April Week Three Reading

The Text:

Matthew 10:1-42 NIV

… Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts--- no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.

Keep Reading if you want more!

Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “ 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward .”

If you haven’t read what we are doing yet, CHECK THIS OUT FIRST.

Now, over the next four days here is the invitation for you and your MC. Slowly meditate on this story using the following prompts. Read the text, but also let it read you. Spend unhurried time with Jesus letting him work this story down into your heart and see what he may be inviting you into as his disciple today.  This is not an exhaustive list, but a few prompts to help you get started as you sit with this story throughout the week.

READ

The first things we want to encourage you to do is to Read the text. Spend time with the words of God and let them work their way into your heart.

• Read the text daily. Maybe even mix up reading and listening to it.

• A great practice is to write it in your own handwriting as the act of writing helps you remember!

• Imagine Jesus speaking these words to you- what would make your eyebrows raise or excite your imagination?

EXAMINE

Spend time with the text and work through it. If it’s a story notice the characters, tension and the plot. If it’s a verse notice the words. If it’s a chapter or passage, notice the themes, follow the logic. If it’s poetry, what are the metaphors, stanzas, and imagery?

• What words, phrases, or characters stand out to you?

• What do you see about this story and the other callings God gives to other in the Bible?

• How would you retell this story in your own words?

• Do you have any lingering questions that come to mind when you meditate on this text?

• Are there any terms, phrases, or concepts that seem difficult for you to process or understand?

• Who can you ask for clarity or resources to better grasp what is happening?

APPLY

The text was written to people who are very different than us, but it was written for us as well. How does this part of Scripture have implications for your life or context?

• Is there a behavior you sense Jesus wants you to stop or start?

• When you think about sin in your life, how do you feel? How does this story speak to that?

• What are implications for your business, family, roommates, or private life?

• Is Jesus speaking something for you to do as you follow him this week?

• Who else can you share this story with?
  

DO

So that thing that you feel called to do- do it. Actually follow through on the invitations or calls to repentance that Jesus is offering you through the kindness of his Spirit.  We encourage you to make this a community project and invite others to hold you accountable to what the Spirit is inviting you into!

• Who will help you stay accountable to doing what Jesus invited you into?

• What does repentance and realignment with Jesus and his kingdom story look like for you?

• Is there anyone you need to speak to about these next steps?

April Reading: Week 2

Matthew 9:1-13 NIV

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” Then the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. [10] While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice .’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners .”

If you haven’t read what we are doing yet, CHECK THIS OUT FIRST.

Now, over the next four days here is the invitation for you and your MC. Slowly meditate on this story using the following prompts. Read the text, but also let it read you. Spend unhurried time with Jesus letting him work this story down into your heart and see what he may be inviting you into as his disciple today. This is not an exhaustive list, but a few prompts to help you get started as you sit with this story throughout the week.

READ

The first things we want to encourage you to do is to Read the text. Spend time with the words of God and let them work their way into your heart.

• Read the text daily. Maybe even mix up reading and listening to it.

• A great practice is to write it in your own handwriting as the act of writing helps you remember!

EXAMINE

Spend time with the text and work through it. If it’s a story notice the characters, tension and the plot. If it’s a verse notice the words. If it’s a chapter or passage, notice the themes, follow the logic. If it’s poetry, what are the metaphors, stanzas, and imagery?

• What words, phrases, or characters stand out to you?

• What do you see about this story and the other callings God gives to other in the Bible?

• How would you retell this story in your own words?

• Do you have any lingering questions that come to mind when you meditate on this text?

• Are there any terms, phrases, or concepts that seem difficult for you to process or understand?

• Who can you ask for clarity or resources to better grasp what is happening?

APPLY

The text was written to people who are very different than us, but it was written for us as well. How does this part of Scripture have implications for your life or context?

• Is there a behavior you sense Jesus wants you to stop or start?

• When you think about sin in your life, how do you feel? How does this story speak to that?

• What are implications for your business, family, roommates, or private life?

• Is Jesus speaking something for you to do as you follow him this week?

• Who else can you share this story with?

DO

So that thing that you feel called to do- do it. Actually follow through on the invitations or calls to repentance that Jesus is offering you through the kindness of his Spirit. We encourage you to make this a community project and invite others to hold you accountable to what the Spirit is inviting you into!

• Who will help you stay accountable to doing what Jesus invited you into?

• What does repentance and realignment with Jesus and his kingdom story look like for you?

