The Safari Edition

Today’s world faces great challenges, such as the reality of terrorism that is rooted in religious radicalization and the other challenge is that of worldliness.

It is evident that a majority of Christians are deeply rooted – not in the Word but the world. Hence , rather than being encouraged to pattern his life after Christ who lived in total obedience of his Father, the modern Christian us actively pursuing the good life – the health and wealth Gospel.

The real crisis we face is not terrorism but lack of discipleship. Massie-Blomfield then went on to ask, “Where are the Christian madrassas? We need a generation of people who no longer live for themselves, but for Christ who loved us enough to die for us”. As the songwriter said;

Rise up, O men of God!

Have done with lesser things.

Give heart and soul and mind and strength

To serve the King of Kings (William Pierson Merrill 1867-1954)

Individual Level

Discipleship at the individual level forms the most critical component of The Safari and is aimed at helping the believer in:

1. Understanding the foundations of the faith.
2. Encountering God through personal disciplines and habits.
3. Experiencing and expressing the love of God to one another in the body of Christ.
4. Participating in Service and Ministry in line with individual skills, gifts and talents.
5. Living a life of purpose by engaging in an integrated mission lifestyle as salt and light in the world.

Small Groups Level

As the Chinese saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go with others”. Because the journey of faith can be challenging, believers are therefore encouraged and expected to walk and grow together through:

1. Bible study
2. Fellowship
3. Outreach
4. Care for one another, etc.

Congregation Level

The focus of the congregation meeting is to celebrate our faith. It is the culmination of our daily Discipleship walk. Discipleship at the congregation level will be experienced through:

1. Systematic Teaching of God’s Word
2. Spirit Inspired Worship
3. Participating in Church Ordinances
4. Engagement in Service and Ministry

Affinity Groups Level

Affinity groups will be designed for individuals of similar life experiences, concerns, or professions. These groups will provide:

1. Care and support for one another
2. Development of relevant life skills
3. Forum to apply various special experiences to the service of God

Whole Church Level

Every so often, the whole community of believers such as the CITAM family will need to come together in joint gatherings such as conferences, conventions, general meetings, or solemn assemblies. This aspect of discipleship in the whole church gathering involves;

1. Vision and mission building
2. Inspiration, prayer and motivation
3. Reviewing church governance and administration for accountability and effectiveness