Circadian Rhythm
Circadian rhythm is like our body's internal clock. When this clock is working well, we feel motivated, attentive, and healthy. But any traveler knows the effects of jet lag that disorients our bodies from our daily routines. It’s the Monday morning lull after a full-throttle weekend that leaves us out of sync. Or its modern technology fueling long hours and blue screen viewing at night that disrupts healthy sleep. Studies show we are in a “rhythmic epidemic”, which explains why most people are thin-skinned, desperate for stimulation, and chronically tired.
Spiritually, the church has its own “rhythmic epidemic.” God’s remedy to have all of creation remain in sync isn’t more instruction or better morality. The prevailing expression of faith has been largely reduced to church attendance and a content-driven approach. When disciple-making is primarily knowledge based and becoming a helpful volunteer, Christians are equipped to invite someone to a program, event, or service. However, they will rarely feel like they know enough to disciple another.
Small-Batch Disciplemaking highlights seven rhythms. But really, it’s about one rhythm – Apprenticing – expressed in seven ways. It’s embodying the life of Jesus through Generosity, Compassion, and Hospitality. They identify with trinitarian fellowship in Community, Renewal of our hearts with the Spirit, and Gratitude postures rooted in the unchanging truth about God’s nature.
The question of Jesus’ time was when and how God would establish this kingdom over the world. It was thought that when the Messiah came, the Kingdom of God would arrive all at once in dramatic fashion. But Jesus disagrees: “Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you” - Luke 17:20
Like our circadian rhythm orients healthy life, these rhythms enable our faith to become incarnational. It moves what we believe is true about God to be being reflected through us. The rhythms sync our spirit with God’s presence and animate God’s nature, which was our original operating system. The rhythms are not intended to codify a new behavior. Believing that God has blessed every Christian with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, there’s nothing lacking. Disciple-making is drawing out the life of Christ to be a catalyst of kingdom movement one relationship at a time.
