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October 19th, 2008
June 22nd, 2008
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March 9th, 2008
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March 2nd, 2008
Pastor Shawn presents the 1st in the Discipleship Series with a strong challenge:
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November 24th, 2007
I read recently in a book on the subject of discipleship something that I have since given a lot of thought to. Christian pollster, George Barna revealed in a poll “A majority (55%) of adults who indicated their interest in hearing advice on how to improve their spiritual life also said that if the church matched them with a spiritual mentor or coach, they would be more likely to pursue the changes suggested to them.” I find this intriguing both on a positive and negative level.
First, the positive; we are all hungry for direction. We see on a biblical basis the need to be disciples and to make disciples. We want to mature and change spiritually and recognize that those in the body of Christ can help us achieve this end. Have you ever lifted weights without someone behind you “spotting you,” encouraging and spurring you to stretch yourself to go beyond what you think you are capable of? We are not as productive, safe, or motivated without it. If this is important in physical exercise; how much more is this needed spiritually in each of our lives?
Now the negative aspect of what this poll result reveals; we are in a holding pattern. Why do we wait for “the church” to initiate this process? Is it that we are unsure of what to do or who to gravitate to? Or is it just another well crafted excuse to not act on a biblical mandate that makes us uncomfortable? I fear that the reason has more to do with our skewed idea of disciple making being a program rather than being based out of and on relationships. Proximity produces disciples.
A couple more questions for you: Would being matched with a spiritual mentor or coach be appealing to you? If so, do you have someone in mind, or have no idea at all? Have you asked someone to impart into your life? Have you asked to impart into someone else’s life? Are you ready to count the cost? Will you be faithful and consistent both to be a disciple and in making disciples?