4 minute read
POSITIONED TO DISCIPLE
BY KATE YATES
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20
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The Great Commission is a passage known by many but is often seen as the Scripture for people who feel a call to go into missions and move overseas.
However, these final words Jesus spoke to his disciples before his ascension are words for every Christ follower as we are all called to take the gospel wherever we find ourselves.
For years, College Pastor Rusty Roberts has challenged students to recognize they are strategically placed for the gospel, and for them to make much of Jesus wherever they find themselves. That doesn’t stop once you graduate from college. Each one of us is positioned to share Jesus with the people around us.
In his book, Rediscovering Discipleship, Robby Gallaty points to the Great Commission to define what discipleship is and what it should look like:
For most of my adult life, I was either leading a small group or meeting with students one-on-one, but eight years ago, not long after I moved to Mobile and began attending Mars Hill Church, I was approached by a young woman in the church who asked me to disciple her. Her intentionality in seeking me out was nothing like I had experienced before, and I was unsure I could meet any expectations she may have. However, I took a step forward and agreed to start meeting with her and my life has not been the same since! While she may have been seeking to learn from me, I will say I learned just as much from her, if not more! And with each student and young woman I have met with and discipled since then, my learning has only grown.
When she asked me to disciple her, I felt ill-equipped, and often I still do, but I have learned that no one feels confident stepping into the role of mentor. Gallaty says, “You never quite feel confident enough to invest in another person. You just do it, out of obedience to Jesus.” In my experience, I have learned having a humble heart will keep you dependent on the Lord, and it is often that servant heart that he can use most.
Remaining humble also allows us to remember that no matter how much time we invest in someone, it is only the Lord who can bring about change in a person’s heart and life. While I have been blessed throughout the years to see the Lord use me to encourage growth in some, there have also been those who chose to turn and walk away. I was recently sharing with a friend the pain I felt thinking of those I invested so much of my life and time in, who seemed to so easily dismiss me and, even worse, the Word of God. It was then she reminded me that if we enter into a discipleship relationship thinking we can change someone we will be disappointed every time. What we can do is love people and speak the truth in love while pointing them to the One who can change their hearts and lives.
Discipleship is not for the weak of heart, but it is for those who want to follow the example of Christ and in turn, grow in their own walk with the Lord. For decades I have served in student ministry where the need and opportunities were always in front of me, but I pray that no matter where I find myself I will always obey the words of Christ and make disciples, teaching them to observe all that he has commanded.
BIBLICAL TEACHING: Woven: The Art of Discipleship by Jennie Allen is a great way to learn more about the meaning and importance of relational discipleship within the church family. Broken up into 25 bite-size videos, this series gives practical application to discipleship in our everyday lives. 3 PILLAR RESOURCES
AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY: Community groups can actively pray for the Lord to provide opportunities to connect potential discipleship partners. Check out the five minute video on RIghtNow Media titled “Discipleship is a Journey.” Rick Howerton, Small Group and Discipleship Specialist at LifeWay Church Resources, shares what he’s learned to be a biblical and systematic approach to making disciples within small groups. This could be a helpful tool to get started.
FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP: Talk with Rusty (rusty@pomh.org) or Kate about matching with someone as a discipleship partner.
“God uses sinners–there is no one else to use”
Elisabeth Elliot
