Discipleship as a way of life…Eagle Church…are you ready?
I love relationships! My family would say that I love to talk, especially on Sunday mornings after church. Haha. But truly, I love to listen and talk! Mostly, I LOVE to LOVE! I have a passion to encourage others in their journey in life, but particularly in their journey with God.
Discipleship. It may seem complex and intimidating. But remember how Ian Black succinctly defined discipleship on the blog last summer: “Follow me as I follow Christ”. Typically, discipleship indicates a teacher and student relationship. It can be described as a follower of Christ, who has journeyed extensively in his or her own faith, helping another to grow in the beginning or midst of his or her faith walk.
I believe true discipleship is a two-way street. It is all about relationships and growing together in the knowledge and understanding of who God is and what He desires for us. Although discipleship often begins with a more experienced follower of Jesus guiding and directing a less experienced follower, true discipleship includes mutual learning and benefits both in the relationship. Also, although the traditional model of discipleship happens in one-on-one relationships, it also occurs in the context of life groups, Bible studies, fellowship groups and families.
In the Bible, there are many examples of discipleship relationships. Two of the most significant are that of Barnabas and Paul and then, Paul and Timothy. Barnabas and Paul traveled as a team of missionaries after Paul’s faith conversion on his first missionary journey. However, many doubted Paul because they knew of his sinful past. Barnabas was a humble, quiet influence as he encouraged Paul in his ministry and many others in their journey with the Lord. Barnabas modeled for Paul how to love God and love people, the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40) that we have been given.
Paul chose to pour into John Mark early in his ministry but his demeanor and possibly his early legalistic attitude were deterrents to his success. Later, when Paul chose to disciple Timothy as a young believer, he was able to apply gentleness and encouragement that he had learned from Barnabas to help Timothy grow in his faith. After Paul’s first missionary journey, Timothy joined Paul in his later journeys. They became very close, almost like father and son, as they laughed, cried, overcame challenges and grew stronger (both together and individually) in their relationship with Christ.
I have a few ladies that have been a “Barnabas” for me. They have consistently shown me what it looks like to faithfully follow Jesus through difficulty and joy. They are resources for me when I am struggling and they hold me accountable when my sinful nature needs correction. They are prayer warriors for me and encourage me in all circumstances. I am grateful for these amazing ladies who help guide and direct me in my journey.
As for my “Timothys”, I have had the privilege to lead discipleship with teen girls, young moms, in Bible studies, in life groups, at camps, conferences, and retreats and even in secular workplaces. All of these experiences have been an honor and a joy for me. (I LOVE to LOVE!) I have grown so much through my relationships with many incredible women. I definitely haven’t had all of the answers but I didn’t need to have all of the answers. I just needed to be authentic and point these ladies to Jesus. Sometimes discipleship is messy. Sometimes it is inconsistent. Sometimes it is difficult. But it is always worthwhile and a way for us to grow closer to Jesus, along with others.
In the New Testament, the words “one another” are mentioned 59 times. God doesn’t expect us to journey in our faith alone. We aren’t a failure if we don’t “hear” from God when we pray, or completely understand the Bible when we read it. God desires that we grow our relationship with Him in the midst of growing in the relationships He has given us on earth. Today, I have become more intentional in my relationship with Jesus than ever before, and I have a strong desire to help others do the same. It’s how God wired me and definitely a calling on my life. Are you interested in a discipleship relationship? I would love to help you begin one with someone in our church body. How can I encourage you? I would love to connect and talk more and help you fulfill the desires of your heart in your growing journey with Jesus.
I think it is time for all of us to go deeper. We are in this together, Eagle Church! What are we waiting for? Let’s go! more. together. every day.