--- title: "Field Journal" author: "Grace Church" url: "https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/2/field-journal" --- “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” —Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV) # About this Guide This field guide is an instruction manual, workbook, and tool to use in your group as you seek the renewal of your city. It's designed to be used in conjunction with a journal. Read and discuss the content with your group and write down what you hear from God and learn from each other. The Gospel is for all times and people, and although our moment in history is unique, the call of the Gospel and the practices of the Christian life have not changed. Jesus still calls sinners, the broken, the sick, the downcast, the weak, the weary, and the hopeless to “Follow me.” To those who would be His disciples, He tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God, to abide in Him, and to go forth and make disciples. Filling the city with Jesus is not a catch-phrase, a program, or a method. It’s about seeking and abiding in the presence of God through the practices He has graciously provided: reading and abiding in His Word, walking in His Spirit, worship, prayer, and life in community. It is about aligning our hearts and wills with God’s heart and will. It’s about walking in the Spirit, living as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. God has called you to live on a lifelong mission to reflect His glory, to build up the church through the gifts He has given you, and to proclaim the Gospel to those who are far off and those who are near (Acts 2:39). God asks you give your whole life to Him so He can give it back in fuller measure. Are you ready? **Let’s begin.** > For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” —1 Corinthians 1:26–31 (ESV) # Where is my City? ## Your city is based on relationships. > We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. —1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NLT) The Lord has placed you in the midst of other people. It is within the context of those relationships that you are called to be the light, to share good news, and to point people to hope in Christ. Together, we seek the welfare of our city when we pray on its behalf and love our neighbors from a sincere heart. ![My-City-Diagram.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/my-city-diagram-O4HaLt.jpg) ## Who is my neighbor? > And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” —Luke 10:25–29 (ESV) Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan and reveals that our neighbors are not defined by proximity, social status, family relations, or any other worldly criteria. Our neighbor is anyone we encounter who has need—which includes everyone. The Samaritan provided for the wounded man out of his own means and exemplified true compassion. Jesus concludes the parable: > You go, and do likewise. —Luke 10:37 (ESV) # Vision + Mission ## Our Vision: Fill the City with Jesus God has called you to bring His presence and love into your city. Your city means wherever you have influence: family, neighborhood, gym, workplace, grocery store, friends, etc. This is not about geography; it's about relationships. The Gospel empowers you to make an impact right where you are. > Work to see that the city where I sent you as exiles enjoys peace and prosperity. Pray to the Lord for it. For as it prospers, you will prosper. —Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT) ## Mission: Make Disciples Our vision is realized through our single-fold mission: to make disciples. Every ministry, group, and event at Grace Church is unified by the mission to make disciples. This is the Great Commission—it’s the call of every believer. Although our vision is unique, the mission of every church—including ours—is the same because it is given by Jesus: **"Make Disciples"** # What is a Disciple? ## A disciple is someone who: ### Strengthens themselves in the Lord. To be strengthened in the Lord means to enter His presence in confidence because of what Jesus has accomplished (Heb. 4:15–16). The access you have to the Father gives you strength. Practicing the spiritual disciplines helps deepen your faith and strengthens you in the Lord. > But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. —1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV) ### Manages their household. Managing your home starts with strengthening yourself in the Lord. When you faithfully steward the time, talents, and resources God has given you, they can be poured into others in your city. This responsibility applies to all Christians—married, single, and parents. Managing your household includes practical matters like finances as well as intentional rhythms rooted in the spiritual disciplines. It also includes the culture of the home. Just like a greenhouse, the conditions of the environment are either conducive or hindering to growth. > He must manage his own household well.—1 Timothy 3:4 (ESV) ### Makes disciples. This is what we are called to do as Christians. > Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the very age. —Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) # Reading the Word One of the key ways that a disciple strengthens themselves in the Lord is by reading the Word daily. When we read God's Word, we encounter the Author of creation, and we get to know His heart, mind, and ways. ## As you read the Bible, consider the following: - What does this tell me about the nature of God? - What does this say about the people involved? - How can I read this prayerfully, humbly, and accurately? - Look for words, repetition, patterns, and clarifications. - What is the author’s intent (both God and the writer)? - Ask questions of the text, ask the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:27), and use your imagination. - What is happening in the story? - What do you imagine the scene to be like? Quiet, noisy, busy, slow, dirty, clear? The weather? What's the temperature? _**Note:** Using your imagination does not give the text a new meaning, it simply helps you understand and experience the story as reality._ ## For application, consider these questions: - How does this correlate to what is unfolding in your life? How does the biblical story and your story align? How are they different - What does the story tell you about God? Does this correlate to other characteristics about God across Scripture? - How does God want you to respond to what He's saying? - What underlying assumptions do you have about God that might be wrong? Why? - Where do you see God in your story? Is He in the background, forefront, or center? Is He the main voice, director, or author? ## Always ask this question: _**What is God asking me to be or do?