When the Church Prays

Acts 4:23–31

What do you do when the pressure comes?

That question reveals far more about us than we often realize. Pressure exposes instincts. It shows where we turn first, what we trust most, and how we understand the mission God has given us. Acts 4 offers us a glimpse into the instincts of the early church—and in doing so, it gently confronts many of our own assumptions about prayer, power, and faithfulness.

The story of the church began with remarkable momentum. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out, the apostles preached Christ with boldness, and three thousand people pledged their allegiance to King Jesus through baptism. These believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Luke even tells us that they enjoyed the goodwill of the people.

But goodwill is a fragile thing.

By Acts 3, the tone changes. Peter and John go to the temple, heal a man crippled from birth, and proclaim Jesus as the risen Messiah. Instead of celebration, they are arrested, interrogated, and threatened by religious authorities. They are commanded never to speak in the name of Jesus again. The church moves quickly from favor to friction. Faithfulness becomes costly.

So how does the church respond when obedience brings opposition?

Acts 4 shows us that prayer is not something the church does after exhausting all other options. Prayer is what the church does when it knows that only God can carry the mission forward.

The first thing we see is that a united church turns to God. When Peter and John are released, they don’t go off on their own to recover. They return to their people. They report what happened, and the church responds—not with a strategy meeting, not with damage control, not with a debate about risk—but with prayer. Together, they lift their voices to God.

This detail matters. Luke emphasizes that they prayed together. This was not the pastor praying alone while everyone else listened. This was the whole church turning to God as one body. They recognized that they were under spiritual attack, but they did not panic. Prayer reminded them who they belonged to and why they existed. It was an act of surrender, trust, and unity.

Their prayer also begins with the Sovereign Creator. Before they ask for anything, they worship. They address God as the Creator of heaven, earth, sea, and everything in them. This wasn’t a way of ignoring the problem—it was a way of seeing the problem rightly. Worship reorients our hearts. It reminds us that God is not fragile, local, or threatened. He is not reacting to events; He reigns over them.

As the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible notes, this church had no political power, no cultural leverage, and no institutional authority—yet they prayed to the One who rules all creation. That truth still reshapes how we pray today.

Scripture also shapes their prayer. The church quotes Psalm 2, a messianic psalm that describes the nations raging against the Lord and His anointed King. Psalm 2 reminds God’s people that human rebellion is real—but never ultimate. God laughs at the arrogance of earthly power and establishes His kingdom anyway.

The church understood that Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles, and the religious leaders all played a role in opposing Jesus. Yet none of it fell outside God’s sovereign purposes. God did not cause their sin, but He used their rebellion to accomplish redemption. Prayer anchored the church in God’s sovereignty rather than their circumstances.

This is why Scripture must shape our prayers. When the days are evil, as Paul later writes, wisdom does not come from panic or control. It comes from being formed by God’s Word and guided by His Spirit.

The church’s prayer is also strikingly honest—and fearless. They do not pretend the danger isn’t real. They name the threats plainly. At the same time, they do not ask God to punish their enemies, remove all opposition, or make life easier. Faith doesn’t deny fear; it refuses to let fear rule. Prayer becomes the place where fear is voiced but not obeyed.

Then comes one of the most challenging parts of the passage: they pray for boldness, not safety. They do not ask for protection, comfort, influence, or success. They ask for faithfulness. They ask for courage to continue speaking the word of God. They ask God to confirm their witness through His power.

The NLT Life Application Study Bible observes that God may remove the problem—but more often He supplies courage instead. Boldness is not recklessness. It is obedience in the presence of fear. This reframes how we often pray for our churches. Our deepest need is not ease, growth, or stability. Our deepest need is faithfulness.

Finally, God responds. The place where they prayed was shaken—a sign of God’s presence, echoing moments like Mount Sinai and Isaiah’s call. They were filled with the Holy Spirit, not because He had left, but because they needed renewed empowerment. The mission did not change. The opposition did not disappear. But the people were changed. They spoke the word of God boldly.

