Discipleship at MH

At MH we see the corporate teaching of God’s word as the first and foundational method of helping to bring Christians into alignment with the image of Jesus. We do not see Sunday morning as a primarily outreach focused space. We believe that the church gathers for the edification and development of the believer and as a result we target the discipleship of members of MH through the sound teaching of His word.

This is an intentional time set aside to both help foster relationships with people and to receive additional instruction in God’s word in a smaller setting where questions are welcomed. Just as is the case with Sunday mornings these teaching times are geared toward the biblical discipleship of the believer.

Effective Christian discipleship requires authentic and personal relationships where people know and are known by fellow believers. Community groups are meant to be an intentional place where we can learn the truth of God’s word, be taught the practical application of His truth to our personal lives and where we can bring and carry burdens in community.

It is our conviction that one of the most effective ways we learn the nature of Christ is through being instruments of Christ in the lives of others. As we serve humbly, as we sacrifice joyfully, as we care sincerely we begin to capture the heart of a Savior that modeled these and much more in His ministry. The greatest lessons about Jesus will be learned as we see Jesus work in the lives of those with which we have engaged.

MH has available to all members of the church trained biblical counselors which are there to help overcome personal battles that oftentimes inhibit our progression in Christ. While not meant to be a long term method of discipleship it can be an incredibly important tool to find breakthrough to deeper understanding of Christ in your life.

Our leadership maintains an "open door" philosophy. We believe it is vital for elders and deacons to build personal relationships with those desiring spiritual investment. While the initiative lies with the individual to reach out, our leaders maintain a posture of availability. To keep this sustainable and effective, our leaders work with individuals to determine a meeting schedule and format that is healthy for both parties.

While the primary programs offer structured growth, we recognize that the Holy Spirit often moves through more personal, fluid connections. The following options capture the heartbeat of how we grow together at Mercy Hill.

We have seen a beautiful, natural trend of mentorship unfolding across our entire congregation. This isn't a formal program, but rather the result of people simply engaging in authentic relationships. Because these life-on-life investments are happening so frequently and effectively within our church family, we want to honor and encourage them as a vital way we are being discipled.

"Circles" are intentional, high-accountability groups designed to help us hear and obey God’s voice.

• The Format: 5 to 7 people meeting for 60 minutes once a week for one year.

• The Focus: The group centers on two primary questions: “What is God saying to you?” and “What are you doing about it?”

• The Multiplication: These groups are invite-only because they are designed to reproduce. After participating for a year, members typically launch their own Circle, inviting 4 to 6 new people to join them in the journey.

Interested in a Circle? Because these groups are built on personal invitations and multiplication, they fill up quickly. However, if you would like to be considered for a future group, you can email jesse@mercyhill.org to be placed on a waitlist for when a new Circle is forming.