Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into
His hands…got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel,
He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the
disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded…You
call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord
and Teacher washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet
(John 13:3-5; 13-14, NASB).
Rarely do people dispute the command of Christ to “make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19) However, many believers that I know struggle to do it. Some would argue (perhaps correctly argue) that the issue is time. “We are too busy.” Others might offer an excuse that they are unqualified. Still, others may resist the command simply because they do not know how to get started. For far too many years, I grew up in a church system that had a program for everything. You took this bible study. You enrolled in this course. You participated in this outreach initiative. Check. Check. Check. All of these good things were intended to provide a pathway to obeying the command to make disciples. The programs were not bad; however, they often became a substitute for obedience.
The passage above is a great example of a solution…and I might go as far as to say that it is the example of the solution. Arise. Grab a towel and basin. Wash feet. Repeat.
There is no substitute for action. Every successful teaching
model involves a moment in time when learners must act with what they have
learned. The local church, by God’s design, is the laboratory where that takes
place (Eph 4:11-13).
A lifetime ago, Jodi and I began teaching 4th grade Sunday School. She heard of a need and decided to exchange one more discipleship class for a chance to teach children. I went along to be with her. I sat quietly for 2.8 seconds. In the year that followed, I learned more about the Scriptures, more about the love of God, and more about discipling others than I had in the previous three years. I learned by doing. God showed me my need. He taught me to depend on Him. He used me to help others grow. The next year, I taught adults and we have been involved in some aspect of teaching ever since.
Growing as a disciple necessarily requires growing disciples. There is no substitute. I know of no exceptions. NONE. People that God uses to change the world have this in common: At some point, they stand up, grab a towel and basin and begin to serve others. Through that service, God teaches them, expands their influence, shapes their knowledge and changes lives.
Who are you serving?
How are you serving through your church?
Is your faith vibrant…or would you say it is a bit stale?
If you knew you would not fail, what would you attempt for God today?
“I believe that Sunday morning is for the gathering of
God’s people. Evangelism is what we want our people to do outside the walls.
Our time ‘inside’ is for our people to worship, be edified, and to be
encouraged.” While this statement is a “mash-up” in itself, a statement
like this can be heard around the table at times among preachers over coffee.
“I am preaching for the invitation every week. I am
looking for the lost guy, the distant guy, the displaced guy every week. Every
sermon. Every week! If I lead silent prayer, I am going to give an invitation
to respond.” Ok, maybe this statement appears a little embellished…but I
have heard its parts and the theme of it over and over through the years. I
have even said most of these!
So, which is it? Is the Sunday morning gathering for the
wayward or the worshipper? Is the goal to see the lost saved, or the saints
encouraged? I think the question itself obscures the correct answer because it
seeks an either/or response…rather than a both/and.
As such, let me briefly explain why I preach to unbelievers
every week. Let me first affirm that I believe that the church comes together
weekly, usually on Sunday, and does so for the purpose of worship, fellowship,
exhortation, encouragement and equipping. This is not in conflict with my
reasons below; rather, this sets the stage for them.
I preach to unbelievers on Sunday because they are there. In a church of any size, from four to forty-thousand, there is a good chance that someone listening has yet to truly yield to Jesus as Lord. Sometimes, this person is new. He or she was recently invited, dropped by, or happened among God’s people for some other reason. At other times, this unbeliever is religious and may even be a member. Perhaps he or she prayed a prayer at some point in the past but did not yield to Christ. He may have exclaimed “save me,” but like the “rich, young ruler,” he was unwilling to do what Christ required.
I preach to unbelievers on Sunday because sometimes God’s people act like it. My challenge to unbelievers is always that they would respond to the love of Christ displayed at Calvary’s cross and turn, by faith to Christ as Lord. That prescription is true and effective whether someone is on the “outside” of the family of faith…or is “eating swine snacks in the far country” of Christ’s kingdom. The answer for all rebels is to come to (or back to) Christ by faith.