The early church understood something we often forget: God’s work cannot be done in human strength. Churches can grow through plans, programs, and strategies—but discipleship, the heart of the church’s mission, only happens by God’s power. Prayer does not change the mission. It changes the people who carry it.

We pray not to earn God’s favor, but to align our hearts with His. We pray because we expect God to move.

Andrew Murray once wrote

“The more time you spend in God’s presence, making His thoughts and will your own, the stronger your faith will grow that God will use your prayers in the carrying out of His plan of redemption.”

That is what making disciples is all about—seeing God’s redemption at work in the world and joining that work through prayer.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

5 Ways We Can Contribute to the Great Commission

Our calling to follow Jesus is not just a calling to salvation, but also a calling to join God in His great redemptive work.

Peter and Andrew heard this call:

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19, NLT)

To one degree or another, each Christian receives a similar call. This calling for all the disciples of Jesus is found in Matthew 28:18–20, the passage of Scripture we often call the Great Commission:

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NLT)

The question that many of us who follow Jesus ask is: “What is my responsibility in carrying out the Great Commission?”

Here are five practical ways we can participate:

1. We love one another.

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35, NLT)

According to Jesus, the way we treat and serve other Christians shows the world what it means to follow Him. Most people are practical, and what they are looking for is whether or not something works. Our love for each other demonstrates that following Jesus is better than living in the hostility and rejection of the world.

2. We pray.

“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.” (Ephesians 6:19, NLT)

The apostle Paul asked for prayers to speak boldly about the Gospel. We may not always have the opportunities to share the Gospel directly, but we can pray for those who do. Through prayer, we join together in making disciples of all nations.

3. We use Scripture.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT)

The Bible is one of the ways God equips us to carry out the Great Commission. It isn’t up to us to convince people of the truth of the Gospel—Scripture and the Holy Spirit work together to bring conviction. Our role is to share Scripture with others in a way that is gentle, respectful, and full of grace.

4. We live faithfully.

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15, NLT)

By living a faithful life—recognizing Jesus as Lord—we demonstrate a hope that cannot be shaken. That hope will set us apart and lead people to ask about the source of our confidence. When they do, we have the opportunity to point them to Jesus. Never underestimate the power of a faithful life.

5. We use our gifts.

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10, NLT)

Another way God equips us to participate in the task of making disciples is by blessing us with unique talents and resources. These are not given just for ourselves, but to serve others and point them to Christ. Being faithful with our gifts is one way we partner with God in His mission.

The Great Commission is a task that is bigger than any one person, but it is not beyond the reach of any one believer. God has invited each of us to take part in His mission. Whether through love, prayer, Scripture, faithful living, or using our gifts, we all have a role to play.

You are an important part of the work God is doing in the world. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—find a way you can contribute today, and do it.

Preaching to Make Disciples: A Conversation on the Purpose of Preaching

Paul’s Ponderings Interview | July 2025

In this post (which is a ChatGPT interview) I reflect on how preaching fits into the mission of making disciples. It made me ponder what makes preaching effective—not just as a Sunday event, but as a formative part of lifelong discipleship.

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ChatGPT: When did you first begin to understand that preaching wasn’t just about teaching or inspiring, but about making disciples? What shifted in your thinking?

Paul:
I always connected preaching to discipleship—honestly, I thought it was the main part of discipleship in the local church. But a shift began when I read a quote from Dallas Willard:

“If the steady, longtime faithful devotees to our ministries are not transformed in the substance of their lives to the full range of Christlikeness, they are being failed by what we are teaching them.” (The Spirit of the Disciplines, p. 18)

That quote hit me hard. It helped me see two things. First, preaching and teaching alone aren’t enough for true spiritual formation. People also need help applying the message—and that’s where spiritual disciplines come in.

Second, my preaching needed to include action steps. That’s why I started clearly stating the “big idea” and offering a “challenge” people could apply each week. Ultimately, I had to let go of the idea that just giving people the right information was enough. Discipleship requires helping them live it out.

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ChatGPT: What role does preaching uniquely play in the discipleship process—compared to things like small groups, Bible studies, or one-on-one mentoring?

