We have been discussing the theology of discipleship: what it is, why it matters, how the Holy Spirit works, and how we can partner with Him. Now we will begin to shift our attention to the practical side of discipleship and begin to look at how a church or a ministry can organize a discipleship strategy to effectively lead people to maturity in Christ.
It is time that we understand that we must be equipping every believer to become disciple-makers, walking in maturity, and pulling other people out of darkness and up to the standard of Christ, as well. His image in mankind is the goal, and any target less than that, falls short of the high calling of God.
The church can no longer simply preach the gospel in our megaphones, hoping people will somehow get saved and mature on their own. We must engage on a deeper, more personal level. We must bring the revelation of truth. We must see them saved. And we must help them to become who they are meant to be in Christ.
This is part 1 of 3 in a series of teachings I did recently in Mbale, Uganda at the Ecclesiastical Excellences Summit; the first annual high-level ministry leadership seminar by Living Water Ministries of Uganda. In this teaching I share on the topic, “Why Discipleship Matters.”
Since the Holy Spirit has the primary role in disciple-making, and we too are a vital part of the process, then it should become obvious that our first step in making disciples is to make sure and do so in partnership with the Spirit! For this reason, prayer is the most vital step in our own disciple-making efforts.
If I were to walk through all of the scriptures concerning the work of the Holy Spirit, it would be obvious that His role is to fully renew us according to the image of Christ in a process called sanctification. He is the one who draws us to Christ in the beginning. He causes us to be born again; and He continues this work within us until we are perfected in Christ for eternity.
Discipleship matters because the world is full of converts to the Christian religion, but God’s desire is mature sons and daughters. We have to do more than go into the field as harvesters, we have to invest the time, energy, and resources to preserve the harvest God has given.
Head-knowledge must lead us into deeper worship of the God of the universe. It should strengthen our faith and solidify our trust in who He has revealed Himself to be. And when that comes about in our life, it should lead us into an experience with Him!
Anyone can read a passage of scripture. Only those committed to grow from it go further into Bible study! Once you have read the passage of scripture, the real work begins. You must now seek to understand what this scripture is trying to teach.
The gospel and the gifts always follow one another, in both directions, because in the plan of God you cannot separate His power and presence from the Gospel presentation. You cannot fully share the gospel with another person in the absence of God’s power to reveal His Kingdom. And you cannot steward the gifts of God in you if you are not using them to share the gospel with others.