Sometimes the path to faith in Jesus is a hard one. But God is in the business of shaping journeys and changing hearts, as you’ll discover in Husna’s story.

When Husna came to a Global Disciples‘ discipleship-mission training in North India, she had a story to tell. Her path to faith in Jesus Christ was not an easy one.

Husna grew up in a Sikh family, zealous for her faith, and devoted to one of the leading gurus in her religion. Then her grandfather, also a Sikh, became very sick, and every doctor they went to see said he wouldn’t survive.

However, a follower of Jesus met Husna’s family and shared about Jesus and His love for them. The Lord touched Husna’s grandmother first; she went to church and placed her faith in Jesus as Savior. Soon, the rest of the family also put their faith in Christ.

All except Husna. She stubbornly refused, going her own way, clinging to Sikhism. Then she too became sick and nothing helped.

Her family prayed for her and shared the Gospel, the pastor visited too, but she still resisted. Only when she was healed did she reluctantly go along to church.

But her change of heart didn’t last long. Husna went back to her old ways even though they didn’t bring her peace or happiness.

Several times she tried to commit suicide. Once she jumped into a deep canal, but some people passing by pulled her out. Another time, she took poison but her family found her, called the pastor, and prayed for her. And God saved her life. This time she gave her life fully to Jesus, and committed to serving Him.

When Husna had the opportunity to take the discipleship-mission training, she leaped at the chance! Through it, God worked in her once rebellious heart, and her commitment deepened. Husna said, “In this training, God has blessed me, made me strong in my faith, and called me to serve Him to the end of my life.”

And God is keeping His Word to Husna. She has married another Christ-follower, and now they serve as church planters among many unreached people in North India.

Praise God for His wonderful work in Husna’s life and the many who were part of her faith journey.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

For many of us, it’s hard to imagine a life without ever knowing or hearing about Jesus Christ. Yet it’s the daily reality for many people around the world.

A Third of our world has yet to hear about Jesus but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

“Who is this Jesus who loves me?” the woman asked, tears running down her face.

For the first time in her life, she had heard the name of Jesus. And the message that He came, the Son of God, to die for her sins…all because He loved her.

Can you imagine what would your life be like…if you knew nothing about Jesus? To have never heard His name before—on radio, or books or music, or in conversations with people around you.

For many of us, that’s beyond our understanding.

In our North American culture, there are many ways we might hear, see or learn something about who Jesus is, even if we didn’t grow up around Christians or the church or the Bible. But to know nothing of His love for you? The salvation Jesus offers? The hope He gives you for life today and for your eternal future?

Today there are billions of people in our world who are just like this woman. She lives in northern Ethiopia, in a region among people where there is no witness to Christ.

That is until recently when some Ethiopian believers came to her community to share the Good News about Jesus who loves them so much.

The news was life-changing! When she heard it, she was ready and eager to put her faith and hope in her newfound Savior. It spilled over into her family and her community, and while they face much opposition and difficulty, God is doing something new and multiplying His kingdom in this region.

This is why we do what we do as Global Disciples. We train and equip believers in Ethiopia and over 70 other countries, just like the man who shared the Gospel with this woman and her community. And together we seek to help share the Good News of Jesus—of a Savior who loves people enough to sacrifice His own life, and to see their lives transformed for today and for eternity.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

There is power in the Name of Jesus. Power to free a person from spiritual bondage.

Sometimes we lose sight of just how great and powerful our God is. But this story from northeast India reminds us the Lord has victory over spiritual forces around us.

Madhu directs a discipleship-mission training in a spiritually dark area.

He went with the disciple-makers he was training to a village where he prayed with people and they shared the Gospel of Jesus.

They were told of a family needing help. Omana, the young wife in this family, had been bedridden for five months. Her family had spent lots of money consulting doctors and witch doctors but with no result.

Madhu’s team visited the home and told the family about Jesus. And in the name of Jesus, they prayed for Omana. After prayer, her behavior turned strange. She was rolling on the floor, shouting and vomiting and her family tried to restrain her. At one point, she fled from her bed!

