Ordinary Christians and the High Pointe Mission Acts 11:19-26
We exist to glorify God by making wholehearted followers of Jesus Christ among all peoples!
Luke shows us something remarkable in Acts 8 and 11: ordinary disciples scattered and made disciples, helping start the church in Antioch, which became the first sending church. It’s the same today. If 100 church members made 100 disciples each year that made 100 disciples, the chart above shows how that works when the hand of the LORD works. 100 groups of 4 members could each work to make disciples of 100 people with a similar result.
Your life, your home, your schedule in 2026 are not accidents. You scatter to the places God intends for you to be and make wholehearted followers. And you don't have to do this alone. Most importantly, the hand of the Lord is with you as you scatter.
God's Pattern: Gather and Scatter
God gathers ordinary believers so he can scatter them on mission. The local church today participates in that same story when every member sees Sunday gathering as preparation for weekday scattering.
Every week, we gather to worship, listen to God's Word, and be equipped. Then we scatter—into workplaces, schools, sports teams, coffee shops, and living rooms—carrying the gospel where pastors may never go. In Acts, unnamed, ordinary believers scattered and "went about preaching the word," multiplying new disciples and new churches.
Making disciples is a team effort. No single person possesses all necessary gifts for making mature disciples. When gifts operate harmoniously under Christ's headship, the church becomes a self-replicating organism where disciples naturally make disciples.
Practical Steps
Ask yourself: "Where has God 'scattered' me—neighborhood, workplace, school, networks—and how might that be my assigned context for making disciples?"
Pray regularly: "Who around me needs encouragement, prayer, or an invitation to take one small step toward Jesus?" "Who else might I include or need as I seek to be and make disciples?"
Then take simple steps of faithfulness
Show and tell the gospel. Love people and talk about Jesus the King. Ask someone to help you learn and practice.
Start a gospel conversation, invite someone to help host neighbors or coworkers, or invite a younger believer to read Scripture together and pray.
Prayerfully invite others to join you in a team effort. Open your home. Connect others to your friends and acquaintances.
When someone turns to Christ, bring them into the life of the church so others can help establish and equip them.
Let's live as gathering and scattering sent ones, being wholehearted followers and multiplying wholehearted followers as we stay connected to Christ and led by his Spirit.
Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings. Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org.
God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.
Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support. Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.
Resources of the Week
Being and Making Disciples
Helps for Putting Together a Bible Reading Plan for 2026
Helps for Establishing a Prayer Life in 2026
A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World - book by Paul Miller
Praying the Bible – book by Donald Whitney
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God – book by Tim Keller
Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation – book by D. A. Carson
Life at High Pointe
High Pointe Christmas Missions Offering
Thank you to all those who gave towards the Christmas Missions Offering! Our goal was to raise $27,000 in support of IMB Middle East Partners, Ekklesia Afrika, and N. Africa Partners. Praise God that we were able to raise a total of $34,830.10!
Meaningful Membership Class | THIS Sunday, January 11
Join us for our next Meaningful Membership class to learn more about becoming a member of High Pointe Baptist Church. The class covers the following three areas: (1) What is the Church & Why Should I Join? (2) What does High Pointe Believe? (3) What You Need To Know About High Pointe? Register here.
DiscipleNow Youth Conference | January 16-18
DNOW Youth Conference is happening at High Pointe from January 16 to January 18. The theme this year is Christian Identity, and it will be a fun time of teaching, games, and fellowship. For more information and to register click here.
Young Adult Lunch | Sunday, January 25
The Young Adults will be meeting for lunch at Halal Bros (1910 W Braker Ln, Unit 800, Austin, TX 78758) after the morning service on January 25th 12:15PM.
High Pointe Institute | Semester 2 Begins Wednesday, January 28
The High Pointe Institute (HPI) is a one-year (two semester) discipleship program meant to offer a pathway for growing disciples to be equipped for ministry both in the church and the world.This program will instill a commitment to Scripture and a better grasp of the biblical storyline, a solid foundation in Christian doctrine, and an increasing ability to connect theology to one’s life, worship, and mission. Those who took part in the first semester do not need to register again. If you would like to begin the HPI this semester, click here to register.
Women’s Bible Studies | Begin Wednesday, January 28
Mark your calendars as both the morning and evening Women’s Bible Studies begin on January 28.
Morning Bible Study Registration (Deadline to register is January 14)
Children and Student Ministry Volunteer Luncheon | Sunday, February 1
We'd like to show our appreciation to those who volunteer in children's and youth ministry by providing lunch and a time of fellowship for you and your family on Sunday, February 1, just after the morning worship service. We plan to begin serving lunch in the fellowship hall at noon. Register by January 26. Click here to register.
Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Spring Life Classes will resume January 25. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
January 11 | Habakkuk 1:1-11 | Trusting God when He Seems Silent | Pastor Juan Sanchez
January 18 | Habakkuk 1:12-2:5 | Trusting God when He Doesn’t Make Sense | Pastor Juan Sanchez
January 25 | Habakkuk 3:1-19 | Trusting God with Confident Joy | Pastor Juan Sanchez
February 1 | Luke 13:1-9 | Unless You Repent, You Too Will Perish | Pastor Juan Sanchez
February 8 | Isaiah 44:9-20 | Idolatry is Futile | Pastor Robert Cline
February 15 | Isaiah 49:1-13| Mission Extended | Pastor Robert Cline
February 22 | Luke 13:10-17 | What is the Point of the Sabbath? | Pastor Juan Sanchez
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: The P Family (High Pointe Members)
J.P. and E.P. recently relocated to begin language and cultural immersion as they pursue long-term work in their new city. They are navigating the challenges of joining a new team while adjusting to a small fellowship. Please pray for their consistency and perseverance in language acquisition, for deep and authentic friendships to develop, and for their children to thrive and find joy during this significant transition.
On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