I preach to unbelievers on Sunday because it trains other believers how to do it. Many small group leaders stand (or sit) and give a lesson to a group weekly. Where did they learn to do that? Sitting under a pastor in the worship gathering on Sunday! I have tried for years to teach these gifted leaders that a second sermon is not the call of the hour; rather, the small group environment is about conversation and application. Trying to change that behavior has always proven to be challenging because these precious teachers learned it honestly. I preach to unbelievers on Sunday so that God’s people will learn how to do so as well. I want them to present God’s truth faithfully, God’s love gracefully, God’s plan compassionately, and God’s call to respond winsomely.
Finally, I preach to unbelievers on Sunday because the gospel encourages the believer. When I talk about being far from God and God’s redemptive plan, I am reminded of my days choosing to live far from Him and how “He sought me, and bought me, with His redeeming blood.” When I find someone bored with the Gospel, I immediately know something is amiss. How do you get bored with your own birthday? When the gospel is proclaimed to the believer it elicits one hearty, worshipful response: AMEN!
Why this article? Well, I am immersed in the subject
presently…and it was on my heart. If you have thoughts, feel free to drop by,
chime in, and we can chat. As always, I’d appreciate your help in clicking
LIKE, sharing the article, or sharing a comment about it. This not only
encourages me; but, it also helps broaden the audience of those who may benefit
from it that don’t yet subscribe personally.
The life of a Christ-follower is one of community. Individuality is not part of the program. I know that in the West, and particularly in the United States, the value of individualism is romantic. We celebrate the Lone Ranger. We applaud the trailblazer. We resist accountable community.
Such was not the culture of the early church and it is not
the tone of the New Testament. In fact, the idea of individuality is often the
subject of warnings. There is great value in community.
Several brothers from by doctoral learning “community” (cohort) at SBTS
Somewhere along the way, people got the idea that matters of
faith were private matters. While faith is highly personal, it is never
private. We may confess sins privately, but we declare God’s forgiveness
publicly; and, at times, we confess those sins publicly within the
context of community (James 5:16) so that others will pray for us. This
provides for us the tool of accountability.
I suggested in a recent article that a small gender-exclusive group of believers, typically a close communion of 4-5 people who are committed to meeting regularly, reading the bible together and praying with one another is a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Those groups work best when they have these characteristics:
They are joined by invitation. There needs to be some chemistry (or at least potential for chemistry) if the group is to flourish. This is why I suggest that the first place to find people for this group is among existing circles…like a Connect Group. [Connect Groups are how my church organizes small group ministry].
They have a defined objective. Meeting to “hang out” may feel like an “organic” approach to community; however, it is its own version of stress-inducing. These communities should have an objective. We will meet to ____. I suggest that the reason to meet is to discuss insights from a Bible-reading plan that everyone in the group embraces.
They have a confidentiality ethic. As the group begins to discuss how the Scriptures “spoke” to them during the previous week, there will come a time when someone will share a personal or even private struggle with a stronghold or sin. This is not an act of WEAKNESS but of COURAGEOUS STRENGTH! I say that because I only do men’s groups (of course) and men are terrible about not wanting to share defects with one another. For honest and helpful sharing to occur, there must be a sense of trust that what is shared will “go to the grave” of those who hear it.
There must be an exit strategy. How do we get off the bus? In my experience, many of these groups default to an insular nature within a few weeks. As relationships grow and trust is confirmed…a band of brother (or sisters) is established. The easy thing is to stay together forever. This tool for spiritual growth can become stagnant at this point and ultimately loses missional effectiveness. It needs new blood. This is why I suggest only a “one-year” group. In fact, I recommend that the group form with a clear understanding that each member will identify 3-4 others during the year that they can begin meeting with when this group concludes. [Note: A group that concludes does not mean that friendships dissolve; rather, the multiplication of groups provides for increased friendships.]