• Is there anyone you need to speak to about these next steps?

Further Study:

Watch: Bible Project: Sin involves more than you might think

Planting Seeds of Beauty, Truth, and Justice

April Reading: Week 1

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. 

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Matthew 4.18-22

Extended Reading Matthew 4: 12-25

If you haven’t read what we are doing yet, CHECK THIS OUT FIRST.

Now, over the next four days here is the invitation for you and your MC. Slowly meditate on this story using the following prompts. Read the text, but also let it read you. Spend unhurried time with Jesus letting him work this story down into your heart and see what he may be inviting you into as his disciple today. This is not an exhaustive list, but a few prompts to help you get started as you sit with this story throughout the week.

READ

The first things we want to encourage you to do is to Read the text. Spend time with the words of God and let them work their way into your heart.

• Read the text daily. Maybe even mix up reading and listening to it.

• A great practice is to write it in your own handwriting as the act of writing helps you remember!

EXAMINE

Spend time with the text and work through it. If it’s a story notice the characters, tension and the plot. If it’s a verse notice the words. If it’s a chapter or passage, notice the themes, follow the logic. If it’s poetry, what are the metaphors, stanzas, and imagery?

• What words, phrases, or characters stand out to you?

• What do you see about this story and the other callings God gives to other in the Bible?

• How would you retell this story in your own words?

• Do you have any lingering questions that come to mind when you meditate on this text?

APPLY

The text was written to people who are very different than us, but it was written for us as well. How does this part of Scripture have implications for your life or context?

• Is there a behavior you sense Jesus wants you to stop or start?

• An implication for your business, family, roommates, or private life?

• Is Jesus speaking something for you to do as you follow him this week?

• Who else can you share this story with?

DO

So that thing that you feel called to do- do it. Actually follow through on the invitations or calls to repentance that Jesus is offering you through the kindness of his Spirit. We encourage you to make this a community project and invite others to hold you accountable to what the Spirit is inviting you into!

• Who will help you stay accountable to doing what Jesus invited you into?

Further Study:

Read: Fishers of Men and the New Exodus by Dr. Scott Osborne

April Reading Plan: An Overview

If you've been journeying alongside Missio in exploring the Gospel of Matthew thus far in 2024, congratulations are in order! You’ve made it a quarter of the year and are still embarking on an exciting expedition through the gospel with your fellow disciple makers! We are continuing to delve deep into the life, mission, and teachings of Jesus Christ and are so glad you are here for the journey.

Our prayer continues to be that this gospel would shape both the present reality and future trajectory of Missio Dei Communities. - Kevin Platt

In our ongoing apprenticeship to Jesus, we've traveled the terrain of this Gospel, immersing ourselves in its narratives. From a comprehensive overview of the Gospel to slow contemplation of the Sermon on the Mount, we've marveled at the richness of Matthew's gospel, discovering profound connections and multiple implications for our lives along the way. In March we connected the many different scenes in Matthews gospel that point back to the life and ministry of Moses- highlighting Jesus as the true and greater prophet who would deliver God’s people from slavery!

In April, we are diving deeper into some of the the stories that shape our understanding of Jesus and His kingdom. Each Sunday, we'll delve into a specific passage, inviting the Missio family to engage in reflective meditation and collaborative learning. But before we get to Sunday, you’ll be invited to spend the week meditating and marinating on the same text. using the READ method, That’s right. It’s one story each week. Slow down and linger with Jesus in each of these stories and see what he may be inviting you into .

Remember: The Season of Easter serves as a poignant reminder of our apprenticeship to Jesus. This year, amidst the celebrations, we're calling our family to re-examine our commitment to following Christ. Within the stories of Matthew's gospel, we will encounter challenging discipleship questions that compel us to evaluate our walk with Jesus and ask afresh: Are we truly following Him?

As we embark on this next leg of our journey, we urge you to share your experiences and insights with others. Whether it's within the proximity of your home, or in collaboration with your Missional Community, or maybe within the network of friends, let the transformative life and work of Jesus resonate through your conversations.

Remember, the journey of discipleship isn't solitary; it's a communal process where we're called to both receive and bless others with the grace we've received.

Stay tuned for our weekly posts as we embark on this stage of our expedition through Matthew's gospel. The first story awaits, inviting us to explore, reflect, repent and grow together as a family of servant ambassadors, sent as disciples to make disciples.