The village went looking for Omana and one man found her trying to hang herself from a tree.

He managed to get her loose and they carried her home. Soon after, she told everyone she was leaving, then she went outside and acted like she was starting a motorcycle—but there was no motorcycle.

Finally, Omana fell to the ground unconscious and the demon left her! Her illness and erratic behavior caused by demonic forces had troubled her since childhood. The demons fought to maintain control, but they were no match for the name of Jesus and God’s power.

After she was freed and healed, Omana along with her husband, daughter, and mother-in-law all accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and were baptized. By that time, the whole village witnessed the power of God and marveled at Jesus who could set spiritual captives free. Many of them have been slow to repent and put their faith in Christ. “It will take time,” Madhu said, “and our ongoing prayer.”

God is greater than any spiritual or physical power we encounter. And Jesus is the only One who offers true freedom.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Sometimes the path to faith in Jesus is a hard one. But God is in the business of shaping journeys and changing hearts, as you’ll discover in Husna’s story.

When Husna came to a Global Disciples‘ discipleship-mission training in North India, she had a story to tell. Her path to faith in Jesus Christ was not an easy one.

Husna grew up in a Sikh family, zealous for her faith, and devoted to one of the leading gurus in her religion. Then her grandfather, also a Sikh, became very sick, and every doctor they went to see said he wouldn’t survive.

However, a follower of Jesus met Husna’s family and shared about Jesus and His love for them. The Lord touched Husna’s grandmother first; she went to church and placed her faith in Jesus as Savior. Soon, the rest of the family also put their faith in Christ.

All except Husna. She stubbornly refused, going her own way, clinging to Sikhism. Then she too became sick and nothing helped.

Her family prayed for her and shared the Gospel, the pastor visited too, but she still resisted. Only when she was healed did she reluctantly go along to church.

But her change of heart didn’t last long. Husna went back to her old ways even though they didn’t bring her peace or happiness.

Several times she tried to commit suicide. Once she jumped into a deep canal, but some people passing by pulled her out. Another time, she took poison but her family found her, called the pastor, and prayed for her. And God saved her life. This time she gave her life fully to Jesus, and committed to serving Him.

When Husna had the opportunity to take the discipleship-mission training, she leaped at the chance! Through it, God worked in her once rebellious heart, and her commitment deepened. Husna said, “In this training, God has blessed me, made me strong in my faith, and called me to serve Him to the end of my life.”

And God is keeping His Word to Husna. She has married another Christ-follower, and now they serve as church planters among many unreached people in North India.

Praise God for His wonderful work in Husna’s life and the many who were part of her faith journey.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Annual Equipping Events refresh and empower leaders who often work alone or with limited resources in challenging settings. God often meets those who were close to giving up and renews their spirit and vision to carry on. Global Disciples is committed to empowering leaders through discipleship training.

“Glory be to God for the grace to be part of Global Disciples discipleship training, and for the good teaching I received.”

Bodo directs a Global Disciples training in leadership and small business development in his homeland of Chad. He eagerly gave testimony, praising God for His work.

“We multiplied our outreach activities,” Bodo continued, “and planted three new churches last year, including one in December with 76 new believers. Our small business supports our mission work. Global Disciples training has changed my life, the life of my family, and my community.”

Bodo is one of the men and women directing over 3,000 discipleship-mission and small business development programs in partnership with Global Disciples.

From January through early April, program directors in a region gather for Annual Equipping Events or AEEs. Our regional Global Disciples staff leads three days of Bible teaching, skill building, prayer, worship, and relational coaching.

Annual Equipping Events refresh leaders who often work alone or with limited resources in challenging settings. Frequently, directors will say they were close to giving up, but God met them at the event, refueling them to carry on his work. Leaders who spend so much time pouring into the lives of others come and receive encouragement from God’s Word. And also, from their peers who understand the joys and struggles. Their vision is renewed and occasionally redirected.

That was Remi’s experience. He attended an Annual Equipping Event in Cameroon and said, “Before this event last year, the Holy Spirit highlighted a village where He wanted me to take the Gospel. But I kept resisting and giving all sorts of excuses. Then I came here and heard a lesson on joining the Holy Spirit in his mission—I repented and decided to obey!”