Paul:
I believe the unique role of preaching is to give people a weekly opportunity to make a decision.

Yes, I know that most people forget the sermon by Tuesday. In fact, I forget most of the sermons I’ve heard! But there’s a cumulative effect to sitting under good preaching. It becomes a spiritual discipline that shapes us over time.

Every week, I want to create a space where people can respond to what God is saying. That’s why I include a time of Prayer Response after the sermon—with an invitation to see me to ask questions, to make a commitment to follow Jesus, and to pray silently using prayer prompts.

Preaching isn’t mainly about giving new information (that’s the role of teaching). It’s about calling people to make a decision in their discipleship journey.

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ChatGPT: What have you learned over the years about preaching in a way that actually leads to transformation—not just agreement? What makes the difference between a message that’s merely heard and one that shapes someone’s life?

Paul:
Honestly, a lot depends on the individual preacher. When I was younger, I tried to mimic the styles of preachers I admired. But I had to learn to be true to who God created me to be.

That said, two things really make a difference: passion and preparation.

I need to feel passionate about what I’m preaching—that’s why I prepare the sermon the week I preach it. I just can’t do it weeks in advance. I have to be in the text and in the moment to preach it from the heart.

But passion without preparation isn’t enough. We have to handle Scripture well. That means spending time reading, meditating, praying, and using solid study tools. I want to understand what the original audience would have heard so I can faithfully apply it today.

When a preacher is clearly invested—heart and mind—the congregation notices. That’s when preaching starts to move from noise to transformation.

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ChatGPT: How does your approach to sermon planning and series design reflect your desire to make disciples? What factors do you consider when deciding what to preach next?

Paul:
For me, preaching is about opening the Scriptures for people. I take 2 Timothy 3:16–17 seriously. Scripture is what God gave us to equip and train His people. So even when I do topical series, each sermon is grounded in a single text.

Right now, I’m committed to preaching through books of the Bible. I believe that in doing so, we naturally encounter the full range of human experience and the central themes of the Christian faith.

For example, preaching through Jude allowed me to focus on faith and the message of the Gospel. Preaching through Nahum opened the door to talk about God’s justice, covenant, and the tension between His goodness and judgment.


So when I plan a series, I think about:

• What Scripture passages can help shape us?

• What themes or doctrines does the congregation need to engage with?

• How does this help form disciples?

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ChatGPT: What do you most hope your congregation experiences through your preaching—not just in the moment, but over the long haul of their discipleship?

Paul:
Two things: truth and hope.

I want them to experience the truthfulness of Scripture—not as a dusty old book, but as the living, revealing Word of God. I want them to see that it speaks into their lives and helps them live faithfully in this world.

And I want them to experience the hope of the resurrection. That’s the core of Christianity. Because Jesus rose, we can live with confidence, knowing King Jesus will return and make all things right.

This hope gives us strength to keep going when life is hard. It helps us remain faithful when the path of discipleship is steep. Long-term discipleship needs that kind of hope—and I want my preaching to cultivate it.

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ChatGPT: If you could give one piece of advice to pastors who want their preaching to make disciples—not just attenders—what would it be?

Paul:
Here’s my advice: “Remember that the core mission of the Church is to make disciples.”

We’re not called to give inspirational speeches or life tips. We’re called to preach to make disciples.

That means, first and foremost, preaching Scripture. Open the Bible. Help people understand it. Give them the truth the Holy Spirit can use to transform their lives.

And second—prepare well. Know the text. Do the work. If we want to feed the flock, we need to know the food we’re giving them.


Final Thought:

Preaching isn’t about being impressive. It’s about being faithful. If we commit to opening God’s Word with clarity, passion, and purpose, we give people what they need to grow—not just in knowledge, but in Christlikeness.

One Umbrella Is Enough

We’ve all seen diagrams like this—the family hierarchy laid out under a series of umbrellas, topped with “Christ” and descending through “Husband,” “Wife,” and “Children.” I have seen this image floating around social media (apparently its origin is from Bill Gothard), and I have to be honest: it struck me as not only unhelpful, but also theologically confused.

