Known for his flawless technical style, violinist Jascha Heifetz dominated the world of performance music for many years.  But something prompted him to give up his distinguished solo career and take up teaching.  After accepting a post at UCLA, he was asked why he had changed careers.  Heifetz responded, "Violin playing is a perishable art. It must be passed on as a personal skill; otherwise it is lost."  I don't think it would be too strong to say that playing the violin is a lot like being a Christian.  If you don't teach it to others, it will be "lost." 

I have only been full-time at GracePoint for a month now, but I am excited.  My passion is to see people grow so deeply in their walk with Christ that they cannot help but live it on the streets-at work, home, with their family, friends, and even their enemies.  Our commitment at GracePoint is to help you toward this.  How?  Through discipleship. 

Before Jesus left the earth, he charged his disciples:

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20).   

This charge has transcended thousands of years and speaks to us now: "Make disciples."  Jesus' charge was not pragmatic.  His hope was not that people only get through salvation's door and stop.  His charge to the apostles was that they teach his chosen people and help them toward a life-long commitment to him and his ways.  That is discipleship.  Not conversion, but commitment; a commitment to the followership of Jesus where we continually fight against our sin and walk in the ways of Christ.  Full devotion to God through Jesus Christ is the normal and expected trajectory of our lives as his people.

The hallmark of all disciples is their ability to reproduce themselves.  They cannot help but lead others on to Christ-likeness.  GracePoint realizes that our primary task is to do what Jesus commanded: make disciples.  Accordingly, we believe that one of the best opportunities for our attendees to become more mature, committed disciples is through community. Why?  Because discipleship does not happen on its own.  It happens with others.  It happens when Christians gather and urge each other on in accountability and love. 

While this mutual accountability and love will take place on Sunday mornings on a larger scale through worship, preaching, and fellowship, we realize that it is not enough.  The pastoral care GracePoint provides just does not extend far enough.  We aren't able to personally connect with everyone the way we want to.  That is why we are committed to Life Communities.  A Life Community is a small gathering of adults from GracePoint that meet weekly with the aim of fostering individual discipleship through a smaller community as an extension of GracePoint's pastoral oversight.  Joining a Life Community is the easiest way to get connected to the church and one of the best ways you can grow in your walk with Christ.  In each group you will find believers of all types, ready to accept you into their weekly gathering where they get to know each other, care for each other, informally study the scriptures, seek to impact their neighborhoods and pray.  It is our hope and desire that all GracePoint attendees will realize the importance of continuing their own discipleship and turn to a Life Community. 

Jascha Heifetz knew that he had to pass along what he had learned.  If GracePoint wants to impact the world with the glory of Christ, we will follow his advice. 

Please contact me if you have any questions or would like me to help you find a group to join.  Also, on Sunday September 16^th, every GracePoint Life Community will be represented in the Café where you can join a group.