Word and Deed: An Integrated Approach to Discipleship for a Missional Change in a City Congregation

Abstract

This project introduces a missional approach to discipleship that balances two components, Word and Deed, or integrating Scripture study and community service. The strategy aims to contribute to the spiritual formation of congregants as they simultaneously engage their neighbours. Using action research, sixteen members from a small congregation in Toronto were invited to participate and to view their life as a context for mission. They studied Matthew’s gospel and reflected on the mission Dei, God's missionary character and initiative to redeem all of creation, as modeled by Christ’s life. Then they partnered with several agencies to initiate community service, which included a bread ministry, creation care, home visitation and evangelism. There is conclusive evidence that combining study of God’s Word with engagement is an effective discipleship tool in the spiritual formation of city congregants.