http://www.downlineministries.com/downlineblogDownLine Blog Updatesen-us No, this isn’t a post about Walter Payton, though such an entry would certainly be of some value (if that went over your head, just ignore me or watch “Sweetness” in action ). Rather, I want to tell you about a common question we receive at...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=119054Wed, 16 May 2012 18:24:00 ZBeing a part of the Emerging Leaders program this year has broadened my worldview and brought about an increased awareness and heart for all nations. Prior to the lessons each week, we take a few moments, altogether as a class, to spotlight a certain...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=119045Wed, 16 May 2012 16:45:00 ZOur Emerging Leaders are asked to volunteer 4-6 hours each week with a church or non-profit during their time in the program. A recent graduate of the EL program has been highlighted by Memphis Athletic Ministries for making such a huge impact...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=118939Mon, 14 May 2012 14:45:00 Z We had a great time at our Renew Memphis Fun Run on Saturday May 5th. It was a fundraiser to help bring the next group of Emerging Leaders. Participants were able to gain "per mile" sponsorships to help out the ministry. Here are some video...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=118866Wed, 09 May 2012 17:00:00 Z Despite the rainy weather which forced the festivities indoors, last night's Downline graduation for the class of 2012 was a huge success!  A big Downline THANK YOU to Christ United Methodist Church for letting us use their facilities....http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=118852Tue, 08 May 2012 19:43:00 ZKenny Kennedy was born in Clarksville, TN and stayed in his hometown to attend Austin Peay University. He pursued and received a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Leadership Studies in 2011 knowing that he wanted to pursue a career in...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=118829Mon, 07 May 2012 18:29:00 Z The class of 2012  share their experiences with the Downline Institute. http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=118776Thu, 03 May 2012 17:02:00 Z Do you have a passion for urban or athletic ministry? Hear from Randy Odom as he describes the impact Emerging Leaders have had by serving with Memphis Athletic Ministries and how he looks forward to hiring from the Emerging Leader Program every...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=118582Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:42:00 Z The community within the EL program has been encouraging, challenging, and ultimately transformational in my life. From a young age I struggled with trusting those physically close to me, believing that loneliness was better than...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=118540Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:33:00 Z "What if I'm not going into vocational ministry? What if I'm going into the business world? How can the Emerging Leader Program benefit me?" Hear from Craig Howard: http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=118440Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 Z Brandon Woodard came to Memphis from Cincinnati, Ohio after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at Ohio State University.  Brandon was very active during his college years. He took part in several outreach programs, was a member of...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=118358Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:27:00 Z Andrew Mastriano grew up in Rio Rancho, New Mexico just outside of Albuquerque. For college he traveled to West Texas A&M where he was a wide receiver for the Herdsman football team. Andrew heard about the Emerging Leader program from a friend...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=118254Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:00:00 Z Discipleship has become a buzzword in many Christian circles lately. This isn’t a bad thing; in fact it’s a great thing. Jesus commands all of His followers to make disciples in what’s been nicknamed the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Sadly,...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=116679Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:01:00 Z What is your new years resolution?  Do you have one?  Or are you like many of us who have resigned trying to keep New Year’s resolutions because we just don’t seem to get very far.  Why do new years resolutions not work?  My...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=116634Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:53:00 Z Lately, I have been thinking through the purpose of discipleship. I believe that all followers of Christ were given the commission to make disciples of all nations, but I think sometimes we lose sight of the goal of discipleship. Though there are...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=116404Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:42:00 Z When it comes to making disciples, there are two thoughts I always try to emphasize. I addressed the first thought in my first Downline blog entry, Surfboards, Globes, and Total World Impact . The second thought is the subject of this post. A...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=116273Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:50:00 Z Training in disciple-making has been the primary international strategy of Downline. I recently read an article by David Livermore, entitled “ American or American’t: A Critical Analysis of Western Training to the World .”   Livermore...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=116163Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:55:00 Z Discipleship keeps me young. Not necessarily in a Botox kind of way, but in a way that is visible in my life nevertheless. Fourteen years of knowing the Lord has provided for incredible growth in overall sanctification, but there are elements of my...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=115979Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:18:00 Z Our logo has changed, but our mission remains the same. Downline equips Christ followers to make disciples by training believers (Institute), rallying the church (Summit), sending ambassadors (Global), providing tools (Resources) and empowering...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=115810Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:54:00 Z If you are reading this it is highly likely you are very familiar with why Downline exists.  After six years it remains our prayer and passion to be a reliable equipping resource for training men and women who desire to engage in biblical...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=115743Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:12:00 Z In Ecclesiastes the Preacher states, “with increased knowledge comes increased pain”.  Often, this is interpreted and applied in the arena of one individual life. For example, the more I learn about the pervasiveness of man’s...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=115714Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:33:00 Z A young college girl laughed as she heard another mother and I talking about discipling our toddlers and preschoolers. Like many students involved in college ministries, she had never experienced discipleship until college and couldn’t imagine a...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=115630Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:32:00 Z A much needed conversation is taking place across the Western Evangelical church on the nature of biblical discipleship. What is it? How can we restore it to the church? If we don’t act soon, the Western church will soon be a stereotype of the...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=115544Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:59:00 Z [Last week we looked at "Excusive Grace", "Militant Grace", and "Transformative Grace" in discipleship.] Allow me to illustrate how each of these positions might handle a common discipleship issue. The Situation: You’re supposed to meet...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=115445Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:42:00 Z One of the most helpful and practical discipleship concepts that I’ve learned came from a seminary professor who was describing the difference between what he called “excusive grace” and “transformative grace.” In brief, “excusive grace” is what...