Let me explain.

First of all: Why the extra umbrellas?

If Christ truly covers the family, then no other umbrella is needed. The protection, provision, guidance, and love we all need ultimately come from King Jesus. So putting additional umbrellas under His implies that His covering is somehow incomplete or that we need human intermediaries to trickle down His blessing or that we need the person above us to intercede on our behalf. 

That’s just not how the Gospel works. Under King Jesus, every member of the family—husband, wife, and children—has direct access to Him. His lordship isn’t filtered; it’s shared. One umbrella is enough.

Second, let’s talk about that word: “Biblical.”

Slapping the label “Biblical” on an image like this gives it a sense of divine authority. But let’s be clear: this is not a biblical chart—it’s a modern, Western, post-industrial ideal of how a family should function. Yes, some of the roles mentioned (like children obeying their parents) are clearly taught in Scripture. But many of the others? Those are inferences or cultural overlays, not explicit commands.

It is crucial to remember that the Bible was written to people living in a different time and culture than we do, and this reality means that we are to take the truth and information found in Scripture to give us the wisdom to live in our time and place. 

Not only that, but the image implies that these gender roles are taught in the Bible, but in Deuteronomy (for example), it is the father, not the mother, who is commanded to teach his children about God’s covenant. 

It is logical to assume that because men are naturally stronger than women (1 Peter 3:7) that they would have the role of protector, but we also know from real life that mothers play a role protecting their families. Ever heard of a “Mama Bear”? That’s not just a cute phrase, but a role that mothers take seriously. Consider the wise woman talked about in 2 Samuel 20 who saved her entire city from Joab and Israel’s army. She used her wisdom, not her strength, to serve as a protector of her people.

The Proverbs 31 woman reminds us that women played an important role in the providing for the needs of the family. In fact she was hard at work while her husband sat at the city gate. Providing for the family doesn’t follow on the shoulders of just men, it is a shared responsibility.

The reality: Every family looks a little different

Rather than trying to cram every household into a one-size-fits-all diagram, it’s more faithful to Scripture—and more honoring to the Spirit’s work in each family—to recognize that a well-ordered home is one where both husband and wife are using their God-given gifts, strengths, and passions to lead the family in following Jesus. The distribution of tasks may vary. Who leads prayer? Who handles finances? Who gets the kids to school? It depends. And that’s okay.

The goal isn’t rigid gender roles—it’s mutual submission to Jesus.

Colossians 3:17 — The Expectation for Disciples

The Apostle Paul gives us a better summary of what godly family life looks like:

“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” —Colossians 3:17 (CSB)

If both husband and wife—if every member of the family—is living by this truth, then that household is honoring God. It’s not about how well we align with a chart. It’s about how well we follow King Jesus.

So let’s ditch the extra umbrellas. Let’s stop using “Biblical” as a weapon to enforce cultural preferences. And let’s get back to what truly matters: Following Jesus together as a family, in whatever shape that takes.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Journaling for Spiritual Formation

“How are things going?” Someone asks us, and respond with a sigh, “Life is busy right now.”

We have all been there to one degree or another. Between packed schedules, endless notifications, and the weight of daily responsibilities, it’s easy to drift through moments—both joyful and painful—without pausing to process them. Yet if we’re serious about spiritual maturity, living with joy and peace, and walking closely with God, we need intentional rhythms to help us slow down, reflect, and listen.

I believe one practice that helps us do this is journaling. Before I move on with my thoughts, I don’t think journalling is right for everyone or that will be a life long habit. Since we are unique we will find certain practices more helpful than others. What I want to do with this post is to encourage you to give journaling a try, even if you have tried it in the past, because in this moment it might prove just what you need.

Journaling is more than a diary for recording events or a place to vent emotions. It’s a spiritual discipline that creates space for God to speak, for your heart to process, and for your faith to become more firm. Whether you’re a seasoned journaler or someone who’s never hard a notebook dedicated for this purpose, here’s why journaling can be an essential part of your spiritual formation—and how to make it part of your life.

