SAND IN MY DRYER
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Discipleship Training for Disciples
For the last few days I've been thinking about how difficult discipleship can be for those of us who are not pastors or counselors. I realize that people need to know that we genuinely love them, but in today's world where sin is so rampant and accessible it is difficult sometimes to relate to people who have been more exposed than us. We are all called to share the gospel, but sometimes it's easy to just refer someone on to the next spiritual authority figure available. If we are instrumental in leading someone to Christ, than we are the primary person that they look to to "be Jesus to them". That can mean calling on us when they face some temptation that is completely foreign to us, and possibly something that we would rather not be exposed to. It wouldn't be very Christlike to push them off on someone else when they are depending on you. We always talk about needing "good discipleship" for new converts, but it seems to be an area where we continue to fall short. Has anyone ever been to a class on how to disciple or know of any curriculum on the subject.
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I'm sure there is plenty of good curriculum to be had...(since this is my newest hobby -horse...I would recommened looking at some of the resources at that Asbury link on mine)...also think Larry Crabb's book "Connecting" is really good on this subject...as he really focuses on the role "normal" people have in making a difference in a another's life. He asserts that often people are "sent" to counselors when what they really need are good friends. Obviously he (and I ) believe in counseling in true mental illness issues..but this line of thinking seems to be where you are headed. I think he has some other "how-to" books on this issue after the original "Connecting" and that one must not have sold very well, as I've seen it really cheap in bookstores...should have picked one up for ya!:)
You know I totally agree w/this theme...only by truly "connecting" with others...taking the time..being concerned enough to listen..lend a hand..are we being disciples of Christ. I don't think there's a magic formula. It IS good when the local church can provide a basic structure..(and really important TO refer to those in authority or w/appropriate training when there are severe issues) but often the normal or day-to-day living stuff is better addressed by those in the Body.
(and frankly, I think you are already doing a pretty good job in living out this pursuit!!)
OK...that's my rambling thoughts.
We have a book in our library here at home. It was Curt's before we married, and I haven't gotten to it yet. The author is Walter A. Henrichsen, for many years associated with The Navigators. The title is "Disciples Are Made Not Born." It looks good and seems to apply.
I had responded to this earlier, and ended up not posting it. I didn't want to post anything in haste and not word it right! I'm no authority on this subject, but we have also been doing quite a bit of discussion, introspection, and planning in this area. My first thoughts are that the word "Discipleship" is often over-used and under-defined. To truly DISCIPLE someone, you have to be willing to go into such an intensive training sort of relationship. That's what Jesus did with his 12; he spent all that time training, teaching, living the Way, and investing in them that they might fulfill His will in the future. And hopefully that they would have a solid knowledge of who He was and what He was about! My opinion is that our culture and even our church-world has become so ignorant of biblical truths and teaching, that many church people could even use some serious discipleship! Again, I'm NO THEOLOGIAN, by a longstretch, but I'm amazed at the people I go to church with who are 2 or 3 times my age, and have been in the church half their lives, and yet know so little about the Bible! It's embarrassing. Sometimes I almost feel self-conscious in Bible Study to add my input on things because I'm one of the younger ones, but I sound "old" most of the time! Well, sorry, I've gotten off the point. Back to your question...if you have new converts that you and Harold are wanting to invest some discipleship training in, why not open your home for a small group setting consistently?? Either use a study guide(I'm sure they can be found), or just use your old Foundations of Faith notes or something. I think that many times, new converts are just so full of QUESTIONS that it would be great for them to have someone who would direct them to Biblical answers. I know it can be daunting, because Derek and I are planning to start one in our home this fall. You're so afraid you won't have all the answers. And of course, you won't. But investing in the relationship is a HUGE step in the right direction. And if you don't know, simply look it up, ask for help, and follow-up the next week.
Well, I'm sure I'll be chagrinned when I see the length of this comment! Sorry! It's good stuff to be mulling over, though!
Great thoughts, Kayla. I don't think I have anything to add that hasn't already been said. I do believe that we are all called! Tara had some great ideas...I quess I would suggest the same. I also know that being in a friendship with these believers is where it all starts. People are not going to typically listen or share if there is not some sort of trust already in place.
I think Jeff Keaton would be a person to contact on getting some really good literature on discipleships. I remember when he pastored a church in Hollywood, Florida. Much of their congregation was made up of people who didn't grow up in church, they were new converts. Jeff's wife felt so inexperienced with working with people who came from broken homes or lives filled with alcohol and drugs. She ended up discipling a young convert who had been an alcoholic. Here is the website of the church where Jeff Keaton pastors and I noticed they do have a discipleship ministry in place.
http://www.parkwayhouseofprayer.org/Home.html
I certainly agree with Tara that true discipling takes you into "an intensive training sort of relationship." I have no intention to discourage a desire to share Jesus with others, but don't forget that the most fertile ground possible for discipling is in our very own homes when we have little ones. (It's such a short season that we have them under our care. So often, parents just coexist with their children, failing to exert the effort it takes to truly disciple them. They seem to think being a follower of Christ will happen by osmosis in the home. Some can't get past the warm fuzzies and truly see their babies as potentially lost and dying souls.)
