DISCIPLES at FIRST FOLLOW JESUS
We believe that the Great Commission is ALIVE, and we are called to be disciples of Jesus making disciples of Jesus. In a world that if often filled with fear, anxiety, loneliness, uncertainty, and emptiness, Jesus came to show us how to live, and enjoy a spiritually full life. Come see what it means to be all in on Jesus. 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." The Great Commission - Matthew 28:19-20

The original disciples were given a great task: to carry on the mission of Jesus to spread the Gospel and make more disciples. As followers of Jesus, we are a part of that original commission. However, this can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task...what does it look like to be a disciple of Jesus?

The word for disciple in Greek (mathetes) and Hebrew (talmid) denote a learner or pupil. Their only job was to learn from their teacher to become just like him. Our teacher is Jesus himself. He has provided us with everything we need to live the "full life" (John 10:10) He came to give us. However, He also showed us that the best way to learn was for believers in Him to journey together and teach one another to obey everything that He has commanded. Every believer is a disciple of Jesus. However, we may not always know if we are doing it right, well, or at all.

For all those who want to grow their faith, understanding, obedience, and relationship with our teacher Jesus, we invite you to join our Follow Discipleship Process. Also, for those who have been on the journey for some time and would like to be a discipler/mentor, we invite you to join as well. If you are interested, please complete the form below, and we will contact you regarding the next steps.

Hey all! My name is John Shinn, and I have the enormous blessing of being the Director of Care & Discipleship, as well as the Young Adults Pastor here at First (as well as a few other hats). I am married to my fantastic wife Jacquie and have two kids, Ellie Grace and JD. After starting down a few different career paths in life, God called me into ministry. After graduating with a Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry, I started working at FBC Lodi in 2024. My true heart is in discipleship. Everything in life springs from our relationship and walk with the Lord. The trials of life and how well we deal with them directly relate to how much we are being transformed into His image. John 10:10 states, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The only way to find this full life is to follow Jesus now, preparing us for the fuller life to come.  

Contact John at john@fbclodi.org