meeting

Please click "Complete and Continue"