BUSYNESS AND THE CHURCH

We Christians in America often pride ourselves on being busy with church activities. It is a compliment to say So-and-so is “active in church.” In some megachurches it is almost possible to spend all one’s nonworking, nonsleeping hours at church.

That isn’t necessarily bad. We need fellowship with other Christians, and church activities are better than many secular alternatives. But it might be healthy to consider our motives for remaining busy with church activities. According to 1 Corinthians 13, doing a lot of things is no substitute for genuine Christian love -- even though a loving Christian will, of course, do good works.

In my youth in Germany, my impression was that churches are places of worship, not activity centers. Europeans (whose rates of church attendance are much lower than Americans) still puzzle that American churches schedule so many activities outside the worship times. Personally, I like busyness, since it dispels the notion that Christianity is strictly a Sunday morning affair. Bible studies, fellowship times, prayer groups, etc., are wonderful things. My chief criticism of church busyness is this: We can bury ourselves in activities and withdraw from a world that needs to hear the gospel. Busy churches can be like monasteries – beehives of activity, but forgetful of Jesus’ mandate to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). We can’t “let [our] light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16) if our lights only shine within the church fellowship hall.

-- George Strumpf and J. Stephen Lang, quoted in “Side by Side: Disciple-Making for a New Century,” Steve and Lois Rabey, General Editors 

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MAKING DISCIPLES IS A JOURNEY – Part 2 of 2

In small groups, we find a community of believers who support and encourage one another. It is in these intimate, face-to-face settings that we can share our struggles, celebrate our victories, and grow together in our faith. Small groups offer a safe space for honest conversations, deep reflections, and mutual accountability.

COMMITT TO A SMALL GROUP: If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one. Look for a group that aligns with your spiritual goals and where you feel comfortable sharing and growing.

ENGAGE IN PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY: Make prayer and Bible study a regular part of your small group meetings. These practices are essential for spiritual growth and for understanding God’s will for our lives.

FOSTER CHRISTIAN CONVERSATION: Encourage open and honest conversations about faith, life, and challenges. These discussions can lead to deeper insights and stronger relationships.

PARTICIPATE IN SERVICE: Find opportunities as a small group to serve in your church and community. It will be a witness to the impact Christ is having through small groups.

SEEK ACCOUNTABLITY: Find a trusted member of your small group to hold you accountable in your spiritual journey. Accountability helps us stay committed and focused on our growth.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of community and the opportunity to grow together in faith. Help us to be diligent in our journey of discipleship, seeking You with all our hearts. May our small groups be places of transformation, where we are molded into the likeness of Christ. Guide us, strengthen us, and fill us with Your Spirit as we strive to make disciples and grow in our faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry, compiled from a variety of sources

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MAKING DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST

Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

Off the coast of Scotland is a little island where Christianity first took place in the nation. To accommodate the many tourists who want to make a trip across the bay to visit the historic site, there is a rental shop on the mainland where transportation can be obtained. Over the door of the small building, emblazoned in bold letters, is a signboard: “VISIT THE HOLY ISLE.” Then, more to the point, underneath are the words: “WE CAN TAKE YOU.”

In a much more profound sense, those last words express what the church should be doing -- taking people where the saints have trod. In practical terms, this means bringing men and women into the deeper and ever-expanding dimensions of holiness.

Such a ministry does not for a moment minimize the necessity of conversion, for the kingdom life cannot be entered until one is born of the Spirit. But the mandate of Christ is not to make converts, but to “make disciples” -- followers of Jesus -- persons who will develop into the likeness of the Master (Matthew 28:19-20). 

-- Robert E. Coleman in “Nothing to Do But to Save Souls: John Wesley’s Charge to His Preachers”

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FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION

Jesus said, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

We are to go -- whether it is next door or to another country -- and make disciples. It is not an option but a command to all who call Jesus "Lord". We are not all evangelists in the formal sense, but we have all received gifts that we can use to help fulfill the great commission. 

-- from the “Life Application Bible”


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CANNOT DO IT FOR THEM

In Christian community, we teach about the ways of the faith with Christ at the center. We point out what is different about following Christ, and how the truth of the gospel is different from any other truth. We offer experiences of Christ through our worship and other spiritual practices. Then we teach participants to follow Christ on their own through their practice of the disciplines. Their transformation depends on them making their own connections with the God of Jesus, whom we worship. We cannot do it for them; we can only teach them how to do it for themselves.

-- Cathy Townley in Missional Worship


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THE IMPULSE OF THE SPIRIT

"Jesus came and told His disciples, 'I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commandments I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28: 18-20 NLT)

Christ had given the apostles a world-wide commission, embracing all the nations; but intellectually they did not understand what He meant.  They found that out as they followed the impulse of the Spirit. 

-- Roland Allen in Pentecost and the World


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