Discipleship Builds Up The Body of Christ

By Troy Pomeroy

We wouldn’t send an army to war without a battle plan. We wouldn’t hold a concert without first learning how to read music and play an instrument, and practice with all the musicians together. Employers would not expect an employee to perform a task without first being trained at the task.

This all seems fairly obvious, yet we often do this kind of thing to newly converted Christians. We hold meetings and experience revivals. The Good News of the Gospel is presented and people make a decision to follow Christ and are then left to play in the “big game” of life without instructions, without coaching. Lacking continued guidance, many are left to fall away or be lured away by false ideas.

That is why discipleship is so important. Often churches, ministries, and individuals are effective at sharing the Gospel, but aren’t as effective or have resources for continued training in what it means to be a Christian.

Networking among the brothers and sisters in Christ has always been important. Luke records in Acts 2:42: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” But never has this been more important than in our current age. Paul’s relationship with Timothy models for us the impact one man can have on another man’s life, as Paul became an adopted (spiritual) father to Timothy. Timothy could be an effective minister of the Gospel because he spent time with and was trained by Paul.

Spiritual training – how to live out our faith on a daily basis – can certainly happen in families, and should start there. But it takes all of us doing our part or people get lost. Paul encouraged the whole church to participate: “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1Thessalonians 5:14

It’s not practical for one person, or even one team of people, to guide all the people newer to the faith. It is practical, however, for each of us to do more. Instead of going to church just to get something, we can go to see what we can give. We can pray for the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to see who needs prayer or a word of encouragement. We can get out of our comfort zone and make contact with people and enter in real conversations and fellowship. We can check in with people who we know are going through a difficult time. We can invite people into our homes for a meal and fellowship.

Not all of these encounters will lead to real discipleship, but they are the beginnings of relationship. And relationships provide the opportunity for discipleship. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 And discipleship strengthens people, giving them a better chance to be able to follow our Lord and live a victorious life in Him. They in turn will provide the same guidance for someone else. In that way, the Body of Christ is built up and legacy is established.

Troy Pomeroy writes from Eagle Point, Oregon.troy_pomeroy@yahoo.com