The Meaning of Discipleship

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. ~ Romans 16:17-18

Combating ideologies have divided our denomination into a couple of general camps. One defines Christianity as a modern expression of Jesus’s love and acceptance of all persons. The other, defines it as service to Christ by adhering to His precepts as revealed in the Bible. These broad generalizations will suffice for my purpose in this writing. Our denominational mission statement states we will “Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Fulfillment of the mission hinges upon discipleship. If one defines discipleship as dutifully following a certain teaching or teacher, then the common root of discipline means obedience. And, dictionaries uniformly support this assumption. Discipline is by definition a form of deprivation for the sake of a desired outcome. One reduces food intake and exercises to achieve better physical well-being. It’s a matter of discipline. Therefore, a disciple of Jesus Christ cannot change his life, family, community, region, nation, or the world without submitting to the Master’s disciplines. While some disciplines are hard to uphold and others are undesirable, they are still unquestionably the precepts of God. Therefore, we can acknowledge our human struggles with Christian discipleship, but they remain unconditionally righteous and true. 

If one claims to be a Christian but does not affirm and strive conformity with Christianity’s most universal tenants, is he a Christian? If a religious organization changes Christian doctrine so that it conforms to social norms and common tastes, is it still a religious organization? There are many forms of religion and organized institutions to facilitate them, but the boundaries of Christianity, like any religion or ideology, envelop its unique context. Adherents perpetuate the essential disciplines by submitting to Christian doctrinal standards. It is the reason for replication and transmission of Jesus’s Word, apostolic teachings, Mosaic Law, prophecy, and prose that became the Bible. Reformation and regular upheaval among Christians results from the endless struggle against corruption. Historically, such course corrections are always ugly and painful, but apostolic Christianity matures and the Gospel of the Kingdom continues to transform lives while extending Christ’s reign. Sadly, we are in such a season as the people who have gathered under the Cross & Flame emblem since 1967.

The people I currently serve as their pastor enjoy a vibrant Christian community that formed under the auspices of the United Methodist Church in the early 1980s. A denominationally backed process of management, polity, and doctrine served the new church well as its able pastor and charter members ordered worship and mission, according to the Book of Disciple. The community witnessed a respectable brand as the fledgling “Methodist” church grew and the denominational heritage lent credibility that might not exist with other religious expressions. The pastor and founding body generated a conservative culture that mirrored the predominant mood of the community. Less traditional attitudes gradually brought greater diversity of thought as the community grew, but it remains largely conservative, especially regarding religion. That being said, it bears noting that local progressives rarely take part in Christian religious tradition in our town. They assume local Christians will not welcome them, or they prefer to find like-minded persons with whom to worship elsewhere.

It perplexes us as our Lord’s command to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) compels us to open our doors, hearts, and minds to all people for His Name’s sake. How can we do so when so many self-proclaimed Christians reject the Master’s precepts? Unfortunately, we must do the grim task of assessing the true nature of our mission field. Jesus said, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:22-23)

I refined the denominational mission statement for use by our local church soon after my appointment here, saying, “Our mission is to be disciples, seek disciples, and change the world.” The addition of “being disciples” is essential, since it clarifies the prerequisite for “seeking disciples.” I changed “making disciples” as it appears in the UMC mission statement to “seeking disciples” because I don’t believe we can make disciples, unless that means to indoctrinate them and receive their pledge of loyalty to our institution. The Holy Spirit creates disciples of Jesus Christ after repentant sinners confess their disloyalty to the LORD and gratefully accept Christ’s gift of redemption. Therefore, we seek the Lord’s harvest of ripening souls and then gather them to Him. Finally, we too desire to transform the world, but humbly acknowledge it begins with our souls, our homes, churches, workplaces, associations, and communities. That’s why I stated that our vision is “to be vital to the well-being of our community through Christian discipleship” after my service here began.

“Then he [Jesus] said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;’” (Matthew 9:27) Christian Believers in this family of faith ought not to be obsessed with changing the minds of misguided, professing Christians as they should be with seeking the least, the lost, and the uninformed. Certainly, one should invest in sacred relationships with such persons, but fulfilling the local church’s mission should not get bogged down in fruitless debates over long-standing differences. Rather, seek those whom you don’t yet know and take them to meet your Savior, like the Samaritan woman at the well. (John 4) My task, however, is to cultivate discipleship among the “churched” professing Christians who have become so comfortable with their religion that they are like upper class passengers on the Titanic. They will not know how much trouble they’re in until it’s too late. Some of you will join me in that as specific circumstances demand, but most of the Body should worship and serve the LORD as if they just can’t help it (being disciples) while seeking those who are ripe for the harvest (seeking disciples).

