Thursday, March 30, 2017

Video: Personal Disciple Making, Pt. 1



We hear the phrase or challenge all the time in church, “go make disciples”.  But what does that mean for us on a personal, day-to-day level?  Where do we begin?  What do we do?

This video is part 1 of 2 that will open up the conversation by introducing you to a definition of disciple making that can be put into practice with those in your small group or in any part of your life.  The definition was born through studying Jesus’ relationship with His disciples and by learning through my own disciple making journey.  

Here is the definition:

Disciple making is teaching people to follow Jesus through intentional, loving relationships so that they can go and do the same.



As you watch and listen, begin praying, asking God to help you grow as a disciple maker.  Remember, YOU are God’s person for the job, and the job of making disciples is an amazing, joy filled job!




Disciple making part 1 from Alfred Turley on Vimeo.






Sunday, March 26, 2017

Can you please share your water with me?

                                                                                                          Photo by Nelvin C. Cepeda




A Disciple Making Parable


Andy is on the course of the toughest footrace in the world, the Badwater Ultramarathon.  It is 135 miles of suffering during the month of July starting at more than 200 feet below sea level in Death Valley, Ca.  The air temperature hovers around 120 degrees and the temperature of the road surface is over 180 degrees.  Andy has had to change shoes twice, because the soles melted.  He eventually figured out that the temperature on the narrow white line in the road was just “cool” enough to keep his shoes from melting.  So he moved forward.

Over the course of the race, the runners are scattered.  They are all in the same race but they are alone in the journey. Andy is hot.  He is questioning everything about the race. “Why am I here?” “What is the point?” “Can I make it?”  “I am thirsty.”  Andy is actually on the verge of quitting.  The thirst is so strong.  His mouth is dry. He needs water.  But he has none.

As he turns a corner he encounters another runner, a stronger runner.  His name is Pete.  Pete has been a runner a little longer than Andy.  He doesn’t think of himself as elite or special, just a runner in the race.  But, Pete has something that catches Andy’s attention and even gives him a small amount of hope.

Pete has a small water bottle that looks to be about half full, maybe 8 or 10 ounces.  With excitement of the possibility of having a some of his thirst quenched and being able to continue, Andy says, “Excuse me, can you please share your water with me? I am so thirsty.”
It is obvious to Pete that Andy is in need. It is obvious that he is tired, alone, hurting, hot, running on empty.  It is obvious that Andy is thirsty.

So, Pete looks at his small water bottle then looks at Andy. What does Pete do?  Pete looks right at Andy saying, “I see that you are really thirsty and need help. But all I have is the small bottle.  If I had a case of water, maybe I would be able to help you in the race. Good luck.  I hope it works out.”  Then Pete runs on leaving Andy with no water. Still Thirsty. He would have loved even a sip of that water, but Pete gave him none because he didn’t think he had enough.


The Parable Explained

One of the most common responses I get when challenging people to make disciples is “I don’t know enough yet.  I am not ready.  I still need to focus on me.”  I understand that response but it does not reflect the truth of Scripture.  You would never deny a thirsty man a drink just because you only had a small amount to give.  In the same way, you should never believe that you do not have enough Jesus in you to help someone else grow closer to Him.  If you have a relationship with Jesus, you have more than enough! Look at what the Bible says is TRUE about YOU.


2 Peter 1:3
“His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”

Col. 2:9-10
“For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by Him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”

1 Thess. 2:4
“Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak…”

As a Christ follower, you have everything you need.  Of course we all need to grow more.  We need to learn new things.  I have a list of things I think every disciple maker needs to grow in.  But remember that RIGHT NOW you are filled with Jesus.  You are approved by Jesus.  You are trusted by Jesus.  So speak.  Love. Invest. Share. Walk along side. Listen. Weep. Laugh. Give yourself.  You are “Pete” and I am sure there is an “Andy” close to you. He would love a drink of the living water inside of you.

You have what it takes.
You are the person for the job.
You can begin to make disciples right now.





Monday, March 20, 2017

Welcome to the Rock Bridge Discipleship Blog!



At Rock Bridge our mission is to glorify God by connecting people from all walks of life to life in Christ.  We are passionate about that mission, as Jesus is the greatest treasure anyone can ever know!

The Great Commission in Matthew 28 states clearly: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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 everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

As a church and a community of believers, we are charged with taking the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ to the world.  But it’s not just proclamation, it’s a call to come alongside people in an intentional way and disciple them.  We must help them see the all-surpassing beauty of Jesus and of the Trinitarian God, and patiently and lovingly show them how to walk with Him.  We fail people miserably when we don’t demonstrate the joy of obedience and alignment with His heart and encourage them to do the same.  Whatever sacrifice we bear in following Jesus, it is always worth it in the long run!

Our commitment at Rock Bridge is to find ways to continually encourage and strengthen our people as they live to carry out the mission of Jesus.  We are starting this blog as a place where we will post teachings, insights, and videos to help equip people in their pursuit of Jesus and in their desire to help others in their own journey.  We hope you subscribe and will feel blessed and encouraged by what we post!

Know that the church is the plan God has chosen to reach the world.  Together as a global family of God – the Bride of Christ – we will take His glory forward in love and sacrifice and help others see the surpassing greatness of Jesus!

The best is yet to come!

In Christ,

Alfred Turley
Discipleship Pastor for All Campuses
Rock Bridge Community Church