She says: “The disciple lived with or near his teacher and spent all his time with the teacher, even when the teacher traveled.”
After Richard and I joined a small church with the aim of supporting the pastor, we soon realised that we needed to spend as much time as we could with the folk who go there – in home groups as well as after the services. The challenge of discipleship in our modern, individualistic society is being able to find – and fit in – enough opportunities to be with the ‘disciples’ in a Jesus context: not just socializing, but intentionally turning hearts and minds towards God.
There are other – like-minded – friends we enjoy spending time with. We intentionally disciple each other, building one another up and encouraging each other ‘in the faith’. I guess the first disciples just wanted to hang out with Jesus: our challenge is to motivate those in the church we attend to do the same.
So, now: is that discipleship – or evangelism?
Hmmm....
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haha, I think its both. Traveling disciples are evangelist but still disciples. Friends are awesome to have when they build your faith. That's why we must find strong people to surround us. You become like the company you keep=) Nice Blog.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree - definitely both. Friends to travel with are vital but opportunities to do so are not necessarily within a traditional church context - we have to chat with intent!
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