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=115347Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:19:00 Z What do I believe about the Holy Spirit?  Seems like a question I should have wrestled down a long time ago – seeing that I have been a follower of Jesus since I was 13 years old. A friend gave me a Francis Chan book – Crazy Love . Wow!...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=115199Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:18:00 Z None of the Jesus' disciples were slackers, especially Peter.   Peter begins his second letter to second generation disciples by exhorting them—not to be slackers—but diligently to add character to their faith: “But also for this...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=115034Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:09:00 Z There is one disease that continues to discourage people all around the world.   It is called cancer.  Let me ask you another question.  What if a person developed a cure for cancer? He or she could travel the world and share...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=114966Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:19:00 Z Have you ever taken the time to reflect on Psalm 23:1 (“The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want”)? I started studying Psalm 23 in depth while reading a book by Philip Keller entitled “A Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23.” It was amazing for my walk with...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=114839Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:03:00 Z If the title of this blog post tied your brain into a knot, just hang in there, I’m going somewhere with this. One of the most common questions I have received on any topic during my brief 12 years in ministry is this: “How do you engage the...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=114765Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:01:00 Z ALL NATIONS! (Genesis 12:2-3; Matthew 28:18-20) Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ENDS of the EARTH! (Acts 1:8) The pages of Scripture are clear about God’s heart for the nations. Because this is something Jesus impressed upon the minds of his...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=114674Wed, 07 Sep 2011 18:28:00 Z We all know that “it is better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) and there is no disputing this truth. God blesses our efforts to help others through giving, so long as it is done with an attitude of joy and humility. But what I have encountered...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=114620Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:18:00 Z One of the most impactful messages I received during my time as a student in the DownLine Institute came during our study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Paul explained in detail that they were chosen and adopted in Christ before the foundation...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=114510Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:39:00 Z Family…not those that are our blood, but those that become our blood… ...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=114291Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:00:00 Z I recently heard an interview with a female Bible teacher who referred to “Biblical Womanhood” topics as fluffy as she pushed for women to focus on exegetically studying the entire word and not female directed passages alone. Her words and tone...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=114229Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:03:00 Z In the church today, I think one of the common misconceptions among Christians is that Discipleship = Bible study. I’m not sure when this idea of discipleship as part-and-parcel of Christian education took root in the minds of church-goers, but...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=114147Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:17:00 Z Over the past year I’ve been chronologically reading through all four Gospels by following a “Harmony of the Gospels” approach. It has been incredible. The observations I’m about to share are not earth-shattering, but were a good reminder and...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=113897Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:30:00 Z We’ve all been watching the evening news and have seen the portion of the show when the lottery numbers are drawn. For most of us, this is a boring time where we often think, “Ok, ok. Let’s get on with it.” Most of us may even wish that this wasn’t...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=113873Sun, 24 Jul 2011 18:45:00 Z Sir:  Some recent work by E. Fermi and L. Szilard, which has been communicated to me in a manuscript, leads me to expect that the element uranium may be turned into an important source of energy. Certain aspects of the situation which has...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=113733Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:29:00 Z “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32) This verse jumped off the...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=113713Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:46:00 Z A few years ago I was living in Costa Rica. When my friends and I were not in language school, we would take off and explore the country. On one of our excursions we made our way to a sleepy little surfing community on the Nicoya Peninsula called...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=113663Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:30:00 Z I know, I know, I have that backwards. But time and again as I disciple and counsel women, a theme arises – a theme of guilt.  And I don’t think this is a struggle specific to women.  Sometimes the guilt is warranted and healthy, the...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=113592Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:39:00 Z As Christians, we all struggle against sin in our lives, but 1 John tells us that no one who knows Him keeps on sinning or continues to live in sin. This issue has been coming up frequently with young believers around me who are living destructive...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=113418Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:19:00 Z I believe discipleship is both truth and life transference in the context of relationship. I also believe that the Americanized modern evangelical practice of discipleship is heavy on truth and light on relationship. It’s become academic, and...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=113030Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:40:00 Z “This is hard!”   Any individual who has endeavored to impart truth and invest in the life of another has spoken these words often.   When I completed DownLine I had a clear vision for what I wanted the return on the...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=112920Wed, 25 May 2011 15:55:00 Z A year ago I was eating at a Chic-Fil-A with two friends and a musician from Seattle.   I would wager a #1 with no pickles that this was the first time this particular Seattlite had dined with someone from Southern Alabama, and it did not...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=112862Wed, 18 May 2011 18:46:00 Z We see clearly laid out in the pages of Scripture that God has a heart for all nations. I have three boys (ages 4, 3, and 18 months), and as a parent I want my children to have on their hearts the things that God has on His. If you are a parent (or...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=112765Wed, 11 May 2011 16:03:00 ZDoes your discipleship include nose-blunts, 50/50s, tailstall reverts, kick flips, heel flips, acid drops, 360 rock-n-rolls, or rock fakies? Didn’t think so. Mark Jannetta’s does. Mark went through the DownLine Institute in 2009-2010 and is now...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=118755Mon, 02 May 2011 16:53:00 Z During this past Easter season, I was struck by a very simple observation in the Gospel of Matthew. In the days leading up to this most remarkable of Christian holidays, I decided—along with many believers around the world—to spend time reading...http://www.downlineministries.com/default.aspx?p=73682&beid=112679Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:57:00 Z