A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR
“Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." -Matthew 28: 17-20 (The Message)
Disciple making is big business in the world of Christian publishing these days. Maybe it is a reaction to the ever-decreasing numbers of confessing Christians here in the U.S. (Christianity, however, is thriving in the global south and in places of persecution like China). There are literally thousands of titles out there on how to “do” discipleship, how to evangelize the world. One book I read on the subject was, “The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples”, by Win and Charles Arn. As a book it was good, with some good ideas, but, the one true way to make disciples is the way Jesus did and that is to be in relationship with people. First Jesus recognized folks, called them by name and then asked them to join him. No requirement for getting it all correct, for having all the answers or even being close. Now, granted, he is the Son of God so he has a definite edge, but according to the command in the verse above, it is what is expected of us too.
So how are we fostering relationships which deepen our discipleship (our willingness to follow in Jesus’ footsteps)? Who do you know that you can share your “God stuff” with? Not just the easy, fun, praise God stuff, but the times when it is hard to follow Jesus, the times when you doubt a little or doubt a lot? Who have you recognized? Who have you called by name or gotten to know well enough to invite them to join you on this sometimes imperfect and turbulent, sometime peaceful and joy-filled, always life changing, journey in the footsteps of the Master?
Scary right? Read that verse above again. Notice where it says, “Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally”. Sound familiar? It does to me but it is the next bit that gets me, “Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge.” Apparently, it doesn’t matter whether we are scared or not, whether we have it all together or not, Jesus is “undeterred” and still tells us to make disciples.
My prayer for all of us is that we will be willing to risk ourselves totally and find a friend to talk about “God stuff” with, someone we can trust who will help us see God at work in our own lives and in theirs. I pray that we will be willing to do whatever it takes for us to respond to Jesus’ charge and command to, “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life”.
On the Journey,
Pastor Debbie