March Reading Plan (2024)

arch 2024

We’ve talked about how Matthew writes his gospel to equip a community in crisis on how to follow Jesus together and then disciple others to do the same.

Matthew purposefully uses the life and actions of Moses as a backdrop to tell the story of Jesus showing how Jesus is the True and Greater prophet who leads God’s people into freedom and a flourishing life for the sake of the world. This month we will look at comparisons from the life of Jesus and the life of Moses to see some of these comparisons.

This is not an exhaustive list but should serve you well to help you see the beauty of God’s activity in history and even find yourself drawn deeper into this Divine Drama.

Note: You can jump into this reading plan whether or not you’ve been following along so far- but if you have been reading you already have an overview of the book and have drilled down deep into the sermon on the mount. Let those serve as a backdrop to these readings!

Lent Prayer Rhythms

Hey Missio Family!

As Lent begins today (Wednesday, February 14th) We would love to lead our community in prayer and fasting on Fridays from 12-1 during the lunch hour beginning on February 16th.

We will be shifting the Prayer Room from Thursday mornings to Friday afternoons for the next 7 weeks as this will lead up to our Good Friday service on March 29th. This opportunity will also be available for other church communities in the Valley who wish to participate with us in this season. The hope is as we join together we would fall deeply in love with Jesus and grow in deep love for the context God has placed us in.

May every square inch of the Valley be saturated with His presence. 

Creative ways you can fast and pray with us:

• Join us in person in the prayer room from 12-1 on Fridays

• Continue the reading plan through the book of Matthew

• Slowly read through and pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

• Go on a prayer walk

• Fast from lunch

• Download the Lectio 365 App

• Go through the acronym P.R.A.Y.

1. Pause

2. Rejoice/Repent

3. Ask

4. Yield

READ- A simple way to spend time in the Bible.

The Bible is a big book. We get it. It can be intimidating. How do we know where to start? The sheer volume of words is astounding, let alone the mystery and reality of this being the Word of God passed down from generation to generation. Sometimes we need to study deeply, and can’t avoid the fact that it can be hard work. Other times we may be looking for a simpler technique for being in the Word. If that’s what you are looking for, here’s a tool for that! This is great for new disciples of Jesus AND the longtime apprentice!

Spend some time in prayer. Be aware of God’s presence and posture towards you, then start to READ.

R.E.A.D. The Bible

Read

The first things we want to encourage you to do is to Read the text. Spend time with the words of God and let them work their way into your heart. This may be a story, a chapter, or even a verse.

Examine

Spend time with the text and work through it. If it’s a story notice the characters, tension and the plot. If it’s a verse notice the words. If it’s a chapter or passage, notice the themes, follow the logic. If it’s poetry, what are the metaphors, stanzas, and imagery?

Apply

The text was written to people who are very different than us, but it was written for us as well. How does this part of Scripture have implications for your life or context? Is there a behavior you sense Jesus wants you to stop or start? An implication for your business, family, roommates, or private life?

Do

So that thing that you feel called to do- do it. Actually follow through on the invitations or calls to repentance that Jesus is offering you through the kindness of his Spirit. We encourage you to make this a community project and invite others to hold you accountable to what the Spirit is inviting you into!

Moving Slowly (Reading the Sermon on the Mount Together)

Friends,

So glad you are here. If you've been following along with us since January, you've gained an overview of the entire gospel of Matthew. You've read every word, witnessed every activity, and encountered every conflict that Matthew penned down.

You've seen Jesus' priority of the kingdom, his call to repentance, and his invitation to follow Him. You've also experienced His life, death, and resurrection - and subsequent commissioning. And we pray that you've heard the Spirit's voice as you've sat with these stories, contemplating the mystery and beauty of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection - the events of the gospel.

This month, we are going to delve into the collection of teachings known as the "Sermon on the Mount."

---

Some Notes:

• Be.

  Some of us are accustomed to spending time with Jesus focused solely on consuming content. This month, we invite you to meditate slowly on a few verses at a time and discern what the Spirit may want to communicate to us. As you read just one beatitude a day, this intentional practice is meant to slow us down and draw us closer to Jesus through His word. Do you feel at rest in God's presence, or do you feel like you should be 'doing more'?

  How long can you linger, meditating on these words of Jesus for His disciples, of whom you are one?

  Be honest.

