I had an opportunity to share on the V3 blog about 4 Ways to Stop the Cycle of Non-Discipleship.
V3 is a church planting movement that comes alongside church plants to support and train through learning cohorts, assessments, and resources. Our church plant has greatly appreciated their help!
4 Ways to Stop the Cycle of Non-Discipleship
The beginning of planting our first church was a time of passionate vision, excitement about possibilities and anticipation about what God would do through our emerging community. Dallas Willard’s quote about the church and discipleship stirred our hearts:
We must be disciples, we must intend to make disciples, and we must know how to bring people to believe that Jesus really is the one.
The Brick Wall
As the first few months went on, despite the books, conferences, and podcasts on discipleship we were consuming, we quickly became aware that we had no idea what we were doing.
I was left with this question….
How am I suppose to make disciples when I’ve never been directly discipled by anyone?
I was struck that no one had ever intentionally come alongside me to disciple me—to show me the way.
And I wasn’t alone.
In fact, Dallas Willard also said, “Non-discipleship is the elephant in the church.”
This is the reality I was bumping up against. Most of us have not had a discipling relationship where someone has walked alongside us to help us be with Jesus, to learn from him on how to be like him.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity (which I was tempted to do!), I resolved that the cycle of non-discipleship would not continue through me.
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