When Remi visited this village, he prayed for a woman with a severe wound. God healed her, and she surrendered her life to Jesus. This news reached the chief who objected to Remi’s presence, but then he also heard the Good News, accepted Christ, and soon, a church was planted with 35 new believers!

Alex, in Rwanda, commented on the role of Annual Equipping Events. “Every time I attend this event, I am encouraged and refreshed. My life has changed since I came to Global Disciples training, and our ministry has grown so much. Global Disciples equips us leaders for multiplication, and the strategy for mentoring is fruitful.”

In his testimony, he shared how his training helped them to continue multiplying during the pandemic, using small groups and house churches. In a recent outreach, his team saw 505 people come to faith in Christ!

Annual Equipping Events serve a strategic purpose in the Global Disciples approach to training.

A program director isn’t left alone to sink or swim. In fact, hey are built up, encouraged, blessed, prayed for, and renewed in heart, skills, and vision by attending these events. They experience God’s empowering work for the next season of training and outreach to least-reached people.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Prayer will change your life for good.

Yanick came in, walking with crutches. His legs, twisted and useless from birth, held his weight long enough to move his crutches one step forward. Then another. His friend had insisted he come to this meeting to be prayed for in the name of Jesus.

Born in a Muslim village in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yanick had never met a group of Christ-followers. It was a small group.

Yanick was surprised to see several people he recognized. They talked about knowing Jesus, and a man taught from the Bible.

Then someone asked Yanick if they could pray for Jesus to heal his legs. “Of course!” he agreed, but he nearly laughed at the question. After all, he had been born like this.

A short time later, Yanick walked out of the meeting carrying his crutches! And in the following days, he and many of his family and neighbors came to know Christ.

God does the impossible when we pray!

We hear stories like Yanick’s all the time. Miracles like this are quite common in places where people have never heard the Good News of Jesus.

As Global Disciples, we want all we do to be conceived, birthed, and carried out in prayer, believing that God transforms both our lives and the lives of others through prayer.

Transforming prayer takes us from self-centered, wish-list praying into a passionate pursuit of Jesus.

As we pursue intimacy with our Heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit transforms our minds and reorders our priorities.

The Holy Spirit softens hearts, opens minds, and draws people into a relationship with Jesus.

Through prayer, God removes the blinders that keep people from seeing the light of the Gospel that displays the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4). Prayer is foundational to any evangelism or mission effort.

We regularly practice prayer and fasting within Global Disciples and with our partnering churches and programs.

On the first Friday of each month, our staff, leadership, and the programs we serve in 71 countries, are asked to fast and pray for the people and trainings affiliated with Global Disciples. It’s been our pattern now since we launched in 1996.

We facilitate prayer teams sent to areas with little Gospel witness that need spiritual breakthroughs. God has honored those intercessors as they stand in the gap on behalf of people isolated from the Good News of Jesus.

Some on our Global Disciples team set alarms on their phones for 9:38 A.M. and 9:38 P.M.—a reminder to ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers (Matthew 9:38). We ask for Jesus to fill us with his compassion for the lost.

In prayer, your lives and ours are transformed as we delight in being co-laborers with Christ in the mission to which we have been called together. What an honor! May we continue to grow in prayer and see God doing immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine for His glory (Ephesians 3:20).

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Jesus Christ is a central figure in Christianity. His mission on earth was to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and perform miracles to demonstrate his divinity. One of the most significant aspects of Jesus’ ministry was his willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. Throughout the Bible, there are many notable moments where Jesus showed compassion, healing, and provision to those who came to him. These stories are important not only for their miraculous nature but also for the message they convey about the character of Jesus and his mission on earth.

In Mark 2:1-12, Jesus heals a paralytic who is brought to him by his friends. The story takes place in Capernaum, where Jesus is preaching in a crowded house. The paralytic’s friends are unable to get him through the door, so they remove the roof and lower him down to Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus tells the paralytic that his sins are forgiven and then commands him to rise, take up his bed, and walk. The man is immediately healed and walks out of the house, to the amazement of the crowd.

