Discipleship

In one of his sermons, Colt asked the question, “Who do you envision leading this congregation into the future”? He also asked, “Is it possible that God might be preparing you for that role”? He answered his questions by exhorting us to invite someone to walk beside us. In other words, Colt was calling us to be Disciples and Disciplers.

Listening to what Colt had to say about transitions, leadership, and the future and growth of the church, I was reminded of a handout that I “stole” from Robin. It’s a quote from William Glasser who said, “We learn…10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we see and hear, 70% of what we discuss, 80% of what we experience (and) 95% of what we teach others.”

In his message to us, Colt came to the same conclusion because he said that we know, “the way that leaders are trained, and transition happens not by reading a book on leadership, not by having better Bible classes directed toward the subject, [but] by walking along side with someone who has been a leader and is worthy of imitation…”

Church growth (individually and collectively) comes by discipleship—by sharing our “faith journey” with others. Paul understood this. This is why I think Paul said to Philemon,

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. (Philemon 6, NIV)

Perhaps the question we should be asking ourselves is not how can we attract others to our building, but how can we share the beauty and Person of Jesus to others?