The Core Values of VOMC
The "Importance of Discipleship"
"Discipleship means adherence to Christ and, because Christ
is the object of that adherence, it must take the form of discipleship."
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Author of The Cost of Discipleship
"Discipleship" is a term often used in church and parachurch settings, but I wonder how many Christians truly understand what it means and entails. Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language defines a disciple as a "learner" or "scholar." In essence, it describes an individual who receives or claims to receive instruction from another – such as a disciple of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. Likewise, many influential leaders or teachers throughout Biblical history had disciples. So the fact that crowds of people sought to be in Jesus' presence to learn from Him was not unusual.
However, being a disciple of Jesus required more than simply gleaning from His teachings. Noah Webster further describes a disciple as a "follower" and an "adherent to the doctrines of another." Hence, while many people gathered around Christ to hear His words, only those who were committed to following Him would be considered His "disciples." Therefore, Christians are disciples of Jesus because they profess to not only learn from Him but also to live according to His doctrines and precepts. This raises the bar, does it not? After all, one can absorb a great deal of knowledge from another, and yet still remain uncommitted to applying it to their life.
In his book, Discipleship, Peter Maiden, the former International Director of Operation Mobilization, wrote, "The only response to the call of Jesus open to us is the response of submission to Him as the Lord of our lives, a submission that can only be expressed in whole-life discipleship." Learning from Jesus is essential; however, true discipleship is marked not merely by hearing the Word, but by obeying Christ and putting His taught principles into practice.
Jesus had numerous disciples beyond the 12 we are familiar with. However, while several were deeply committed followers, many others remained undedicated and eventually left Jesus. They may have been interested enough to follow Him for a time; yet, when His teachings demanded radical changes in their ways of thinking and living, a significant number of them turned away. For example, after Jesus taught about being the "Bread of Life," many of His disciples remarked: "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" (John 6:35,60 NIVUK).
Peter Maiden further explains: "Jesus' call to discipleship is not an invitation to participate in a program – or even to share in a cause – but to be with a person, so that He can make us into the people He wants us to be. The call to discipleship is the call to relationship, a real relationship, a relationship that will gradually make us all that God intended us to be."
When others had turned away from Jesus, refusing to continue walking with Him, He looked at the faithful 12 and asked, "You do not want to leave too, do you?" (John 6:67 NIVUK). Peter famously replied: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God" (v.68-69). Peter's declaration reflects the passion of someone who had closely followed Jesus and was fully committed to learning from Him and observing His teachings. He embraced the promise of eternal life and aimed to apply this transformative truth to every part of his life. For Peter, there were no alternatives. He was wholly committed to Jesus.
Discipleship is a core value at VOMC because we believe it is the process by which followers of Jesus grow and mature in the Lord (2 Peter 3:18). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit uses this discipleship process to help believers overcome the temptations and challenges of the world (Galatians 5:22-23) – transforming them so they will be conformed to the image of Christ, and thus produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The following statements help VOMC's staff members to focus on the importance of discipleship and the ways in which they can engage with the work of the Holy Spirit within their own lives through various discipleship activities:
- Discipleship prioritizes Jesus in everything, trusting Him fully while following Him faithfully.
- Discipleship involves hearing, receiving and acting on the Word, as guided by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
- Discipleship is a transformative process that shapes the minds and hearts of believers who desire to emulate the character and compassion of Jesus.
- Discipleship is crucial for fulfilling the church's mission throughout the world, as ordained by God the Father.
I acknowledge that the topic of discipleship involves much more than what can be covered in a single blog post. The entire process in itself is an essential, lifelong journey that requires us to learn decisively, embrace the Word fully, and apply Biblical truths diligently throughout every stage of our lives. While doing so, we must seize each moment given to us to boldly reflect the glory of God and His Son Jesus Christ. In essence, discipleship calls for commitment, growth and a persistent desire to radiate His light in a world that desperately needs hope and truth.
As you continue walking with Jesus, may you receive the courage to follow Him wholeheartedly in every season.
Keep looking up!
Floyd A. Brobbel
Chief Executive Officer
Voice of the Martyrs Canada Inc.
