If I asked you what is a disciple, what would you say? Christians think of a disciple in many different ways. Some think of a disciple as a student of a teacher. Others think of a disciple as a sort of protégé, being guided by an older and experienced person. Still others think of a disciple as a follower or adherent of a master. Even though the ways one thinks of a disciple may be many, it is interesting Christians generally agree what discipleship is. If I am right, when most Christians are asked what is discipleship, they say it is bringing Christians to grow and become mature Christians. I do not disagree. I just happen to think it does not go far enough.
Just before Christ ascended into heaven, his last words to his disciples were, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” When he said those words, I think it is unlikely the disciples heard he was instructing them to go and bring those who were already Christians everywhere to grow and become mature Christians. I think it is more likely they heard he was instructing them to go, and bring the spiritually dead, those who did not want to have anything to do with God, to grow and become mature Christians.
Christians have been doing a good job bringing those who are already Christians to grow and become mature Christians. But if that is all we have been doing, then our job is only half done. We have been coming up short. The faithful servant is one who brings those who are already Christians to grow and become mature Christians, but also those who are unbelievers, to do the same.
The second of Three Pillars of Christian living is discipleship. In a LifeGroup, discipleship is bringing both those who are already Christians and those who are unbelievers to grow and become mature Christians. It is practicing how to bring other believers to grow and become mature Christians. But it is also practicing what to say to unbelievers, how to hear what it is they are really asking, and how to respond.
The second Pillar of Christian living is discipleship.
1 Community
2 Discipleship
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