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TRBA Connection

Welcome to the TRBA Connection
​A shared space for collaboration, encouragement, and kingdom vision.


At the Tar River Baptist Association, we believe that churches are stronger when they’re connected—not just by geography, but by shared purpose, prayer, and the desire to reach our communities with the love of Christ.

The TRBA Connection is more than just a blog. It’s a space to share updates, highlight what God is doing in our churches, and offer encouragement to pastors and ministry leaders who are walking similar roads. Here, we’ll explore what cooperation looks like in real life—through conversations, events, stories, and shared wisdom.
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You’ll find reflections from our gatherings, ideas for strengthening ministry relationships, and gentle challenges to build bridges between churches for the sake of the gospel.
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​Whether your church has been part of the association for generations or you’re new to the area, this is your invitation to be part of something bigger than your own building or calendar. We’re in this together. And together, we can do more than we ever could alone.

Discipling Fathers in the Church: Strengthening the Home and the Body of Christ

6/15/2025

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One of the greatest ministries a church can have is to disciple the fathers in its congregation. Strong, godly fathers are not only a blessing to their families, but they strengthen the entire church and community. When fathers grow as disciples of Christ, they become spiritual leaders at home, serve faithfully in the church, and reflect the love of our Heavenly Father to a watching world.

God’s Design for Fathers

Throughout Scripture, God calls fathers to lead with love, humility, and wisdom. In Ephesians 6:4, Paul instructs, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” This charge highlights the father’s role as a spiritual guide in the home, pointing his children toward Christ.

In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God commands His people: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” The father’s role is not limited to providing materially but includes daily, intentional spiritual teaching.

The Church’s Role in Discipling Fathers

Many fathers in our churches want to be spiritual leaders but may feel unequipped or unsure of where to begin. That is where the church can step in:
1. Teach Biblical Leadership: Offer classes or small groups that focus on biblical manhood and leadership, always grounding the teaching in Scripture.
2. Provide Mentoring Relationships: Pair younger fathers with older, more experienced men who can encourage, pray with, and offer godly counsel as they walk through the challenges of fatherhood.
3. Encourage Fathers to Lead in the Home: Equip fathers with practical tools for family devotions, prayer, and spiritual conversations. Help them see that spiritual leadership is not about perfection but about consistent faithfulness.
4. Pray for Fathers: Regularly lift up the fathers in your congregation. Pray that they would be men of integrity, compassion, courage, and wisdom.
5. Create Opportunities for Fellowship: Fathers need connection too. Men’s breakfasts, service projects, or retreats can give them space to build friendships and encourage one another in the faith.

When Fathers Lead, Families Flourish

The health of the church is often directly tied to the health of the families within it. When fathers are discipled, marriages are strengthened, children are nurtured in faith, and the church stands as a testimony to God’s transforming power. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” A discipled father can confidently say this to his children and to others.

A Call to Action for Our Churches

As part of the Tar River Baptist Association, we encourage every church to be intentional about discipling fathers. This is kingdom work. It strengthens not only individual families but the entire Body of Christ. Together, let us invest in the men God has entrusted to lead their homes, so that future generations may know and follow Christ.
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What Is Biblical Discipleship?

6/2/2025

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“Discipleship” is a word that we use a lot in church — sometimes so much that it begins to lose its meaning. Is it a class? A program? A book study? Is it just for new believers? Or something deeper?

If we want to grow in spiritual maturity and faithfulness, we have to go back to the basics and ask: What does the Bible actually say about discipleship?


The Biblical Foundation

Jesus gave a clear mission to His Church:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

Biblical discipleship is the process of following Jesus, becoming like Him, and helping others do the same. It’s not limited to one stage of life or a one-size-fits-all method. It is relational, intentional, and lifelong.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus said, “If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Discipleship is not just about learning what Jesus said — it’s about learning to live like Jesus lived, empowered by His Spirit and rooted in His Word.


Common Misconceptions

Churches often struggle with discipleship because of a few common misunderstandings:
  1. Discipleship is only for new believers. 
    Truth: Every Christian is called to grow — and to help others grow — no matter how long they’ve followed Jesus.
  2. Discipleship is just a curriculum or program. 
    Truth: While resources are helpful, discipleship is first and foremost about relationships — just like Jesus discipled the twelve by walking closely with them. 
  3. Discipleship is the pastor’s job. 
    Truth: Ephesians 4:12 tells us that leaders equip the saints for ministry — including the ministry of making disciples. Every believer plays a role.
  4. Discipleship happens automatically. 
    Truth: Simply attending church won’t produce maturity. Spiritual growth requires intention, obedience, and community.


What Does Discipleship Look Like?

True discipleship involves both being a disciple and making disciples.

It’s marked by:
  • A growing relationship with Jesus
  • Transformation in character, not just information
  • Walking alongside others in everyday life
  • Being accountable and vulnerable
  • ​Helping others do what you’re learning to do

Jesus didn’t run programs for His disciples. He shared meals, asked questions, challenged hearts, and showed His disciples how to live for the Kingdom. That model still works today.

Why It Matters

Discipleship isn’t just one of many things the church does — it is the mission. When we disciple others, we help them grow in faith, resist temptation, love their neighbor, and serve the world. Discipleship strengthens the Church and brings glory to Christ.

Without relational and intentional discipleship, churches may grow in attendance but shrink in spiritual depth. But with it, even small churches can become mighty forces for the Kingdom.


Where Do We Begin?

Start small. Start relationally.
  • Invite someone to read Scripture with you and talk about it over coffee.
  • Look at your church’s ministries and ask: Are we helping people grow?
  • Train a few leaders who can invest in others.
  • Talk about spiritual growth as a normal, expected part of church life.

And above all, trust Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)


Final Thoughts

Discipleship doesn’t require perfection — just obedience. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to follow Jesus, and bring someone along with you.

Let's rediscover the joy, the simplicity, and the power of Biblical discipleship — one relationship at a time.

If you or your church would like help with discipleship, please let us know by emailing us at [email protected]. 
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Telephone

919-496-7172 

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The TRBA Office is open for special events and by appointment.
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The TRBA's Board Members are:
Ben McRoy - Moderator
Michael McCray - Vice Moderator
Kaden Williams - Secretary
Rich Cash - Treasurer
Mark Cottrell - Assistant Treasurer
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Address
92 NC-56, Louisburg, NC 27549
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