Adults

F Leader , Paul Wilkinson

Transparent Space

By Paul Wilkinson

Recall that the discipleship spaces from large to small proceed as: public space, social space, personal space, transparent space, and divine space. As the contexts move from public to divine, generally, accountability increases. Thus, divine space and transparent space would more naturally generate accountability than public spaces. And it is for that reason that the transparent and divine spaces are so significant: they readily provide a natural context for introspection, sin confession, and accountability for righteous living among the group members. As Greg Ogden notes, “Transformation occurs when we grapple with the truth of God’s Word in the context of transparent relationships. It is a biblical axiom that the Holy Spirit will have free sway in our lives to the extent to which we open ourselves up to one another.”[i] Transparent spaces afford just such an opportunity.
Transparent spaces generally contain 2-4 people, but I do not think that 6 people would destroy the effectiveness of them. Absalom suggests that they should be used primarily for intimacy, openness, and impact.[ii] This truth is further supported by the research of Greg Ogden. He writes that “my discipling paradigm had . . . been one-on-one. In addition to this traditional approach I led a threesome called a triad and a discipleship group of ten. I was startled by the difference in dynamics. I have come to see groups of three or four as the optimum setting for making disciples.”[iii] Ogden believes that the shift from hierarchical to relational dynamics, the sense of groupness, and the praxis of discipling others in the group are reasons for the increased effectiveness of triads and quads.
The JourneyOn Strategy provides vehicles for achieving transparent spaces. First are Bible Reading Groups. Bible Reading Groups are groups of 2-6 people who are committed to meeting regularly to share life, read the Bible, and talk about its significance. The general meeting is the walking through a series of questions about how God has been working in our lives, about what the text demonstrates about God’s nature and our response, I will statements about who to share the discussed truth with and how to better follow it in our lives, and prayer together. A simple structure generates transparency and growth as the group progress.
Second, Transforming Relationships help with transparent spaces. The relationships that the discipleship team provides are Spiritual Friends, Spiritual Mentors, Spiritual Coaches, and Spiritual Directors. Find more information on those relationships here: http://adults.journeyonleadership.com/mentor-relationships-2/.
How then do we utilize the effectiveness of transparent space within our LIFE Groups? First, make your members aware of these other discipleship avenues: Bible Reading Groups and Transforming Relationships. Second, consider launching some Bible Reading Groups out of your LIFE Group. Third, incorporate some creative methods for traditional rituals like smaller prayer groups (http://adults.journeyonleadership.com/2016/10/10/when-less-becomes-more/). Begin to pray about how you might be able to utilize Transparent Space and Divine Space within your LIFE Group. You will more holistically disciple your group and reduce your workload as your groups begins to take on more leadership.
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[i] Greg Ogden, Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ (Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Connect, 2007), 10.
[ii] http://dandelionresourcing.com/2016/01/28/5-contexts-of-discipleship-infographic/
[iii] Ogden, Discipleship Essentials, 10.

Uncategorized

Divine Space

By Paul Wilkinson

Divine space is the discipleship context most readily available to us, yet it is often the context that we focus upon the least. Divine space is defined as, “Being alone with God, your Creator and Redeemer (eg intentionally sitting and enjoying His presence).”* Because this space incorporates only the individual and God, one has perpetual access to it. But because of the business of our lives with demands from work, family, church, and friends, we often jettison this most significant of spaces.
We must follow Jesus’ model, trusting that fruit will be borne by our obedience. Jesus withdrew from crowds (Matthew 14:13, Mark 6:45-46, John 6:15), Jesus commanded us to be alone at times (Matthew 6:6), and Jesus desired solitude in His most distressful moments (Matthew 26:39). While many times we learn God’s will through mentors, sermons, and group life, we must not neglect discerning God’s will through time alone with Him. My worry is that life is so hectic, we won’t take time to reflect upon how the Lord is working through our experiences.
The contemplative pathway is not everyone’s most natural spiritual pathway; nevertheless, intentional solitude should be a regular part of one’s discipleship regimen. You can pray during this time, read the Bible, just sit and listen, or take a walk and reflect on your previous week in light of God’s nature. In these moments, we will be refreshed and renewed to pour ourselves out for others. Another option from which I have benefited is to learn my spiritual pathway and then to read the biblical stories about the characters most like me. I have gained much insight into myself from that exercise.
How do we make Divine Space available to our group members? First, we must preach it to them. We must make clear the importance of spending time alone with God. Second, we must model it. Share with your group members how you utilize this space in your self-discipleship. Third, encourage your group members to take advantage of the “self-guided study” dimension of JourneyOn. I cannot overstate the value of running some theological or spiritual idea down by studying the Scriptures and reading numerous books, listening to numerous podcasts, or watching video presentations of it until it is settled in our mind. The JourneyOn strategy provides for this domain by offering your group member (and you) a list of resources on their topic of interest. Then, if they so desire, they could talk with me (or some expert if I can find one) about this issue after having studied it. I did something similar through an independent study of the “Metaphysics of Causation” in seminary which fundamentally changed my life.
However it occurs, we must be clear, as leaders, that one is not experiencing holistic discipleship if one is neglecting the Divine Space. As shepherds, we must urge our group members to engage this space.
* http://dandelionresourcing.com/2016/01/28/5-contexts-of-discipleship-infographic/