Dr. Kennon Vaughan (Lead Pastor at Harvest Church)
Dec 18, 2024
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Kennon Vaughan, Lead Pastor at Harvest Church and founder of Downline Ministries, shares his life-altering near-death experience from a plane crash. He discusses how misconceptions about the Great Commission can hinder workplace purpose and advocates for 'doing less' and 'abiding more' to effectively disciple. Kennon emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships and faith during tragedy, and he reflects on integrating spiritual growth into everyday life, all while encouraging intentional family connections and meaningful engagements in faith.
Kennon's near-death experience highlighted the importance of prioritizing relationships and intentionality in making disciples within our communities.
Abiding in Christ through prayer and Scripture is essential for authentic transformation, enabling believers to exhibit joy, peace, and love.
Suffering can reveal God's character, prompting individuals to embrace life’s uncertainties and engage in meaningful conversations about faith.
Deep dives
The Influence of the Great Commission
The Great Commission is primarily about making disciples, which is articulated through the verb mathetusite in Matthew 28:19. The command to 'make disciples' stands at the center, with 'going,' 'baptizing,' and 'teaching' as participial actions that inform how discipleship is carried out. The conversation emphasizes that anyone can fulfill this commission within their immediate context, reinforcing that making disciples is a lifestyle that begins local and grows outward. This perspective highlights the significance of relationships and intentionality in influencing those around us spiritually.
Abiding in Christ
Abiding in Christ is central to effective disciple-making, as true transformation stems from a deep, intimate relationship with Him. This relationship is cultivated through consistent practices such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, and dependence on God during life's trials. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes, the process of abiding fuels believers' capacities to exhibit joy, peace, and love toward others in their day-to-day lives. This focus allows Christians to maintain a posture of reliance on God, leading to authentic witnessing and influential interactions in their secular environments.
The Impact of Suffering
Experiencing suffering can lead to profound revelations about God’s character and purpose. In the wake of a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of close associates, the survivor reflects on the significance of trusting God amid life's uncertainties. This experience underscored the reality of mortality and the importance of embracing each day as an opportunity to fulfill Christ's calling. The understanding that God can use suffering for good offers insight into the ways believers can engage with their communities, fostering conversations about faith and hope even in dire circumstances.
Reevaluating Life's Priorities
Following a life-altering event, there is a renewed commitment to reassess and prioritize time and activities. The focus shifts towards creating space for rest, family connection, and intentional discipleship, moving away from the relentless pace of modern life. This purposeful living allows individuals to invest in relationships, fostering spiritual growth not just personally, but within their immediate spheres of influence. The changes made underscore the importance of balance, encouraging others to not only make room for rest but also to cultivate meaningful experiences.
Empowering Others Through Love
The act of making disciples is rooted in selfless love and relational integrity, transforming ordinary interactions into opportunities for spiritual growth. Authentic relationships cultivate trust and provide the groundwork for meaningful conversations about faith, encouraging individuals to share their personal journeys. Individuals are reminded that every believer has the power to influence those around them, no matter their location or vocation. This empowers Christians to recognize the significance of their everyday actions and the encouragement they can offer to those seeking spiritual truth.
How Kennon’s near-death experience in a plane crash changed his work, how common misapplications of the Great Commission thwart your purpose at work, and why we need to “do less” and “abide more” to effectively make disciples.