I've seen many in past generations who (unknowingly) avoided, as much as possible, the hard daily grind of discipling their own children. They felt so good about busying themselves with this or that "ministry" reaching the "lost" and "needy", many times losing their own in the process. It's a concern of mine because of what I've seen happen repeatedly.
There's a lot more glory in the public arena of discipling than there is in the moment by moment shaping of little lives in the grit and grind of daily home-life.
I've also noticed that as children become established, the family's outreach--together--can have an even greater impact!
This is meant to encourage, not discourage! I hope it reads they way I intend it.
up late reading, So I'm going to go ahead and comment again:)
-the Roanoke churchs do seem to have a strong church discipling class format..good structure like I would wish for local churches in general...but a little different than what you're talkin about, I think...we as 1-on-1 friends could pick up where the church leaves off..
..definately agree that mothering has to be (by necessity if for no other reason) your priority discipling..also think your boys will benefit by seeing you reaching out to others..seeing their place in the larger church/world community..they are already exhibiting this sensitivity.
...Tara haw important to point to Jesus as the "expert" in discipling..that makes me think of His patience..discipling can be messy business, yet He remains faithful..so should we!! What a challenge!
This post was not written because I have new converts that need discipling. (I wish that were the case) It was written because of a failure on my own part at
discipling someone. I became overwhelmed quickly with things that I didn't know how to handle. It didn't take long for Satan to regain his ground, and we lost contact. Recently this person entered my life again, which is what has me thinking along these lines. I have found some helpful material that I will share after I look it over.
I totally agree that our own little ones are our first priority. I will admit that I have been envious of some churches focus on parenting. Mrs. B used to always tell us that "a call to service is a call to preparation". The older I get the more I realize how many different forms of "service" I should have been better prepared for. I am concerned though that sometimes we get so caught up in the everyday training that we fail to relay to our children the value of changed lives. If we are looking to Jesus as our example in parenting our "little disciples" then we can't overlook the fact that while he was teaching and training he was also helping the poor and touching the sick and involving his disciples in the whole process.
The last command that Jesus gave was to "Go and make disciples", so shouldn't it be our goal to instill in our children the value of discipleship? I'm concerned that we are raising a gereration of "spiritual snobs". I want my kids in a sterile environment while they are young, and then gradually increase the outside influences as they are spiritually ready to handle them. I see kids who want to go overseas on missions trips, but can't reach out to the bus kids within their own youth group, on their turf, where they are surrounded by other Christians. I say all this not to be critical of others because obviously it is an area where I am lacking also. I hope I was able to convey my thoughts without being offensive. My motivation is to draw closer to God myself and figure out the best way to help others do the same.
"Discipleship is a lifestyle, a process that should be occurring all through our lives." I pray that God will give me the teachable spirit necessary to be a true disciple.
Kayla....excellent points to consider. And very well-put.
Kayla, Tara and all,
I only have a little time this morning, but this post and comments have been on my mind. It stuck me again yesterday how important it is to define our terms. It is amazing the many ways one term, like discipling or training, diligent parenting or any of the other terms we've used here, can represent quite different concepts. So much depends on our paradigm. Where I've seen the scenario I described, Kayla has seen the potential snob situation, which I hadn't had opportunity to observe, and each of you other ladies have no doubt, had varying situations that have made you sensitive or concerned in slightly different ways. When I hear more details of what you have observed, Kayla, I can certainly see where you are coming from. I am totally in agreement that we must inculcate in our children by instruction and a life lived, that life is really all about serving and helping those around us. We are to be servants, laying down our lives for the brethern, the needy, the hurting, etc.
This post just reminds me to be very careful to define my terms.
I appreciate each of you and believe in you!
I just wrote probably my longest comment ever and lost it....argh!
This was a great discussion...sorry to have missed it.
Our church uses Alpha but it is geared toward inquiry discipleship of unbeliers and initial discipleship of new believers. Most would point out that discipleship of mature believers is an area we are trying to address and definitely becomes problematic when the church does not balance these two [types of discipleship] well.
That said, this morning at church I visited with a recent new believer (through Alpha) who was sitting in front of me. She is a guidance counselor at a local alternative public high school who was asking me to pray for how she could reach her kids for Jesus without losing her job. This morning, upon coming to church, she learned from her husband that her son had slept in. She left church, pulled him out of bed and brought him along with two of his friends (one who had NEVER been in a church before). It is just so exciting to be around new believers. They shame me with their passion, their zeal and limitless time they give to reach new souls. It's like they "get" that they are rescuing souls from destruction.
That said, if I take my commission as a mother seriously to "go and make disciples" at home--that is more than a full time job and I agree with Toots that I have to give that number one focus.
It was interesting to note that as I left my new believing friend this morning (I'm sure one of my kids was in need of attention) she went on to my Mom (who was visiting with us) that I was the first person who had made her feel at "home" in our church. I share that not to lift myself up but to encourage my mom friends that the little things we do--the tiny, eensy ways we serve and help others--they do make a difference. So may we as moms take the great commision seriously to go and make disciples, first in our homes but also in our communities.
Thanks to everyone for your help.
I appreciate getting everyone's perspective, it gives me a better rounded view of all the aspects of discipling.
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