**_ # Journaling ## Read Use a one-year Bible reading plan to navigate your way through the entire story of all 66 books as they tell the story of ONE God in relationship with His people. _Lectio Divina_ is a way to read the Bible prayerfully. It’s one of many spiritual disciplines that keep you alive after being raised from the dead. **Here’s how:** ## Write Summarize what you read. This is part of internalizing the story and getting the Word in your heart. ## Revelation Keep reading until something stands out, is highlighted by the Holy Spirit, or is revealed to you. Revelations are personal, and they are God’s gesture to invite you to slow down, stop, and spend more time on that area of Scripture. ## Invitation Enter into the story. Entering the story occurs after God reveals something to you. Use your imagination by asking questions of the text, environment, character, and context. Stay in the story until it becomes personal to you. ## Application What is God asking you to be or do from what you read? “Therefore go and make disciples.” —Matthew 28:19 (ESV) # Prayer for your City > Rejoice always, pray without ceasing... — 1 Thessalonians 5:16–17 (ESV) Create space in your journal to write down prayer requests that the Lord brings to mind. Use it daily to stay consistent and constant in prayer. Keep adding prayer requests as they come to mind and be sure to write down answers to prayer. ## Prayer Points to Include in Your Journal ### Prayer Requests Consider the people who are in your City. Who are they? What do they need? In what ways do you hope to see God move in their life? At the same time, where do you need God to show up in your life? Everything that comes to mind is an opportunity to pray and invite God in. Write down all the requests—big and small—and bring them before the Lord. >"We have not ceased to pray for you. —Colossians 1:9 (ESV) ### Answered Prayer Also make space to write answers to prayer—the Lord hears and loves to show up! Pray in faith that God will answer your prayers. > I sought the Lord, and He answered me... —Psalms 34:4a (ESV) ### Prayer for Your City Your city goes beyond geographic borders and includes everyone you interact with—friends, family, co-workers, and beyond. If you're married, your city includes your spouse. If you're a parent, your kids are part of your city. Write specific prayers for the people in your city, and ask God to reveal His heart for them. > Seek the welfare of the city... —Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV) ### Prayer for Churches Filling the city with Jesus is bigger than one church—it requires the entire body of Christ to work together for the sake of the Gospel. Pray for the churches in your city, that they may be built up in the unity of the Spirit and be emboldened to do the Lord’s will. > Strive to excel in building up the church. —1 Corinthians 14:12b (ESV) ### Prayer for City Officials Scripture commands us to pray for those in positions of authority: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions...” (1 Tim. 2:1–2a ESV). List specific people in your local government to pray for. Be specific in your prayers. > Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well... —1 Timothy 2:2 (MSG) ## Prayer for Schools Write down the schools in your city. Pray for school officials, teachers, and students. >But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them...” —Matthew 19:14 (ESV) # Community Block Being the church means living in authentic community with a small group of people where we know others and are truly known. Who are the people discipling you (fathers and mothers)? Who are you doing life with (brothers and sisters)? And who are you discipling (sons and daughters)? Who are Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy in your life? Find those people and write their names in your journal. If slots in your community block are missing, pray that God would bring new people into your life. ![Community Block.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/community-block-csN7mC.jpg) - **Paul:** More mature believers who can mentor, encourage, and guide you in your walk with Christ. - **Barnabas:** Peers you do life with on a regular basis. - **Timothy:** People you are mentoring and encouraging in the faith. > And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works... —Hebrews 10:24 (ESV) # Serve Projects What needs do you see in your city where you can be the hands and feet of Jesus? How can you help your neighbors? What about your neighborhood? Or what about needs in the broader community? There are many ways to serve others: helping with house chores, cooking meals, sending a card, or even taking time out of your day to call someone. Serving is anything that puts the needs of others ahead of your own. Ask God how He wants you to serve, dream big, and write those ideas down in your journal. > For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve... —Mark 10:45 (ESV) # Neighborhood Map + Prayer Draw or trace your neighborhood, placing your house in the center. Think about your neighbors and consider God's love for them. Pray over your neighborhood while you're at home, when you take a walk, and when you drive through. ![Neighborhood-Map.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/neighborhood-map-qM5MYk.jpg) ## Prayer for Neighbors Take time to learn about your neighbors, and write down the things you learn so you can pray specifically for their needs. Ask God to show you how you can be a blessing to your neighbors. Pray for their needs on their behalf. > For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (ESV) # About Grace Church Grace Church is a thriving multisite church located in North Carolina. We are passionate about seeking God through prayer, worship, and authentic community so we can **Fill the City with Jesus**. To learn more about us and to discover more resources, check out our website: [www.gracechurchsp.org](https://gracechurchsp.org?utm_source=writebook) *** ## Previous Messages If you want to listen to our messages, you can listen to our sermon podcast on [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1dCYCXwmohnc3RRVmogPP2?utm_source=writebook), [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-church-southern-pines/id1664277056?utm_source=writebook), and all other major platforms. You can also rewatch messages on our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@GraceChurchSouthernPines?utm_source=writebook).  Each week, we publish a [Sermon Groups Guide](https://gracechurchsp.org/groups/?utm_source=writebook) that includes a summary of the message, a list of verse references, and discussion questions to help you dig into the sermon. You can find that on our website. *** [ Fill the City **with Jesus** ] _© 2024 Grace Church of Southern Pines, Inc._