I’ve been stuck thinking and reading about discipleship in the last few weeks. I picked back up “The Complete Book of Discipleship” by Bill Hull and became energized to finish reading it as it looks to be a great gem in helping me make discipleship my ministry and not just a part or a program.
He asks a great question in the book that is worth asking the blogosphere, “Does the gospel we preach produce disciples or does it produce consumers of religious goods and services?” I afraid that to many times in to many churches we are producing “Christians” (I use the term loosely) that are just consumers who think discipleship is for Elders, Pastors and Leaders or “Super Christians” but not for them. And the only one to blame is us: Elders, Pastors and Leaders of the church for not making disciples that take serious the call to follow Jesus as a lifestyle that changes us and transforms us into the image of Jesus. Hull goes on to make a few lists of characteristics of biblical disciples (pg. 46-47) that I think are a great base for us to start looking at our ministries and evaluate whether or not we are producing these kinds of disciples.
Characteristics of a Faith That Embraces Discipleship
-A faith that embraces discipleship is only real when we actively obey it.
-A faith that embraces discipleship is defined historically by people who took action.
-A faith that embraces discipleship distinguishes itself from mere agreement or intellectual assent with demonstrated proof.
-Jesus distinguished a faith that embraces discipleship as thoughtful obedience instead of religious words.
Personal Characteristics of Disciples
-A disciple abides in Christ through the Word and prayer (John 15:7).
-A disciple bears much fruit (John 15:8).
-A disciple responds to God’s love with obedience (John 15: 9-10).
-A disciple possesses joy (John 15:11).
-A disciple loves as Christ loves (John 15:12-13)
Personal Competencies of Disciples
-A disciple submits to a teacher who teaches him or her how to follow Jesus.
-A disciple learns Jesus’ words.
-A disciple learns Jesus way of ministry.
-A disciple imitates Jesus’ life and character.
-A disciple finds and teaches other disciples for Jesus.
Just so food for thought. So what are your thoughts?
FusionLife is the personal blog of Ben Boles, who's passion is to help people find their way back to God. And one way I do that is by sharing my life, ideas, and experiences as a Christ-follower.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:34 am
“-A disciple finds and teaches other disciples for Jesus.”
I’m liking that one. But I know it’s not so easy is it….
March 27th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Tony,
I agree because it is unnatural for us to require that of someone. But I’ve heard guys talk about how they are finding that new converts are much more willing to do evangelism than life long church leaders in their churches.