This story is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates Jesus’ power to heal physical ailments. The paralytic had been unable to walk for a long time, and his healing was a miraculous event that showed the crowd that Jesus was not just an ordinary man. Second, it shows Jesus’ compassion for those who are suffering. He could have simply forgiven the man’s sins and left it at that, but he chose to heal him as well, showing that he cared about the man’s physical well-being as well as his spiritual health.

In John 6:1-15, Jesus feeds a crowd of 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. The story takes place near the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is preaching to a large crowd. As the day wears on, the disciples become concerned that the people will be hungry and suggest that Jesus send them away to find food. Instead, Jesus tells them to gather what food they can find, and he blesses it and distributes it to the crowd. Everyone is able to eat their fill, and there are even leftovers.

This story is significant for several reasons. First, it shows Jesus’ generosity and provision. He could have sent the crowd away hungry, but instead, he chose to provide for them in a miraculous way. Second, it demonstrates Jesus’ supernatural power over nature. The fact that he was able to feed so many people with so little food is a miraculous event that shows his divinity. Finally, it shows the disciples that they can trust Jesus to provide for their needs, even in seemingly impossible situations.

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus calms a storm that threatens to capsize the boat he and his disciples are in. The story takes place on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus and his disciples are crossing to the other side. Suddenly, a fierce storm arises, and the disciples become afraid for their lives. They wake Jesus, who rebukes the wind and the waves and commands them to be still. The storm immediately calms, and the disciples are amazed.

This story is significant for several reasons. By rebuking the storm, he demonstrates that he has power over even the world’s most chaotic and unpredictable elements. Second, it shows Jesus’ compassion for his disciples. He could have simply let them face the storm on their own, but instead, he chose to calm it and save their lives. Finally, it shows the disciples that they can trust Jesus even in the most frightening and uncertain situations.

The story of Blind Bartimaeus is a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ healing power and compassion. Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who cried out to Jesus for mercy as he passed by. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus persisted in his cries for help. Finally, Jesus called him over and asked him what he wanted. Bartimaeus replied, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Jesus then healed him, saying, “Go, your faith has healed you.”

The healing of Blind Bartimaeus was not only important for him but for the witnesses as well. They saw firsthand the power of Jesus’ compassion and faith. Jesus didn’t just heal Bartimaeus physically, but he also restored his dignity and sense of worth as a person. This healing also served as a reminder that Jesus came to heal and save all people, regardless of their social status or physical condition.

The story of Lazarus is one of the most well-known miracles of Jesus. Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus, and when he fell ill and died, Jesus wept and then raised him from the dead. This miracle was important not only for Lazarus but also for his sisters and the mourners. They witnessed the power of Jesus’ love and compassion and saw that death was not the end.

The raising of Lazarus also foreshadowed Jesus’ own resurrection, which would come just a few days later. This miracle was a powerful reminder that Jesus had power over death and that he came to bring new life to all who believed in him.

The story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet is a powerful example of his humility and service to others. In this story, Jesus is preparing for the Last Supper with his disciples when he removes his outer robe, ties a towel around his waist, and begins washing their feet. Peter protests, but Jesus tells him that unless he allows Jesus to wash his feet, he has no part with him.

This act of service was important not only for the disciples but for all readers of the Bible. It was a reminder that Jesus came to serve, not to be served, and that true greatness comes from humility and service to others. This act also served as an example for his followers to follow and emulate.

The stories of Jesus lending a helping hand are significant for believers and non-believers alike. They show the compassion, love, and humility of Jesus, and they serve as a reminder of his mission to heal and save all people. These stories continue to inspire and guide believers today and serve as powerful witnesses to the truth of Jesus’ message. As we reflect on these stories, may we be inspired to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, serving and loving others with the same compassion and humility that he demonstrated.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are hoping to undergo Christian disciple training or are simply looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Prayer is a powerful tool that can help us find peace, clarity, and guidance. One prayer that is particularly helpful in times of uncertainty and change is acceptance. This prayer can help us surrender to Gods will and trust that everything will work out for our highest good.

