So far the three words, critical to discipleship, that we’ve looked at are: disciple & discipleship. These two words get at the nature of discipleship. A disciple is about being a learner, an apprentice. Discipleship is about mastering these skills to higher and higher levels of maturity.
Now we look at our third word, “discipling.”
Our first two words can be seen from an individual sense. It’s what’s happening to us as an individual. Discipling has a different focus. It now becomes outward in it’s impact. Instead of building up ourselves we build up others.
That may seem like a small difference, yet it is a big leap. It is one thing to take steps personally. It’s quite another big step to to care and lead someone else too.
In fact, church leaders around the country agree with this challenge. The Barna Group
Busyness is hindering discipling says the Barna Group.
did a survey called “The State of Discipleship.” In it they say on page 60, “The top barriers to mature believers discipling younger believers are, ‘too much busyness in their lives (65%) and “lack of commitment” (41%). Thirty-nine percent say “feelings of inadequacy” also hinder potential discipleship leaders.”
Houston we have a problem.
Mature believers are not available and do not feel competent to invest in others. A small percentage, 35% feel like they do have the time. Compounding those numbers is the busyness most church leaders say hinders all types discipleship in their congregations. They put the busyness number at 85% halting these mentoring relationships. (page 58 of Barna)
It is a serious challenge for us in The Church.
Is it really that big of a deal?? Isn’t it enough to offer a good sermon, good worship on Sundays and have some ways to serve? That answer will depend on how you respond to the following verse, “19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ESV
From that passage in Matt 28 what is Jesus telling the disciples and therefore us to do? Is it just having a nice amount of attenders on a Sunday? From that passage we would have to land on “make disciples.” To make a disciple we have to answer two others questions. What is a disciple? How do I make one?
How would someone answer those correctly?
- A careful reading through the gospels will reveal how Christ led and molded his followers. Also a thorough investigation of Paul’s second letter to Timothy. These passages will bring light to those questions. You’ll see Christ’s investment, the time that he spends, his practices.
- In order to gain confidence and competence in discipling I have profoundly benefitted from the workbook by Bill Mowry, “The Ways of the Alongsider.” Our Navigator Church Ministry staff have taken 100s of pastors through the book one on one. Individually walking through the principles in the book I’ve personally seen many take new stronger steps in discipling others. That can help bridge the busyness gap that hinders so much discipleship.
- Another big step is to determine what a disciple looks like. How would you and your church draw a picture of a disciple? What characteristics, traits, skills, theology and habits would be included in your profile of a disciple? When I’ve taken churches through our church disciple making process I’ve seen at the outset a lack of clarity of a disciple. The beauty of the process is that upon completing they can answer that question. It does take some work. It is well worth it because it aligns the whole congregation and it energizes them even more to be involved in discipling.
- One final thought of countering the busyness of our culture is found in Matthew 9:38. Christ gives the discipleship the solution to the lack of workers in God’s harvest. It is where we derive our power. Look for the answer in the verse.
Hinderances to discipling can be overcome. But there is some that’s hopeful, that’s encouraging. If he gave us the commission to make disciples he knows we can be empowered to fulfill it. You and I can live out this kind of significant lifestyle. You and I can have impact for the Kingdom!
Here’s the first word “disciple” and the second word discipleship in our series.
One last thing …there’s actually one more critical word in discipleship! That post is coming soon. 