  As you reflect, let the Spirit use the Word as a living and active surgical scalpel to do the work He needs to do in our hearts. As you read about reconciliation, take enough time to marinate and see if you need to work through that. As you reflect on the consequences of lust in your heart, take inventory of your Netflix queue and your browsing history. As he talks about kingdom generosity, let your budget and spending priorities come under review. As you read about anger, anxiety, fasting, and the mystery of Jesus completing the old covenant, linger honestly in front of Jesus, and let Him affirm your identity and invite you into the life-giving ways of the kingdom.

  Be Together.

  This journey is best undertaken with peers committed to making disciples. Friends who are also being formed by God, alongside you, for the sake of others. Are there a few people in your Missional Community who can commit to reading together this month? What about people outside of Missio who are a part of your discipleship journey? Perhaps even those who are not yet disciples but are curious about what Jesus taught and why it should matter to them? Or even within your household? (We listen to the Streetlights app for longer passages, but the kids will read these short verses in the Platt household.) The invitation is for everyone to read and then collectively share what the Spirit has been doing as they read, meditate, pray, and listen.

  Be obedient.

  How is Jesus inviting you to respond to His Word as you live in His world? How is He inviting not only you into His presence but also to take His kingdom way of life into the world? If you take each day and ask, "How do you want me to respond?" you'll be taking at least 27 steps closer to following the Messiah as a disciple who makes disciples!

  As always if you want some help, or need a little more guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

following Jesus with you-

Kevin

February 2024 Reading Plan

February is going to be a slow go through the sermon on the mount. Enjoy savoring each section as you slowly make your way through this compilation of the teachings of the Messiah.

We will start by spending a day on each of the beatitudes. As you sit with each statement let the Spirit guide your thoughts, prayers, and convictions as you consider what they mean for you!

Day 1: Matthew 5:1-2

Day 2: Matthew 5:3

Day 3: Matthew 5:4

Day 4: Matthew 5:5

Day 5: Matthew 5:6

Day 6: Matthew 5:7

Day 7: Matthew 5:8

Day 8: Matthew 5:9

Day 9: Matthew 5:10-12

Day 10: Matthew 5:13-16

Day 11: Matthew 5:17-20

Day 12: Matthew 5:21-26

Day 13: Matthew 5:27-30

Day 14: Matthew 5:31-32

Day 15: Matthew 5:33-37

Day 16: Matthew 5:38-42

Day 17: Matthew 5:43-48

Day 18: Matthew 6:1-4

Day 19: Matthew 6:5-15

Day 20: Matthew 6:16-18

Day 21: Matthew 6:19-24

Day 22: Matthew 6:25-34

Day 23: Matthew 7:1-6

Day 24: Matthew 7:7-11

Day 25: Matthew 7:12

Day 26: Matthew 7:13-14

Day 27: Matthew 7:15-29

Feel free to adapt the plan based on your preferences or desired pace of reflection- but here’s what we recommend for February!

Matthew 28: A Reflection

Matthew 28 hits a little differently when you’ve spent all month reading the gospel. It’s not a random set of verses but the finale before being sent out! In the story Matthew has telling about Jesus and his kingdom we come to the end of the words, and the invitation to continue the story in our own place, time, and I have no doubt that as Matthew’s readers got to the final chapter they were just like us. They were experiencing doubt, feeling refreshed, a sense of mystery, maybe even overwhelmed a bit, but also filled with the Spirits sparks of imagination for what it looks like to continue the story of all that Jesus began to do.

Summary

Matthew 28 give us Matthew’s final account and commissioning from Jesus. It starts with a defining moment in the history of the world- the resurrection. Jesus rising from the dead and then the subsequent conversations with his friends shift everything for his first disciples- and can for us as well. As he tells them to spread the word about God’s redemptive plan and new creation’s dawning- he makes some incredible promises and sends them out to continue His work in their communities.

The following questions can be answered not only from Matthew 28, but the entire book as you sit and reflect on this chapter on your own or with a few friends.

Make some time to be with Jesus in this chapter.

Enjoy.

Reflection Questions

1. The Resurrection Really Happened: How does the resurrection of Jesus impact our understanding of His identity and mission? How does it shape our hope and faith as Christians today? Why do you think this is good news not only for the 11 disciples, but for the world?

2. The Call to Discipleship: What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? How does the “Great Commission” redefine our purpose as individuals and as a church community? Where else in the Story of God do you see God sending people to be a blessing to others? Do you feel this is a personal priority for you? (check your calendar, budget, and relational choices if you want some hints!)

