DISCIPLESHIP AND NURTURE

DISCIPLESHIP AND NURTURE

South Asians are familiar with the concept of a guru (teacher) training a shishya (disciple). Students are brought to the teacher by their parents and live with him (or her, in some cases) for many years. They follow their teacher wherever he goes and they learn by respectfully watching his life and listening to him teach. When they ask questions, he may answer them or challenge them with a counter-question. He may expect them to do research or meditate to find the answers.

Eventually, the guru will decide that the time has come for a student to “graduate”.

The guru–shishya relationship is similar to the relationship between Samuel and Eli in the Bible. It is also similar to Jesus’ relationship with his disciples. He was the ultimate guru, who created an environment in which he could teach deep truths about God and this world. Both the hearts and minds of his followers were transformed.

Transformation is also the goal of Christian nurture. This is a lifelong process in which God gives those who follow Christ knowledge and wisdom as he shapes us into people who will reflect his character and be a good influence in our communities. Our Great Guru is Jesus Christ, who perfectly reflects the image of God. He trains us through formal and informal experiences and the various ministries of the church. The discipline of following him requires us to walk with him day by day, guided by his word, so that our lives become increasingly Christ-like.

Just as shishyas submit to their gurus, so Christians must submit to the teachings of our Lord. But this is not a forced obedience. Rather, it is a loving response to his love for us and his giving himself for us on the cross. He shed his precious blood to redeem us and to free us from bondage to sin.

Discipleship can be costly. It may involve suffering and persecution, for God has called us to make disciples of all nations. We do this by proclaiming the gospel, sometimes in innovative ways, and by living with a wise and loving integrity that attracts others to Christ.

Our love, compassion, forgiveness and sacrificial service should draw them to him. So should the power of the resurrected Lord working in us, as evidenced by the gifts the Holy Spirit gives to the church. Many have come to Christ because they have experienced healing in their lives and have received a peace they have long been searching for.

New believers need to be individually nurtured by teachers and mentors within the church who help them mature according to God’s plan. Then they will become disciples who make other disciples, which is the only way that we can fulfil Jesus’ commission to make disciples of all nations.

Flourishing Tree of Discipleship - Strong Roots and Growth in Faith

Because individuals are at different stages of the maturing process, the church needs to use various strategies to nurture them.

We also need to pay particular attention to nurturing our children and young people, since they are the future of the church. We should appreciate their intellectual, psychological and social needs as they grow towards adulthood. In our homes and in the church, we must demonstrate that local and global concerns can be integrated in our understanding and living out of Christian values.

Our ministries of preaching, teaching and healing should equip disciples so that they

• grow in knowledge of and love for God (Phil 1:9-11).

• acknowledge God as the one who gives life and growth and obey him without expecting any earthly rewards (1 Cor 3:7).

• can distinguish good from evil, and take a stand for goodness and honesty, which will bring peace in the community (Heb 5:14).

• live lives that impact other lives for good (2 Tim 2:2).

Our goal must be to see the body of Christ, the church, grow to maturity and build itself up in love (Eph 4:14-16; Col 1:28).