GCD Weekly Newsletter — 11/20/20
Let's talk about the big questions...
Dear Reader,
Who are you? What are you doing? Where are you going?
There are enough stories about the power of those three questions, and ones that are worth considering often. In the midst of a surging pandemic across our nation with new gathering restrictions, school systems transitioning to virtual learning, and stay at home orders, these questions can get pushed into the background. Yet, pursing the answer to these questions—even now—will help us understand how to live well as followers of Jesus through the changes of our times.
Ultimately knowing who we are Christ, what he has called us to do, and who he has called us to love will give shape to our day-to-day lives.
This Week at GCDiscipleship.com
This week our articles find, at least in part, to provide helpful answers to those pillar questions of our existence:
Tyler Zach asks should Christians use the Enneagram? There has been plenty of discussion and debate about this topic in Christian circles. Tyler’s engagement with the concerns and benefits of the Enneagram are helpful and worth considering. You may not fully agree, but I think you will find his article winsome and engaging on the topic.
Whitney K. Pipkin knows the pressures and challenges of working in the midst of a pandemic. In her article, Why We Work, she invites us to rehearse a theology of work to see, “Why it’s good, why it’s hard, why it’s still worth doing, and when it will be redeemed.”
Timarie Friesen draws attention to the challenges of being hospitable to our neighbors and strangers while in the midst of a pandemic. She offers a helpful reflection and some practical suggestions to consider for your application. Take some time and read about Hospitality When All Is Shut Down.
Letters the Editor
We’d love to dialog with you about our articles and publish your thoughts here in our Letters to the Editor section of this newsletter each week. Feel free to email me with the subject “Letter to the Editor” and the article you are referring to. It encourages and supports our writers when we hear your thoughts on their written work.
Write for GCD
Did you know that we are open to article pitches and book proposals? Our mission at GCD is to cultivate writers and resources that make, mature, and multiply disciples of Jesus. We’re always on the look out for well-written, Biblically faithful, humble articles that advance discipleship. Maybe you’ve got some thoughts about discipleship in your home, church, neighborhood, or community? We’ve love to hear those pitches and grow our community of writers. Check out submissions page for more information on our guidelines, and how to send us a pitch or book proposal.
If you’re like me, I always like to have some prompts to help fuel the fire. Here’s a few ideas of articles to get your mind moving:
Digital media the church
Reading as spiritual formation
Is praying the same words every day okay?
How to hope
May the reality of God’s love for you in Christ, his call on you to follow him, and the needs of the lost around you give definition and clarity to your life in the days ahead. I’ll leave you with a thought from Blaise Pascal, the French mathematician and theologian:
Do little things as though they were great, because of the majesty of Jesus Christ who does them in us, and who lives our life; and do the greatest things as though they were little and easy, because of His omnipotence.
Thanks for Reading!
Jeremy Writebol (@jwritebol)
Executive Director | GCD