Why Journaling Matters for Spiritual Growth

1. It Invites Self-Reflection
Journaling is a mirror for the soul. When you put pen to paper, you’re forced to slow down and look inward. Writing helps you name your emotions, untangle your thoughts, and uncover what’s brewing just below the surface. Are you carrying unprocessed grief? Are you quietly harboring resentment? Or perhaps there’s a spark of hope you haven’t fully embraced. 

Journaling provides a reason to consider your heart, which I believe, is a critical part of spiritual formation. By reflecting honestly on the condition of your heart, you begin to see how God is shaping you through life’s highs and lows. Over time, journaling can reveal the shape of your spiritual journey, helping you notice how God has been with you through it all. 

2. It Brings Clarity to the Chaos
Our minds are often a whirlwind of worries, ideas, and distractions. In this chaos journaling offers a shelter, a place of safety, that helps you filter through the noise. As you write, you may start to notice recurring themes—questions that keep surfacing, struggles that persist, or desires that are quietly taking root. 

This clarity helps you determine things like prayer, forgiveness, strengths, weakness, and areas that require more trust. By seeing your thoughts laid out on the page, you may sense where God is leading you. Journaling helps you move from confusion to focus, making it easier to know and respond to God’s guidance. 

3. It Chronicles Your Spiritual Journey
A journal also serves as a record of your walk with God. Its pages contain prayers, reflections on Scripture, moments of new insight, and even laments and desperate cries for help. Flipping through old entries can be a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. You are able to see how a prayer was answered in ways you didn’t expect, how a struggle gave way to growth, or how a season of doubt led to deeper trust. 

In moments of spiritual dryness or discouragement, these reminders of your journey can spark hope. They remind you that God has been through the ups and downs of life and therefore you can trust that He is still with you, guiding your story into His larger one. 

4. It Deepens Your Prayer Life
Journaling has the ability to transform prayer into a real conversation. Instead of letting prayers float around in your mind, try writing them down. Pour out your joys, confess your sins, or write a heartfelt letter to God. I think there is something about seeing your words on the page that makes prayer feel more real and more honest. 

This might be controversial, but I have done this on an irregular basis, and have benefited from it. You might even try “listening” in your journal—writing down what you sense God might be saying to you through Scripture, a quiet impression, or a moment of insight. It is always a good idea to filter these ideas through Scripture to make sure your doctrine stays consistent with truth. I have found that this practice to attune my heart to hearing from God a little bit better.

5. It Creates Space for Wrestling with Big Questions
In my experience, faith is not a tidy package with all the answers neatly wrapped. Sometimes systematic theology makes you think that it is. The reality is that as we follow Jesus, we grapple with doubts, wrestle with theological puzzles, and search for meaning in suffering. Journaling offers a safe and private space to explore these questions without fear of judgment. 

As you journal you can write about your doubts. Ask God the hard questions that occupy your mind and weigh heavy on your heart. Reflect on a challenging passage of Scripture or a life event that doesn’t make sense. The act of writing can help you process complex emotions and thoughts, which in turn, can lead to unexpected clarity or peace. Even if answers don’t come right away, journaling allows you to hold space for the mystery of faith, trusting God to meet you in the wondering. 

6. It Unleashes Creativity in Worship
Don’t think that your journal has to be a collection of perfectly crafted prose. It should be a place for creativity—to doodle, write poems, sketch images, or compose song lyrics. Creativity often opens our hearts to God in ways that logic alone cannot. You might draw a sunrise to capture a moment of awe; you might write a poem to express feelings that regular writing doesn’t fully capture. 

Journaling engaging your imagination, which helps your whole self—heart, soul, mind, and strength—to be involved in spiritual formation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let your journal reflect the unique way God has wired you. 

7. It Cultivates Gratitude and Mindfulness
In a world that pulls us toward discontentment, journaling can train us to see the good and to be grateful. This is the primary purpose of my journaling time right now. Take time to write down small blessings—a kind word from a friend, a moment of laughter, a quiet morning with coffee, unexpected provision. Recording our blessings is a reminder that God is with us, and help us through moments when he feels distant. 

