Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

Colossians 1:28

The discipleship ministries of College Church exist to facilitate, by the power of the Holy Spirit, such growth into Christ-like maturity. From Adult Communities on Sunday mornings to weekly small groups, men’s and women’s Bible studies, mentoring relationships, and more, the main goal in all of them is to mutually encourage and exhort one another to grow up into Christ, not being hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We desire to be disciples of Christ who make disciples of Christ.

This past year, 2021–2022, saw a couple significant changes for us. First, though COVID has not gone away (and likely will not), for a variety of reasons we were able to begin gathering again in greater capacities. And though we are thankful to the Lord for the opportunity technology did and will continue to afford us, we are also thankful that in-person ministry was able to resume—there simply is no replacement for being together. Second, we said goodbye to Pastor Josh Stringer and his family, as he took a new role as the senior pastor of Living Stones Church just north of Atlanta. Pastor Stringer served us faithfully as the pastor of discipleship, and we were both saddened to see him go and excited for him and his family in this new opportunity. His departure obviously left a few holes. And I want to take some time here to thank all those who, in various ways, stepped in to fill them.

Pastoral Resident Michael Walker oversaw many of our important ministries, including Adult Communities, small groups, 20s, and the Discipleship Committee. He did a wonderful job—thank you, Michael. Pastor Ben Panner oversaw our weekly men’s ministry and brought a renewed clarity and passion for studying the Bible together as men—thank you, Ben. Pastor Eric Channing resumed and revitalized many of our frontdoor ministries: greeters, welcome center, visitors

lunches and membership classes—thank you, Eric. When you see these men, please thank them (“Pay . . . honor to whom honor is owed” [Rom. 13:7]). Their important work has made my transition into this role as the pastor of discipleship much smoother than it otherwise might have been.

I want to thank members of the Discipleship Committee— Dave Setran, Kayla Costley, Harry Robinson, elder liaison Jeff Oslund and pastoral liaison Michael Walker— for their ongoing work this past year. Among other things, and in concert with one of our elder initiatives, they worked hard at imagining and beginning to construct a discipleship curriculum that could be implemented in various ways across the church, providing a core body of teaching that would unite us on a solid foundation.

I also want to thank Mark Berg, one of our elders, who has been a great encouragement to me personally and professionally. Among other things, he spearheaded the creation of our newest Adult Community, Life Together, which has been very successful. We continue to dream and think about the creation of more Adult Communities that will help facilitate further community among us.

Finally, to the many volunteers apart from whom many of our ministries would simply not function, thank you. May the Lord richly bless you as you continue serving him by so faithfully serving us.

Be encouraged, College Church, God is at work among us. And I look forward with great anticipation to what he has in store for us this coming year.

Working with you for your progress and joy in the faith. (Phil. 1:25)