In this article, we’ll explore the prayer of acceptance. And share some tips on how to use this prayer to find peace and surrender to the Gods will.

The prayer of acceptance helps us let go of our attachment to outcomes and surrender to Gods will.

The prayer of acceptance is not about giving up or resigning ourselves to our circumstances. Instead, it is about finding peace and trust amid uncertainty and change. We can let go of our fears and worries and trust that God will work everything out.

The Bible provides many examples where God answers in the prayer of acceptance. In Psalm 37:5, David says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.” This is a great example of prayer of acceptance.

In Luke 22:42, Jesus says, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

This is another great example of prayer of acceptance because it shows Jesus’ willingness to accept God’s will, no matter the cost.

Another great example can be found in Philippians 4:6-7.

Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Contrary to what our culture of marketing would have us believe, there is no anti-aging cure-all. Every day, we get older. On a positive note, as a Christian believer wisdom should increase with age.

Life can be messy. Births, deaths, moves, divorce, breakups, job loss, being downsized, physical or mental restrictions, and being subjected to abuse. We are frequently left with no choice in many circumstances. 

Denying, grieving, becoming angry, and resisting are all normal emotions. However, clinging to these negative emotions can only lead to more misery.

Romans 15:4 (NIV) states, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

The scripture tells us that we should not dwell on the past but learn from it. While it’s necessary to remember our beginnings, we cannot allow errors, mistreatment, or injuries to interfere with the here and now. Accept Gods grace and forgiveness and move forward. 

If you’re facing a difficult time or a significant change in your life, the prayer of acceptance can be a powerful tool to help you find peace and surrender to the divine will. Here are some tips on how to use this prayer in your life:

If you want to deepen your practice of the prayer of acceptance, here are some additional tips:

Gratitude is a powerful tool that can help shift your focus away from your worries and fears and cultivate a sense of abundance and positivity. Take time each day to reflect on all the blessings in your life and express gratitude for them.

Mindfulness meditation can help you cultivate a sense of presence and awareness, which can help you let go of your attachment to outcomes and surrender to the divine will.

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you deepen your understanding of the prayer of blessing and reflect on how it impacts your life.

Connecting with others who share your beliefs and values can help you deepen your practice of the prayer of acceptance and find support and guidance on your spiritual journey.

The prayer of acceptance can help us find peace and surrender to Gods sovereign. We can find comfort amid uncertainty and change by letting go of our attachment to outcomes and trusting that everything is unfolding for our highest good. If you’re facing a difficult time or a significant change in your life, try using the prayer of acceptance to find peace and surrender to the divine will.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. 

Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today! You can also talk to us about prayers in the Bible for your peace and acceptance. 

As disciples, we invest time in Bible study, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. These are all crucial elements in deepening our connection with God. However, there is another equally important aspect of discipleship that can sometimes be overlooked—our emotional well-being. Emotionally healthy discipleship combines both our spiritual and emotional growth. This creates a more holistic approach to developing as followers of Christ.

Global Disciples is committed to training leaders in least-reached communities to multiply disciples of Jesus Christ. And spread His Good News.

We must recognize the value of emotional health in nurturing strong, resilient disciples. People who can effectively navigate the challenges of life, both as individuals and as members of faith communities.

Emotionally healthy discipleship is an essential resource for spiritual development. It provides practical guidance and support in maintaining emotional balance while deepening our relationship with Jesus.

In this blog post, we will explore the concept of emotionally healthy discipleship. We’ll learn its importance in fostering spiritual growth, and practical strategies for cultivating emotional wellness within faith communities.

We can build healthy relationships, fostering resilience and stability while remaining deeply connected to God.

By adopting emotionally healthy discipleship practices, faith communities can become safe spaces for people to openly share their struggles. We can learn from one another, and grow closer to God. Investing in our emotional health allows for the development of authentic relationships and a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace

Components of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship

A well-rounded approach to discipleship must consider both the spiritual and emotional aspects of our relationships with God and one another. Emotionally healthy discipleship incorporates several key components such as:

Self-awareness is essential for emotionally healthy discipleship and requires an honest examination of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. As disciples, it’s important to acknowledge our emotions, understand the underlying factors that contribute to them, and recognize their impact on our relationship with God and others.