3. Making Disciples: What are tangible ways we can engage in making disciples in our local context this week? How can we lovingly share the message of Jesus / his kingdom and make disciples in our communities? Where are the places you already go that Jesus is at work in?

4. Baptism: Why is baptism significant in the life of a follower of Jesus? Have you been baptized? What does that identity mean to you today? OR What is holding you back? (connect if you want to start the baptism process.)

5. Teaching and Obedience: How can we ensure that our teaching aligns with the commands of Jesus? What happens if we emphasize simply learning about Jesus rather than obeying him in our discipleship? In what ways can we foster a culture of obedience to Christ's teachings within our missional communities?

6. The Overlooked Promise of Jesus' Presence: So many times we bypass this one for what we ought to be doing. Don't skip this though- it is everything on the journey. How does the assurance of Jesus' presence impact our confidence, courage, and conviction in fulfilling the Great Commission? How can we practically rely on His presence as we engage in mission and ministry this year?

7. Global Perspective: What does it mean to make disciples of all nations? How can we cultivate a global perspective in our approach to mission, considering the diverse cultures and contexts where the Gospel is proclaimed? How can this shape both our prayer life AND our practical life decisions?

8. Perseverance in Mission: What challenges might we face as we go? How do you think we can remain steadfast in our commitment to spreading the Gospel despite difficult obstacles and opposition that Jesus told us would come?

9. Communal Response: How can your MC collectively support and encourage one another in our missional endeavors? How can we collaborate with other churches and organizations in our cities to work together in inviting others to experience God's kingdom?

10. Personal Commitment: In light of the Great Commission, what personal commitments can we make to actively participate in fulfilling Jesus' command to make disciples this year? How will we integrate this mission into our daily lives and priorities? Are you in for a year of following Jesus using Matthew as a guide?

2023 We started here. Words ring true today as well!

5 Convictions of Faithful Leadership Teams.

The invitation of following Jesus together as a community is both daunting and exhilarating- sometimes both in the same moment. We know the discipleship journey is full of twists and turns- but over the last 15 years of sharing formation, community, and mission as a network of MC’s- we’ve been able to decipher a few key convictions of every leadership team and MC who has faithfully and fruitfully carried out their calling to be and make disciples of Jesus. These are simple, they can be seen all across the pages of Matthew (if you are tracking with Missio), and we want to share them with you.

Every single faithful leadership team and community we’ve had the joy of serving with seems to have at least the following five things in common. Each of these is held within the context of staying connected themselves in a community of grace and truth, curating an environment of obedience, and delves into daily discipleship practices themselves.

Disclaimer: These are convictions not ingredients. You can’t just grab the words off the shelf throw them into a MC, stir them around and hope faithful disciples emerge. They have to be held at a gut level and acted on regularly.

We want to disciple people as they receive the good news of the kingdom and then continue to equip them to lead others to do the same. Here are a few of the guiding convictions we’ve seen in every community who has faithfully carried out their unique calling over the last decade and a half.

Each leadership team is committed to:

1. God's Guiding Grace

   • In our MC’s, we want to continue nurturing a culture of confidently counting on God's preceding presence, perceiving that Jesus has journeyed ahead of anywhere our feet may step. This could be in mesmerizing miracles, mundane moments of breakthrough, or prior miraculous moments in people's lives. But we are convinced that we join Jesus in what he is up to- not invite him on our discipleship itinerary. His grace fills us and guides our steps as we join him in his work in the world.

2. Practicing Prayerful Presence

   • We start with prayer. This isn’t the subtle nuance of our work, but it’s the bold master stroke. We want to continue to prioritize prayer in all of its forms as a paramount practice. Every step, from discovering people of peace to initiating conversations and forming churches, is permeated with prayer. Without it we succumb to anxious activity, but the way of Jesus and ongoing discipleship work seems to be prayerful presence where we are not driven by the insecurities of our MC or missionary context and are able to stay differentiated not avoiding or meshing with other people in their anxiety and fear.

3. Pivoting From Perfectionism

   • Matthew has shown us that none of us are perfect and there is no expert but Jesus. We learn, we train, we submit to one another, but we are not perfect. So when teams are willing to let their perfectionism sit on the sideline they often find themselves pivoting to something even more powerful. A deep Spirit dependence. Everyday individuals, empowered by the Spirit can be used in incredible ways. In fact it’s those who are usually considered weak and broken, are those who are propelled into leadership as they witness and submit to the the Spirit's transformative work. We aren’t perfect, and don’t expect our communities to be- but together we submit to the Spirit and his ongoing work in, around, and through us.

