Are You A Spectator?
I am passionate about Discipleship, but there was a time I didn’t know what discipleship was, what it meant or what it had to do with me. Unfortunately, I spent a lot of my life as a fan in the stands of Christianity. I thought Christianity was a spectator sport. I showed up to the game, followed the program, and then left and went about my business.
What exactly is Discipleship? A Disciple is a follower of Jesus, who helps others to find and follow Jesus. And the whole process keeps repeating. We want to populate the world with Disciples of Jesus!
In one of Nate’s recent messages he asked, “What are we in the business of?” and “How is business?” I am now in the Discipleship business! At The Village, we want to provide opportunities for you to grow, be equipped and encouraged and learn to operate in your gifts and strengths to disciple others well.
Our heart is to create Disciples of Jesus as opposed to converts. A convert to Christianity has made a change to their religious belief but a disciple has a changed heart, a relationship with Jesus and participates personally in advancing the Kingdom of God. A disciple understands that Christianity isn’t a spectator sport.
Jesus said “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” Matthew 28:18-20.
Follow Jesus With A Changed Heart
As followers, we show people Jesus with our love, words, and actions, and we must make sure that we take the time to teach them how to follow Him.
Jesus walked with His disciples most of the day, each day for years. Now, most of us don’t have this opportunity outside of our home relationships (which are the perfect place to start) but He provided us with a great model. “(1) Jesus did it and the disciples watched; (2) Jesus did it and the disciples helped; (3) The disciples did it and Jesus coached and encouraged; (4)The disciples did it and Jesus left.” [1]
Jesus was super intentional with the time He spent with His disciples. It was loving, it was purposeful, and it was exponential. Then, He released them to go and do the same.
To learn more about discipleship email Sarah O’Sullivan.
