Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations… Matthew 28:19 (NASB)
At the Norridge Citadel, Ill., Corps, discipleship has become a central focus in the past three years as corps members have engaged in the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality course and the follow-up Emotionally Healthy Relationships course, based on the book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero.
“The courses are a great tool for helping folks take the next step in their discipleship journey,” said Major Catherine Mount, who leads the corps with her husband, Major Peter. “The value of learning in relationship with others in a small group setting is priceless; it trains the individual and builds up the Body of Christ at the same time.”
The corps started offering the courses when Commissioners Barry and Sue Swanson, inspired by their own experience with the material, volunteered to lead group studies. At that time, the commissioners felt the curriculum would help people address some of the emotional and spiritual challenges they were going through during times of fear, uncertainty and loneliness caused by the pandemic.
“I felt people were hungry for something,” said Commissioner Barry, adding that the curriculum is more than another Bible study. “Discipleship means learning from Jesus and following Jesus. Bible study is Bible study. This course requires the practice of discipleship.”
Held twice a year, the eight-week Emotionally Healthy Spirituality sessions have been highly successful, with 77 individuals completing the course and some returning for a second round or progressing to the Emotionally Healthy Relationships course.
“The premise for the courses is based on Jesus’ response to the Pharisees regarding the most important commandments,” said Lt. Colonel Charles Smith, who facilitates Emotionally Healthy Spirituality while Commissioner Barry leads Emotionally Healthy Relationships. “The first course is ‘love the Lord your God’ and the second is ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ It’s all about relationships.”
Individual participants commit a significant amount of time, including reading chapters from the book and practicing the Daily Office (devotions, prayer and silence) twice daily for a 40-day spiritual journey. They also attend a two-hour group session each week.
However, the curriculum is designed to allow facilitation without excessive preparation time. Facilitators follow a set schedule consisting of elements like devotions, silence, prayer and group discussion, interspersed with video teaching by the author. This accessibility makes it a great option for any corps or group which wants to engage in discipleship.
Those who have participated at Norridge say the personal time and effort put into the courses are worth it. During a fall session Justin Johnson served as a table leader, a role which includes guiding a small group of five or six individuals through discussion times.
He said, “This course made me realize that in order to be able to serve in the greatest capacity that Christ has created me to do, I have to ensure that I am taking time and space to be still, listen and grow. The investment in myself will never be time spent foolishly.”
Throughout the course, table groups begin to feel comfortable and share freely with one another, fostering meaningful relationships. “The last session was my second time participating in the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality course,” said Katelyn Church, a soldier and leader at the corps. “Doing the Daily Office twice a day really helped me get more comfortable with silence and form the habit of consistently meeting with God. The group sessions helped me see that everyone has certain experiences, and there is no shame in sharing your struggles.”
Both Commissioner Barry and Colonel Charles have noticed changes to the atmosphere at the corps, with participants who might not have otherwise connected forming friendships and individuals who were previously only involved in Sunday activities becoming more active in the corps or taking on leadership roles.
“I’ve seen it as a wonderful way for people within our corps to engage with one another on a deeper level,” said Commissioner Barry. “I’m seeing a melting of people being more comfortable with one another. We pray for each other and together, so it becomes a more natural connection. It’s a great example of what church should be. People are open and honest with each other, and it’s really refreshing.”
Ron McCormick attests to the changes taking the course has made in his life. “In the past I felt uncomfortable bringing Christ into discussions with people,” he said. “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality has helped me bring Christ into my everyday life and has given me tools to take a look inside of myself and move forward with the best version of myself I can be.”
Major Catherine concluded, “Offering the emotional healthy discipleship courses at our corps has been an effort to shift our corps culture from ‘doing’ discipleship to ‘being’ disciples of Jesus. It’s been beautiful to witness individuals grow in their faith and their love for the Lord.”
