I got an email the other day with the subject line, “An easy way to disciple women”. Being on staff at a church where discipleship is a big part of what I do, I was intrigued. I clicked on the email and then the link (just like they wanted me to) and it took me to a website with the latest and greatest way of discipleship. I quickly skimmed through the material to find this “new, easy discipleship method” and to see if I was interested.
I’ll admit, I was most intrigued because I don’t believe there is an “easy” way to disciple people. There are many conferences and companies out there who have a new formula, secret sauce, or their own patented method to discipleship. This website from the email I was exploring had a starter pack with everything you needed for $300. (Shipping was not included!)
We are part of a culture that would much rather pay for a final, polished product than do the hard work ourselves. Discipleship simply doesn’t work that way. I heard Jennie Allen the other day talk about discipling their baby sitter after date nights as she sat down to fold laundry with the sitter.
Discipleship is personal, not programmable
Discipleship isn’t about a program. It’s not going to get easier with technology. It’s not something you master through a class. There is no latest and greatest technique.
It’s about intentionally spending time with people. It’s about intentionally inviting people into your home. It’s about opening up your life to others and making yourself available. It’s about relationship. It’s about caring enough for a particular person that you open up your life to them. It’s about valuing your relationship with God so much that you want to help others come to know Him and deepen their faith.
This is, after all, how Jesus disciple others. He spent three years with twelve guys. They had meals together. They walked together as they traveled. I’m sure they spent a lot of time laughing, crying, and doing every aspect of life together. Jesus set the example by opening up his world and his life to these 12 guys.
Discipleship is intentional
I think discipleship looks a lot more like spur of the moment dinners and activities together and less like organized, programmed Bible Study. I think discipleship looks more like inviting others into family events than simply sharing quotes on social media. I think discipleship looks a lot more like asking for help serving your community and less like giving money to a good cause. I think discipleship looks a lot more like inviting people in to your life and a lot less like setting aside specific time to be with others.
Don’t get me wrong; a set time of studying God’s word together is a good thing. Programs and structured studies are good things. However, they are merely a small portion of what Christ expects when He commands us to make disciples. We can no longer afford to mistake a program or simple Bible study for discipleship.
Reflection:
What Biblical passages come to mind when you think of discipleship?
Who in scripture, other than Jesus, models discipleship well?
- What do they do, or not do, that exemplifies discipleship?
How have you understood discipleship in the past?
How have you experienced discipleship?
- Have you been discipled?
- How have you worked to disciple others?
Parents:
How are you doing discipleship with your kids? Do you talk to them about faith and what it means to be a Christian? Do you model it well?
I truly believe it is my responsibility as a dad, your responsibility as a parent, to disciple our own children. It takes a village. Your kids need to see me living my faith out well and encouraging them and vice versa. At the end of the day, Jesus will look at you and hold your accountable for how you disciple your children. Your local church, your local church’s pastor, youth pastors, we are all here to help and assist you. So ask for help, but take ownership and start discipling your kids today!