Discipleship

One of the main themes of Conclave this weekend seemed to focus around the idea of discipleship. Francis Chan first spoke on this during the first main session on Thursday night. But it was an idea that was repeated on multiple occasions throughout the weekend. Chan looked at the life of Jesus. He went around speaking the truth to anyone who wanted to hear it. But on many occasions there were people in the crowds that did not care about the Gospel. They would turn away and leave, or Jesus would send them away through His message. Those who remained were the ones that Jesus was able to pour into. And really, Jesus only poured into 12 main men in His ministry. There were many that He taught during His lifetime, but there were 12 specific men that Jesus "discipled."

Through His ministry we see the importance of witnessing and discipleship. As a Christian we should be involved in both, but sometimes we get so caught up in one that we neglect the other. And I feel that many times discipleship is left out in our lives and maybe even in our churches.

This weekend helped me see the importance of discipleship. So I ask you to think about your spiritual life. Did you have a person that mentored or discipled you? Was there a person who invested in your life, teaching you God's Word or living the Christian life before you? And if so, what have you done since? Do you in turn invest in the lives of others? Are there people in your life that you can pour into and teach them what it means to live the Christian life?

I think we can all point to people who had an influence in our lives. But I wonder if we can then point to people that we are investing in. If you cannot think of such a person, then I encourage you to think of someone who may look up to you. Or if you are involved in a certain ministry in your church, think of someone who might be a great help in that ministry in the future. Begin investing in that person's life. That, is discipleship.

Continue to witness and spread God's Word because it is our calling. But do not neglect to disciple others. You may never know what type of influence you will have on their life. But what if they take what you have taught them and seek out someone else? And what if that person continues the process? Pretty soon, there will be a network of believers who are connecting with one another for accountability, support, teaching, and service work. What impact could we all have on the world if we connected closer to believers? Only God knows the things that He could accomplish through us. Discipleship is important. I encourage you to seek out those who you could disciple in the faith.

One last thought. When you do find such a person, it helps you in your walk as well. Knowing that there is someone looking to you for some sort of guidance can help keep you on the right track.

Matt