There's something I just can't stop thinking about. I've been thinking about it for about five months and I just can't shake it. I hope the topic never leaves me: discipleship.
I've poured over questions such as:
What really is discipleship? What is it not? What can or should it look like in the context of an American culture?
Why is that we can be a Christian and not actually be a disciple of Jesus? How did that happen?
Could I identify a handful of faith communities - or even one - that collectively is truly obsessed with the idea of discipleship and is actually living it out right now?
What does it mean for me, as a minister of the gospel, to live out the obession of discipleship as Jesus entrusted to his followers in Matthew 28?
Why is discipleship often seen as an 'add on' to most churches and Christian organizations, rather than the very thing that everything else should orbit around?
Am I going to do something about it - actually disciple people - or simply look the other way?
And the haunting question, could I be identified as a true follower of Jesus?
This fall Paul's words in Galatians 4:19 keep coming to mind: "My dear children, for whom I am in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you..."
I continue to pray that I would experience the unimagineable pains of giving birth to a child until Jesus is formed and shaped and evident in all of our lives.
i was hoping you would have an answer for me by now:) I am running a seminar at our leaders retreat this weekend on "discipleship"
all i am starting with is
Misconceptions of Discipleship
Discipleship takes place when people attend church programs.
Discipleship just happens.
Discipleship is only for new Christians.
Discipleship is a program.
Discipleship is only for certain parts of our lives.
Discipleship will happen with the same person for ever
We are imperfect people our aim is to grow peoplei as much as we can, and then keep growing with them but encouraging them to meet with other people made in the image of God who will help them further grow in their minstry.
Discipleship is all about Imparting knowledge
NO!!!! as we look at jesus and his minstry we see that he was a great question asker teh Gospel of mark was all about him raising questions for the disciples.
Posted by: Josh | February 01, 2007 at 10:20 PM
JR, maybe you've already seen this. For anyone else out there, if you haven't seen Rob Bell's Nooma DVD called DUST, I would highly recommend it. I hope I'm remembering the correct title. I certainly don't have answers to any of JR's awesome questions, but this particular Nooma "sermon" STILL has me thinking about these types of questions.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 02, 2007 at 10:33 AM
How many of us (myself included) can truly yield our will? That's something I must contemplate more often because I'm so self-centered.
Peace
Posted by: Wayne | February 02, 2007 at 11:19 AM
Discipleship is what Jesus wants us to do as followers, I am sure, but often see the tendency towards farsightedness and maybe other personal objectives. I was reading the blog post for the Super bowl party, on the other site, and thought that is a good idea to bring other people in and share, but too was thinking about the overlooked minority that are already here.
I was in Philly this year on that warm Saturday in January and watched the Mummer’s parade. As I was standing there, I overheard two, well dressed young men talking about some good things they were involved in at their church. I also watched one of them almost step over a homeless man, as they walked away, while still making his self righteous proclamation. Not everyone is up in view, in Zaccheaus’ tree.
I attend church every week, and have been helped greatly in my personal mission, but feel very disconnected. I grew up in a non-Christian home and have only been going to church for a year and a half now. I had very good parents, that taught me right from wrong, not to swear, and much more, but I never knew much about Jesus. I lived a life ignorant of Christian values and going to church has made me see the ills of my past.
The problem is that living my life, in what I feel is what Jesus wants, has alienated me from my old life. That is good, but I have not been able to make a connection with a new life. The people at church are very nice, but I do not fit in. I come every week and I see others like me. They come in and sit by themselves, and leave when the service is over. I used to think they were in a hurry, but wonder if they may feel out of place like me.
As a disciple of Jesus, I know I should help other people and bring his Words to them. I share sometimes with my old friends things I have learned when they ask me where I’ve been. They seem disinterested and maybe are only amused by the changes they notice in me. I feel they just think I am a boring Jesus freak and are only being polite by not saying it.
Last summer, I invited a woman, who I did not know, that lives near me, to join me at church, after she asked me where I go every Sunday morning. She said God did not like her. I assured her that God loves everyone, even the lowliest of us. I think she hides from me now, as I have not seen her since then.
I guess by now, you are thinking I should stop my whining and get involved. I am a little shy, and I fear my own ridicule because of my ignorance. I would normally never write on a blog and probably will never again. I read the things people post and am impressed with the intelligent thoughts they share. I thought maybe by writing, I would feel a little involved.
I did not write to complain, just to say that there are a few of us lost sheep, in the midst of the flock.
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