Nestled in the heart of Hidrolândia, Goiás, lies a story of transformation and a life-saving faith. Ricardo, the pastor of Wellspring Presbyterian Church, embarked on a journey in 2006 that would not only change his life but also invigorate his community through the life-on-life missional discipleship.
Ricardo shares his story in this video, but you can also read a summary below:
Planting a Church with Discipleship Roots
Pastor Ricardo’s vision for his congregation was clear from the outset: a church deeply rooted in discipleship. Despite his initial lack of knowledge about life-on-life missional discipleship, he was determined to create a community centered around spiritual growth and transformation. His early efforts revolved around traditional biblical studies as he began planting the church through evangelization.
In 2008, everything changed. A connection with a team from São Paulo introduced him to Life on Life, igniting a revitalization of his ministry approach. “Life on Life really made me look for Jesus’ foundations about the transformation of people’s lives,” Pastor Ricardo reflects.
Following the Model of Jesus
This new discipleship method was more than a curriculum; it was a shift in mindset. Pastor Ricardo found himself challenged to emulate Jesus, the Ultimate Disciple-maker, and not just His character but also His strategies. “I had to spend more time with people, pour my life into people’s lives,” he shares. This commitment to stepping out of his comfort zone sparked a transformation within both him and his congregation.
The transition wasn’t immediate. The road to embracing these principles was a “silent movement,” slowly but surely taking root in the hearts of the church members. Today, Wellspring Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to the power of intentional, life-on-life discipleship. “It is a community engaged with the church, the city, and the planting of new churches,” Pastor Ricardo proudly states.
A Story of Transformation
Among the many stories of change within the church, one stands out. It involves a distressed mother on the brink of a tragic decision, grappling with unimaginable thoughts of ending her life and that of her children. Her situation had spiraled into chaos, and she saw no way out.
In this desperate moment, Pastor Ricardo intervened, offering hope through the person of Jesus. Despite her initial skepticism, she ultimately agreed to give Pastor Ricardo and his approach a chance.
Ricardo helped her find a new home for her and her children, then also connected her with another woman who was leading a life-on-life discipleship group. The discipleship program, centered on personal engagement and spiritual growth, provided her with a supportive community and a new sense of hope. Slowly, her skepticism waned, replaced by a budding belief in the transformative work of Jesus.
Her story has left an indelible mark on the community. Pastor Ricardo calls her story “very impactful” because it encapsulates the essence of Life on Life’s mission: transforming lives through discipleship. Her story wasn’t just about overcoming immediate struggles; it was a journey that led her from the depths of despair, to belief, to maturity, and eventually to leading her own discipleship group and leading the children’s program at her church.
This once-distressed mother not only reclaimed her life but also became a beacon of hope for others.
Continuing the Mission
Pastor Ricardo’s heart remains steadfast in his mission to lead others toward maturity and engagement in God’s work. “My expectation is that my church continues to be an engaged church, committed to the mission of God.”.
As the interim executive secretary of Life on Life in Brazil, Pastor Ricardo’s influence extends beyond his congregation, inspiring pastors and leaders across the region to embrace the transformative power of discipleship. His journey is a beacon of hope and a call to action for those seeking a deeper connection with their faith and community.
In the end, Pastor Ricardo’s journey with life-on-life missional discipleship is more than a personal transformation; it is a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and the shared mission of bringing Jesus’ teachings to life.
Want to learn how life-on-life missional discipleship can help transform your church? We offer our discipleship training all over the world, so please contact us to learn more about our upcoming training events.