McHugh - Priorities: Disciple Making in the 21st Century

PRIORITIES: DISCIPLE MAKING IN THE 21st CENTURY

2010, 2012 The Hanerda Trust

All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposed of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission.

Unless otherwise stated Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1975,1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

All enquiries regarding this publication and Peter McHughs speaking engagements should be directed to:

Stairway Church Whitehorse

171 Rooks Road, Vermont, Vic

PO Box 3092, Nunawading BC, Vic 3131

Telephone: 61 3 9837 2900

Email:

Book design by Philip Hopkins

Cover painting produced during worship at Stairway Church Whitehorse on January 31,2010 by John OConnell

There is a moment of decision and journey of choices. Our true intimacy with God is revealed in that space where we let go of the entanglements of frustration, hurts, ego, pride, and fear. The lower section of the painting represents the bleak zone, with sticky threads confining us into only a partial connection with our heavenly father. As we determine to prioritize our love of God, and our ongoing relationship with Him, we can be released into a space of new revelation and intimacy. The upper section of the painting represents the access to the father via the cross, and by the blood, where we experience the sheer joy of Gods presence.

John OConnell

I really enjoyed Priorities . Its easy to see the heart and passion of my good friend, Peter McHugh, on these pages. It has been a pleasure to witness Peters own transformation from a good but intense servant to a joyful, loving son who has passion, power and authority. The book reflects his own journey.

This book connects us to the primary purpose of God let us make man in our image. As leaders, whenever we put servanthood before sonship we are leading the church away from first love. Above all things our mentoring of people must lead them into a state of being God conscious, celebrants in this life.

In this place of intimate connection we are empowered to take place into a process of discovering what is Kingdom normality and learning how to lay aside the religious substitute. Passive churchianity is giving way to passionate spirituality. Its wonderful!

Identity is the key to transformation. When we know Gods identity for us, then we can receive and maintain the upgrade of who we are in Him. One of my favorite verses from the Message Bible is: God rewrote the text of my life, when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes. 2 Samuel 22:25.

That is what Peter is doing here. He is authoring a re-write of the text of our life.

Graham Cooke

Author, speaker, publisher

Santa Barbara, California USA

In the last century, there has been so much emphasis in the church on becoming Christ-like, which of course, is the ultimate goal of discipleship. The problem is that weve redefined who Jesus is and how He ministered. We seem to have lost sight of the fact that the Person we are called to emulate was a counterculture revolutionary who walked in supernatural power. He lived, died, and rose again to deliver an ailing planet from the power of the devil and to extend the Superior Kingdom into every corner of the planet.

In this powerful book, Peter McHugh unearths the real meaning of the normal Christian life and teaches us how to walk in our divine mandate as world changers and history makers. Priorities - Disciple Making in the 21st Century is a clarion call to all Believers to raise up powerful, supernatural wonder-working Jesus people and to make disciples of all nations.

Its very possible that Peter McHughs book could equip you and your disciples to fulfill your divine destiny. Whether youre a high-maintenance, low impact believer living a boring Christian life, or you are a mature leader looking for tools to empower your followers, this book is for you!

Kris Vallotton

Senior Associate Leader, Bethel Church

Redding, California USA

I count it a privilege to call Peter McHugh my friend. It has been a joy to observe his spiritual journey over the years and to see how God has worked so deeply in his heart and life. I greatly admire Peters humility, authenticity, vulnerability and courage to change and grow. What is currently occurring within his life and church community is nothing short of amazing. His latest book on discipleship is a timely call back to our God-given mandate, full of inspirational and practical insights. I highly recommend it!

Mark Conner

CityLife Church

Melbourne, Australia

Peter McHugh has painted a canvas that sharply juxtaposes the life of the average believer in the 21st century with the radical lifestyle of true 1st centurydiscipleship. In an honest and biographical account of his own journey and that of his spiritual community, Peter leads us through numerous stories into a profound revelation about the nature of true discipleship. We are called to bring heaven to earth and to walk as Jesus walked!

The thing I love about Peters warm and attractive writing style is the way he draws us into his own heart journey in a manner that inspires and invites us to walk with him. Peter is a great leader because he is committed to being a great follower! This book finally gets the sequence right; our new lifestyle flows out of the discovery of our new life in Christ. We are sons on a journey out of the old orphan heart who are destined to manifest the glory of sonship. The old paradigm of discipleship focused on performance and outward conformity. The new paradigm recovered from Scripture focuses upon new creation realities that lead us to manifest true freedom and great power. I highly recommend this book that will inspire you on the path of becoming a disciple who releases the glory of the Father everywhere you go.

Phil Mason

Spiritual Director, New Earth Tribe

Byron Bay, Australia

This is a powerful progression from Peter McHughs three previous books.

For some time now there has been a deep ache in my heart about discipleship paradigms within Australia (and probably the Western world generally). This book addresses the key issues which I sense will give new life and power to Christian discipleship and therefore Christian Community (church) and Mission.

Keith Farmer

Former Principal of the Australian College of Ministries Spiritual Mentor for many Australian Christian leaders NSW, Australia

Discipleship has been and is at the forefront of Gods heart. I believe that God is emphasising this in the church in this hour, right now. In Priorities Disciple Making in the 21st Century , Peter McHugh takes us on a journey with a community of believers whose passion is to be like Jesus. With candor, vulnerability, and authenticity, Peter explores the issue of what true disciple making is. Its not about what you do but who you are. Its about looking like Jesus. Backed by incredible testimonies of the fruit from their church, he calls us to experience the freedom of what God has to offer us as sons and daughters. This concept is very counterculture in the church today but one I am grateful Peter is trumpeting.

As always, Peter points us back to an encounter with God and living in His presence. This book is not only revelatory but also refreshing in its approach to discipleship. What Peter and Stairway Church have discovered in sustaining a culture that creates true disciples is critical for all believers. I recommend anyone who wants to grow as a son or daughter of God to read this book.

Banning Liebscher

Jesus Culture Director

Bethel Church

Redding, California USA