Christian Believers who worship and serve within the framework of the UMC denomination are rapidly approaching a crossroads at which they must make tough decisions. Whatever choices we make, we must rely upon our Lord Jesus Christ as Master and King. We must pray, risk vulnerability, extend our faith and courage. After issuing “the great commandment” cited above, Jesus said, “[teach]them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

That You May Know

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ~ 1 John 5:13

Puffy black and gray clouds dangled low over the landscape while civil defense sirens sounded across the county. Children jabbered nervously as their little legs struggled to keep up with the faithful teachers who guided them through long corridors toward the tornado shelter downstairs. Members of the office staff stood in their doorways smiling and reassuring the preschoolers and the man whose beard resembled the clouds outside spoke repeatedly, said, “It’s going to be OK. I’m proud of you. Practicing helps us know what to do when it’s an actual emergency.” It was severe weather awareness week and the statewide practice drill was underway. Coincidentally, a stray, harmless rain shower passed over the church, adding an air of gloom to a balmy spring day. 

        I was the man with the stormy beard, and a sunny scalp unsheltered by its once wavy, thick mane. As a father and grandfather, I am helplessly inclined to feel a tender compassion for the little people who learn and grow in the church’s preschool wing. It’s been a year of firsts for many of the children as they left home and family to venture into care of kindly and skilled teachers. They’ve learned to trust that mom’s, dads, grandparents, and other caregivers who left them behind will return in a little while. The children learn to be more independent and to rely upon relationships they build in a larger society. Joy, discipline, exploration, and boundaries expanded throughout the months, but occasionally thunderclaps, fire drills, and now, tornado drills led to a moment of fear and uncertainty. That’s why we stand in our doorways, offering smiles and reassuring words. We hope the children will learn there are angels all around them, especially in times of trouble. 

        A notification on my watch startled me after being so immersed in the children’s world. An important appointment required me to gather some things and dart out the door. I needed to lead worship in the retirement community across the street. I found no one present when I breezed into the chapel and wondered if I’d gotten my date wrong. Within a few minutes, residents slowly made their way into the worship space. I’d failed to consider that they, too, had experienced the tornado drill. The contrast between what I’d come from and where I’d arrived was striking, and a little amusing. The seasoned saints in the chapel seemed more perturbed than anything. Also, a few thought it was a real tornado. The mild aggravation of having routines upset by anything as unlikely as a tornado striking their home was present as our time together began. Not that they didn’t appreciate the care and consideration of the staff, only that they’d been there and done that plenty of times. 

Since I hadn’t prepared as well as usual and people kept trickling in, I conducted a bible study and prayer time rather than a structured worship service. I still glean so much wisdom from seasoned saints, even as I grow closer to their state of citizenship. I quickly discovered that threats to their personal comfort and safety don’t frighten them nearly as much as those presented to their children and children’s children, and their children. My senior friends enjoyed hearing about the drill across the road and the little one’s responses. They imagined themselves comforting preschoolers with wizened, smiling faces. Another interesting thing about growing older, it seems, is that one must learn to trust experts who are often much younger, like doctors, nurses, caregivers, lawyers, and pastors. After a lifetime of teaching and leading their juniors, older folks must now depend upon them. 

As their visiting pastor, I assumed such a role and reminded them of the bible’s promises and reviewed Jesus’s prophecies in the Gospel of Matthew and in the Revelation. A lifelong learner with a passion for history and sociology, I reminded them of the last century through which they’d lived most of their lives; how their parents and grandparents told them about hard times, fearful trials, peace, and prosperity. We grieved the realities of the news today and recognized their implications for our beloved descendants. The veterans acknowledged the high cost of suffering through endless cycles of war, pestilence, famine, and decadence. It seems like an inevitable resurgence of evil and its reign. Each global disaster is far worse than the last and those who witness it think the end of time is at hand until it’s over and the survivors are still here. 