If you are not part of a D-Group (which is what I call these
accountability communities) and would like some specifics on how to start one
(or perhaps join one), give me a call. I have some recommended resources that
will help you get started successfully.
If this year is to be a year of advancing in your development as a Christ-follower, you will NEED partners in an accountable community. CHOOSE now to take that step and I guarantee that when you look back at the end of the year, you will be blown away at what God does in your life!
In recent days I have shared about the power of routines/disciplines/habits. In many cases, routines are helpful (even if some might think them boring). Routines are simply tools that we employ to make sure that we accomplish those tasks most important to us.
Routines answer the question of “should I” when the drive to
do so is waning. Should I go to the gym today? Should I eat that? Should I
sleep through my alarm? Should I read my Bible today? Should I go to church
today? In these cases, the routine itself functions as a form of
accountability. However, this alone is insufficient for most of us, particularly
when we find ourselves in times of stress.
I promised a couple of days ago to share one of the most effective tools for finishing. If you really want to lose that ten pounds, run that half-marathon, or grow spiritually you truly need this tool. It can be embraced in a number of creative ways but without it…your chance of success drops by more than half. That tool is accountability.
We all resist accountability on some level. In fact, some people refuse to make a “new year’s resolution” because just writing it down provides some level of accountability. Instead, they just want to follow their feelings. Friend, my feelings lead me to raid the pantry at about 9 pm every night. My feelings order dessert. My feelings lead me to skip over the “Table of Nations” reading in Genesis or the genealogies in the Gospels. Feelings are terrible accountability partners.
Here’s a thought: If you are really going to grow spiritually this year, why not link up with 3-4 other men/women (I think gender-exclusive arrangements work best due to the way the Holy Spirit does His sanctifying work in our lives and because the similarities in thought processes among men and among women are pretty well established) and do it together? What we are talking about here is an agreement for 4-5 people to meet for 45 minutes to an hour a week, at a coffee shop, sandwich place, living room, dark alley (OK…maybe skip the dark alley) with an agenda of making sure everyone is staying true to the course?
If meeting together is tough due to schedules or geographic dispersion…FaceTime or group chats are good alternatives. One friend I know has set up a private Facebook Group with daily check-ins. While I think an in-person meeting is probably best, any of these alternatives are better than trying to hold yourself accountable to doing it alone.
Where do I find 3-4 others? I’d suggest asking 4 guys
in your small group (Connect Group) or that you know from another context who
are: (1) of like faith, (2) are reliable, and (3) have the same objective. In
my experience, many guys/gals are hungry for this kind of accountability and
connection; however, they are a little timid about the first step. Why not make
it easy for them and you take the initiative?
If you have other ideas on accountable partnerships like these I have described, I’d love to hear them. I’ll share more in the next post on how some of these groups have worked best for others. If you want to explore this further offline, just hit me up and we can chat.
I have a routine. For the most part, I stick with it…
(sorry) routinely. This routine involves my morning habits, the way I
dress, the foods I eat…nearly every area of my life.
I know people who hate routines. They find
them boring. They see them as killers of spontaneity. If something is routine,
they will (again…sorry) routinely avoid it.
Still others, many who have excelled in leadership, swear
by routines. Some leaders advocate routines because they reduce decisions on
less important matters. For instance, if you wear a uniform, you never stare at
your closet wondering what to wear. If you eat out (only) every Friday evening,
then you eliminate the question of what restaurant to visit Saturday through
Thursday.
While I have a routine, I am not a slave to it; rather, I use it as a tool to help me achieve the goals that I have adopted. Meal planning (diets) work this way. If my body reacts well to a certain regimen of foods, I may set a routine of eating only these foods. This routine means I intentionally preclude other foods because they are not part of my routine. In this example, the diet is not dictating my life; rather, it is the roadmap I placed in my life to get me to an objective.
