2 Timeless Ingredients for Discipleship
No matter what is going on around us, I am convinced that the Church of Jesus Christ should be prioritising investing in the lives of others. The call over every Christian is to “go and make disciples.” (Matt 28:19-20)
This is both the duty and delight of the Church, to give ourselves for the growth and flourishing of others. Each of us will have those God has brought into our lives to encourage, strengthen and challenge in the Lord.
During the Coronavirus pandemic we have had to reinvent how we do many things. One of those has been how we invest in and disciple others. Whether that be moving our one on one accountable relationships from inside over lunch to outside on a walk, or having group times over Zoom - we have had to get creative in finding ways to continue to outwork our commitment to discipleship.
Here are two key lessons to discipleship that have been reinforced to me over this last year:
1. Make Scripture Central
So often our time together is built around the question ‘How are you?’ Of course this is a good and important question, but should not be the main focus. When our times are built around that question they often end up being a time for complaining about how hard things are to a sympathetic ear or a self-help group. Neither of those make disciples.
Instead our times should be focused around the question ‘What is God saying?’ The best way to explore this question is by looking at God's Word. Make the focus of discipleship anything other than the Bible and we will find ourselves drifting off from that which is most important.
I like to break the group discipleship times I lead into two halves. In the first half we will explore a passage in scripture (I’ve recently used Mark & Daniel). We'll read half a chapter and then discuss the scripture using 3 questions as a framework
What does this passage tell us about God?
What does it tell us about ourselves?
What are we going to do about it?
This has created a helpful context for fruitful discussions. As the discussion leader I always look to draw every voice out and invite everyone to share, while bringing out any clear threads that come through from what is shared. From my experience often in Bible study people will share observations as short reflections and you can find natural conversations struggling to kick off. As group leader I try to bring my reflections in the way of a question to all.
I have found it hugely helpful to end by looking at how we apply what we feel God has been speaking about. Create an expectation that we are doers of the word and not just hearers.
2. Ask more than 'How are you?'
With group discipleship happening on Zoom, I’ve found an hour is an optimum time. The first 10 minutes is normally a chance for catch up. The next 25-30 minutes is for Bible study as explained above. The last 20-25 is given to exploring the question of ‘How are you?’
A helpful tool I’ve discovered for this is from a book called 'The Emotionally Healthy Church' by Pete Scazerro. He makes the point that for us to be healthy disciples there are 5 key areas we must pay attention to, using the acronym SPIES:
Spiritual
This about how our relationship with God is. How’s your devotional life? What is God speaking to you about? What areas of your character is he challenging you in?
Physical
This is about how we are looking after our bodies. Are we eating well? Exercising? Getting enough sleep? How do you rest? Have you got a good work life balance?
Intellectual
This is about our mental health, how is your thought life? What are you reading? How are your finances? How are you stretching yourself?
Emotional
This is looking at our emotional health. Are you struggling with anger? Or anxiety? Has anything upset you? Are you struggling to forgive anyone?
Social
This final section is about our friendships. Are you creating time for fun with others? What brings you joy in your free time?
This serves as such a helpful way to get people to share how they are in a holistic way. Don’t feel like everyone has to share every time, rather allow people to share in an unhurried way. Ask follow up questions and encourage the group to do likewise. In my groups I’ve found we normally fill the whole 20 minutes hearing from just one person.