In that bible study with my elders, and in our daily lives, we must cling to the person of Jesus Christ just as despair struggles against our better nature. Jesus is One who can truly say, “I’ve been there and done that plenty of times.” He can kneel in the corridors of our panic, anxiety, and fearful frustration to say, “I’m proud of you.” “You’re OK so far.” “It’s good to practice now, so you’ll be ready later.” Jesus gave us a Way of faith built upon faithful, courageous firsts of our lives, even into old age. 

Over the years, we’ve learned to trust kindly and skilled teachers. We’ve learned to trust the Savior and Lord who left us behind is still with us in the Spirit and will return in a little while. Even as we became more and more independent, we learned to rely upon relationships, especially Christian community. Joy, discipline, exploration, and boundaries expanded throughout our lives, but occasional thunderclaps of broken hearts, trauma, discord, grief, fear, and uncertainty startle us and awaken primal dread. Hopefully, we’ve learned, too, that there are angels all around, especially in times of trouble. 

Our brief bible study concluded with a review of the Revelation’s two principle purposes; to instruct Christians in how to live the Gospel - the seven letters to seven churches, and to inform us of things to come, so that we will not be so frightened because our Lord is the shelter in whom we live and move, and have our being. Christ secured our eternal safety and taught us everything we need to know for abundant life in our times. 

We prayed after concluding our conversation and study, and this is what we said. “Almighty God, King Jesus, Life Giving Spirit.” “Into your hands we commend our spirits and those of all whom we hold dear in our hearts this day.” “Amen.” 

On Holiness of Heart and Mind

 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ~ Ephesians 4:11-14

This blog/note has developed since its inception so that it often feels like I’m journaling in public rather than posting anecdotes and advice. I believe it is for the best, as I am content to be a lifelong learner and relish critical thinking opportunities. They can shape my thinking in ways that range from a fundamental revolution to a minor course change. Over time, I’ve realized that my core values become more certain and my capacity for imagination and grace increases. I am more patient with things I don’t understand and more able to embrace new ideas and possibilities that often make others uncomfortable. It is risky sometimes because it causes me to brood, sometimes for months, as I pray through my rumination in search of insight. 

Here’s an example: I read a book called “Pagan Christianity,” co-written by Frank Viola and George Barna. Honestly, it really upset me as it made me question everything I knew about religious expressions of Christianity and, worse, my call to ministry and source of employment and financial security. I didn’t angrily refute the author’s conclusions, as others with bigger platforms than mine have. Instead, a long season of brooding ruminations set in. The content that rocked my world gradually faded into the back of my mind and seemed to be forgotten, but it wasn’t. I got a free copy of another book by Frank Viola a few years later that captured my imagination quickly enough to keep me reading despite my misgivings. The book was called, “Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom.” The same man who seemed to tear down my whole religious paradigm on purpose inspired me to sharpen my focus so that religion and tradition no longer trump Christ and His Kingdom in priority.

My reading led me down a rabbit trail of seeking Frank’s other works and a richer understanding of his perspectives, which is pretty typical for me. I found that Pagan Christianity was part 1 of a set that included “Reimagining Church” which could help reframe the modern idea of “church.” To be perfectly honest, Frank has said nothing I’m aware of that supports the perpetuation of modern Christian religion, but I’ve witnessed his generosity and kindness as he works with Christians in a variety of religious settings. In fact, when I had the chance to attend a conference he hosted during the early stages of the pandemic, it ended up being more like a small group retreat. I experienced personal attention that gave me the chance to say, “That Pagan Christianity book of yours really screwed me up, Frank."   

The experience generated a spiritual and professional relationship with Frank that continues to this day. The process of critical thinking and relationship building caused me to rethink my calling and profession and further refine them so that I can have more courage and peace of mind, as far as it could do so. I cannot expect my new friend to adapt his core beliefs to accommodate my emotional needs. He was genuinely supportive and urged me not to make drastic career changes. People whom I serve should know I would not do that without blatant signals from the LORD. I just needed to resolve the dilemma I’d been ruminating over for half a dozen years. While meeting with Frank and the small group he’d gathered, I thought, “I guess I’m called to be a missionary to pagan Christians.” It seems like the Gospel of the Kingdom is like the lost city of Atlantis in the minds of churchgoers and they need a guide to help them across the frontier and home to the Land of King Jesus.