Such is true in my spiritual development. I believe
that biblical knowledge (study of the Word) is essential to sanctification (becoming
like Christ). [See Romans 7]. Sanctification is essential to effectiveness in
God’s Kingdom work (mission). [See 1 Corinthians 9. esp. v.23] Effectiveness in
mission is my objective. It requires sanctification which requires knowledge.
So, I read the Bible. Routinely. I want to be an effective husband, dad,
grand-dad, disciple-maker, teacher, neighbor, etc. These are part of God’s mission
in and through me. So, again, I read the Bible. Routinely.
Another word for routine is discipline. My discipline
(which takes about an hour a day to accomplish) has been built over years. When
I started, it was about 15 minutes. Prayer. Proverbs. A chapter or two from the
New Testament.
Two final thoughts:
If I were beginning a new exercise regimen, I
would not expect to spend two hours, two times a day in the gym…the first
week. I’d be lucky to work out for an hour, three or four times per week. If I
tried to keep up with the biggest and strongest on day one, I’d quit by the end
of the first week.
Second, I blow it from time to time. I get busy,
oversleep, have a sin issue that prevents me from hearing God, etc. If I miss
my routine for a day or two, I catch up on my reading. If this persists beyond
a couple days, catching up will prove impractical. In such a case…I will fast
forward to the plan for that day and pick up from there. What I cannot do is
QUIT and declare that I’ll try harder next year. That’s defeating. It doesn’t
work. So just skip to the right place and begin again. God won’t hate you if
you admit to sleepwalking through parts of Leviticus or the genealogies…though
there are some cool nuggets in there to find if you can discipline yourself.
Anyway, that’s me. Tomorrow I will share my actual routine
(which will surprise some of you). Mostly I share for accountability, but it
may also have some parts you want to add to your discipline.
Recently, I had a discussion with a friend in church about strongholds
in the journey of discipleship. I shared how generosity was a personal
stronghold for years and how the guilt and shame seemed to increase by layers
every week during the offering. Once I made the decision to give a tenth
(tithe) of my income to the Lord through my church, my worship suddenly
changed! God taught me about His sufficiency, taught me to trust Him, and
showed me what I could be part of by simply being obedient to the teachings of
Scripture.
Another area that the majority of Christians struggle with
is the Lord’s command to “make disciples.” Many substitute “disciple-making”
with church attendance, serving in a church program, or teaching a church
curriculum; however, there is no way to ignore the command. A “disciple-maker”
(Christian) cannot NOT make disciples. Not every Christian is called to serve
overseas or serve in vocational ministry through a local church, but EVERY
Christian is instructed to make disciples.
Many Christians deal with the same layers of guilt and shame
over making disciples that I did over generosity. What if though…they were one
decision from releasing the guilt and finding joy? …just as I did with the
sin relating to my lack of generosity? How can a person find freedom and joy
and encouragement in this area of the disciple-maker’s life? Please allow me
suggest three things to do in response to your decision to change:
Identify WHO. This isn’t complicated. It
is simply someone you know that you have not shared the gospel with and
have not heard their unique story of how they became a believer. Begin voicing
a prayer to the Lord daily, “Lord, grant me the opportunity to share the gospel
with ____.”
Learn HOW. There are dozens of good ways to share. At Englewood (the church I serve) we promote and use the 3 Circlesapproach. I have used many approaches through the years. I like this one for a number of reasons, among which is the fact that it feels the least awkward when getting started.
Rehearse WHAT. Write out your own story of conversion (testimony). Share it with a friend, your Connect Group leader, a pastor, or your neighbor’s dog. Listen to how the Gospel is rehearsed in weekly worship services. Practice sharing the Gospel using the 3 Circles approach with your spouse, your children, or a friend. Make it so familiar that you can do it in your sleep.
If this is an area that you would love to experience joy in, join me for the upcoming Focus Group on Becoming Conversational with the Gospel, beginning October 9. I would love to be part of your journey to victory.
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