Welcome to the LWCC classroom / digital disciples. Intro: Reflecting on 2025 & God’s Call for 2026 Foundations were laid, relationships formed, the ground prepared. Reflection: How have you seen God at work in your life or LWCC this past year? How do you feel God calling you to participate in building His Kingdom in 2026? Thankfulness Scripture: Ephesians 1:15–23 Sermon Anchor: Ephesians 4:12 – “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Following Jesus isn’t just salvation—it’s discipleship, growth, and being formed. God calls each of us personally to be equipped for His Kingdom. Reflection: What gifts has God given you to use in your workplace, home, or community? 1.There is a Cost to the Call Discipleship requires Sacrifice, Submission, Surrender. Sacrifice – Romans 12:1-2 Lay down control, comfort, complacency. Gratitude grows when we stop trying to control outcomes. Submission – James 4:7 Unity comes from surrendering to God, not always agreeing with others. Surrender – Proverbs 3:5-6 Release your plans; trust God’s direction for life and ministry. Reflection: Where in your life do you need to sacrifice, submit, or surrender to God this year? 2.Start with Thankfulness Paul begins his letters with gratitude; it shapes vision and responsibility. Gratitude opens our eyes to God’s work and our identity in Christ. Stewardship naturally flows from thankfulness. Exercise: Write 3 things you are thankful for. Let these guide your reflection and commitment for 2026. 3.Redefine Success Old scorecard: Attendance, Giving, Programs. New scorecard: People trained – discipleship with intention Leaders reproduced – Holy Spirit transformation Ministry happening without leadership present – Kingdom impact Success is measured by transformation, not just numbers: The blind see, the lame walk, lives changed, the good news preached to the poor (echo of Jesus to John’s disciples). Reflection: How do you want to measure success in your own life and ministry this year? Call to Action Step into 2026 with a mindset of gratitude → stewardship → equipping others. Let’s focus on building a church that grows, serves, and multiplies, not just maintains programs. Reflection / Commitment: What’s one practical step you will take to equip someone else this year? Who in your life needs to experience transformation through your obedience? Worship Exercise Write your three thankfulness items. Celebrating what God has done and committing to what He will do.