“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15
In scripture, particularly in the New Testament text, the call to discipleship is clear. There are examples of discipleship all throughout. Barnabas to Paul, Paul to Timothy. Of course, Christ and the disciples. We are called to be disciples, make disciples, and practice discipleship. We are to be discipling disciples.
Discipleship is a primary function of the church. Unlike expository preaching or teaching, it deals with the day to day and can be a daunting task. Discipleship, mentoring, whatever you choose to call it, it is gritty work. It takes love, compassion, grace, and a listening ear. Not to mention, a close walk with the Lord, otherwise you will get the blind leading the blind. I can think of certain ones who are older than me who have been critical in my life. True discipling disciples. The kind of relationship where I can call them and talk about scripture, church, failures, problems, battles, whatever is on my heart and mind. I can call and know that it is going to stay between us, and they have my best interest in mind. These relationships and counsel have saved me from many pitfalls and helped me to grow in the Lord. I don’t know where I would be without their discipleship. The ability to have an open conversation about the Bible helps you to apply scripture, encourages you to “read more” and best of all exalts Jesus in your life. Your conversation helps your conversation (life). This type of relationship builds a mode of trust that allows for open exhortation. Solid exhortation is not always comfortable; furthermore, giving solid exhortation is not always comfortable. However, a true mentor/mentored relationship will allow for more “exhortation experiences”, this is good because whether we want to accept it or not exhortation must be in the church for the church to prosper. The book of Proverbs is filled with exhortation about how the wise will receive wisdom, and the fool will not. Additionally, the likelihood of backsliding will decrease. I will not say that it will stop all together, but if the first two points are true and consistent then it will decrease backsliding. By backsliding I mean to say the sanctified, converted Christian believer turning once again to his or her old sinful ways.
It’s a given that nothing can replace the personal one-on-one time with God. Spiritual communion with Christ and God through reading and praying is a must. Discipleship does not detract from that but seeks to enhance it because we are the body of Christ. We are the church. We are a community of believers coming together to promote, exalt, advance, and glorify Christ and God. We are His disciples who are called to disciple one another.
