In the first three bulletins back in March, I made the point that the discipleship process – whether it is discipling someone to faith in Jesus or to maturity in Jesus – is relational, intentional and formational. I see this in the discipleship process Jesus used. Let me illustrate it through Jack’s story.
He grew up in a challenging home environment. Amongst other things, his eldest brother was suffering from severe intellectual impairment. This meant he would end up staying with his grandmother. A meek, soft and godly woman of faith, she would bring Jack with her to church. She had her share of hardships but you would never know. His time at Sunday School embedded in him strong Christian values, particularly integrity. These values would act as a moral compass for Jack even when he became an avowed atheist from his teens.
One Sunday, a little over three years ago, members of his extended family invited him to church. He went out of obligation. Even though he did this on more than one occasion, he displayed little to no interest in God. After all, he was travelling reasonably well until life hit him hard. He was rocked. God used this to soften his heart.
On his next obligatory trip to church, he became more aware of God’s presence. Memories of his grandma’s life and prayers for him came flooding back. For a time, he was a regular at church, open and enjoying the sermons. It wasn’t long before his attendance became patchy. Then, he stopped coming altogether. I’ve been with Jack in his journey, gently prodding him and encouraging him, giving him space to explore. When he stopped coming to church, I was sad and I didn’t know what to do except to pray.
One day I learned about a very effective ‘tool’ to engage someone like Jack. It involves reading and engaging stories or passages of Scriptures from the Bible; a simple approach that just let God’s word speak for itself. Not long after, I mustered enough courage to ask Jack if he was interested. To my joy and relief, he said, ‘Yes!’.
We had been meeting weekly for over a month now. He loves our time together and so do I! About three weeks ago he made a passing remark about his concerns with his childhood friends when he tells them of his decision to become a Christian and live the Christian life.
I have never heard him identify himself as a Christian. He has talked about how he is grateful for his strong Christian values which he owes to his grandma. He has talked about the few times he got emotional when he attended church services.
I shared my observations with him and asked him what he meant. I’m going to paraphrase what he said. “Well, I’ve been on a journey and you’ve been a great help to me but at some stage, you’ve got to get off the fence and commit yourself to Jesus and follow Him!” He told me how there’s much to unlearn and learn.
Just recently, he had to go into his son’s room four times to tell him that dinner was ready. While waiting frustratingly, he prayed, asking God to help him. When his son finally came out, he told him how he felt disrespected by and disappointed in his response. In the same breath, he also said to him that he was aware that his handling of such situations in the past wasn’t great and that he is asking God to help him to respond with more love and patience!
My relationship with Jack was built over time. I really care about him. However, to move the discipleship process further, it required further intentionality: “Would you be interested in reading the Bible with me?” As we read, discussed and talked about its application, I was open with him about my life. God used our intentional, relational, weekly catch up and His living word to work on his heart and began forming his character to be more like the character of our Lord and Saviour!
God is good and gracious! All glory goes to Him!
Following Him and learning how to fish for people,
Mark
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