Walking by the sea, Jesus invited some fisherman to join him saying, “…follow me” (Matthew 4:19). These words of Jesus foreshadowed a ministry built around discipleship. Near the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly ministry, on the mountain, he said to his followers, “…go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). Discipleship “bookended” Jesus’ ministry with everything he did intended to turn his followers into faithful disciples.

As we are thinking about spring and summer and warmer months, what is more cheerful than a neighborhood block party? How about a neighborhood block party with a chance to share Jesus with your friends and neighbors? Find a neighborhood park, backyard, or even a driveway, and we can supply all the ideas for Bible stories, games, crafts, snacks, and fun!

It was the most unusual audience. I had recently retired from the University of Houston.

When I was five years old, my parents sent me to Sunday school with a six-year-old neighbor girl. One set of parents took us to Sunday school, and the other set picked us up. One Sunday, there was a mix-up. No one picked us up. The six-year-old, sensing her maturity, was sure she could lead me home. After all, it was only a mile-and-a-half walk in a small city of 32,000. We started south, but our homes were actually east.

I have never lived on a farm—never milked a cow, never plowed a field, never waited for the harvest. I am a city boy. This puts me at a disadvantage, at times, when I read the parables and illustrations of Jesus in the New Testament. Many of his images in preaching came from a context of farming—ancient Israel was an agrarian society. The people not only understood but lived their lives around the planting and harvesting seasons.

Have you ever found yourself asking, “What am I doing here?” I hope I’m not the only one!