The Mission of Decatur FUMC
To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our understanding of “what is a disciple?” is the following:
A disciple is someone who knows Christ, is learning about Christ, is
growing in Christ, is giving like Christ, and is serving like Christ.
Membership is not discipleship. The vows of membership for joining the church are vows based on actions we intend to undertake as a part of the congregation, but fail to promise that we will seek transformed lives. Make no mistake, member-ship is important. But discipleship is about transformed lives.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16: 24-25
Becoming a disciple is not simply learning about Jesus or the characteristics of a disciple, but becoming like Jesus. Three dimensions of life are apparent for those who would be disciples: be a part of the body of Christ; become more like Jesus; and join Jesus in ministry.
