Many churches rely on a particular program that they implement to prove that they “do discipleship” in their church.  Discipleship programs and Bible Studies are helpful tools for discipleship, but they don’t define discipleship.  True discipleship starts and ends with the person who is the leader.  It also requires learners who are teachable.  When I see people at MVCC who don’t show any sign of spiritual growth over the past year(s), I know it’s either that they don’t have someone leading them or that they are simply un-teachable.

When there is a mature leader who is accessible and open who is meeting regularly with teachable learners, then 90% of the discipleship challenge is solved.  Figuring out a program or study or course to guide discussions is the easy part.  However, without leaders who know and live out the Bible and who have a vision for and commitment to moving others forward spiritually, true discipleship won’t happen no matter how many Bible studies a person attends.  Bible knowledge without accurate interpretation and correct application is actually dangerous! 

Disciple making starts with a spiritually mature person setting an example and being accessible to others who can watch them and ask them questions about real issues and the Bible.  Discipleship goes to the next level when the learners open up about their weaknesses and invite the leader to help them.  I watch our other Elders and their wives doing this all the time at MVCC and am always excited to see the fruit those relationships bear. 

Here are some of the ways that I personally try to “make disciples:”

• Preaching & teaching for Godly life change
• Meeting w/ men and church leaders for training and mentoring
• Guiding people through ministry projects and goals, coaching them through the inevitable difficulties of doing ministry and trying to lead people
• Counseling sessions & confronting sinful patterns
• Care and support through life’s big events (wedding, funerals, hospital stays)
• Baptisms, Lord’s Suppers, classes
• Sermon study blogs and equipping emails

Tammy also, in spite of her crazy schedule, prioritizes time to meet with our leadership women for training and to counsel with women and young moms at the church.  I would strongly encourage any of our ladies to seek her out for whatever time she can give you for discipleship.  As a believer for over 30 years, a Bible college degree, and 20+ years experience in local church leadership, she has a lot to offer (not to mention all the wisdom motherhood provides.)  The others I can readily recommend to you for spiritual mentoring are our Pastors & their wives:  Andrew/Larissa; Miguel/Dianna, and our Elders & wives: Erick & Weeseetsa; Kenny & Caryn.     

Maybe God is calling you to help disciple others at our church by leading one person or a group of people spiritually.  Discipleship is one of five core spiritual values of our church, so if the idea of helping others grow spiritually is exciting to you, Tammy and I are committed to help equip you to know how to start.  You don’t have to be a spiritual giant to begin.  If you trust Jesus alone for your salvation, have been baptized as a believer and are a teachable person, and if you are genuinely devoted to your family, God can use you to make disciples!