Page 40 - Digital Church in a Lonely World

DISCIPLED IN C OMMUNIT Y

Why is it when we think of discipleship, we often think of a program, a model, a system or a process?
You know what we often don’t think of? Community. And yet, at its atomic level, discipleship is a
communal experience. People are discipled best in community. Jesus formed a microcommunity with
his 12 disciples. The New Testament apostles formed communities (churches).

Discipleship requires community. And the deeper, more mutually responsible this community is, the
more effective the discipleship. Discipleship is more than knowledge transfer; it is relational.

Often, we see community formation as social events. We categorize hospitality and friendship as
something less serious and less important than spiritual formation. But if we see the link between
community and discipleship, we do not separate our definition of spiritual formation and community
formation. Rather, we see them as interdependent layers of discipleship. To be social without being
spiritual is to miss the mark. But, equally, to have the desire to do discipleship but not an equal desire to
form community will prove less effective.

Want to take people deeper in discipleship? We need to take them deeper into community formation.
And that takes time, energy and commitment. It also requires us to challenge them.

Remember, spiritual growth happens best in community. Therefore, community is an essential part of
discipleship.

Discipleship requires community. And the deeper, more mutually

responsible this community is, the more effective the discipleship.
Discipleship is more than knowledge transfer; it is relational.

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