Discipleship

Members of our congregations come from a variety of worship and church traditions and some also attend other churches. We seek to ensure that newcomers feel at home even if they’ve never been in a church before – we want no-one to feel excluded from experiencing the love and grace of God.

Our parish aim is, in God’s strength, to bring Jesus to the centre of our lives and to the heart of our community.

Discipleship Reflection for adults

How Jesus-centred is your life?

Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” — Mark 8:34

Jesus said, “I came that you may have life, and have it to the full.” — John 10:10

Being a disciple means following Jesus, and this reflection is designed to help you consider your faith journey. We suggest you set aside some uninterrupted time to answer these questions thoughtfully, prayerfully and openly before God. There’s no need to look at every question now, you might like to focus on one part and come back to it. Then consider discussing what you discover with a trusted friend or your small group and praying together. Or one of the church leaders if you’d like to; all contact details are on the parish newsletter and website.

1. Belonging to Christ: My Identity and Salvation

• Am I a committed Christian? When and how did I begin following Jesus?
• Have I begun to know God’s unconditional love and grace, and am I living free from guilt and shame?

2. Walking With Christ: My Devotional Life

• How meaningful is my time with God in reading the Bible, prayer, worship, silence and (when relevant) fasting?
• What help might I need with any of this?
• What are my usual/regular patterns for reading the Bible and praying?
• Is anything preventing me from gathering with God’s people on Sundays?
• How do I prepare my heart and mind for Sundays including Holy Communion?
• How meaningful is meeting with the church on Sundays to me?
• How am I growing in knowledge of God and how do I apply what I’m learning?
• How are my doubts and questions being addressed?

3. Becoming Like Christ: My Character and Holiness

• How are the fruits of the Holy Spirit growing in me (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self control)?
• What temptations do I struggle with, eg self centredness, entitlement, lust, unforgiveness, self pity, pride?
• Can I ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to fight temptation? Do I need other help too, eg from friends, mental health or addiction services?
• Is there one particular area that needs to change?
• How are any gifts of the Holy Spirit growing in me and being used for others (such as administration, discernment, encouragement, evangelism, faith, giving, healing, interpretation, knowledge, leadership, mercy, miracles, prophesy, service, teaching, tongues, wisdom)

4. Being part of Christ’s Church: My Relationships

• Do I have people who help me carry life’s burdens, who are they?
• Am I able to share honestly with them – disappointments, sorrows, guilt and shame, as well as hopes and joys?
• How do I handle difference or conflict in relationships?
• Do I tend to encourage others or compete with them?
• How much do I go out of my way for other people?
• Who do I find hard to love, and why?

5. Serving Christ: My Mission, Work, and Stewardship

Gifts & Service

• What do I see as my gifts and abilities? What am I passionate about?
• If I don’t know what my gifts are, who could I ask?
• How am I using my gifts in the church and the world?
• How am I volunteering or serving others with my time, money, prayers?
• How committed am I to justice, peace and caring for God’s world?

Evangelism

• Am I able to explain why I am a Christian and what Christ means to me?
• If not, what help might I need?
• Who am I praying for?
• Who am I actively sharing the gospel with?

Finances & Daily Life

• Do I truly trust God with my finances?
• How am I using the money God has given me? How generously am I giving, and to whom?
• Am I bringing God into my working and everyday life?
• How does my line of work or career honour God?
• Is God honoured in the area of sex? Am I being open and honest with my partner (if applicable)?

6. Living Wisely: My Rhythm, Rest, and Balance

• To what extent is my life balanced, with regular time for family and important relationships, rest, recreation, nature and personal growth?
• Do I have a good balance of public worship, private devotions, and serving?

Closing Prayer

Thanks be to you, our Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given us, for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us.

Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may we know you more clearly,

love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen.

St Richard of Chichester (1197 – 1253)

Our aim is, in God’s strength, to bring Jesus to the centre of our lives

and to the heart of our community

Jan 2026

Discipleship Reflection for children and young people

for children and young people

People brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was angry and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them. Mark 10: 13 – 16.

Being a Christian means following Jesus, and these questions are to help you think about how you’re getting on. Ask God to help you think about them and to notice whatever he might want to say to you. If you like, just pick a few questions at first.

• Have I decided for myself to believe and follow Jesus, as a Christian?
• Do I pray and talk with God about the things that trouble me and concern me in the world?
• Do I read the Bible (maybe a children’s or youth Bible) and try to understand more about Jesus’ life and his love for me?
• Do I remember that God made the world and provided all the good things in my life and remember to thank him?
• Do I get to church on Sundays whenever I can, expect to learn about God and his love, and join in?
• Who can I ask about things I don’t know or understand about God?

• Am I becoming more loving, joyful, kind, patient and able to keep my temper?
• Are there any particular ways I need God’s help to behave like this more?
• Do I use my faith to pray for other people, to listen for God speaking to encourage them through me, to help them?
• What are the things I’m especially good at?
• do I do them to help other people?

• Am I happy for my friends to know I’m a Christian and go to church/ youth group?
• Do I sometimes tell them how great God’s love is for everyone?
• Am I generous to other people, with my things or any money I have?
• Am I aware of God being with me in my everyday life, including at school, any sports or groups I’m in, and at home?

• Who can I talk to about my faith or anything I feel I need help with? Might be parents, other relatives, someone at church or youth group, or somewhere else.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for your love. Help me to believe in you, to love you back, and to live how you say is the best way to live. Amen.

Our aim is, in God’s strength, to bring Jesus to the centre of our lives

and to the heart of our community