I've facilitated and coached a LOT of Discovery Bible Studies over the years and have probably made every mistake there is to make.

Here are seven mistakes I have seen have the biggest impact on helping people to discover and encounter God (or not).

Practical Urban Mission - Part 3

Today, we continue to look at the second essential element - discerning how God is already working so we can respond in prayer and action. Practising curiosity and attentiveness can help us “listen” to God. The People Map is a visual tool that helps us listen.

Practical Urban Mission - Part 1

God is at work, people are dissatisfied with the brokenness they see and experience, but the vast majority of residents in our cities are not responding to Jesus' Good News. There is a disconnect here. How can we, as urban harvest workers, be more effective at connecting the dots?

God's Gospel invitation is often framed primarily as an invitation to have sins forgiven, receive eternal life, and/or enjoy a more prosperous life. Each of these invitations distracts and confuses those we are inviting. These things might be by-products or consequences of God’s invitation, but they’re not the main thing. God’s central invitation is for us to step back into a surrendered and trusting relationship with Himself - the loving Father King.

God’s end-vision for Creation is a Biblically explicit, universal constant. He is restoring His Kingdom and bringing all things back into harmony and unity under His loving reign and rule. At the human level, He is inviting us to participate in His Kingdom as beloved Sons and Daughters who join with Him to help others do the same. In essence, this is discipleship that replicates.

The pressures of life and the demands of those around us are loud and persistent. So much of what we pour ourselves into is temporary. Only the things of God will endure. It’s important we periodically check the details of His invitation and make sure we are in sync with Him. God is offering a profound invitation to us.

Those of us in cities are constantly faced with two realities that should keep us curious and humble. Firstly, the incredible complexity of urban environments. Secondly, the awesomeness of God.

People are so familiar with European and American discipleship wineskins that many are surprised to discover other possibilities. Some of these can facilitate deep and effective discipleship, spreading through entire social networks.