4. Faithful Fortitude Amidst Friction

   • We hope you understand that there will be friction as you follow Jesus. In Matthew’s gospel we’ve seen the declaration of the kingdom is at odds with the kingdom of this world, the Tempter, the powers of corruption, greed, and deception, AND even man made religion. We’ve seen the practice of the ways of the kingdom as divisive for those who reject Jesus as king. Make no mistake, disciples who set out to follow Jesus in making more disciples should anticipate persecution and friction as part of the discipleship journey. But if we trust the words of Jesus - sacrifices made in faithfulness to Jesus will offer opportunities for further sharing, fostering a resilient spirit in the face of diverse and often painful challenges.

5. Regularly Repenting and Reorienting in the True Story.

   • In every faithful and fruitful setting the MC commits to regular repentance and reorientation. We can never assume the gospel, but fight to make it explicit. We continue to “run issues through the True Story”, we explore the narrative and regularly reorient and reshape our lives by what we discover. MC’s that set down roots and mature in health take proactive and ongoing action to joyfully and deeply find their calling in the Story and re-examine their lives (both personal and communal) in light of God’s larger story.

Here’s a final warning and an encouragement.

A Warning: Rust develops quickly. In Arizona we don’t have a huge issue with rust, but where I grew up in NJ if you didn’t take purposeful proactive action with your metal objects- the salt air would inevitablely rust even the most beautiful objects. Sometimes it seemed like rust would settle in overnight and destroy. Rendering what was once beautiful and effective, destroyed with just a little neglect. The same happens with communities who deviate from these convictions in discipleship environments. If we waver from them in conviction and practice, we will soon find our own hearts drifting from abiding, our compassion giving way to cynicism, and our life choices marked by idolatry instead of discipleship.

An Encouragement: This is for everyone. This disciplemaking isn’t just for the elite or those holding theological degrees. Every believer can (and should) be marked by faithful story participation. These 5 simple convictions can be held and practiced by everyone from students to those living in Sr. Assisted living homes. They are simple. They are powerful. They will change your life and by God’s grace your neighborhood or network of friends.

Enjoy the journey my friends.

Kevin

It’s Not All Right (Yet)

Tomorrow is New Year's Day, which is exciting for most of us. While some of us may be filled with dread or uncertainty about what the new year could bring. Most of our culture embraces the New Year with hope and an expectation that things could get better this next year. We set our goals; we highlight the possibilities of a fresh calendar year, and we set new budgets and rhythms of life.

But before we hit that day, Missio- We have a story in Matthew to reflect on.

It’s a story that reminds us that even though Jesus has arrived, the world is still not all right. Not yet.

Matthew 2

13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt, I called my son.”

16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted because they are no more.”

In the Christian calendar, December 28th of 2023 marked Holy Innocents' Day. This was a day of remembrance for the tragic event shared in the Gospel of Matthew. We hit this story on our scattered week, but we didn’t want us to skip over it. As leaders of Missio we think it’s important that we don’t just hit the highlights of stars, gifts, rejoicing, and adoration, but also slow down with the texts that are hard—the stories that invite us into the low places, where God’s grace seems to puddle even in the pain.

Short Rundown: Herod's ruthless massacre of Bethlehem's male infants demonstrates the depth of human suffering, the capacity of humans to inflict pain on others in pursuit of their own agendas, and serves as a foundational story in the life of Jesus, the Messiah.

There may not have been more than 20 children under 2 in the small town of Bethlehem, but that doesn’t strip any of the horror from this story. I think Matthew includes this story to highlight the clash of kingdoms that was taking place. Jesus and his kingdom of Shalom (peace), justice, and forgiveness were clashing against the kingdom of darkness. This story illustrates the ruthless way that violence rips through the fabric of God’s created order, and even the most innocent suffer as a result. In attempting to eradicate the world of its Savior, Herod murders the most vulnerable in the city. Jesus is spared as Joseph has a dream, and they head to Egypt for a bit—but the story of Jesus is one steeped in pain, displacement, and real-world issues, even from the very start.

