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On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, begin to teach and preach in all the languages of the Jewish diaspora. Acts records the response of those who witnessed this miraculous feat of communication: “. . . in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” Then they ask each other, “What does this mean?”

Just as on that first Day of Pentecost, people still have a deep need to hear about God’s deeds of power in their own language. Sometimes, that means literal translation from one language to another. In our own age, however, “translation” often involves moving to other platforms; from print to digital, or from text to video, podcasts, or webinars.

More and more, we need to “translate” the good news of the gospel to those coming from entirely secular contexts, who have no previous experience with church or Christianity at all. And we need to make ourselves understandable to those coming from churches with theologies that differ in significant ways from the teachings of the Episcopal Church. If you spend any time with teens, you know there is also significant translation work happening across generations. Even literal translation—say, from English to Spanish—is often not impactful without attention to differences in culture and context.

The Center for Discipleship and Renewal (Cedar) at Forward Movement arises out of the pressing communication needs of this moment in the Church. In its 91st year, Forward Movement has been recognized as a trusted partner to help Episcopalians and other Christians deepen their relationship with God and claim their baptismal gifts. The support of the J.C. Flowers Foundation and the Episcopal Church has made an exciting expansion of Forward Movement’s ministries possible in a number of areas.

The Center for Discipleship and Renewal (Cedar) is a new discipleship initiative of Forward Movement focused on: 

• creating transformational discipleship resources for the Episcopal Church

• supporting leaders as they form disciples in their congregations and ministry contexts

• sparking conversation on discipleship and church renewal 

• becoming a hub of connection for clergy and lay leaders  

Our work will be fully integrated with Forward Movement’s other ministries and resources, and its mission to inspire disciples and empower evangelists.

You can learn more about our team here. Please share this email with others who may wish to subscribe to our e-newsletter and learn about new discipleship resources, curricula, and events across multiple platforms.

As the first disciples bravely spoke in languages previously unfamiliar to them, we too need to speak boldly about God’s love and deeds of power in new ways. We know, as they did, that the Holy Spirit will inspire and equip all of us in this holy work.

In Christ,

Regina Walton

Editor and Content Developer for Discipleship Initiatives at Forward Movement

Dear Friends in Christ,

Not long ago, I watched my son practice a simple but powerful sentence: “There are two of us, and I would like to sit in the front row.”

He whispered it over and over as we waited in line for a roller coaster, preparing himself to speak confidently, past his autism, to the ride attendant. It was just one sentence, but it was a mountain he was climbing, word by careful word (you can see him practicing in the picture attached).

Perseverance isn’t always loud or dramatic.

Sometimes it looks like quietly rehearsing your lines, preparing your heart, steadying your nerves for the next moment. It’s one of the most Christian of virtues—not because we’re told to grit our teeth and push through—but because we follow a Savior who, for the joy set before us, endured the cross.

Jesus didn’t avoid struggle. Neither he nor we are made for that.

We are made for more – made for discipleship.

What I saw in my son wasn’t just practice—it was courage. It was character. And it was hope that he could and would do it.

This is the opportunity of the Christian life—to look at the distance between us and Christ and to more deeply, day by day, move forward as a disciple. That’s where the perseverance comes in. We commit to follow with greater fidelity and study what it will mean when we arrive at moments of decision where we’re called to offer, by our life and witness, the Good News.

Your struggle this week might not involve roller coasters or spoken sentences. Maybe it’s showing up for a hard conversation, making it through another day of grief, or just choosing kindness in the middle of stress. These are the little ways discipleship becomes who we are not what we do.

It’s why Cedar is here, at this moment in the life of the Church, to help people longing to follow Jesus find encouragement and hope in the midst of so much that seems unmoored and uncertain.

A Church that perseveres in following Christ is a Church of disciples. We’ll walk the way together. We hope you’ll reach out with resources you’d love to see or offerings you hope we’ll have. We’re here to equip your journey and we hope you’ll let us know how to best support you.

So take heart. Your perseverance matters. Your discipleship matters. And that’s why we’re here–for you, for love of our neighbor, for the hope of the Church, and for the sake of Christ.

We’re in line together.

Let’s practice and persevere along the way and let’s be brave no matter where the ride takes us!

Yours in Christ,

The Rev. Robert Hendrickson

Chief of Discipleship Initiatives at Forward Movement