Discipleship
We are disciples of Jesus Christ. In part, that means we regard Jesus as our teacher and guide. In part it means we try to live like Jesus in the ways we relate to God and other people. But it also means we try to further the cause of God's kingdom on earth just as Jesus did. As Brian McLaren* puts it, one who serves Jesus "voluntarily ... learns from Jesus how to serve God, plus one's neighbor, plus one's enemy, and so the whole world." It means "joining his revolution of love and living in this revolutionary way." Becoming a disciple begins a life-long process of learning and serving so that all people may experience Jesus' love and transformation in their lives.
This portion of the website will provide some helps for growing as a disciple. It is also a "working site," meaning that it deals with the ongoing life and activities of the congregation, the mission center, and the international church. It is in a sense a members' area, but it is open to all in the hope that everyone might be encouraged and supported in their following of Jesus. Some of the links below are helpful for developing your discipleship, some support ongoing ministry efforts, and some deal with issues facing the church.
- 2010 World Conference: On April 10-17, 2010, the church will gather for World Conference in Independence, Missouri. The members of the church have been asked to engage in a process of discernment seeking to understand the mind and will of God for the church. This now includes our consideration of the Counsel to the Church presented by President Veazey on January 17. The world conference web site provides access to various kinds of information related to the conference, including the recent counsel to the church and proposed legistlation for consideration by the conference. Even if you do not plan to attend the conference, please join in the discernment process as well as pray for the church leaders and the conference delegates from around the world who will be gathering to confer and make decisions for the church. The 2010 World Conference web site is at http://www.cofchrist.org/wc2010/default.asp.
- Doctrine and Covenants 163 Commentary Series: Doctrine and Covenants 163 was approved at the 2007 World Conference. It is a rich document addressing many areas of the church ministry and our discipleship. To help us explore its meaning and implications for discipleship and ministry, a series of commentaries have been written addressing different aspects of Doctrine and Covenants 163. All of these commentaries are posted on the Community of Christ website. To explore this guidance to the church in more depth, click on Doctrine and Covenants 163 Commentary Series.
- Hospitality Ministries: The Anaheim congregation is committed to becoming a more welcoming and hospitable congregation. Click here to see our plans for deepening and expanding the welcome of our congregation.
- Adult Church School: The Adult Church School complements our overall efforts to grow in our discipleship. On February 7 and 14, we will review the recent Counsel to the Church. Beginning on February 21, we will study The 3 Colors of Spirituality. Following this study, we will study Thirty Years That Changed the World: The Book of Acts for Today. Church school classes are at 8:30–9:30 a.m. on the second through fourth/fifth Sundays of the month at the church. We invite you to join with us as we share in these studies together.
- Children's Church School: An early elementary children's class is ongoing using the Rock Solid: Building a Heart of Faith curriculum. Other classes are set up as needed. Please contact our church school coordinator for more information or to arrange classes for your children.
- Inquirer's and Pre-Baptism Classes: Inquirer's classes are available for those who would like to learn more about the Community of Christ beliefs and practices. Should you be interested in joining the Community of Christ, there is also a class to help you prepare for baptism and discipleship within our faith community. Please e-mail our pastor about your interest in either type of class.