Is your church TRULY focused on discipleship?!?!
Think back to the services, bible studies, events, and sermons given over the past few months or year. How have they supported Jesus' command/commission to teach (and make) disciples of all nations?
Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV) - And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Before you blow this off because your church holds a lot of events, think about how those events have supported Jesus' command in teaching the 'nations' to observe everything He commanded? For many churches, fellowships, and denominations, any extended teaching is reserved only for those who are 'called' to preach the Gospel (in some capacity).
But what about the rest of the congregation?!?!
Sadly, the focus of FAR TOO MANY CHURCHES has been:
- Larger attendance
- Larger buildings
- Greater positions
- More money
The structure within most churches today does not support any type of discipleship...even though they 'say' they do:
- Bible Study
- Sunday School
- Men's Ministry
- Women's Ministry
- Leadership Meetings
- Marriage Ministry
- Singles Ministry
- Sunday Sermons
- New Believer's Courses
- Discipleship Courses
How are these supporting the teaching and training of disciples? For any one person (and depending on their position), they may need to study and read at least five different sets of material weekly, not including any personal studies. Plus, there are few churches that will ensure those in attendance truly understand the material.
If you look across your church RIGHT NOW, you'll find that there are very few members growing in the Word and fulfilling Jesus' command. The people continue being spoon-fed for decades with little (if any) change.
What people knew at age 20 is about the same when they're 50.
We (as the collective church) have to move beyond worldly church 'successes' and traditions built on false standards. Far too many leaders are busy keeping up with the Christian 'Joneses' that they are missing the mark of discipleship.
The responsibility of discipleship lies upon us. What are we doing about it?!
There comes a time when we have to break away from the standards of tradition and the callings of worldly success and take a stand. WE have to take a hard look at what we are doing today and ensure our focus is on Jesus' commands and not our own desires or traditions.
A focus on discipleship may not be popular, but living as a disciple isn't about popularity.
Is your church TRULY focused on discipleship?!?!
