Lessons learned

Beginning next week I'm going to be working full-time (more or less) for Vineyard Church of Columbus. As the time rapidly approaches I find myself thinking through the little ways my life will change. For example, I've realized that the question "So, what line of work are you in, John?" will take some time getting used to.

I've worked up a little math equation for working at the church and it goes something like this: Ministry = Meetings. I had a full day of meetings yesterday and boy was it special. The challenge with meetings is that you normally get some sort of assignment but when you go from one meeting to the next you never have time to do your assignment. There are a few things I have to learn from all this. Well, there's a lot I have to learn but I'll touch on two of them.

Lesson #1: I know that one thing I have to learn from this is time management. In other words I'm going to have to tell more people "Go ahead. I'm going to sit this meeting out."

Lesson #2: I guess the biggest thing I think I'm learning from these meetings is that the Church is made up of many people with many gifts. No one person has all the answers. I'm learning to walk the line between taking charge, earning respect, listening, learning and valuing others. I feel the first year of all this is going to stretch me like Gumby but I'm looking forward to it.

God knows what he's doing. We each have the responsibility not to ask God "Why is this happening to me?" but to ask "What do you want me to learn from this?"

Humility Lesson #84,523,954,125...

The Great _________

I recently began reading a book called "The Great Omission" by Dallas Willard. In it he discusses how Christians sometimes miss the mark of the Great Commission. Matthew 28:18-20 says that we are to make disciples of all nations. Notice that it says we are to make "disciples" and not to make Christians. He says this because becoming a Christian is (hopefully) a one time decision but discipleship is a life long journey.

So what does it take to make disciples? First we must know that a disciple is someone who is a committed follower who learns from a teacher. We are to be and make disciples of Christ and essentially, disciples disciple others to become disciples... let me re-read that to make sure it made sense...

Ok. I think it made sense.

Anyway, there are a few things which must happen in discipleship. The key component that must happen in discipleship is relationship. Having a relationship with someone who is continually striving to help you become more and more like Christ is so valuable and we should be that person to others as well. Making disciples takes being obedient to God and not being fearful of man. And making disciples means we have to be intentional in discipleship. If we aren't intentional in making disciples our tendency is to spend our days dwelling on our own spiritual condition.

So, take a look at your own life and evaluate if you are seeking to make Christians or disciples.