Across the world, churches observe a day in remembrance of this event. But more than a solemn remembrance, it’s a call for the church to take up her role in God’s story as agents of justice and reconciliation. To live as citizens of a kingdom of Light in a world with so many dark spaces remaining. It’s a call to be prophetic and faithful as we name injustice and seek to live as a community of peace in a world of division. It’s a call to be voices for those suffering on our streets, in Gaza, in Bethlehem, in Ukraine, Darfur, and even our own foster system. It’s a call to lives that aren’t insulate ourselves from the pain, but walk through it with Jesus. It’s a reminder that everything is not all right, and we lament that. We grieve that. And we also lean into the finished work of Jesus for endurance, perspective, and hope that one day it will be.

Today, would you pause and consider the situation of so many in our world, where sin's dark stain spreads across the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized? Would we remember the horror of hearing that babies were murdered and not dull our senses to the cries of others today?

As we remember these events from Matthew 2, may we find our hearts stirred by the Spirit with fresh compassion and a drive for justice. May we seek to actively contribute to the needs of our neighbors both locally and globally. May we seek peace and protection for the vulnerable and marginalized, after all, that’s what Jesus did for us- and explicitly calls us to do for others.

Remember Jesus didn’t stay in a far-off country but returned to Nazareth, declared good news that the kingdom of God had arrived, and lived, died, and rose again to offer new life. His victory secures our future hope that gives us endurance for this current struggle. No, it’s not all right. But one day, Jesus will return, and those cries will be comforted and those tears will finally and fully be wiped away.

Reflection Questions-

• How do you think the story of Jesus being steeped in celebration, joy, and delight as well as pain, oppression, and injustice should form us as a community of disciples?

• In your last season of life, where did you observe the suffering of others due to the effects of sin?

• What are the areas of injustice that stir up anger (a good thing) in your heart?

• Do you feel equipped to Lament well? If not, who can you ask to disciple you in that area?

• Our MC’s often form around areas of injustice or darkness that the Spirit opens our eyes to see and gives vision to step into and seek justice for others. Is there a seed of anything that the Spirit is putting in your heart that could form into a Disciplemaking community working together to see others experience freedom, peace, and justice?

January Reading Plan

Matthew Reading Plan for January.

We are starting reading the whole book to get the whole narrative. This will help you see how the pieces we are reading fit into the narrative as a whole AND allow us to immerse in the first gospel in our New Testament.

Here are two things we are calling the community into for January:

1. READ a chapter a day (28 chapters comes with some built in grace for missed days.) We will be teaching out of the NIV, but you can read from whatever your preferred translation is.

2. LISTEN to the whole book in one setting at some point during the month. It’ll take less than 2 hours and we promise the book will hit differently.

You joining us for this journey?

Let’s go!

Far As The Curse is Found

At its core, Christmas announces a powerful reality that transcends the holiday season. In the words of a beloved hymn, Joy To The World:

No more let sins and sorrows grow, He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found.” This encapsulates the heart of the Christian celebration—a recognition that our world is flawed, yet a promise that blessings will overcome the curse.

Christmas isn’t a mere reflection on history though; it’s a declaration of hope for a future where things will be made right.

The birth of Jesus addresses the daily struggles of humanity, confronting issues like violence, poverty, political corruption, and loneliness.. The incarnation is a transformative experience, God took on flesh and moved into the neighborhood, and everything is decidedly and definitely changed by these events.

Amidst celebratory traditions, Christmas tells a deeper story of renewal— one that is good news for the world. We don’t have to ignore from life’s difficulties- but have a hope in the midst of them. God is with us. Emmanuel.

As we celebrate, disciples of Jesus are encouraged to embody the transformative message, actively working against injustice and despair and joyfully worshipping Jesus in word and deed.

The birth of the Measiah is not a static event; it’s an ongoing reality shaping our understanding of hope and redemption and our daily lives not just these twelve days of Christmas tide- though that’s a great start!

In this season, let’s remember the profound meaning behind those lyrics from the song we sang so loudly on Christmas Eve

We are invited to be active participants in God’s Story. We are royal ambassadors to a world burdened by sins and sorrows. We carry a message of hope and redemption as await the Day when the reign of Jesus will one day erase the curse completely.

STOP before 2024

When I take a longer backpacking trip I plot the course and plan approximately how miles I want to do each day. This helps plan for small details like water needs, space for a campsite, and how much energy/food I’ll need for each day. You know, so I don’t get stranded in the backcountry. You know. Small details.

These stops aren’t interruptions, they are planned and ann actually an integral part of the journey if I want to continue to stay healthy and make it the entirety of the trip. Without them- you hit a certain point when you start to digress and the journey loses all sense of wonder and amazement and becomes about just making it through.

