Ɛxperience, Ɛngage, Ɛvolve

THRƐƐ

THREE is how Western Reserve will encourage you to build an intimate and growing relationship with Jesus and His Word. You’ll notice that “Three” is characterized by it’s intentional focus on relationships. We believe that we are all made for relationships both with each other and with God. Our prayer is that God uses Western Reserve to reveal your next step in a personal way! We are honored to help you take those steps… that’s why we made “Three”.

The expression of the Great Commandment and Great Commission at Western Reserve. This model of discipleship has been crafted in the mold of relationship because we desire everyone to be in relationship with each other and with God!

ƐXPERIENCE
An event or series of events participated in or lived through
(crafting the Western Reserve experience to engage believers and also people checking things out)

ƐNGAGE
To draw into: involve
(events that help people to take the next step, create process and movement)

ƐVOLVE
Any process of formation of growth
(Reserve Groups, Discipleship/F.O.L.L.O.W., Serving, Covenant Community)

The philosophy is intended to inspire movement-

Moving from our EXPERIENCE, (where people participate/live through- this is our “billboard”)

ENGAGE (events that help people to take the next step, create process and movement)
Engage 101- Vision
Engage 102- Core Values
Engage 103- Statement of Faith
Engage 104- Covenant Community

These classes are led by Pastor Jason each quarter, helps people to take the next step)

Moving from Engage-

EVOLVE- (Any process of formation of growth- includes small groups, discipleship, serving, etc.- being on mission together)

Discipleship F.O.L.L.O.W.
Go back to what Jesus called every person to: “Follow Me”

At Western Reserve we are taking on the challenge of intentionally developing wholehearted followers of Christ from the Experience to Evolve with simple Acrostic of F.O.L.L.O.W that are played out through our Reserve Groups.

F – Faith – (Hebrews 11:6)
The most learned Biblical scholar must admit that our response to God always boils down to our faith. It is the decision to believe in what I cannot fully understand, and place my hope in what I cannot see. Faith is not a system of thought…it is a position of the heart.  Faith is taking the dare of embracing the life the Bible spells out for us.

O – Obedience (John 14:21)
Obedience is God’s love language. Nothing expresses our affection to Jesus more than our eagerness to be like Him. Obedience is not the effort to avoid consequences. It is the passion to express love. It is our humble response to the sacrifice of Christ and the extension of His mercy to us.

L – Learner (Romans 12:2)
It is through the words of God that we can know God’s character, His love, and His will for our lives and the world. One cannot be a fully devoted follower of Jesus without a desire to know His Word and learn His truths. So we must be students of the Bible, learning and understanding who God is and how He interacts with his creation.

L – Love God…Love Others (Mark 12:30; John 13:35); Redemptive Relationships
Seeing people through the lenses of Jesus. Loving people, sharing with them, putting their interests above your own. Understanding that the people who come across your natural path of life are actually placed there, so you can positively effect their earthly realities and eternal destiny.

O – Offering Ourselves; (Ministry and abandon to His purposes for us)
A life of offering is an “all in life”. Using our spirit given gifts for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Understanding that your relationship with God is not merely an “add on” or life enhancement…but the very essence of your life and focus.

W – World (Local and Global eyes) Acts 1:8
You cannot read the Bible without clearly seeing that God has a heart for all the people of this world. As Christ followers our hearts are to reflect His.  So what is our responsibility to take the good news of Jesus across the globe? What is our responsibility to fellow Christ followers across the globe? And what of the lost, hurting, hungry, oppressed? How are we to shine the light of Jesus into their lives?