The personal site of Jonathan Hayashi
It was a Sunday afternoon after our regular Sunday morning service, we gathered around in the back fellowshipping with one another and a member jumped into the conversation mentioning of the retirement. Excited this person was as she mentioned of her own decision something like this: “Working a normal job, I had to spend 40 or 50 hours a week …
The great evangelist D.L. Moody was once confronted by a woman who said she didn’t like his method of evangelism. D. L. Moody said, “I don’t particularly like my method either. What’s yours?” The woman said, “I don’t have one.” To which D.L. Moody replied, “Then I like mine better!” There are many methods for sharing the faith! As someone …
This idea of Discipleship so often has been misunderstood. In fact, I was speaking to one of the lady at our church last week as we began this new ministry of discipleship, she along with many other people misunderstood by thinking it’s a one-on-one deal that only super christians do. But in essence, by definition a “Disciple” is a Christian. So if …
“We have the most wonderful pastor! He really preaches the Word. He preaches against sin and even calls sin by its name,” the member said. The my friend asked about the doctrinal content of the sermons (“Does he preach on doctrines like regeneration, justification, redemption, sanctification and so forth?”), the emphasis response was, “No! He doesn’t preach on those kinds …
As we all know this year marks the 500th anniversary of the of the Protestant Reformation with Martin Luther; anyone interested in Christianity should become familiar with Martin Luther and his work. We remember as we look back to 1517 the pivotal moment in history has done for us today, this simple a monk named Martin Luther posted a paper …
Why are so many people not growing deeper in their relationship with God? There was a recent study done by Eric Geiger and Ed Stetzer for writing the book Transformational Groups, a study that oversee 2,300 churches sponsored by 15 denominations. Less than half of those churches said they had any plan in place for discipling people, and only 60 …
Jesus is absolutely worth everything within our lives. The fundamental question we must as is, “What is Jesus worth to me?” Radical by David Platt challenges us to consider with honest open heart question, of how we think and take the gospel in our life. So many questions and stipulations that beckons us that leads us a stray with the …
Someone approached me and asked me recently, “What is your favorite Bible verse?” I often find myself troubled as I find it extremely difficult at times to focus in on one single verse, as there are specific times in my life where certain passage of scripture that ministers to my soul, so I would like to answer this question carefully …
New Years Resolution comes in many forms. People wanting to get rid of bad habits, or develop a good habit. Why not begin by what matters most with our faith in the Lord? Let’s start there! One of the benefits of thinking about “developing good habits” is to remember the practices of the ancient church. What the Reformation took away from …
How can we grow as a church? How do you start a new group in a church? I believe this is one of the fundamental question raised by all churches, as within the question in itself, there is a sense urgency that they recognize something is not working. They know and sense that fulfilling the Great Commission is a task that …
Discipleship is not easy. Jesus didn’t say it would be. “Shouldn’t we do something Jonathan?!” What is so often the response of a church? Two things usually happens; 1. Don’t do anything. There’s a reason why most people chose this option – it’s easy. It is too much work to change the structure of Sunday school system, “Do it as …
We have been caught in a hurricane of lie of what some theologians will call, “Easy Believeism”. Detrich Bonhoffer said, “The evangelists today are very often prepared to be anything to anybody as long as they can get somebody to the altar for something. They glibly call out: ‘‘Who wants help? Who wants more power? Who wants a closer walk …
Everyone agrees; Discipleship is important. Discipleship is fundamental to the church and every facet of our churches and who we are. Not just one facet like Children’s ministry, Music ministry, Youth ministry, Senior adults ministry…. but every facet goes under the umbrella of Discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20). I mean first of all, what does it mean to be a “Disciple of …
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor, theologian during under the reign of Nazi Germany with Hitlar in the year of 1940s said it well, “Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” Many pastor quote him for the book written, “The Cost of Discipleship.” Bonhoeffer was a professor, a pastor, a spy, and finally, a martyr. He believed that unless one …
“Go make disciples…..” So, where should we begin? “The typical churched believer will die without leading a single person to a life-saving relationship with Jesus Christ.” said Jim Putman from Real Life ministries. I believe it boils down to this daunting question that no one wants to raise. We have no idea where to even begin by making disciples. Yes, …
“What does a successful church look like?” This was the question that I asked the first meeting after a summer break with the small group. We meet every other Monday nights with the couples about 7 married couples in the bible study and we began to brainstorm on this very question. What does a win look like as a church? …
“What is one thing you wish you knew before being in the ministry?” a young seminary student asked me. It is this, the two relationship 1. Leader 2. Follower Charles Tidwell said it once, “Leaders Must Earn a Following” It is true even of church leaders that their arrival at a position must be accompanied or followed soon by their …