18 Dec 2024, 15:08SM CommunicationsEdinburgh
Discipleship Training in Edinburgh Focuses on Empowering Faith through Community and Practical Action
This article explores a Discipleship training event held on 15th December 2024 at the Dakota Hotel in Edinburgh. Led by Pastor Wil Masih, the event focused on empowering individuals to deepen their understanding of Discipleship and its practical application within local churches.
On 15th December 2024, the Dakota Hotel in Edinburgh provided a beautiful and elegant backdrop for a significant event in the journey of Discipleship within the Scottish Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church. Representatives from churches across Scotland gathered for a Discipleship training meeting, which focused on empowering individuals to deepen their understanding of what it means to be a disciple in the post-modern world. Led by Pastor Wil Masih, the Personal Ministries Sponsor for the Scottish Mission, this gathering aimed to address a pressing need: a renewed focus on Discipleship as a foundational principle of our faith.
The Journal of Adventist Mission Studies (2016) states: "At the turn of the 21st century, the global SDA Church had not fully articulated a cohesive philosophy and theology of ministry regarding discipleship." This gap raises essential questions about our understanding of Discipleship and its crucial role within our spiritual communities. The mission of the SDA Church clearly emphasises Discipleship as its main focus and priority, but the question remains: how can we transform this mission into practical steps in our congregations?
Pastor Masih’s presentation brought clarity to the principles of effective Discipleship and offered practical ways for its implementation within local churches. His approach emphasised the importance of relationships, accountability, and the formation of Discipleship groups—essential elements for fostering both personal and communal spiritual growth. Through interactive discussions, attendees were invited to explore their own spiritual journeys, reconsider their roles as disciples, and share perspectives on advancing this fundamental principle of our faith.
The gathering was not only a platform for learning and discussion; it also provided an opportunity for relationship-building among church representatives. During lunch, engaging conversations continued to fill the dining area as attendees shared experiences, insights, and visions from their respective churches. As new friendships were formed, it served as a reminder that Discipleship is not a solitary journey but a communal effort driven by mutual support and the sharing of each other’s faith journeys.
One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the realisation that Discipleship must be prioritised within our church structures. It requires a systematic approach that encourages intentional reflection, deeper engagement with Scripture, and accountability within our church communities. By fostering a culture of Discipleship, we can create spaces where individuals feel empowered to grow spiritually and, as a result, lead others on their own faith journeys.
One attendee noted that the highlight for him was “the chance to voice my concerns and receive support from those around me. I was filled with inner joy to know I wasn't the only one facing such issues. It was a positive gathering for change and redevelopment.”
Moving forward, it is crucial that we regularly reflect on the principles and themes of Discipleship and find practical ways to implement these principles in our local ministry spheres of influence. Empowering individuals, forming relationships, and creating groups dedicated to spiritual growth are vital steps we can take to prioritise Discipleship. In doing so, we can ensure that this often-overlooked principle remains at the heart of our mission as the SDA Church. "One important objective for 2025 is to ensure there are active Discipleship Ambassadors in each church in the Scottish Mission," says Pastor Masih.
In conclusion, the Discipleship Gathering was a significant step towards re-examining and revitalising our approach to Discipleship within the Scottish Mission. As we begin to understand the call to make disciples, let us commit ourselves to developing deeper relationships, holding one another spiritually accountable, and facilitating small groups that promote spiritual growth. The path to fulfilling the Great Commission of Matthew 28 lies in our ability to nurture and encourage one another in our journeys as disciples of Christ.
This article explores a Discipleship training event held on 15th December 2024 at the Dakota Hotel in Edinburgh. Led by Pastor Wil Masih, the event focused on empowering individuals to deepen their understanding of Discipleship and its practical application within local churches.
On 15th December 2024, the Dakota Hotel in Edinburgh provided a beautiful and elegant backdrop for a significant event in the journey of Discipleship within the Scottish Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church. Representatives from churches across Scotland gathered for a Discipleship training meeting, which focused on empowering individuals to deepen their understanding of what it means to be a disciple in the post-modern world. Led by Pastor Wil Masih, the Personal Ministries Sponsor for the Scottish Mission, this gathering aimed to address a pressing need: a renewed focus on Discipleship as a foundational principle of our faith.
The Journal of Adventist Mission Studies (2016) states: "At the turn of the 21st century, the global SDA Church had not fully articulated a cohesive philosophy and theology of ministry regarding discipleship." This gap raises essential questions about our understanding of Discipleship and its crucial role within our spiritual communities. The mission of the SDA Church clearly emphasises Discipleship as its main focus and priority, but the question remains: how can we transform this mission into practical steps in our congregations?
Pastor Masih’s presentation brought clarity to the principles of effective Discipleship and offered practical ways for its implementation within local churches. His approach emphasised the importance of relationships, accountability, and the formation of Discipleship groups—essential elements for fostering both personal and communal spiritual growth. Through interactive discussions, attendees were invited to explore their own spiritual journeys, reconsider their roles as disciples, and share perspectives on advancing this fundamental principle of our faith.
The gathering was not only a platform for learning and discussion; it also provided an opportunity for relationship-building among church representatives. During lunch, engaging conversations continued to fill the dining area as attendees shared experiences, insights, and visions from their respective churches. As new friendships were formed, it served as a reminder that Discipleship is not a solitary journey but a communal effort driven by mutual support and the sharing of each other’s faith journeys.
One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the realisation that Discipleship must be prioritised within our church structures. It requires a systematic approach that encourages intentional reflection, deeper engagement with Scripture, and accountability within our church communities. By fostering a culture of Discipleship, we can create spaces where individuals feel empowered to grow spiritually and, as a result, lead others on their own faith journeys.
One attendee noted that the highlight for him was “the chance to voice my concerns and receive support from those around me. I was filled with inner joy to know I wasn't the only one facing such issues. It was a positive gathering for change and redevelopment.”
Moving forward, it is crucial that we regularly reflect on the principles and themes of Discipleship and find practical ways to implement these principles in our local ministry spheres of influence. Empowering individuals, forming relationships, and creating groups dedicated to spiritual growth are vital steps we can take to prioritise Discipleship. In doing so, we can ensure that this often-overlooked principle remains at the heart of our mission as the SDA Church. "One important objective for 2025 is to ensure there are active Discipleship Ambassadors in each church in the Scottish Mission," says Pastor Masih.
In conclusion, the Discipleship Gathering was a significant step towards re-examining and revitalising our approach to Discipleship within the Scottish Mission. As we begin to understand the call to make disciples, let us commit ourselves to developing deeper relationships, holding one another spiritually accountable, and facilitating small groups that promote spiritual growth. The path to fulfilling the Great Commission of Matthew 28 lies in our ability to nurture and encourage one another in our journeys as disciples of Christ.
