Disciple-making

This spring, I had the privilege of taking a class called Perspectives.  Its a missions training course, covering the biblical basis, history, and strategy of missions.  Its hosted by a local church, and you can choose how much work you put in to it by taking it at the key reading level, the certificate level, or take it to get college credit.  (Because I'm insane and like to torture myself by fitting way too many things in my schedule, I took it for credit.)  Overall, its been a great class and I've learned a lot, to say the least.

  One of the chapters I recently read spoke of church planting movements happening throughout the world.  There have been cases of churches growing and being planted at the rate of one new house church per day in some people groups.  When analyzing these movements, one thing they had in common was an ability to disciple their people, who in turn disciple others, who in turn disciple others.  In his book Radical (which is an awesome read), David Platt tells of a pastors meeting where these house church leaders wrote down every single word of the teaching, so that they could go and mobilize their local leadership to mobilize their congregations.  Its repeatable.  Its simple.  And they feel it is their responsibility.

I actually got to hear David Platt speak in person, and he spoke of 'kitchen sink Christians' versus 'faucet Christians.'  The former is one who enjoys sitting in the comfortable tub that can be suburban American Christianity.  Discipleship, teaching, resources, and opportunities are poured into you, and you sit there an enjoy it.  Contrast that idea to that of a 'faucet Christian,' in which you are a conduit to pass on spiritual life and power to others.

  I find this idea incredibly challenging as I try to picture myself as a 'faucet Christian' in my current situation.  I've had the privilege of getting to do this with my dance students, but when the teaching session ends, what then?  Who are "my disciples"?  Are they Christians that could deepen their faith?  Are they seekers who just want to learn more about this Jesus guy?  How does one even find disciples?  (And how weird and arrogant does that sound, asking for disciples?  As if I were leading some cult.  Creepy thought.)

  These are questions I find myself asking.  I don't really have any answers yet, but I do know that I don't do nearly enough with the vast amount I've been given.  There is too much selfishness and not enough love or willingness to pour out my life for others.  Teach me Lord.

The Resume

In my agenda to find redemption, I went to God with my resume of what I have done and my accomplishments, expecting Him to take that list and make something of it.  Instead, He did something unexpected.  He did away with my nice list, a list I had labored over for many years, and pulled out a blank sheet of paper.  On this paper, He begins to write His own story of my life.  All else from before is done away with - my life is hidden in Christ.  Some of the things He writes on the new paper are similar to parts from before.  Some things are left off.  Some things are added.  But they are all penned by the Master.  Everything on the previous resume had been handed over with the expectation that He would take the pre-existing list and use it.  Instead, He starts from scratch, only including the things He deems good and necessary to the list.  Under the place where it says qualifications, it just says Jesus, in big letters.

"Lord," I protest, "what are you doing?  Don't you want to use these gifts and talents to bring you glory?  These gifts that I have worked so hard on to perfect so that I might use them for you?"  

"I have used them.  These gifts, that I have given you as a loan, have glorified me.  Now I am willing that you glorify Me in other ways.  Ways that I will choose.  Ways that will bring maximum glory to Myself.  And it will be GOOD."  

I let Him write the list and watch with curiosity and a little fear.  I hope and pray that I won't have to experience this feeling of watching Him erase the resume again, but somehow, I know that this story will get repeated.  That the years spent in investing in any one vocation, pattern, or location will become an offering to Him.  My heart breathes a sigh of relief as I remember that He is a Faithful Father.  A slight bit of excitement begins to fill my heart as I recall the adventures He's led me on before - it hasn't been conventional, but its been pretty exciting!  I still don't quite know what He's up to, but He is a good writer.  He is good at a lot of things.  I slowly realize that the resume isn't even about me - while He works at it with utmost care, it is a means to a different end.  I feel very small.  I feel self-conscious that He is the one writing my resume.  The previous offerings of years and talent don't seem to matter as much now...God Himself is writing my resume.  I am awestruck that He would be willing to do so.  All I can manage is "Thank you."


"If you're still measuring out your offering, you haven't seen His worth yet."