COLONIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHLesson 3 introduction · Pastor Jeff
- Big Idea
- Before God calls you to do something, He calls you to Someone. Your first calling is to follow Jesus. Your everyday places are where He sends you to shine.
- Memory Verse
- “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden... In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16
- Action Step
- Write your 3-minute story and tell it to one person this week.
- Outcome
- I know my first calling, I can share my story, and I have three people I’m praying for.
Called to follow. Sent to shine.
The Way of JesusRead before you meet · about 5 minutes
Called in the middle of ordinary life
Jesus found His first disciples at work. Simon and Andrew were casting nets. James and John were mending them. He didn’t wait for them to get cleaned up or trained. He simply said, “Come, follow Me.”
Your first calling isn’t a job, a role, or a ministry. It’s a Person. Before you ever ask, “What should I do with my life?” Jesus asks, “Will you follow Me?” Everything else (your work, family, gifts, and dreams) flows from that yes. Your second callings are the places and people God has already given you: your home, your street, your workplace, your team, your school.
Sent to shine
Jesus doesn’t say, “Try to become light.” He says, “You are the light of the world.” A lamp isn’t lit so we can gather around it and warm our hands. It’s set on a stand to give light to everyone in the house.
In an evangelism training at Colonial, Kent Mathews recalled the first thing Colonial’s first youth leader, Richard Beach, told him back in 1969: “Private Christianity is not a real thing.” If God’s only plan were to secure you for heaven, He could take you home today. Instead He gave you His Spirit and left you here, on purpose, for the people around you.
Know, tell, do, and be the story
Kent sums up our part in four simple phrases:
- Know the story. You can’t share good news you can’t explain. (That’s why you wrote it out in Session 1.)
- Tell the story. Your own story of what Jesus has done is one thing no one can argue with.
- Do the story. Serve, keep your word, and treat people with dignity.
- Be the story. Become more like Jesus, so the message and the messenger match.
Start by listening
Most people aren’t won by our arguments. They’re won by being heard. Kent’s favorite opener works almost anywhere: “How’s your day going so far?” Then listen. Ask a follow-up question. Let people tell you their story before you tell yours.
When You Meetabout 60 minutes
Who leads: The discipler leads and models.
Connect· 10 min
- Who first showed you what following Jesus looks like? What did they do?
- How did your prayer rhythm go? Share one “God sighting.”
Read· 20–25 min
Read aloud: Mark 1:14–20 and Matthew 5:13–16
- What did the first disciples leave to follow Jesus? What might following Him cost you?
- Jesus says, “I will make you...” Who does the making? Why does that matter?
- Salt and light both work by contact. Where are your “places of presence,” the places you are every week?
- Is your light more “under a basket” or “on a stand” right now? Why?
Practice· 15 min
- Draft your 3-minute story using Tool 2: Before (what my life was like, or what I was looking for), Jesus (how I came to trust Him), and Since (what’s different now). Then tell it to each other.
- If you came to faith as a child, tell about a season when Jesus became real to you, or what your life would be like without Him.
- Start your BLESS list (Tool 3): write three names of people God has put in your life who don’t yet follow Jesus.
Pray & Plan· 10 min
- Pray for each other’s three names, by name.
- Confirm who you’ll share your story with this week.
For disciplers: Share your story first and keep it under three minutes. You’re showing how short and simple it can be.
For groups: Share stories in pairs or triads, then invite one or two volunteers to tell theirs to the whole group.
Live ItThis week's action step
Finish your 3-minute story and tell it to one person this week. A friend, spouse, or fellow believer is a great place to start.
I’ll share my story with
By (day)
Go deeper (optional): Write a two-sentence answer to “Why do you follow Jesus?” (1 Peter 3:15) and memorize it.
Pass It Onwithin 48 hours
Ask one person Kent’s question: “How’s your day going so far?” Then listen. No fixing, no preaching. Ask one follow-up question.
Five Days with Jesus10–15 minutes a day
Use R³ each day: Read, Reflect, Respond.
Day 1 · Mark 1:14–20
What might I need to leave behind to follow Jesus more fully?
Day 2 · Matthew 5:13–16
Where is my “stand”? Name the places I will shine this week.
Day 3 · John 4:4–26
Count Jesus’ questions. What can I learn from how He listens?
Day 4 · 1 Peter 3:15–16
Write my hope in Jesus in two sentences, with gentleness and respect.
Day 5 · Colossians 3:17, 23–24
How can I do my ordinary work “for the Lord” today?
Awareness: Places of Presence
Each day, notice the people you’ll see again: a coworker, a neighbor, a barista, a teammate. Pray silently: “Jesus, what are You doing in their life? How can I shine here?”
Ready to Move On?
I can say my first calling in one sentence.
I’ve written my 3-minute story and shared it with someone.
I have three names on my BLESS list, and I’m praying for them.
When you and your discipler agree these are true, move on to the next session. If not, take another week. That’s growth too.