Discipleship Journey

The journey from encountering Jesus to sharing Him with the world involves placing your life before God.

Jesus first disciples called themselves “Followers of the Way”. Discipleship begins with a call from Jesus to “come and follow me.”
This may be the most important thing we ever do.

The Discipleship Journey is a framework designed to help us model our lives after Jesus. The word ‘disciple’ comes from the Latin word “discipulus,” meaning “learner” or “apprentice.” As lifelong “learners,” we are seeking to grow and be changed by Jesus. This guide will provide tools to help you identify next steps you might want to take on the Discipleship Journey. It will help you determine where you are on your life journey and choose what’s best for you at any stage. Once you’ve discovered where you are now, you can choose from our ministries.

For more info, contact Susan McElya, Director of Discipleship,
with any questions you may have or information you may need regarding Discipleship Groups at smcelya@fumcpearland.org

Discipleship Journey Self Assessment

We invite you to reflect on the phases of discipleship on the journey. Then you can use the tools on this page, in the Discipleship Journey brochure, or work with the Discipleship Director or mentor to determine what next steps you may need to take. You may find yourself in a different phase of the pathway at different times in your life. Moving back and forth between them is common as we explore new depths of faith.

Discipleship in Action at Summer Camp

By Susan McElya

Early this year members of our church were invited to participate in the study of the book ‘Practicing the Way’ by John Comer. Last week 64 adults, children and youth lived out many of the practices while attending a week of summer camp at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, in Palestine, Texas.

They encountered a change of place and pace that allowed them time apart from their normal responsibilities, to grow closer to God, and to practice the faith in an intentional community experience. This can be a powerful avenue for growth in faith and discipleship.

They experienced times of sabbath, there was prayer and scripture during the small group times. We even experienced ‘Fasting’, not from food, the kids and adults needed the fuel for the times of recreation and the miles of walking! There was ‘fasting’ from electronics, no handheld devices for game playing, no television, no phones for students, limited phones for adults and everyone survived! We talked about ways we can witness and serve others.

It may seem like just a week for parents to send their kids away for a week of fun but it is so much more. These experiences can be very important to the

faith journey of the youth and children. I have been attending Lakeview as an adult counselor and leader since 2000. I have only missed one year. Over the years I have heard so many stories from adults who share their experiences of attending camp. They talk about how it helped form their faith life. Many pastors and church leaders who say they first heard their call from God to go into ministry. Seeds are planted during these weeks of camp.

Friday morning as we were wrapping up in Elementary camp one of the campers – a young boy going into 2nd or 3rd grade raised his hand and said he had a ‘word’ for the group. He stood in front of the group of campers and told us about God, and his faithfulness and his love for each of us! I told that young man I would not be surprised in a few years to hear his name and hear that he was doing some powerful things for God.

If you have children please consider sending them to Lakeview next summer. If you are an adult consider how you can support our children and youth who will be attending camp. Through your gift of time spending a week with them, with your financial support and or your prayers and encouragement.

Signs of a Disciple

We believe there are certain indicators in the life of followers of Jesus Christ. These indicators might look different for you during different phases on the Journey.

  • Pursue a continuing conversation with God and the knowledge that, whatever is on your heart, God is listening.

  • Be present within the church community: physically, mentally, and spiritually. Be present in the broader world through the support of local and global missions.

  • Good stewardship of our time, talents, and resources is what we are all called to do. No matter what or how much you give, your gifts make a huge difference in the life and the mission of the church, here and abroad.

  • We are called to live in service to one another in love. There are numerous service opportunities, both locally and globally, in which our members can serve.

  • Share the love of God in your conversations and in the way you treat others. Share God by being a voice of peace, hope, and love in our world. Share your faith-filled story.

Ways to Get Involved

  • Cultivating Prayer & Scripture

    Begin a daily time of Bible reading

    Make Prayer part of your daily life

    Being Present

    Respond to Invitation

    Be present in Community

    Sharing Your Gifts

    Give a monetary gift to FUMC Pearland

    Learn about Spiritual Gifts

    Serving Others

    Learn about Church in Action

    Witnessing for Christ

    Invite a Friend to Church

  • Cultivating Prayer & Scripture

    Memorize a favorite Bible verse

    Pray for people on the Church Prayer List

    Being Present

    Commit to a Sunday School Class or Spiritual Growth Group

    Become a Member/Partner

    Sharing Your Gifts

    Give regularly to FUMC Pearland Mission and Ministry

    Serving Others

    Participate in a Church in Action Project

    Volunteer in a Ministry at FUMC

    Witnessing for Christ

    Know your faith story, write it down

  • Cultivating Prayer & Scripture

    Attend a Walk to Emmaus Retreat

    Journal your prayers

    Being Present

    Volunteer in Worship

    Talk to someone new at Church

    Sharing Your Gifts

    Increase Giving to a percentage tithe

    Use your gifts volunteering

    Serving Others

    Participate in a Mission Trip

    Witnessing for Christ

    Share your Testimony

  • Cultivating Prayer & Scripture

    Join a Prayer Group

    Lead a Bible Study/Spiritual Growth Group

    Being Present

    Advocate for justice within and beyond the local church

    Become a Mentor

    Sharing Your Gifts

    Give sacrificially above your regular tithes and offerings

    Serving Others

    Volunteer with a Church in Action Partner outside the walls of FUMC

    Lead a Serve Team

    Witnessing for Christ

    Become a mentor for persons new in their faith journey.