I think that it’s important to note that when Jesus called the disciples he led and taught them for three and a half years…yet even up until the point of his death they still didn’t understand all the things he was teaching them. Also they had yet to receive the Holy Ghost at Pentecost. This was all pre-New Testament salvation discipling. It wasn’t until after Christ rose from the dead and opened their eyes that they received a deep understanding of the truth. Then he admonished them to go to Pentecost until they received power from on high. The point is that Christ discipled the disciples for 3 and a half years
before they experienced Pentecost.
Also it is important to note that most of Christ’s discipling of the disciples took place in informal conversations in homes, over dinner tables, on the road, in the markets, in the fields, on the mount side, in the garden, etc. Discipleship is far more than just a religious class held during service times. That’s part of our problem. We offer classes and programs in our efforts to disciple…but we’re not teaching someone who to be an HVAC technician…we’re teaching everyday spiritual disciplines that require everyday interaction to learn rather it be prior to salvation or after salvation:
Acts 2:42-47
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
We see that in the beginning they not only met in the temple…but they broke bread from house to house. They shared their entire lives with one another. As you can see even the provision of material goods and needs was an essential element in their fellowship. Christian discipleship didn’t take place in the Temple…it took place in the context of Christian fellowship. The true purpose of fellowship is discipling, not entertainment.
What is there to be cautious about? I’d like to take this opportunity to make a statement I love; there’s no such thing as a cautious Christian.
I think that’s faulty theology. The “church” isn’t a “place”. It’s a people. The church can meet in a big building, a living room, a park, a Starbuck’s, a book store, a courthouse square, a back yard, down by the riverside, in a barn, in the brush arbors, old textile mills, under bridges…you name it and Christians who really know Jesus can “church” there.
The myth prevails…bring them to an impressive building (that we’ve grown to believe is a necessity) and sit them in classes and call it discipleship.
Ditch the focus on luxurious buildings, padded pews, tall steeples, stained glass windows, polished classrooms, and just let people into your life. Open your homes and your lives up and mentor others in what it means to live a Christian life. Hold Bible studies in the park, in the malls, or at the local coffee shop. Let new believers see first hand what it means to be a Christian OUTSIDE of the sanctuary. Let them see you talk to others about Christ.
You know…our founders gathered wherever they could find a roof and just taught Bible without programs or gimmicks. We’ve become so “institutionalized”.
Threaded Mode