This practice of gratitude journaling rewires your heart for thanksgiving, helping you see God’s hand in the ordinary. As you journal, you’ll grow more aware of God’s presence each day.

How to Start Journaling for Spiritual Formation

Ready to give journaling a try? You don’t need a leather-bound notebook, a flawless writing style, or hours of free time. The goal is simply to show up and create time for God. Here are some practical tips to get started:

• Start Small: Set aside 5–10 minutes, once or twice a week, to write. Find a quiet spot where you can focus—a cozy chair, a park bench, or even your kitchen table. 
• Choose Your Tools: Use whatever feels comfortable—a notebook, a digital app, or loose sheets of paper. If you love the tactile feel of writing, try a pen and journal. If you’re always on the go, a note-taking app on your phone works just as well. 
• Try Prompts: If you’re not sure what to write, start with a question or prompt. Here are a few to spark reflection: 
• What am I feeling right now, and why? 
• Where have I seen God at work in my life this week? 
• What’s a verse or story from Scripture that’s speaking to me? 
• What’s one thing I’m grateful for today? 
• Experiment with Formats: Your journal can include prayers, lists, letters to God, reflections on a Bible passage, or even sketches. Mix it up to keep the practice fresh. 
• Let Go of Perfection: Your journal is for you and God, not an audience. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or making every entry profound. Write honestly, and let the words flow. 
• Make It a Habit: Tie journaling to an existing routine, like your morning coffee or evening wind-down. Consistency matters more than frequency, so find a rhythm that works for you. 
• Review Periodically: Every few months, read through old entries. Reflect on how God has been at work and what you’re learning about yourself and your faith. 

A Final Invitation

Journaling is not about producing a masterpiece; it is about being intentional about spiritual maturity. It’s a practice of silence and solitude—time to check in on yourself (your heart, mind, and spirit), your faith, and your relationship with God. As you open the page, you’re creating an opportunity for your soul to breathe, for your faith to grow, and for God’s guidance to become clearer.

So grab a pen, find a moment of stillness, and begin. Let your journal become a place where your spiritual formation takes root, your thoughts find clarity, and your relationship with God deepens. You might be surprised at how a simple notebook can become a holy companion on your journey.

What’s one thing you’d like to reflect on in your journal today? Start there, and let God guide the rest.

Philosophy of Discipleship

What is a disciple? A disciple is someone who is passionately committed to becoming more like Jesus Christ.

Jesus said:

"Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master" (Matthew 10:24-25a, NLT).

Similarly, the apostle John wrote:

"Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did" (1 John 2:6, NLT).

Being a disciple is not merely about learning correct doctrine; it’s about embodying it through action and adjusting our lives to reflect Jesus.

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The Role of a Disciple in the Church

Disciples are the heartbeat of the local church. They provide the service, sacrifice, and leadership that make ministry possible. Disciples pray regularly for the church family and for individuals, showing genuine care for others. They seek opportunities to share Christ’s love with non-believers and provide the wisdom and guidance that help the church community fulfill its mission. Most importantly, disciples serve as examples for others to follow. A healthy church is built on mature, dedicated disciples who demonstrate what it means to live as a follower of Jesus.

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What is Discipleship?

Discipleship is the intentional process of forming disciples. Jesus left the church with a clear mandate:

"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 commands I have given you" (Matthew 28:19-20a, NLT).

This task of making disciples doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality and planning. While the methods may vary across church communities, one thing remains constant: discipleship is essential to a thriving, vibrant church.

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The Role of Discipleship in the Church

Discipleship is the most vital ministry of the church. It ensures the ongoing health of the church community and empowers the church to impact its surrounding culture. While some individuals grow in faith through personal discipline, most of us need guidance, encouragement, and accountability to continue maturing. Discipleship provides that essential structure, helping believers grow and develop, thereby strengthening the church as a whole.