Thinking of the local church as a mission field is liberating and risky. Such an approach by a pastor to his flock seems condescending. It’s like telling people who are comfortably secure where they are that they are, in fact, lost. I found the secret to success in the mindset of a missionary in foreign countries. After spending a few weeks with missionaries in Kazakhstan, another former Soviet territory under threat, I came home with my church ministry paradigm changed forever. Missionaries live with native people in their homeland and according to their social norms. They serve, teach, influence, and trust the LORD so that, when the time is right, they can invite their constituents to a deeper relationship with the King and Savior. A soothing Gloria Gaither song says it well; “Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need you to help us find our way.” Her lyrics refer to Jesus, but as he is the example we should follow, it’s safe to assume the identity of the gentle shepherd wherever applicable. 

So, there’s an example of how the LORD sanctifies my thinking. My core values are more sure than before, but He enhanced my approach to the world I live in and move through. Today, I read a commentary from another author I admire and saw that he called for pastors to fulfill the mandate of Ephesians 4:11-14, a passage often cited as justification for pastoral ministry. It really doesn’t stand alone as a cause for convoluted religious institutions and social reform activities, but its instructions to Christian servants of the King is plain enough. It turns out that a Christian servant in charge of an institutional church is preferable to one who serves a system. If then the Christian pastor needs help figuring out what to do every day, he/she can listen to the LORD, share what he/she hears, equip the saints to obey and serve, and build unity in the Body of Christ. My personal expressions of this calling include, humility, as in don’t take yourself too seriously because it's never about you; Be a gentle shepherd who guides and protects the flock, and, when necessary, rebukes an ornery ewe or ram. 

If you’re among those with whom Christ compels me to sojourn, please know that I love you, if only for His sake, because He suffered so greatly to save you and bring you home. I serve you as an act of worship and obedience. I walk with you as a Christian Believer who happens to be employed as your pastor. I am your brother in Christ and a priest when you need one. If I speak of the riches found in Christ’s Kingdom and it sounds severe to your ears, it is not meant to condemn you for what you lack, but to urge you to desire abundant blessings through Him. I plead with you often so that you could have your mind radically changed or make slight adjustments according to the LORD. My heart yearns for you to stop being tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Meanwhile, I will continue to walk wide-eyed toward my Lord, and employ every sense along the way. 

Sackcloth and Ashes

When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. ~ Esther 4:1

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” ~ Genesis 3:19

It is Ash Wednesday again, and the beginning of another Lenten season of contemplation, penitence, and renewal. It’s hard to believe that two years have passed since we experienced the extraordinary Lent of 2020. Back then, we believed our brief time of global discomfort would be short-lived and then “normal”would resume. The next springtime season of Lent saw us discouraged after another brief shutdown and promises of new variants of the pandemic virus. We were battered and bruised by political discord and polarizing choices. Employment opportunities surged as stimulus funds ran out and necessity demanded economic activity, whatever the risk. Then, “the great resignation” began as possibilities for lifestyle improvement and greater well-being availed themselves. One more surge of pandemic-related illnesses frightened us but also showed its weakening impact on most of us. It tempts us to think COVID is finally behind us, for now. Environmental events, including earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, flooding, ice, snow, tornadoes, and volcano eruptions, continue to scare and frustrate with more frequency and intensity. Now, the economy is faltering, inflation is rising rapidly, and America’s old foe, Russia, is invading a neighboring sovereign nation as the world witnesses yet another raging maniacal dictator’s unrelenting depravity and violence. So, another Lenten season of angst is before us. How shall we enter it this time?

As I write this early on Wednesday, I expect a large gathering of worshipers at this evening’s traditional Ash Wednesday service. I am heartened by the return of so many people to the habit of regular in-person worship for special occasions and on Sunday mornings. Despite all the difficulties, our Shiloh family was faithful to God as our leaders, staff, and I kept moving in hope toward a yet unseen promised land. We have rejoiced and grieved like the wilderness wanders of the Exodus who witnessed the loss of loved ones, friends, and acquaintances along the way. They saw rebellion, faithfulness, selfishness, and maligning of God. They watched in horror as the LORD punished their sin too. 

