Page 1 - January 2020

Parish
January 2020

Voice

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

Discipleship is a Privilege

ack in the 90’s, American Express boasted, 3. Ministry - Our walk and relationship with Christ
B“Membership has its privileges.” More valuable extends to others when we engage in service,
than the privilege of membership is the privilege of evangelism, witness and even leadership and
discipleship. And while discipleship has its privileges, teaching. Many feel they are not equipped to teach
is more importantly a privilege. others, but the good news is that God equips us as
we learn to grow and step out of our comfort zones.
I didn’t understand the full meaning of the word
discipleship for decades. It seemed like a catch At SIUMC we have many discipleship opportunities
phrase until a few years ago. Since I have talked such as Sunday School, Bible Studies, Men’s Studies,
about discipleship in the past and will in the future, and Women’s Studies with more on the way. On
I’d like to share a clear meaning: January 12th I will preach on Discipleship and I will
highlight some upcoming opportunities including A
Disciples are followers of Christ. Discipleship started Walk Through the Bible, Christian Believer, a pastor’s
with the original twelve disciples and continues with discipleship training opportunity and more. I hope
us. Webster defines a disciple as one who “accepts that you will dare to be a disciple.
and assists in spreading the doctrines of another, is
a convinced adherent who applies what they have Discipleship is how we grow in Christ and deepen our
learned and attaches themselves to the example.” faith, how we model our lives after Christ and how
we work with Christ to lead others into deeper faith.
Jesus called disciples, not members. He continues to Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, the life” (John
call adherents, those convinced by His life and ready 14:6)
to assist in spreading the doctrine. Beyond believing,
beyond knowledge, discipleship is intentionally - Hale
engaging with Christ and seeking to be more like Him.

Practical Progression in Discipleship

1. Word - Jesus models prayer, love, grace, and more
in our Bible. As we engage with His word, we learn to
model our lives after Christ. We change from being
more than members when we become disciples,
walking in His way.

2. Relationship - Building a relationship with Jesus
Christ begins by intentionally reading scripture,
studying His life, and following His teaching.
Accountability found in an individual or small group
is a key to growing our relationship with Jesus Christ.