In the discipleship journey you’ve been over the last year, I want to invite you to take one of those planned stops over the next week. Take off the proverbial boots from the journey and reflect back on the last year as you’ve been following Jesus. These sorts of stops are integral to long term health as disciples of Jesus. They help to refocus the wonder and amazement even if it felt like you were just trying to make it through 2023

Fun fact a friend turned STOP into an acronym after we posted in instagram. It may be a stretch, but I think it’s worth adding it to this post.

• S set aside some time (at least two hours)

• T take an inventory of the last few months.

• O open your heart to the correction or encouragement being offered to you

• P prayerfully consider what the Spirit is inviting you into next

We’d encourage all of our MC members and friends to plan some time to Stop and reflect before the new year. Whether it’s a day or a 2 hour block of time. Stop to reflect on 2023.

8 Prompts

1- Where were you surprised by God this year?

2- What are you grieving from the last year?

3- Who did God use in your life this year?

4- Who did God bring into your life for you to disciple / encourage this year?

5- What changes could God be inviting you into this year? (Decreased spending? Increased solitude? Starting a new work? More simplicity and generosity? Etc…)

6- Are there any specific conversations or invitations Jesus has for you as you start the new year?

7- is there any known 2023 sin or patterns you want to repent from?

8- what practices and pace do you need to sustain you on this next part of your journey following Jesus?

Advent is an invitation to transformative anticipation

In this set apart season of Advent, we boldly ease ourselves onto the edge of expectation, gazing into the darkness that exists in our neighborhoods, cities, and world and believe that the light of Hope still beckons us forward. We are assured that the darkness will not overcome the Light. This season, like a symphony of anticipation, invites us to dive headlong into the cosmic drama of Incarnation and redemption—an epic Story that reverberates through the very fabric of time.

Advent, is a scheduled sacred pause in the rhythm of our life as the church, and becomes a moment pregnant with the potential for recalibration and renewal. If we will embrace it we may find ourselves filled afresh with wonder, amazement, and hope.

Would we, like the shepherds, the magi, Joseph, and Mary choose to trust and throw ourselves over the ledge daring to believe that God is doing exactly what He promised to do. He was setting up his kingdom, a kingdom of love and light, in a world clamoring for a Savior. It’s here, but we are longing for the final and full restoration that is yet to come. When we wait this way we are changed.

As we await the advent of the Word made flesh, let our hearts resound with the echoes of hope, drowning out the clamor of a world in disarray. In this holy season, may we embody the very essence of Christmas, becoming heralds of a kingdom where peace, justice, and boundless love reign supreme in Jesus.

Make no mistake this kind of active and hope filled anticipation will change you That’s part of the beauty of Advent. It’s purposefully placing ourselves in the Divine Drama once again and finding ourselvess awakened to the realities that come with Immanuel- God with Us

And once that hope fills our hearts let us extend grace and peace to those in our lives who so desperately need it.

This truly is good news of great joy for all people!

Second Sunday of Advent- Collect

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to
preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:
Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,
that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our
Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Book of Common Prayer

Cohorts: Why do we even do these?

Missio and Friends,

We are grateful to be on this journey with you! As we are formed by God, together, for the sake of others, we want to continually return to our desire to equip, encourage, and inspire people to follow Jesus and then train them to do the same for others. We pursue this mission through our Missio Communities, our Sunday liturgies, equipping cohorts, and everyday life.

If you are seeking different ways to continue growing in your discipleship to Jesus, we will have several cohorts running in 2024. These cohorts are supplementary to MC life for many of us and, we hope, will equip, encourage, and inspire a kingdom imagination in your journey of following Jesus and leading others to do the same. They also provide excellent opportunities to connect in a learning environment with others in Missio if your schedule doesn't quite allow for full MC participation in this season.

The first one starts in January, so we wanted to share the details with you! What is the Bible? These equipping sessions will be led by Ben Ide and will take place over two Saturdays. You can find more details here.

Spoiler Alert: We also plan to host:

• StoryFormed Sexuality (One Day Training)

• Preaching 101 Cohort

• BLESS Rhythms (A Disciplemaking Cohort)

• Spiritual Conversations For Everyday People Cohort

• StoryFormed Trauma training (One Day Training)

• Story of God (At least 2x’s)

• Soma School

*Each is offtered at low or no cost to Missio .