walking with Christ
The past few weeks have been filled with conversations about what it means to walk with Christ learning to grow in our relationship with Him. They usually end up using the word discipleship and discussing the different models presented in scripture and breakdown of what Jesus did as well as Paul and his interaction with those around him. So I’m reflecting on these conversations as they have actually been occurring over the past two years as my wife and I will get into them without really resolving them. I don’t have a definite answer but think boundaries are being shaped within my thoughts. I’m looking for opinions and thoughts or resources from others. Whatever can be offered will be accepted so please leave something.
First, let me set a premise for such a conversation. I think that the current model of mainstream churches is wrong when it comes to discipleship. Now, this may come from my frustration with church in general that I constantly battle through or I may be wrong. Also, this is from my experience or people that I’ve talked with in regards to what is available to them. So I’m not saying no one out there is doing anything right. With all that stated, I wonder what a good model of 21st century church discipleship looks like. From personal experience, it seems that most think that Sunday Schools meet this need or book studies to address certain topical issues are expected to address different needs at different times. Not that these are necessarily bad or wrong (it may depend on the teachers), but I’ve found them inadequate for what they are trying to do.
So as a ministry leader or even someone looking for discipleship/ Christian growth, what is ideal? Or how do we adapt to the current situation? Do we ignore it and allow those that truly want to pursue Chris do it and all others sit back? And in doing so, do we neglect the teachings of Christ that speak of the cost of discipleship? And is this affirming a false hope in people and there salvation? I’m not accusing anyone as I wrestle with these questions personally and within a ministry context.
I saw a quote that said, “All disciples are Christians, but not all Christians are disciples.” I disagree with this quote because I don’t think the intention of God’s redemptive plan was to allow people claim the power of Christ while not sacrificing themselves for it. I also believe that such a distinction allows people to be apathetic in their walk and be ok with it. It reinforces the idea of a “good” Christian and “bad” Christian while not addressing the issues of the heart that either push us toward Christ or keep us from Him. So how do we change this? Or do we ignore it and wash our hands of it all together? And what can discipleship look like this day and age?
Discipleship must be about education. I have heard it said that “what you win them with, you win them too.” If this is true then we as a church are winning people to socials, “discussion groups”, accountability (sin affirmation) partners, etc. I believe the lack of Christian discipleship is a direct lack of Christian training and education. Secondarily, I do not believe this is as a result of a lack of qualified or willing teachers. There are many out there who seek God and who have been gifted with teaching and explanation, but the devoted pupils are few. The first chapter of James speaks heavily on perserverance (among other things) but I think it comes down to people not wanting to put in the work necessary to grow. We win them with eternal salvation while skimming over “to save you life you must lose it” and “anyone that would follow me (Christ) must deny himself.” These are brought to their attention post enlistment, but they are taught they don’t actually have to do these things, because once saved always saved. You can drag a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. Until the Holy Spirit stirs in the hearts of the church population I believe you and I will bang our collective heads together wondering where all the students have gone?