Posts belonging to Category Discipleship



Equipping the Church (PTOM 2)

(This week and next I am sharing my Personal Theology of Ministry. Click here for more posts from the Personal Theology of Ministry series.)

The pastor is called to equip the church for ministry:

Therefore I will equip those under my care for ministry through relevant preaching, teaching and discipleship. The church is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) and a loving family of believers (1 Peter 1:22). I will prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up, and so that we may all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of Christ and become mature (Ephesians 4:11-13). I will help people to discover and use their gifts for ministry. As pastor I will guard the purity and the unity of the church through Biblical teaching and loving discipline (Matthew 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:1-16).

Back to Table of Contents | Next section: Serving the Church in Love (PTOM 3)

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Following Jesus is Not the Same as Twitter

Following Jesus is not the same as Twitter. Twitter is a service that allows you to “follow” other people online as they post brief messages throughout the day (similar to Facebook status updates). It is a relatively simple and painfree way to keep up with friends, relatives, or business associates. Following Jesus does not mean simply keeping up with him or checking in on him periodically.

Rather, the call to follow Jesus is the call to discipleship. It means that you put Jesus first, that you give him your complete loyalty, obedience and trust. Just as the disciples left everything to follow Christ, you re-orient your entire life around Jesus. He is your Master; he is your Lord; and he calls you to follow him.

“Come, follow me.” It is a simple, absolute call. There is no wiggle room; there are no other parameters. You are either a follower of Jesus or you are not. (From Sunday’s sermon: When Jesus Calls)

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:16-18)