Randy’s October, 2023 Update:
A Legay Alum Goes Into Full-Time DISCIPLESHIP Ministry
Years ago I spiritually mentored Eric, an Associate Pastor who became the Senior Pastor at a local church during the time we met. Eric grew immensely during our time together. He implemented what he learned and invested in his staff and key leaders. I loved watching the impact he was having on his church.
Recently, Eric told me some exciting news… He began full-time work with InterVarsity at the University of Chicago! He’s helping graduate students and faculty grow in Christ!
Eric said, “I’m working with a dream team of student leaders. They are raising up disciples through three weekly Bible studies, and hosting events to build community and welcome new people. There is also a strong core of Christian faculty who meet twice per week for morning prayer. They teach in areas of economics, social work, astronomy, and medical ethics, among others.”
This year the graduate students created the first-annual symposium known as “(Re)Searching for Meaning: How do we find God through our research?” Fifty students gathered for the first time ever to integrate their research with their faith. The energy in the room was electric.
The impact goes on. We invested in Eric. Now he is investing in young, dynamic, global leaders in various fields of study. These dynamic leaders will most likely multiply the impact into the communities where they have influence…and so on.
I Spoke At A Church!
In July, Renewal Church interviewed me on stage as part of their Sunday service. I spoke about the work I do – Spiritual Mentoring. Brad Thornton, who I mentored, led the interview. The goal was to inspire, and to help people see that ALL of us are capable of discipling people (in our own way).
Here are some of the questions Brad asked me (paraphrased):
How were you led into doing this shepherding ministry? Tell us your story.
Were you officially trained as a disciple-maker?
When you meet with someone, what is the central goal of your time together?
What does a typical session look like?
What advice would you have for someone who has never intentionally discipled others, but really wants to?
Any final words of wisdom?
I encourage you to watch the interview at bringrenewal.com. Go to the dropdown menu in the upper righthand corner, then go to Watch, Sermons, Speaker tab, select Randy Guenther (or Brad Thornton). The message is entitled Reproducing Movement on 7/23/23.
It was an honor partnering with Brad to do this interview, and it seemed to spark some deeper questions. I had some really good conversations with people afterwards. We’ll see where they lead. Some seeds have been planted!
Steven Is Helping Churches Live Out Their Purpose
During the time I met with Steven, he periodically brought up a dream he had of helping churches use the arts to create impactful moments that would move people toward a greater good, something bigger than themselves, their purpose.
This year Steven started a company called Craft & Motion. The company helps churches and other organizations define their purpose and then helps develop the creative content to communicate their purpose and inspire people to live it out, strategically moving an organization’s mission forward.
I love this idea! Especially for small churches who don’t have the giftings or resources needed to do this important work.
This is truly Steven being Steven, which is inspiring to see. I love to see people living out their redemptive designs and purposes, and seeing the ways it helps make the world a better, more loving place.
FUN Fact: Paul Completed The World Marathon Challenge!
This year Paul completed the World Marathon Challenge: 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Days! (1/31-2/6/23). He ran marathons in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza (Brazil), and Miami, all in a 7 day period, flying to the next marathon in between. He averaged 3:25:43 hours per race, and his times basically got better as the challenge went on! What a beast!
In Antarctica, the weather was so bad, the organizers of the race had to shorten the course and have people run more loops, because they were afraid people would not see where the course was and run off into the raging storm and die!
The people I meet with are extraordinary!
You Can Make A Difference
One of the expectations I communicate to people before we commit to meeting regularly for Spiritual Mentoring is that they will give away and pass on to other people whatever the Lord gives them through this mentoring experience. The goal of this ministry is to multiply. It doesn’t have to look like how I do it. It has to look like who God made them to be, the image of Christ that only they can reflect in the world. It thrills me to see how they uniquely live it out.
These young leaders are giving it away and passing this ministry on… and you can too!
Would you please join my financial support team and join me in praying regularly for these influential young leaders? Your generosity is what makes this all possible.
Contributions are tax deductible and life-changing.
Every penny will help!
In His Love,
Randy
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