I recall my prediction two years ago that the pandemic would reveal the givers and the takers in our society and it occurred as envisioned. Hardened hearts led to angry insults, narcissistic complaints, and condescending, passive-aggressive commentaries by the takers - and the LORD witnessed all of it. The LORD also witnessed humble repentance and authentic transformation. He saw acts of kindness and grace; patient, long-suffering endurance, and courageous willingness. Heaven applauded as dozens of Shiloh folk read the entire Bible in 90 days, started small groups, and embraced new brothers and sisters of Christ. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for sure, and some givers became weary and emotionally ill, myself included. Springtime hints of new life and another Lenten season that causes hope and, hopefully, sincere supplication.

Lent is a time of sackcloth and ashes wherein we strive to prepare our souls for remembering the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus. Lent is a type of reenactment of the circumstances faced in Jesus’s three-year ministry. Before Jesus began, the LORD seemed withdrawn and emptied of compassion for the people He’d set apart. Humanistic religion in the LORD’s name replaced personal interaction with Him. The religion and its disciplines vaguely comforted people oppressed by one secular, pagan super power after another. If they questioned the authenticity and efficacy of it, they risked being cast from the only society they knew. Repressive cultural norms grounded the usual trials and charms of life while foreign domination capped them off so that most of the people of God lived within limits that God never intended for them. Then, Jesus came.  

He taught the truth about the LORD’s majestic plan and showed His immeasurable grace and love. Jesus shook the stale religion until it crumbled and awakened the hearts of true seekers. He condemned the proud takers whose religion served their flesh and gave previously unimaginable hope to the givers who only wanted righteousness of spirit that we call sanctification. Some of his disciples were born again at the moment they realized Jesus’s true nature and they repented of their ignorance with gladness. Others slowly grew through understanding and insight though they resisted the freedom offered through Jesus and chose slavery to religion and social acceptance. Then, overwhelmed by the flood of glory and grace, they capitulated, repented, and were born again in the Spirit after sorrow gave way. It is probable that, like Jesus, his disciples underwent a period of sackcloth and ashes after receiving grace and new life in the Spirit. For Jesus, it was a well-known 40-day fast and confrontation with the devil. We can only guess about his immediate followers' experiences, though there are hints in the epistles. Lent, then, is an opportunity for all Christian Believers to recall their repentance, conversion, and new life in the Spirit and experience it afresh.

When the Passover came, Jesus gave a new covenant based on his sacrifice and opened a new way of salvation that no satanic contrivance could corrupt. He suffered every indignation the world’s takers could thrust upon him. He died brutally on a cross at the hands of men. Jesus endured horrors of the unseen realm so inconceivable that his disciples cannot imagine them, but, praise the Lord, will never face them because he did. He arose from death, victorious over Sin and as the first sign of a resurrection awaiting his disciples on the great Day of the LORD.

Lest we give in to the temptation to mock Jesus' detractors, accusers, and killers, let us remember the old axiom, “There, but for the grace of God go I.” We too are unrepentant and sure in our ignorance and arrogance. We too have no hope of heaven and resurrection apart from the LORD’s grace. Our response to Jesus is not dissimilar to our response to the pandemic, the political vitriol, the grief of constant change, the wars and rumors of wars, etc. In each situation, one must choose to be a giver, rather than a taker, to be a disciple of Jesus the Christ rather than the world of the flesh. There is no room for selfishness and self-pity in the disciple’s heart. That is why we painfully struggle when it tries to crowd out the Spirit within. We are like Jesus at Gethsemane, though infinitely inferior to our Lord. He too wrestled with the human and divine tension caused by Sin, though his struggle was with the author of Sin and our is with our inner nature of sin. At Gethsemane, Jesus gave us the only appropriate response to our trials, fears, and frustrations - “Not my will, but Yours be done, Heavenly Father.” 

    I urge you to put on sackcloth and ashes during this Lenten season. Take up new disciplines, pray with repentant sorrow and gladness. Open your heart to new life and revival if you’ve been a giver, and accept reproach if you’ve been a taker. Jesus gave it all for us all, but we must humbly submit to our Lord to begin a new way of being. Let this Lent be a time of prayer, especially for our church family, our community, our region, nation, and world. Pray for Christ’s divine intervention in our affairs and then have the courage to stand amid the signs and wonders of His majestic might and the Enemy’s retaliation - Like Ukrainians against Russia, though our battle belongs to the LORD. Shiloh Church is ready for revival, but we must show our dedication to giving rather than taking; we must show our heartfelt desire to witness Christ’s reign over the Body gathered here. Let us put on sackcloth and ashes, and let us pray.