| Our focus here at RLM and through the DMP is to model and mentor Biblical Discipleship through Relational Environments. These terms sound familiar to most and can be used in many different contexts; however here at RLM we define these as:
A Disciple of Jesus is …
- One who is committed to following Jesus - has made Jesus Lord of their lives (Luke 9:23 & John 8:31)
- One who is in intentional relational environments with other spiritually maturing believers (2 Timothy 2:2, Hebrews 3:12 & Deuteronomy 6:4)
- One who is becoming like Christ - in attitude and action (John 15:8, Romans 8:29 & Galatians 5:22)
- One who has committed their life to the mission of Christ (John 15:8, Matthew 4:19 & Corinthians 5:19-20)
A Relational Environment is …
- A small group (3 to 18)
- A meeting with purpose - growing as a disciple of Jesus as the goal
- Led intentionally by a mature disciple
- Where authentic spiritual relationships are built
- A place where accountability, pastoring, encouraging, and teaching takes place
As Christians and collectively as churches, each of us is on a journey with a common destination. Our destination is to become more Christ-like, in who we are personally and how we treat each other relationally. This journey is unique to each one of us due to our unparalleled life experiences. No matter your position, title or perception of where you fit, you are a part of His body and His church. Becoming Christ-like requires us to make changes in who we are individually and collectively. Within the Acts church people’s heart and lives were changed (Acts 2:37). Today, these changes refine who we are and how we do things; helping to bring forth the riches and unique potential that God built within each one of us. True heart changes bring about a healthy relational environment which will bless all.
Early on in our experiences at RLM, God brought to three of us, on the same day in different locations the passage of Ezekiel 34. This occurred during one of our intense growth periods. We realized that we needed to become the opposite of the shepherds spoken of here. We needed to care for the sheep. The massive growth that God brought us also required us to allow people to lead before they felt comfortable in leading. What we learned is by allowing people to do ministry, they were fed. We discovered by inviting and intentionally allowing people to do ministry – to become the church – their lives were greatly impacted. As Jesus spoke to Peter in John 21:15-17, saying "Feed My sheep". When people come to know Jesus, and are allowed to minister, they are fed and their heart begin to align with Christ. We strive to find ways to help people align with Him.
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