"I should assume I am to go unless He tells me otherwise" (pg. 160). What an incredible chapter this one is, reminding of the importance of trusting and living out one's faith in everyday choices. "I needed to plan to go, and be willing to stay" (pg. 160). This chapter just instills yet again the strength and courage it takes to be willing to live out whatever plans the Lord has for us- the kind of faith that can only come from a firm foundation in the living word of God. This planning to go and being willing to stay if called to do so is something I think all Christians plan on doing, it is usually what they intend to do, but then "life" gets in the way. But would God try to distract us from His goodness? I don't think that its "life" that gets in the way, but rather that death does. His word is breathing new life into us day in and day out, and it continues to revive us when this world tries to lead us to our death. This would be an amazing topic for a God Talks night, as I know many college students struggle with giving their plans to Christ everyday, especially when the world around us continues to tell us to do otherwise. "Not everyone should go, but everyone should have the same goal no matter their role" (pg. 172). Equip is such an amazing community (which you all know), that preaches just that- and we all are in need of constant reminding and teaching about this goal, and what it looks like to live out this purpose. I loved how the chapter ended reminding us that we are not doing a "service" to God when we do good works, but that it is through His grace that we are allotted the opportunity to serve and to play a part in leading others to the cross. What powerful stuff! I am so encouraged by this, and cannot wait to see how the Lord calls each of us to work for His Kingdom.

"Equipping is developing people in their character and ministry skills so they can effectively evangelize, equip, export, and empower others to do the same" (p. 137). This chapter was so reassuring of what we are a part of on our campuses. One of my favorite take aways from this chapter would have to be the use of the A E I O U's (pages 142-143) --> this is definitely something that I want to include in my daily life in the fall, especially when I am discipling others. I also really enjoyed when the author was illustrating how disciples can only multiply their lives if they are truly reflecting the light of Christ in all that they are and do; this is something I desire to focus on wholeheartedly, and something that we can never do on our own. The Holy Spirit wills Christ-like character within us and our lives should reflect that. One of my favorite "benefits" of having a community in Equip, is that we are able to hold one another accountable, making sure that we are living for the Kingdom, and allowing repentance and correction when we go astray. "We cannot see God and remain unchanged" (p. 146). This is SO POWERFUL YOU GUYS!!! I think we, as young adults, often times struggle to believe that we are equipped or educated enough to train and lead others, but the fact that we can live in His presence and have that be something that can bring others closer to our Lord is outstanding! We are incredibly blessed by the pull of the Holy Spirit in us and in those we find ourselves spending time with.

Praying for growth using the five F's was a new idea for me, and I plan on including it when I am praying for myself, Equip, and others. So many of the words in this chapter were about encouraging, empowering, building up, etc. This is something that spoke volumes to me, and is definitely a fundamental aspect to a successful evangelistic approach that I aim to adapt into my life. "Great leaders learn how each of their disciples draws near to God and find ways to help them do it" (p. 119). As a leader, I have had many different encounters and outcomes in relationships with others, and this is an area that I would like to see personal growth in this next semester. What makes me feel His presence may be completely noneffective for you, and that's okay. We, myself very much so included, need to not be discouraged by this, but to be encouraged that this is a chance to grow together as He will unveil what works for others along the way. I found myself highlighting certain paragraphs and writing specific names of women I am disciplining or have attempted to disciple in the past. This has helped me become more intentional with my relationships, so that I am all in for a few instead of partially in many.

"Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us" (p. 91). This chapter helped to really shape our purposes and what our goals should be as an on-campus ministry. "It's a process, not an event," is something people who are like me, very structured and organized as much as I can be, need to be reminded up frequently. It is too easy to get caught up in the busyness of our lives, and having our meetings and worship nights centered around the focus of why we unite is essential. Towards the middle of the chapter, the author talks about how leaders in equipping missions need to be aware of how they are caring for others, so that this care is what is making one ministry stand apart from the countless lost ones. "Eighty percent told a story of how God opened them up to the Gospel by letting them see the love that Christians had for one another" (p. 104). This speaks for itself, and is so encouraging! To be set apart from others in a way that showcases the love that Jesus has for His children is one of the many gifts we are given as His heirs. What an incredible blessing to be able to bless others and be blessed in return. I also enjoyed the section toward the end of the chapter regarding constantly pursuing and being consistent with disciples, the lost, other Christians, etc. and how the effort needs to be there in order to see the growth that can come from Him alone. After reading this, I am left very inspired and eager to apply new principals and reiterate old ones, always centering my life around the one who gives it to me!

This chapter was such a good reminder of what our purpose needs to be as an on-campus ministry, and as followers of Christ. "Casting vision is a process, not an event" (p. 71). This is something that is continuously needing to be reiterated, as so often we find ourselves getting discouraged instead of seeing the overall grace that is being displayed. I think we sometimes get caught-up in making an event so perfect, nit-picking at all the details and whatnot. This can really set us up for disappointment afterwards, because we are expecting perfection when we could never give it. I also liked when the author narrows in on the need for repetition when it comes to who we are as a community, what our aims are, and how we are pursuing them. The emphasis on prayer and its connection to disciple-making effectiveness on page 80 really hit home. I've always been a big believer in the power of prayer, having seen it work in mysterious, awe-striking ways, and this is definitely something I would like to increase for our next school year.

"Maybe the problem is with the soil." I really enjoyed reading this chapter, because of its focus on life after college. The subject of getting connected with a discipleship focused and gospel-centered community is so incredibly important, and is something that many fail to find after leaving their campus ministry. I see this happen so often when students come back to my home town, the ones who used to be a part of the church and are now struggling to find that community after leaving school. On page 63, McNabb shares that "none of us ever graduate from needing a missional community that functions as a disciple-making team." How encouraging is it to know of God's design for us as His children, to be in constant community with one another so that we can continue to spur each other on, keeping our sights focused on the path He has set before us. This is the beautiful thing about community; we need it in order to be able to grow in our relationship with the Lord and fellow believers, we need it to further His kingdom.

"God will be faithful to do his part to multiply our lives, but that does not mean that the work on our side of the equation is not important" (pg. 51). I feel as though more times than not, we fail to remember that although God will accomplish what He wishes to be done with or without us, we have a duty as His children to serve Him with all of our efforts. This chapter looked at why other campuses are failing, while only a few are exceeding, narrowing it down to whether or not the labor on our end is being emphasized. Bringing encouragement, this chapter helped remind me that the Holy Spirit will work within, all I am asked to do is to move, to listen, to tell of His great works so that others might come to know Him as well.

"The question is not how qualified you are....but how qualified God is to keep His promises" (p.34). What an inspiring statement of truth- that we will never be enough, and by faith and trust in the pursuit of His glory He will multiply His kingdom through us! This lifts the stress off of my shoulders and creates a zeal within my heart; to keep my eyes focused on Him and follow the path He has set before us. Later on in the chapter, page 38 shares an example of a missionary who converted one person, and felt himself as being fruitless- a failure. What we see here is the magnificent wonder and all-powerful might of the Lord as He uses this convert to create many others, bearing much fruit. This helps us to not get discouraged when our efforts may seem futile and at such a microscopic level- He is bigger, and will do bigger things than we can ever begin to imagine.

WOW!! I can already tell that a lot of growth will be the result of doing this study, very excited for the rest of it to be unveiled to us. I really liked how on page 23, the author talks about how when we are spiritually multiplying, that is God's image within us that is being glorified and restored as His great works are being known to more and more of his children. How comforting to know that when we live our lives focusing on seeking Him in all things, to bring glory to His kingdom- we are given the opportunity to be vessels of His love and grace. No matter how many times I read about this, hear it, talk with others about it, it still will amaze me. God is SO mighty and awe-striking, I am humbled to be His servant- which "sets me free from living a meaningless life" (p. 23).