Equus
The genus of mammals in the family Equidae, which includes horses, donkeys and zebras (Wikipedia)
Equus Discipleship is a 12 month, high impact spiritual journey, based on rapid learning biblical principles, beautifully modelled in the training of horses. (Next Enrolment: January 2022.)
The Equus approach as taught by Lincoln Serwanga draws biblical principles from 7 steps observed in the practice of ‘natural horsemanship’. Prior to this gentler approach to horse training, rough and inhumane methods were used to break the will of the horses and bring them into harsh submission.
When pioneering horse trainers keenly observed horses in the wild, they found that they have a clear sense of order and communication with each other. This language was then adapted into horse training with the most dramatic results. What would normally take weeks to achieve was now happening in hours.
Jesus, in his triumphal entry into Jerusalem mounted a previously unridden donkey in a moment, (Lk 19:28-38). We too, like that donkey, need to allow Him to mount our lives, and carry his grace and power into our cities and communities.
Equus Discipleship: The 7 Point System
The Pen- Before the training can begin, the horse must come in from the wild into a learning enclosure. There is a loss to face and a cost to count. But it is in losing your life that you find it. God lovingly encloses us in his love and other commitments to bring the best out of us.
The Gallop- The horse will instinctively run around the pen. The instinct to run is the key to the training. The flight response also expresses its freedom and manages the discomfort of the change environment. The pressures we are seeking to escape can be powerfully harnessed to the glory of God.
The Slow- The horse slows down, drops its head, and comes closer to the trainer. Change hardly happens at high speeds. When we are tired of running and other instinctive behaviour, then real change can start to happen.
The Contact - The trainer touches the horses head as they come face-to-face. We need to have confrontations with self, truth and God that lead to transformation. It is during in those gently fierce times that chains are truly broken. Intimacy with God and commitment to a spiritual coach are key elements to this process.
The Follow - The trainer walks away from the horse and it follows him. The horse must yield its will to the trainer. True discipleship is about us coming to the point of submission to God’s will. Also, ‘impartation and imitating’ relationships with godly mentors must become intentional.
The Repeat - the ‘contact’ and ‘following’ is repeated several times. It continues until a bond of trust is formed. The trainer then attaches the head-collar and rope to the horse and walks it around the pen using them. Trust is built and transformation embedded through a relational learning cycle of ‘pressure and release’. Learning to hear and respond obediently to voice of the Holy Spirit is essential.
The Saddle- The trainer places a saddle onto the back of the horse. The saddle prepares the horse for the sensation and weight of being mounted. Until it can safely carry the saddle it is not ready for the rider. Discipleship is not an end in itself, it must be entered in a context of mission.
The Equus Discipleship Package includes
Online Videos
Fornighty Zoom meetings (live) or videos.
A bespoke Personal Growth Plan.
1-On-1 Coaching review monthly or weekly*.
Hand-picked resources.
Prophetic exhortation and inspiration.
Personal support.
Basic feedback and reporting.
*Monthly subscription is either BASIC (£50), ENHANCED (£100) or ULTIMATE (£150) depending on the level that the disciple wishes to invest with the coach and extra resources.
The Equus System as applied by Lincoln Serwanga includes Equus Discipleship for achieving abundant life, Equus Relate for equipping wholesome relationships, and Equus Lead for empowering creative leadership.