Discipleship at Vineyard Columbus
Vineyard Core is a discipleship tool designed to guide us in our mission, cultivating us into deeply committed followers of Jesus. With six pathways focused on different aspects of spiritual life, Vineyard Core prepares us for the transformative journey of becoming Christlike through partnership with Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit, and God's grace.
Discipleship is a lifelong adventure, and it’s not something we’re meant to do alone. These pathways are designed to help each of us, together, dive deeper into our shared faith, offering practical tools and theological insight, all within the context of community.
Communities of Disciples Pathway
One of the key principles of Vineyard Core is community. Discipleship, from the very beginning, was designed to be shared, experienced, and nurtured in the company of others. In the book of Matthew, Jesus invites us to walk with Him, saying, "Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it." He’s invited us into a relationship with Him, and into a community of fellow Christ-followers, who are learning and growing together.
Transformation into Christ’s image doesn’t happen in isolation. In the “Community of Disciples” pathway, we explore this transformational process of keeping company with Jesus and with one another. Through the Holy Spirit, we’re shaped as we learn, share, and support one another in this lifelong journey.
The cardinal directions of a True Disciple
As disciples, we are called to grow in four cardinal directions that help guide our spiritual lives: Upward, Inward, Among, and Outward.
- Upward: This direction centers on deepening our relationship with God through prayer, worship, and seeking His presence. It is about prioritizing God and drawing closer to Him in all that we do.
- Inward: The inward direction focuses on becoming more attuned to the Holy Spirit’s work within us. It involves cultivating self-awareness, acknowledging our need for God’s guidance, and embracing His transforming power in our lives.
- Among: Discipleship thrives within community. The "among" direction speaks to creating and nurturing meaningful relationships within the body of Christ. As we grow in our faith, we are called to love, serve, and learn from each other in a Christian community.
- Outward: The outward direction challenges us to live on mission, taking the gospel beyond the walls of the church into our community and the world.
Together, these four directions provide a balanced approach to spiritual growth. They show that discipleship is about our own lives being transformed alongside of others, living out our faith together on our shared mission to be multiethnic communities of disciples who experience God, love one another, and partner with Christ to heal the world.
Core Labs
After completing the introductory videos, we have the opportunity take what we’ve learned and explore and practice face-to-face with each other in Core Lab. Meeting in person, we engage with each other, sharing our experiences, discussing challenges, and practicing spiritual exercises. It is in these labs that we experience discipleship as a dynamic, relational process that moves us beyond the content and into tangible life application.
Next Steps
Are you ready to take the nextstep in your discipleship journey? Visit Vineyard.Online, watch the “Communities of Disciples” videos, and join us at the next Core Lab. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to get hands-on experience, build relationships, and grow in your faith with your church family.