Developing emotional intelligence enables us to better manage our emotions, empathize with others, and communicate effectively. To cultivate emotional intelligence, invest in strengthening your ability to recognize and regulate your emotions, empathize with others, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships.

Maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial for emotional well-being and strong relationships in faith communities. Boundaries protect us from emotional exhaustion and help us establish a balance between personal needs and our commitment to serve others.

Explore your boundaries by identifying areas where you might be overextending yourself or disregarding your emotional needs. Establish clear limits that honour your priorities, and ensure you are also respectful of the boundaries set by others.

The development of emotional resilience is a vital aspect of emotionally healthy discipleship. Resilience helps us navigate difficult circumstances and maintain our emotional balance during times of stress, loss, or disappointment.

To build emotional resilience, focus on strengthening your faith and trust in God, seeking support from your faith community, and cultivating healthy coping mechanisms to handle challenges. Developing emotional resilience enables us to serve as effective witnesses for Christ, even in the face of adversity.

Fostering authentic community and connection within faith communities provides an environment where disciples can share their struggles, vulnerabilities, and emotional challenges openly, without fear of judgment. This supportive atmosphere encourages growth, healing, and transformation, as well as increased empathy and understanding among believers.

Promote authentic connection by creating safe spaces that encourage open dialogue, active listening, and mutual support. Establishing an environment of trust and empathy will help your faith community build strong, life-giving relationships.

Implementing emotionally healthy discipleship practices within your faith community requires intentionality, effort, and ongoing support. Here are some practical strategies for fostering emotional health among disciples:

1. Encourage Open Discussions About Emotional Health: Normalize conversations about emotions by regularly addressing these topics in sermons, Bible studies, and small group discussions. Highlight biblical examples of emotional vulnerability and encourage believers to share their experiences and feelings openly.

2. Incorporate Emotional Health into Leadership Training: Equip leaders with the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary to prioritize emotional health within their ministries. Teach leaders to recognize signs of emotional distress and ensure they receive adequate support and training to navigate these challenges.

3. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources: Partner with professional mental health providers to offer support, counselling services, and educational resources that address common emotional challenges faced by disciples.

4. Establish Support Groups: Create safe spaces for individuals to come together and share their emotional struggles with like-minded believers. Support groups can provide an environment of understanding and mutual encouragement, fostering strong community bonds among disciples.

Emotionally healthy discipleship involves a commitment to nurturing the emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals within our faith communities. By prioritizing emotional health and implementing intentional strategies to promote emotional wellness, we can create an environment that supports the growth, healing, and transformation of believers.

As we cultivate an emotionally healthy discipleship culture, our faith communities become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to navigate the complexities of life, all the while drawing closer to God and growing in spiritual maturity.

Emotionally healthy discipleship is essential for fostering spiritual growth and resilience within faith communities. By integrating self-awareness, emotional intelligence, healthy boundaries, emotional resilience, and authentic community connection into our discipleship practices, we create an environment conducive to emotional well-being and spiritual transformation.

By actively promoting emotional health and implementing practical strategies within our faith communities, we can support one another as we develop deep, authentic relationships, broadening our understanding of God’s love, grace, and truth and growing into resilient, effective witnesses for Christ in a challenging world. Emotionally healthy discipleship is not only a worthy goal but an essential component of a thriving, dynamic faith community committed to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

As followers of Jesus Christ, we know the power and importance of immersing ourselves in Scripture. The Bible is God’s living Word, His direct communication with us, and an endless source of wisdom, inspiration, and guidance. To make the most of our time spent reading the Bible, it is valuable to begin with prayer.

Its an intentional act that can help us prepare our hearts and minds to receive God’s teaching. 

This blog post is designed to guide the benefits of prayer before reading the Bible.

We’ll also give practical advice and examples to help you connect and cultivate a receptive heart for God’s Word.

