words

I grew up in church most of my life, but I just felt like it was missing something, something was off. So I pressed into God and asked. He showed me that when Jesus was on earth He lived with His disciples. He was with them day and night, and that their lives were most victorious in God's kingdom. They led many to faith, casting out demons, healing the sick and lame, even raising the dead. God also showed me that I need to get out of my comfort zone and go. What good is our Christianity if we're not affecting people's lives in a good way and helping others. To me, church was my safe little box with all my friends, but I was not going to the nations and making disciples. Since becoming a part of CDM, God has moved me into new territory and on to higher ground. He has put a love in my heart for others, seeing people with new eyes and what they can become in God and wanting to help mobilize them to get there. Thanks Mark and Kathy for being open vessels for God to work through you.

—Erin Demeter

Living in community is not always so glamorous. Sometimes it can be difficult to give up time and space to be with others, when you have many other things you could be doing. I am beginning to experience the joy that comes from selflessness. Discipleship sometimes involves painful growth and for me the hardest part is being challenged to step beyond just living my life. I’m no longer just at school or work, I’m on a mission to win souls for the Kingdom. Reading the scriptures and learning to apply it spiritually to my life, has given me an increasing awe and wonder for who God is!

—Ryan Jones

I love being encouraged and challenged to dig deep into the Bible, to scratch beyond the surface and see the bigger picture. Many times I find that the Bible, like a well, is much deeper than I realized at first; it seems bottomless and it's full of Living Water! "Bible digging" and ministering to people are the two best things I've found about being a part of CDM. We do evangelical outreaches and pray for people. I'm thrilled to live here. I'm young and I want to accomplish things; I want my life to mean something and be pleasing to God. Here, I'm learning more about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, God's heart for people, and the calling that God has on my life. In a word, I'm challenged (and I love it!).

—Pamela Gessler

When I first met Mark and Kathy, I was instantly drawn to their maturity in Christ and the wisdom they have, and not to mention their hospitality. I knew early on that I wanted to learn from them because I love being around people wiser than myself and who can teach me. When they began to move toward “starting” their ministry and invited me to join, I sought the Lord earnestly to see if I could be a part of it. He has given me a wonderful opportunity and now I'm learning to deny my wants in order to be discipled the way Jesus did it. I have already experienced monumental growth and I know that the following season with the Lucas' will produce much more.

—Scott Bennett

I believe God has me at CDM to learn what a true, intimate relationship with Him entails. God wants to use me somehow. I have knowledge, but I'm learning how to walk that knowledge out. While here I've sensed a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. God is teaching me to be humble when it's not easy. He's revealed His heart to me for people around me. He is teaching me to serve Him by serving others. He is breaking me to build me up. His teaching requires my all for Him, and live like that daily. He is teaching me to trust Him more without being worried about tomorrow. He is giving me joy. I'm learning to be free in Jesus and active in the Holy Spirit. God is becoming more real to me everyday and coming alive in a way I thought not possible.

—Jenelle Mathison

JOHN was the first person we discipled in our home. As a young believer with an atheistic background, he was hungry for God and eagerly responded to the call of one-on-one discipleship. “I lacked discipline and commitment, and was swayed by emotion rather than the truth of God’s Word. God opened this door to help me lay a spiritual foundation that I needed for this life. The discipleship process I committed to was not a weekly or monthly meeting—it was a daily experience, like Jesus had with His disciples. The constant accountability, spiritual disciplines, the support, and the admonishments were key to my stability as an effective soldier in Christ. Today I’m a pastor, and I see many in our local body that do not have this benefit and they stray very easily.”

AMY was studying missions and Bible at seminary when she met John (above). She was drawn to the personal nature of relational discipleship and desired this for her life also.  “I felt seminary was just book knowledge and was not the life changing experience I was looking for. I needed someone who could consistently lead me through the trials of life while encouraging me to keep on. I had some hard issues to deal with and needed the accountability of people who really loved me and desired God’s best for me. I firmly believe that daily discipleship is greatly needed in the Body of Christ today.”

DERRICK, though reserved, proved to be much more thoughtful within than he appeared outwardly. What a blessing it’s been to see this man emerge as a godly husband and father. “Personal discipleship affected my life greatly. The Lucas’ not only taught me about truly living for God, but helped me apply it in my life by their example. Now, even though I still have along way to go, I am light years ahead of where I would be without that example.”

AMY didn’t know she could have a personal relationship with God. While faithful in church attendance, she needed personal attention and encouragement in applying Biblical wisdom in finances, motherhood and witnessing. “Since being in relational discipleship training I have grown closer to God, I have learned scripture from God’s Word, and that spending quiet time with God is a necessity! The relationships gained and the love we have for one another are priceless. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

DIANNE came to us from a prolonged abusive background. We watched her fall in love with the Lord, reconcile several broken relationships and grow in her call to intercessory prayer. “Being discipled has helped answer questions and gives direction to my study of God’s Word. There is also an indescribable bonding and closeness that has occurred among us all. I have a long way to go but I also have come a long way.”

leader’s words

“I heartily endorse the ministry of Mark and Kathy Lucas. These two are deeply committed to God and His purposes. Their lives provide a wonderful track record of Biblical relational discipleship. May God move many hearts to support the vision of Community Discipleship Mission, that Christ’s Great Commission might be advanced.”

Bill Campbell | Senior Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville, NC

“Mark is a man of integrity and honesty and his Christian character is impeccable. These qualities are also reflected in his leadership as a husband and father. Mark is truly a man who follows God’s Spirit in his home, church and secular life.”

Rev. Mike Stewart | Pastor
Living Water Baptist Church, Hendersonville, NC

“It takes special people with an anointed calling to truly shepherd and disciple others. A shepherd that claims the heart of God and works diligently to lead people into the sacred presence of God for no other gain than to see the Kingdom of God advanced is a rare find indeed. It is with great pleasure that I recommend Mark and Kathy Lucas as true disciples/shepherds under the specific call of God to lead others into a glorious and accountable relationship with the King of Glory. It was my joy to form a prayer bond with these folk and feel the power of God that flows freely from their hearts. Not only have I been a privileged recipient of their wisdom and love, but I have felt upheld by their strong and lasting commitment to Jesus Christ.”

Rev. Dr. Timothy R. Porter | Pastor
East Flat Rock United Methodist Church, Flat Rock, NC