A question on discipleship

Here's the question from James E. :

As I read the words of poetry that you have written, I glory in the presence of Lord. The words you said brings a thought to mind about discipleship and mentoring. How do you find someone to be discipling, when you are not an open leader in the church. My wife and I desire to be discipling others, but we have not found anyone as of yet to disciple. How do you know who you should be discipling? We feel that God's Word instructs us to do so, but we have not had the opportunity. I feel like our age may be the reason that we are not sought out to be mentors.

James....first I must tell you I LOVE YOUR BURDEN!! Ultimately "making disciples" is what we're charged with as followers of Christ. I'm discouraged sometimes that the faith is so terminal on so many who think preaching/teaching is ONLY for them. I'm encouraged when some see the ministry of the church as equipping to nourish others.

Now, in regards to your question.....I want to see if I can modify your paradigm a bit. It sounds as if you see the only platform for discipleship as "in the church." I would encourage you to see discipleship in the "people of God" as important but maybe even secondary to "making disciples" of those who don't even know Christ. In our heavy "decisionism" context, we view discipleship as step 2 behind "conversion." I'm beginning to see them (conversion and discipleship) as not so compartmental or even sequential. In fact, I'm finding that intentional discipleship should be present, ideally, BEFORE conversion. Otherwise supposed new believers have no idea Who they're following or have any inkling as to the cost of discipleship.

John Bunyan's story (the writer of Pilgrim's Progress) is one that can teach us much on discipleship. Bunyan’s first wife had a tremendous impact on his spiritual journey. In her dowry were two books, Plain Man’s Pathway to Heaven and Practice of Piety. These books, in concert with his wife’s encouragement, did much to improve his outward "religion." His habit from boyhood of swearing and cursing was eliminated altogether as his "religion" grew. His expression of "religion" had developed so that he eventually considered himself quite pleasing to God. Then one day he overheard some spiritually mature women discussing the things of God (ie, enjoying Christ outloud) while he was at work as a tinker (pot maker). He was gripped with the reality that he was unable to identify with the depth of their experiences. For three or four years he struggled with the inner turmoil of outward religion and a longing to experience what he overheard that day. Then in 1653 he joined the Congregationalist body to which these women belonged. This AFTER being discipled by those women and his wife for years!!!!!

Bunyan's journey was MUCH longer and less efficient than a sinner's prayer....yet the impact of God's ministry through him reverberates even into today in his writings. I really believe we need to be intentional about walking with people (in AND out of the church) while worshipping Christ "outloud"........trusting that the tinkers are listening. James, keep begging for a disciple or disciples. Look around you between Sundays and you may find your disciple has been there all along. Be their friend....invite them into your home.....dine with them.....laugh with them.......and love them with the gospel of Christ.

Thanks James,
Ben