Global Disciples Canada is dedicated to training leaders living near least-reached communities to be disciples of Jesus Christ and share His Good News.

An essential aspect involves equipping believers with the tools and resources necessary to grow and deepen their faith.

We believe that prayerful engagement with the Bible can help transform lives, providing individuals with valuable insights into God’s character. And empowering them to serve as effective messengers of His love and truth.

When we approach the Bible with a prayerful attitude, we acknowledge our dependence on God. We actively engage our hearts and minds with the text, allowing it to take root and nourish our spirits. In doing so, we can better understand God’s message and discern how it applies to our unique circumstances. And ultimately we’ll see spiritual growth and ability to embody Christ’s teachings daily.

In the following sections, we will delve into the importance of prayer before reading the Bible. We’ll explore the benefits of this approach, and suggestions for crafting heartfelt prayers that will draw you closer to God.

These insights will enrich your understanding of God’s Word and enhance your experience with it.

Prayer is a crucial element of the Christian faith, serving as our direct line of communication with God. When we pray before reading the Bible, we prepare ourselves spiritually and mentally to receive God’s teachings. Praying before study allows us to:

1. Invite the Holy Spirit: Invite the Holy Spirit to join us in our study and help us understand His message.

2. Acknowledge our Dependence: Humility is essential to our spiritual growth. Through prayer, we acknowledge our need for God’s wisdom, grace, and direction. We recognize that we cannot fully comprehend His Word without His help.

3. Cultivate an Open Heart: Prayer lets us quiet our minds and focus our thoughts.

Consider incorporating one or more of the following elements into your daily invocation:

1. Acknowledge God’s Presence: Begin your prayer by greeting God and acknowledging His presence with you. Express your gratitude for His loving guidance and the opportunity to study His Word.

Example: “Heavenly Father, I thank You for this opportunity to spend time in Your Word and for Your loving presence that surrounds me as I read.”

2. Ask for Discernment and Understanding: Request that the Holy Spirit fills you with wisdom, guidance, and clarity as you read, enabling you to interpret the text accurately and apply its teachings to your life.

Example: “Lord, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would take the lead as I study these Scriptures, granting me discernment and understanding so that I may glean the wisdom that You have for me.”

3. Express a Desire for Transformation: Affirm your desire for God’s teachings to effect positive change in your life, shaping your thoughts, actions, and relationships in alignment with His will.

Example: “God, I ask that Your Word would be like a seed planted deeply within my heart, taking root and transforming my thoughts, actions, and relationships, so that I may be a living reflection of Your love and grace.”

4. Pray for Others: In addition to personal growth, Bible study also enables us to offer support, guidance, and encouragement to those around us. End your prayer with a petition for God’s wisdom and guidance in your interactions and relationships with others.

Example: “Father, as I grow in my understanding of Your Word, equip me with the tools and wisdom needed to be a beacon of Your truth to those around me. Help me to live out Your teachings in all aspects of my life.”

To further deepen your prayer life and enhance your connection to God’s Word, consider incorporating relevant Scripture verses into your prayers. By including passages from the Bible, you reaffirm the divine authority and power of these words, allowing them to impact your mind and heart in a profound way. Below are some Scripture verses that can be integrated into your pre-reading prayers:

1. Psalm 119:18 – “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

2. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

3. John 16:13 – “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

To make the most of your time spent in God’s Word, aim to establish a daily routine that combines both prayer and Bible study. Dedicate a specific time and place for your devotional activities, engaging with Scripture and prayer in a focused and intentional manner. As you deepen your connection with God through these daily practices, you will find that your faith, understanding, and spiritual growth are significantly enriched.

Prayer before reading the Bible is an essential practice for cultivating a receptive and open heart to God’s teachings. Through prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us in our study, acknowledge our dependence on God, and express our desire for personal transformation. 

Using sample prayers, incorporating Scripture verses, and establishing a daily habit of prayerful Bible study, we can experience growth in our faith, develop a deeper understanding of God’s Word, and lead lives profoundly impacted by His love and truth. Feel free to visit Global Disciples Canada’s website today.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!