In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and Brian Darnell discuss singing and how this act of worship plays a role in maturing us as disciples of Christ. Brian shares how worship comes in many different forms but, at its core, is a personal response to God. One of the most practical ways we can respond to God is through singing. It gives us the opportunity to declare his worth and acknowledge his character. Singing is a way to cultivate our relationship with God while simultaneously benefitting us as individuals and collectively as a church. When we sing, we humble ourselves. We recognize the relationship we have with God and remember what he has done for us. As individuals, singing gives us words to say when we don’t know what to say. It allows us to preach truth to ourselves and shapes our ability to be fully devoted to God. As a church, singing has a unifying factor. When we know the struggles others are facing and are able to see them worship through singing, we are encouraged and strengthened as a body. Be sure to check out our podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship. On this page, you can access additional resources and questions to help you move towards discipleship.

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and Chris McGowan discuss baptism as worship and how it serves as an “ebenezer” for believers to grow in their devotion to God. In the Old Testament, we read of prophets and leaders setting up stone monuments to remind them of God’s help and deliverance. Baptism, likewise, is a powerful, public declaration of what Christ has done for us in rescuing us from sin and death and uniting us with himself. Why be baptized? For Christ - Jesus was baptized, and we demonstrate our obedience to him and identify with him when we humble ourselves publicly to follow him. For ourselves - Baptism is an ebenezer, reminding us that we no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ. We can trust him for cleansing, healing, and new life. Just as Christ was resurrected, so will we be. For others - Christianity is communal. When we are baptized in front of witnesses, we acknowledge our need for others and invite them into our spiritual growth. The church is the vehicle through which Christ carries out his mission. Be sure to check out our podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship. On this page, you can access additional resources and questions to help you move towards discipleship.

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and LeeAnne Cavin discuss serving  and the role it plays in moving us from an outlook oriented on self to an outlook oriented on others. LeeAnne defines the word serving as simply “giving your life away.” She emphasizes it is more than just filling a role or doing a specific job, it is an orientation of the heart. Serving has both a vertical component (“I serve because of what God has done for me”) and a horizontal component (“I serve because I want to lay my life down for others”).  LeeAnne shares her own personal experience of moving from a church “consumer” background to a mindset of wanting to serve and genuinely caring about the people she was serving. She reminds listeners that as we strive to make the shift to an outlook oriented on others, we will begin to see the difference between discipleship vs. fulfilling an obligation. We will begin to strive for something bigger than simply preserving our comfort. We will begin asking ourselves the question: “am I serving because I have to or because I want to?” While serving is not always easy and it will often push us out of our comfort zone, it is critical to our walk with Christ. It provides us with opportunities to rely on Christ’s comfort and apply the Scriptures as we give our lives away for others. Be sure to check out our podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship. On this page, you can access additional resources and questions to help you move towards discipleship.

In the first episode of "Grace Church Members" podcast, Chris Rivers and Scott Mozingo discuss the purpose of the podcast and give listeners an idea of what to expect. They address how we are often clear on the “what” behind the mission we are trying to accomplish and the "how" behind achieving our ministry objectives, but forget the "why" behind the ministry we do. They explore how understanding the “why” gives us confidence in what we are doing and allows us to communicate and draw others into the mission.  It also challenges us to move beyond the goal of self-improvement and pursue transformational life change. As they address different topics during each episode, they will seek to answer two questions: 1) Why is this a discipleship issue? 2) How does it help me grow in my devotion to God and others? RESOURCES: How does Grace Church View Discipleship? Be sure to check out our podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship. On this page, you can access additional resources and questions to help you move towards discipleship.