about cdm
Community Discipleship Mission derives its name from three key essentials that Jesus practiced. We believe these principles are timeless and foundational to living as His followers. They are not just descriptive, but prescriptive.
| community | Jesus began His earthly ministry by building community. He first invited people into His life: “Come and see” and then, “Come follow Me,” and finally, “Come and be with Me.” He gathered.
| discipleship | After He gathered, Jesus did what He saw His Father do, and speak what He heard His Father say. He modeled how to live life “on earth as it is in heaven.” He set an example to follow. He didn't do conferences, offer curriculums or propose new methods. He taught men through a message of love and service. He discipled, they grew.
| mission | As Jesus gathered and discipled, He intended to ensure that the mission He had been sent to do would continue. And so He sent His disciples out, first in pairs locally, then in force globally. Jesus said, "Go."
Jesus expects us to make disciples. That means more than just teaching what Jesus said, but to teach believers to obey all that He commanded. And just as important is how Jesus made disciples: up
close and personal (do it near), and take His message to all nations,
to the ends of the earth (take it far).
Jesus’ model was effective then—and still
is today. Likewise, the apostle Paul urged believers to pattern
their lives after his example (see 1Cor 11:1; Phil 3:17). “And the things you have heard me say in the presence
of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified
to teach others” (2Timothy 2:2).
God has revealed His heart for the whole world. He had a strategy to reach and teach the world, and that was (and still is) up close, personal, a few at a time, to build deeply. Whom did Jesus choose to disciple? Those who
were faithful, available, seeking, and teachable. We call that being f.a.s.t. What did Jesus teach
them? Relationship—THE relationship: to know God is eternal life. Jesus
did it where He lived, meaning Jesus was "at
home” among those twelve men—every day—not just Sundays and mid-week services.
We all want to be part
of something bigger than ourselves. God has purpose: it’s not just what we’ve been saved from, but what are we saved for?
fulfilling a vision
Our vision is to establish a discipleship community large enough to accommodate a handful of hungry believers—going for depth, not numbers. We live in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. The city we live in (Hendersonville) is no cultural hotspot, but it IS where God has planted us. Ideally our hope is to purchase land and build a home specifically designed for CDM. We are committed to serve and lead believers into a rich, healthy and dynamic shared-life experience, with Christ as Head and center.
From March 2010—September 2011 we have been doing just that in a rental home with a handful of believers, and others wanting to join. That's good, yet we know this has just been a temporary setting. We believe we need to find or build a home expressly designed for community and discipleship living. We have to move by October 2011, destination: unknown. But the command to make disciples does not change. We're waiting and praying to see where the Lord will lead us next. Stay tuned.
Frankly, the cost to build such a home/ministry is a faith stretch. Could this be done cheaply? We suppose it could. But consider how much money is spent to build large church structures, which, for the most part, are not used daily. CDM is 24/7 ministry. Once the land/buildings are established, costs are kept to a minimum. Sustained operating expenses will be covered by room/board paid by those being discipled. In order to build, we estimate startup costs of at least $500,000. That would pay for 5+ acres of land, with at least one large, multi-bedroom residence, and additional housing to accommodate up to 12 persons.
We believe the investment made to disciple Christ-followers into mature, fruitful, and multiplying missionaries is worth it. We are committed to this work for the rest of our lives, and want to prepare others to do the same.
Care to help? We need visionary people who understand the need, have the wealth, skills, and heart to help us expand and develop this ministry. If that’s you, or you know someone who would like to help, then we'd love to connect. Email us.
Community Discipleship Mission is a 501c3, non-profit ministry. If you'd like to make a donation, whether a one-time gift or invest in monthly support,
all contributions are fully tax-deductible. See our Donate page if you'd like to help. |
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more about cdm
Founder's Bios
For Parents
CDM eNews
about the founders
 Since 1991, my wife and I have carried a vision for a relational discipleship ministry.
The Lord told us to strengthen His Church.
There are many ways to make disciples. We think believers need living examples—to be part of
a family. To be loved. To be envisioned, and believed in. A community which fosters acceptance, grace, and spiritual coaching is the context
in which discipling takes place. We understand that being mentored is not a cookie-cutter process. Every person is unique, with a particular call, gifting, and level of maturity. Our approach is to discover how God has made you, encourage you, build up your faith, provide opportunity for your gifts, challenge you, and help you get to the next place God wants you to go.
We will disciple you
to honor Christ with your body, use of time, relationships,
work ethic, finances, recreation and more. You must have a job (or raise support),
study, serve in local ministries, and travel on a short-term mission
trip. This is just feel of what CDM is about.
We're always looking to see where God is at work. Perhaps you're hearing Jesus' call to discipleship. We know we must make disciples for Christ. And we believe we've rediscovered a better Way to do it: His. If what you're reading here resonates in your spirit, and you want to know more, then please contact us.
Or better still, consider this our personal invitation to "come and see." Our door is always open!
— Mark & Kathy Lucas | CDM Founders
links we like
Adventures In Missions
Frank Viola
Freedom Center Iraq
Next Generation Ministries
Seth Barnes
The World Race
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