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My Philosophy of Discipleship

The mission of the church is to make disciples—this is what Jesus called us to do (Matthew 28:18-20). Discipleship must be a top priority for every church family. In examining Jesus' ministry, we can identify three essential components for any discipleship program:

1. Discipleship is Founded on Prayer

Luke’s gospel shows us that Jesus prayed before selecting His twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). In John’s gospel, we see Jesus praying for His disciples on the night of His betrayal (John 17:1-26). Prayer is foundational for discipleship because it connects us with God’s will and empowers us for ministry. Discipleship begins and thrives in an atmosphere of prayer.

2. Discipleship Happens Through Teaching

Jesus’ ministry was primarily one of teaching (Matthew 4:23). Faith begins with knowledge, and knowledge is passed on through teaching. To become like Jesus, people must first learn how Jesus lived and what He expects of us. A healthy discipleship program will offer both personal and group study opportunities to learn God’s Word. For believers to align their lives with God’s will, they must first understand what that will is.

3. Discipleship Results in Ministry

At a certain point, Jesus sent His disciples out to do ministry. Luke 9:1-6 describes how Jesus sent out the Twelve to preach and heal, and in Luke 10:1-16, He sent out seventy-two others to carry out His mission. Ministry is where disciples experience God at work in and through their lives. A strong discipleship program will provide opportunities for people to serve—both within the church and in the community. By engaging in ministry, disciples put their faith into action and live out God’s will.

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Additional Principles for Effective Discipleship: Faith and Patience

While prayer, teaching, and ministry are essential, two additional principles are crucial for effective discipleship: faith and patience. We must trust that, as we commit to the discipleship process, the Holy Spirit is working in people’s lives, even when we can’t immediately see the results. Patience is key, as spiritual growth rarely happens overnight. It took three years for Jesus to prepare His group of disciples to lead the early church, and we can’t expect overnight transformations. We must trust God’s timing and remain committed to the process, knowing that He is faithfully at work.

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By committing to these principles—prayer, teaching, ministry, faith, and patience—the church can fulfill its mission of making disciples and nurturing a thriving, spiritually healthy community.

The Foundation for Choosing

 

“Our choices either move us toward God and all the pleasure that comes in Him or steer us away from Him to a life of shame and defeat.”  

— Erwin McManus, Seizing Your Divine Moment

The direction of our lives is shaped by the choices we make. While many of the decisions we make today may seem insignificant, some will have a lasting impact on the rest of our lives. This is why it’s crucial to have a strong foundation to guide us in making the right choices.

That foundation is the Bible—God’s Word.

As our Creator, God knows what is best for us. His Word is designed to help us navigate life in a way that demonstrates His character. This is how we live the life God created us to live.

Consider what Jesus said about building our lives on the foundation of His teachings:

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.” — Matthew 7:24-27 (CSB)

If we are going to follow Jesus, there are three key actions we must choose to take.

1. Choose to Listen. 

We must decide to listen to Jesus. We can easily choose to ignore His words and neglect reading God’s Word altogether. We might also hear God’s wisdom and choose not to act on it. But when we refuse to listen, we will miss out on the life God wants for us.

2. Choose to Trust.

Next, we must choose to trust what Jesus says. Trust is an essential element of faith. It moves us beyond simply believing that what God says is true to living in accordance with it. When we trust Jesus, we declare our confidence that His way of life is better than our own. As we trust Jesus and experience the life He offers, our faith grows, enabling us to trust Him more, even when life becomes difficult.

3. Choose to Change.

Finally, we must choose to change the way we live. It’s one thing to trust Jesus when His words make sense to us, but true obedience involves being willing to follow Him even when it challenges our own understanding. Change requires admitting, “I was wrong, and I’m ready to do things Your way.” Acknowledging our mistakes is never easy, but it is essential for spiritual growth. It is also the only way we can leave behind our old ways and commit to following Jesus’s path.

If we want to experience the fullness of life that God created us to enjoy, we need a foundation for making decisions. That foundation should be the Bible. Choose today to be a person of God’s Word.