BCBP Entering the Formation Program Talk
- 2. INTRODUCTION • Everyone needs formation, but especially at the beginning of our life of discipleship in the BCBP , we need formation to follow Christ consistently and faithfully. • We need two types of formation 1. Character Formation 2. Formation in how to live as responsible members of the BCBP.
- 3. 1. Character Formation • Proverbs 5:23 says: “They die for lack of discipline and because of their great folly, they are lost.” • Proverbs 6:23 further says “ For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline is a way of life.”
- 4. • These Proverbs tell us that the teachings of Jesus Christ makes us to be able to live according to the will of the Father. • They also say that people can die (physical and spiritual death) if they are not formed, if they are not corrected, and if there is no discipline in their lives
- 5. 2. Training for participating responsibly in the life and mission of the BCBP • Mark 1:16-20 narrates how Jesus called His disciples. He called them to follow Him and promised to make them fishers of men. • ‘FOLLOW ME’ - Jesus made it clear that to become a disciple involves training and formation.
- 6. • An Overview of the BCBP Training Program 1. The Brotherhood Christian Life Program (BCLP) 2. The Free-to-Follow-the-Lord Weekend Retreat (FTFTLWR) 3. The BCBP Christian Marriage Retreat (BCMR) 4. The BCBP Christians in Business Retreat (BCBR) 5. The BCBP Way of Life Weekend (BWOL)
- 7. • Being an Associate Member 1. Once you have finished the BCLP, you will be introduced to the BCBP Formation Program. Then after you have committed to follow the program, you will become a Member-in-Formation or Associate Member. 2. As an Associate Member, you shall share in all benefits of membership, but will be limited from serving in major positions.
- 8. 3. During this time, you’ll have a good look at the BCBP, its life and mission. 4. It is a time for the Lord to make clear whether or not He wants you to be a member or He is calling you to serve Him somewhere else. 5. During this stage, you can leave the BCBP anytime, all you have to do is tell your AGL for the sake of good order.
- 9. 6. During this time also, the BCBP can take a good look at you and ask if the Lord is really calling you to the BCBP. Are you living out the teachings of the Programs/Retreats you have attended? 7. In the end, it only make sense to invite for commitment for full membership those who have become committed members.
- 10. 8. The BCBP understands that the spiritual growth of the Associate Members are not all the same. Some may grow faster or slower than the others. Some may need additional time. After finishing the Formation Calendar, some will be invited to commit to regular membership, based on the recommendations of your leaders.
- 11. 9. The BCBP understands that the spiritual growth of the Associate Members are not all the same. Some may grow faster or slower than the others. Some may need additional time. After finishing the Formation Calendar, some will be invited to commit to regular membership, based on the recommendations of your leaders.
- 12. 10. For those who will not be invited yet, they will remain as members-in-formation until such time that their leaders feel that these members are already living out the BCBP mission and way of life and therefore ready to commit.
- 13. CONCLUSION • The time of formation is a time of great grace from the Lord. In this period, you will be helped to grow spiritually and follow the Lord in joy and peace. • The Lord saw you giving your time to finish the BCLP. He is now asking you to open your heart and mind to be formed, so that He can teach you to serve Him well as his disciple in the BCBP.
- 14. • The BCBP is asking you now to give this Formation program a chance and make it the Lord’s instrument for your own formation. You will do so by committing yourself into it.
- 15. The Associate Member’s Commitment ‘I, ______________, desire to become an Associate Member of the BCBP, and promise to attend the Formation Program of the BCBP faithfully. In addition, I will faithfully attend my Action Group and participate in other BCBP activities as far as I am able. I will make myself available for service as far as the concrete circumstances in my family and professional life permit and contribute financially to the BCBP’s life and mission.’ Date________________ Signature__________________