Devoted Discipleship
Acts 2:42a, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching …”
Acts 2:44a, “And all those who had believed were together…”
Acts 2:46a, “Day by day continuing with one mind…”
In each of these verses you see the signs of a devoted discipleship. Indeed, you could say that all that flowed out in Acts 2:42-47 was a result of discipleship. You can define discipleship as simply as, “helping another person follow Jesus.” Another helpful definition at a personal level is, “discipleship is the intentional, Spirit-empowered process of becoming like Jesus, to the glory of God.” (What is Discipleship, Lifeway article, Jan. 23, 2025, https://research.lifeway.com/2025/01/23/what-is-discipleship/#:~:text=On%20an%20individual%20level%2C%20discipleship%20is%20the%20intentional%2C,a%20church%20ministry%20level%2C%20discipleship%20is%20more%20structural.)
At an organizational level, this same article defines discipleship this way, “Discipleship ministry leverages the resources of God’s people to promote disciple making. It uses people, spaces, and schedules to help people come to know Christ and grow in Him.” Suddenly discipleship begins to feel complicated for the individual, for the church leaders, and for the ministry of the church. Why is something so central to the purpose of the church so difficult to grasp and so difficult to accomplish? Afterall, Jesus sending command to the disciples, and therefore to the church He empowers through His Spirit, is, “Go therefore and make disciples,” (Matt. 28:19a).
If CHBC is going to be devoted to discipleship, then at least two things must occur. First, the pastors, staff, Sunday School leadership, and other small group Bible study leaders must commit to not only believing in discipleship but knowing the plan of discipleship and communicating it clearly to every member and guest. Second, every member needs to be ready and willing to engage in that plan not only as a disciple, but as a disciple-maker.
Making disciples is not the purpose of leaders. Every Christian is to make disciples. But it is the responsibility of leadership to develop a plan, communicate the plan, and help people participate in that plan. Pray for the leaders the church has tasked with planning and organizing a disciple-making strategy.
If you want to know more about how you can be devoted to discipleship, let me encourage this new book by Garrett Kell, “How Do I Disciple Others?” You can order this small book, and watch a video about the book at https://9marks.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/how-do-i-disciple-others.
CHBC is focusing on the fundamentals for 2025, that includes evangelism, discipleship fellowship, ministry, worship, prayer, and stewardship. Start with your own discipleship in Bible reading, prayer, Sunday School attendance, worship attendance, serving the church, and giving your tithes and offerings, and then help someone else follow Jesus.
By His Grace and For His Glory,
Pastor Mark
