What is “Discipleship”?
Christian philosopher Dallas Willard defines discipleship to Jesus Christ as “the greatest opportunity individual human beings have in life and the only hope corporate mankind has of solving its insurmountable problems.” A “disciple” is a student or apprentice. Someone who follows their teacher through life, learning a trade or set of skills.
A carpenter’s apprentice goes onto the worksite, starts picking tasks, asks questions and slowly becomes a carpenter. A student teacher watches other teachers, helps write lesson plans, teaches a few modules, and gradually takes on their own classes. As Jesus’ apprentice, we follow Him into the world, watch how He interacted, ask questions of the Holy Spirit, and slowly grow into a “little Christ” (aka Christian).
As Jesus’ disciple, I am His apprentice in kingdom living. I am learning from Him how to lead my life as He would lead my life. This goes beyond a mere “what would Jesus do?” and touches on the heart issues of “how would Jesus love others, how would Jesus seek out the lost, and how would Jesus pray?”
Discipleship is not a set of religious activities; rather it is a reorientation of our lives. A life of discipleship is a life of learning, serving, and growing.
This week, our leadership Council is having a mini-retreat where we’ll ask how Cascade CRC can increase our focus on discipleship.
In my first full year, we focused on fellowship. We had just emerged from COVID lockdowns and wanted to make sure the church was able to rebuild a sense of community and care.
Last year, we focused on outreach. Historically, Cascade CRC seems to have grown through family growth and when CRC families move to the area. Our hope is to become a church that follows the Great Commission, equipping people to share the Gospel in word and deed.
This coming year we will shift our focus to discipleship. By adding this third pillar, we are creating a church that is healthy and missional; Committed to Christ, Connected to Others. Caring for the Community.
Please be praying with me, that God’s Spirit will give our Council the right ideas so that we can shape this church after God’s heart. Also please pray and work with me to ensure that we become a place where apprentices of Jesus can flourish.
With You;
Pastor Tim
