What has the modern church done that has led to unproductive and unbiblical discipleship methods?
According to Paul Washer, one of these methods is mass motivation through conferences. These events often stir up emotions and fire up attendees to walk more closely with Christ, promising radical transformation. However, when the participants return to their daily lives, they often find themselves back where they started, sometimes even more disillusioned than before. This cycle can be demoralizing and doesn't lead to sustainable spiritual growth.
True discipleship, Washer argues, is not complex but requires discipline. It involves being part of a community where the Word of God is expounded, leaders exemplify the life of Christ, and disciples are taught not just to read and study the Bible, but shown how. Similarly, they should not just be told to pray, but taught how to pray effectively. Other elements of the church, like the Lord's Supper, baptism, and the community of brothers and sisters in Christ, are all mechanisms designed by God to create disciples. Unfortunately, these simple but difficult methods are often overshadowed by the spectacle of large-scale events that promise quick results but deliver little.
2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV): 'And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.'
15 окт 2024
