Someone asked me lately to share my thoughts on how discipleship in the church could be structured or improved. I fumbled my way through some thoughts. It’s not an easy answer even though it’s a simple concept. I could share the dictionary definition, but it won’t reveal much. It always seems to be a bit of circular reasoning when explained. But what I believe it to be at its core is following well.
Following well isn’t some simple, copycat activity. It’s not about following the rules and checking the boxes. It’s deeper when it comes to discipleship. It’s relational. It’s inviting the right influence and letting it flow through us so we influence others in the best (although imperfect) ways. It’s staying alert and engaged. It’s standing firm yet always being pliable enough to be changed in the best ways. It’s being determined yet not stubborn. It’s knowing there will be times of weaknesses and responding with a humble willingness to change instead of pride that we rationalize why our ways were right.
Discipleship is daily. Discipline is daily.
Discipleship is both individually and community-based. We can’t do it all on our own yet we can’t rely on others and excuse personal responsibility. We can’t program it, yet without some structure, it’s difficult to encourage people stay engaged and rely on accountability. What I’ve seen far too often is people engaging in discipleship with a plateau date. Where some people see repeated patterns as stability and encouragement, others find it exhausting or discouraging. People then disengage. They get excited watching people get involved and begin to grow. But people are messy, and those messes can be discouraging. They can also be inspiring. Doing discipleship with others can nudge us forward or push us back. Part of that depends on our personal discipline. Our lives and others’ lives collide and inspire us, check us, correct us, and change us.
That’s discipleship.
It’s a moment. It’s a lifetime. It’s one choice after another after another. It’s together and personal. And it’s beautiful.
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