Real Men: Fellowship In Discipleship
What is FinD?
…a letter from Clint Harrington, Executive Director
I’m often asked, what does the name FinD mean? Find what? FinD stands for Fellowship in Discipleship. But what does that really mean? Hanging out with other disciples? Well, yes. But, it’s more than that …
Fellowship is fun. It feels good. It’s fraternal. It’s a blessing. But when optimized in an iron sharpens iron environment, Fellowship leads to transformational spiritual growth. Through Fellowship and with full transparency and accountability, men support each other as they press on toward the ultimate prize … the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). So, let’s continue “meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…encouraging one another” as instructed in Hebrews 10:25. Fellowship is definitely an important component.
Discipleship, by comparison,describes how we mature in Christ … how Christ is formed in us. Although it sounds “churchy”, Discipleship is not church attendance or Bible study. Like me, many men have attended church their entire lives, but have never been discipled. I was in my 40’s before I was truly discipled. Discipleship is about learning how to follow Jesus, to have a relationship with Him on a daily basis, and to walk alongside others as they grow in their Christian faith. It is personal. It is challenging. It is sacrificial. Jesus walked with his disciples for three years. It wasn’t a six-week curriculum, it was a day-in, day-out relationship -- living life together while learning and growing. This directive is captured in the Great Commission that was given to us in the red letters of Jesus Christ, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, … teaching them to follow all that I commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20.
The Mission Statement of FinD is, “Transforming men through Jesus Christ in authentic, weekly fellowship in discipleship.” Our recent membership survey results indicate that we are killing it on FELLOWSHIP, but need to work on MAKING DISCIPLES. We had 168 of 200 members tell us that FinD should continue our strong fellowship focus (4.5 out of 5.0), but we need more intentionality on teaching men how to make new disciples (3.5 of 5.0). We now have a committee dedicated to developing FinD-U. What is FinD-U’s purpose? To develop an ongoing, multi-generational disciple making engine.
So, the next time you see the FinD logo, notice the pin drop symbolizing a destination on a map. The arrow represents the forward action to press on.
What are you trying to FinD right now on your journey? What are you pressing toward? Are you FinDing fellowship? Are you FinDing yourself making disciples? Ultimately, it’s all about that Cross in the “D”.