The Neglected Mandate

I am convinced that the neglected mandate in the church today is discipleship. Several months ago I decided that “Discipleship” would be the 2008 theme in my preaching. We kicked off the first Sunday of the year yesterday with a prayer emphasis because without prayer at the heart, our discipleship efforts will be inefficient and ineffective. Among the new things in the sanctuary yesterday is the “Wall of discipleship” where people can write their thoughts about discipleship on the wall. After our evening service last night I went to the wall and jotted down a couple of the thoughts that people had written. I hope to share some different quotes this week on this blog.

These are anonymous and really great to chew on:

“The foot of the cross is level ground for all and there is always room”

“Hold on to the Lord and He will pull you through”

Discipleship really takes us into the spiritual disciplines. It goes both inward (personal growth” and outward ( helping others grow). Disciple is one of those words, like many in our generation, that needs to function both as a noun and a verb. I need to be a disciple and I need to be discipled. My improved understanding of this subject will help me to function better between Sundays and will build my faith the way God intended. I am excited about 2008.