How do we cultivate a discipleship culture? 

While we could never encompass everything we anticipate God to do in and through our lives at Christ Church, I want to talk about the future. While discipleship is just one dimension of a church, everything rises and falls on that dimension. A church is only as strong as her disciples. 

As of late, we’ve all been witness to the deeply tragic events and the state of our city and nation. But there is a call for a discipleship resurgence in our churches so that it can be a city on a hill for the glory of God.

So, as we look at the vision of Christ Church, I want to lovingly propose a discipleship resurgence. 

A Brief History of Wesleyan Disciple-Making

In the originating impulses of the Wesleyan movement, Methodism became a significant force because it was a great discipleship movement. People's lives were deeply transformed from the dark places of morality in the 18th century. The movement was attractive because people saw the life change in their neighbors and families through the reality of God in Christ. 

John Wesley knew that disciple-making involved a specialized focus on smaller gatherings rather than large crowds. This is why he formed class meetings that focused on high levels of biblical-centered accountability, and studying Scripture in healthy transparency with one another in a transformative way.

If we are going to see a resurgence of discipleship in our future, it will require a rediscovery of the life-giving patterns in our own discipleship routes. Even when we review the Christ Church mission statement, we're reminded that we exist to make disciples. "We glorify God as we make, mature, and mobilize disciples of Jesus Christ by loving Jesus and loving like Jesus."

Setting the Terms

So, if we make disciples as Jesus instructed His church, how do we do that? 

To begin, we need to define what a disciple is in the context of the Holy Bible. A disciple is a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. But let's take that a step further; what is discipleship? Discipleship is the process of making disciples who make disciples. 

Before going any further, we also need to dispel some fallacies around disciple-making. 

1. You DO NOT have to be an extremely mature disciple to make a disciple.

2. Discipleship DOES NOT mean you need a guru present for others to be discipled.

A Vision for Christ Church

I want to plant a seed with you, so let's look at January 2023 and beyond.

What we're doing this fall has everything to do with what we hope to cultivate in January 2023, Fall '23, Spring '24, and beyond. We are cultivating our church family for years and generations to come.

But there are four matters we need to consider. 

Everyone is a Disciple Maker

Every one of us is a disciple maker. As we move into 2023, the church staff is posturing to equip the saints for ministry work. We're in it because we want to live this kind of lifestyle. We want to equip people with practical ways to engage so that you don't have to be obnoxious. Instead, you can lovingly build bridges with people and walk out your faith.

Awareness of the Void of Intentional Discipleship

There's a void, and something will fill that void if we don't. If you read statistical data, there has been an exponential increase in fatherlessness in our culture. Our culture has also seen an exponential rise in mental illness, violence, and self-centeredness. If you pay attention, people beg to be poured into, "Someone, please show me the way!" You're rubbing elbows with them at work and in your neighborhood every day.  

But here's what you must understand as you pour into them. You are to be mindful that you will send them out as they're developed. You're blessed to be a blessing. Disciple, encourage, and love them, but as they mature, send them out. Once they're out, send someone new. 

The reason I share that is that's the pattern of the Father's heart. People are developed in our incubator, Christ Church Memphis, and we want to send people on mission among nations. We want people to serve our city in a myriad of ways. But, ultimately, in due time, we want to send people out to plant new churches worldwide. 

A Willingness to Pay the Price

The most valuable thing for most of us is not our resources but our time. So we have to choose to devote our time to being disciple-makers. 

For many around the world, their country does not afford room for a lukewarm faith. The persecution and repercussions of that decision are too heavy and life-threatening for anyone to be half-in with Jesus.

We Need Revival

We are navigating a time of great sorrow and heartbreak. This season is a reflection of the brokenness of our culture, and we're not going to be able to information our way out of this situation.

In Christian history, when there's a departure from God depravity abounds. Please, understand me, but we need a historic, sustainable and transformative movement of God's hand. We need to see God move in the way we've read about in history. 

As mentioned, we've seen dramatic increases in frightening statistics. Those statistics and stories moves us towards a posture of desperation. Something has to change. Not only for the sake of the hour that we live but for our children and grandchildren. 

The question is, where will we channel our desperation? Do I channel my desperation through escapism on Netflix or in a bottle? Or will I direct my desperation prayerfully and intentionally for the sake of the glory of God among people?

As your pastor, I'm asking, will you pray as we move toward January 2023 and beyond? Will you consider becoming a disciple-maker?

TL;DR

1. A church is only as strong as her disciples. 

2. As we look at the vision of Christ Church, I want to lovingly propose a discipleship resurgence. 

3. John Wesley focused discipleship on small gathers that had high levels of biblical accountability and studying Scripture.

4. Vision for Christ Church

   1. Everyone is a Disciple Maker

   2. Awareness of the Void of Intentional Discipleship

   3. A Willingness to Pay the Price

   4. We Need Revival