Discipleship is far more than a Book or a program........

Discipleship is far more than a book or a program. Almost every time I hear someone refer to discipleship they go directly to, "What program are you using? What meetings are you having, and what book did you read or copy?" I get so weary of this kind of human, man-made discipleship talk that once in a while I just have to go back to the basics and get on my soap box.

Last night God sent me a great gift and reminder of what true discipleship is, and that it's not in a book or someone's program they sell you or design. It's in scripture and it works all the time. During our first Church Council meeting of the new year, as we welcomed our new members and said goodbye to each of our rotating members, we introduced ourselves and shared a little of our journey here at Oasis Church, and who we are.

I have done this now for almost 19 years with several hundred Lay Leaders who have served on this council, and until last night I never realized the beauty of how God has continued to use Oasis Church to continue to build disciples in a natural and organic way.  I was so blessed when this thought hit me. I was giddy and I shared it with our Council. Those in the picture you see here tell an amazing story of Discipleship in the local church and how it happens. Organic and naturally. (not effortlessly though.)

8 of 11 people you see in this picture were all baptized and began their spiritual journey here at Oasis Church.  Most of their spouses were also baptized here. They went through our new members classes, joined Community Groups, started serving in the most obscure ways in most cases. Some who have actually been here from the beginning (Paul, Nancy, James and Kim) 19 years ago and they even got that famous phone call we made in order to invite people to our first service. Yes, it has taken years of loving, teaching, walking wit , encouraging, etc to see these men and women become Mature, Devoted disciples of Christ. In order to serve on our Church council, they must be tithing, serving, and in a community group.  (Each serve 3 year terms)

This is true discipleship. You don't bottle this and you don't put this in an 8-week course. So, when I hear all those people from reformed, to conformed, to transformed, deformed, informed and everything in between talking about making disciples I just say, "Quit talking and start walking!"  Jesus was the best model and still is today.

How did He do it? Not some 10-step formula, didn't write a book, do seminars on Disciple-making or got a degree. He simply lived out what He taught and walked with the men He said, "Follow Me" to. No matter the education, baggage, age or cultural background, He just said, "Follow Me" and He taught them.

Why is it important for a pastor or leader to stay one place for a long time? Because Discipleship takes a long time. It's a Journey, not a Sprint. Most want to give you a few books, have a few months of classes or even a year of mentoring and then some magical thing takes place...instantaneously a disciple comes out. I wish it were that simple.

I have never been more proud of being a part of Oasis Church than I am at this moment when I look at that picture and see a picture of what God has been doing these past 19 years. Building Disciples one person at a time. Now these men and women are leading, and duplicating by building disciples by serving in all areas of our church. Man, this gets me so excited I can hardly stand it!

So my advice to anyone in Ministry -- Lay or professional. Get somewhere, STAY, STAY and STAY and be faithful in teaching and living out the Gospel; and God will build Disciples. His Disciples not MINE!

Matthew 28:18-20 Still applies today. It's not complicated, but it does take time!

BTW, In this picture is a beautiful picture of what Heaven will be like. Not only do you see many shades of color but also cultural diversity.

Countries of Birth from those in this picture:

Vietnam, Colombia, Nigeria, Britain, Nicaragua,Trinidad, and the USA!  Just a small taste of the 80+ countries of Disciples God is building in Oasis Church.

Occupations of this Diverse Group:

Pharmacist (2)
Speech Therapist
Contractor
Automobile Dealership Owner
Accountant
Pharmaceutical Executive
Social worker
High School Teacher
Biologist
Mechanical Engineer

All humble Followers of Christ and I'm so honored to serve with them here at Oasis.

(Missing Nikki and Ruth, sorry ladies we missed you last night.  You are both awesome!)

 

 

Comments

[Joel]

awesome! it is truly a blessing to be a part of and serve at Oasis!

[Jack]

Great thoughts.encouraging.