Heartwood Church’s personal formation, called Living Stones, is dynamic, able to meet you where you are, and holistic, ranging from the deeply spiritual to the very practical. It’s a pathway for each of us to grow stronger in the life God calls us into.
You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 NIV
Jesus commands us, as his Church, to be and make disciples. While the process of sanctification is a continual “transformation into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18), we should also have markers which tell us we are: equipped for works of service, attained unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, and become mature (Eph. 4:12-13). Toward that end, Heartwood Church has set up 12 markers, 12 Living Stones, as steps of discipleship.
Why Twelve?
In the Bible twelve is a number that represents completeness with regard to the people of God. There are 12 Tribes of Israel, 12 Apostles, and 24 (2×12) Elders around the throne of God. Each of the Living Stones is illustrated by the life of each of the 12 sons of Israel. As the leadership of the church prayerfully considered what outcomes God is looking for in his disciples, we found ourselves with twelve outcomes. The 12 stones are grouped into four focal areas (illustrated in the locations of the tabernacle): People, The Patio,The Holy Place, and The Presence.
Why Stones?
In the Bible people used stones as markers. For example, when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, each tribe took a stone from the middle of the riverbed, and when they crossed to the other side the stones were set up as a memorial (Joshua 4:1-9). Also, the breastplate of the high priest was inlayed with 12 stones, with a name of each tribe written on a stone (Ex. 28:15-21). Like with the number 12, we wanted to capture that symbolism and give people a remembrance.
How does discipleship work?
It is our desire that every member of our church, young or old, obtain 12 stones as a memorial to their growth in Christ. Some stones are easier to obtain, while others more difficult. Some stones have a specific set of curriculum that must be completed, while others are specifically tailored to the individual. Although the stones are presented in a logical order, they do not have to be obtained in a specific order. We work in mentor-disciple relationships and in small groups. As requirements are completed and the fruit of a new life is seen, stones are awarded publicly during worship services.