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Bible Study -
Bible Study
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Monday, 16 July 2007 |
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Page 6 of 7 Conclusions
It is imperative to distinguish substance from form when one considers discipleship. After examining historical and cultural influences and the biblical commands and examples related to discipling we can now answer the questions posed at the beginning.
Does discipling exist in the bible? Yes it does. There are many commands and examples which point to one another relationships. Within the Godhead there are also one another references, it is part of the nature of God to be relational. Matthew 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" John 16:15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
The importance of discipling is great. Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'” The second command is about discipling (one another). We were designed to be relational (Genesis 2:18). Discipling, however does not take precedence above the first part of the greatest command: “Love the Lord your God”. Too often men have focused on trying to love one another without a obedience to God; it does not work.
Implementation of discipling is arguably the most difficult topic to tackle out of the three (existence, importance and implementation). As the scriptures show us, there is no one way to disciple. There are many facets and elements which are dependent on the goal of the relationship, the maturity level of the individuals
involved and time dedicated to each other. Another name for implementation is “form”. Form is mostly subjective and one must be careful in disputable matters not to make law from opinion.
The history of contemporary shepherding shows us the inherent dangers in not responding to warning signs in the form of discipleship. As time progresses, the form of one another relationships should change as well. Discipleship should not disappear, but evolve. Leadership in a church must be agile in foreseeing the need for change before or as it happens. It is their charge to direct the form of discipling most appropriate for their flock. This is, as with any matter of opinion, to maintain order within the congregation. It has little to do with a right or wrong way of shepherding. For example: A young congregation with many new Christians and a novice leader may opt for a formal top-down hierarchical discipling tree with a strong pastor model of leadership. Ten years later, with the introduction of an experienced leadership team and more mature disciples, the church may want to implement more peer discipling and a group (consensus) leadership model. Neither way is right or wrong.
One another relationships must occur with the church, or it is not a church. They are of tantamount importance and not optional. They must not be one dimensional; rather multi-faceted with many Christians. How these shepherding relationships are structured is a matter of opinion and much wisdom must be applied. We cannot, however, allow difficulties or faults in the form of discipling dissuade us from discipling one another, rather we must return to the substance and the heart of discipling despite the influences of our culture and past failed structures of shepherding.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 18 July 2007 )
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