Isn't Discipleship A Process?
I wonder after 23 years of pastoral ministry experience and many observations about the Church in America if we really even have a clue about discipleship. I spoke with a pastor the other day, a pastor I met via the phone as we discussed ministry here in Kansas City and St. Louis. As we talked about new believers and the baggage they carry, I suggested that Discipleship is not a one time event and you're in line with other believers. Discipleship is a process is a process is a process. Do we draw a line in the sand and at an unbelievers first encounter with God tell him or her what he or she should look like. I do believe that at conversion a person must confess sin and admit sin and repent of sin. I do not believe we have a saint at conversion. I'm not really sure we ever become a saint in this fallen world. Anyway, that's an argument or discussion for another post.
What I do believe is this...If we take the time to disciple new believers one on one (is especially good) we will expose them to enough Word that the Holy Spirit will do the life transformation. I fear that we have assumed it our job to transform people into believers or the type of Christian we think they should be. What if, and I mean what if, we simply taught the Word of God in a personal way and led them to Jesus and then continued to teach the Word of God on a personal basis and then allowed the Holy Spirit to lead the transformation process? What if?
I have learned that transformation may not occur at a trip to the altar in a one time setting. Discipleship is a process and life transformation is not a once and for all and it's done and complete. And, it is the Holy Spirit's job to lead in the life transformation process and He'll even use our time with unreached people to begin that life transformation process.
With that being said, we should expect people dealing with heavy sinful issues to be in our homes and small groups studying the Word of God together with us without us being judgemental or critical at their lifestyles.
I may get in trouble for this one. So blog me to death or near death if you wish. I said BLOG and not FLOG!
Blessings until next time...
posted by Bob Carder @ 5:36 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
I'm with ya Bob! Looking back at our church planting experience in Southern Illinois, some of the most wonderful experiences for me were found in walking with a new disciple through the messiness of sanctification.
From the wonderful email resource, "Christian Quotation of the Day":
Meditation:
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
-- Romans 12:21 (ESV)
_______________________________________________________________
Quotation:
If it be the earnest desire, and longing of your heart, to
be merciful as he is merciful; to be full of his unwearied
patience, to dwell in his unalterable meekness; if you long to
be like him in universal, impartial love; if you desire to
communicate every good, to every creature that you are able;
if you love and practice everything that is good, righteous,
and lovely, for its own sake, because it is good, righteous,
and lovely; and resist no evil, but with goodness; then you
have the utmost certainty, that the Spirit of God lives,
dwells, and governs in you.
... William Law (1686-1761), The Spirit of Prayer, 2.3-67
[1749]
Mike again here: I have always believed the process is just as you describe Bob. It's a progression -- as Law suggests above, the Spirit first LIVES in you, then DWELLS in you, then GOVERNS you.
But how many of us actually live in that governing stage? I am coming to believe that precious few do. Discipleship, as you suggest, is a lifelong process. I firmly believe this. I could not believe otherwise.
If we ever "arrived" at the end of our discipleship, we will have become like Christ -- and that perfection in our lives won't happen until Heaven. Oh but the striving for it...the striving towards it.
2 stories to assist you in proving your well thought out and well written concept...
I was asked today by a wonderful co-worker to explain how God could be everywhere at once? At first blush this seems a really silly and simple question for an adult to be asking. After some reflection it becomes clear that this woman had this question and knew that it was emotional suicide to ask in a church setting but she was safe to begin her exploration toward Christ one on one.
A new friend told me a horrible story of suicide and mental illness that has framed much of his life. How, he asked, could God have allowed this to happen? I am a really flawed person, he continued, but I could never do something like that to a kid. I can't believe in any God that would do that....I was able to listen without the church-ianity ideal of "defending the faith." This guy is an honest skeptic with a horrible past that God is going to make right.
No pressure, total freedom, no church to grow, just a great and awesome God to serve. One person, one moment, one obedient believer intersecting the wide world of hurting and broken folks. Sounds New Testament to me!!!!!!
I am in awe of your comments, all of you. God is doing something new and wonderful or is it old and fresh?
Heartfelt thanks to all of you for your comments and most scriptural thots. I love you guys.
My wife (Mary) and I met with a young couple that we are discipling today. They are new believers. They are expecting a baby. They are not married, yet. I asked all of us a question: What is God doing in your life? The young lady's answer was this: I am closer to Jesus. I am not sinning -- as much as I was. She was so happy! Jesus is cleaning up her life. Tomorrow she will be stronger. Soon they will be married. Soon they will be instruments of God to lead other ex-drug, loose-cannon young people to the Solid Rock - Jesus!
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