With Christmas upon us, it seems like the tension of life is getting greater. There are parties to go to, gifts to purchase, presents to wrap, movies to watch, music to listen to, and get-togethers to plan for. Are you stressed yet? Tension seems like a foregone reality of life. No matter what area of life we discuss, tension always seems to be. And not all tension is bad. The tension on guitar strings is what allows it to make beautiful music. The tension of a teeter-totter is what makes it work. Tension can be good.

Discipleship can be a tension. There seem to be two schools of thought when it comes to discipleship. Teaching is one. Training is the other. Those in the teaching camp emphasize classes, education, and the mind. Those in the training camp talk about practices and doing and modeling. There are strengths and weaknesses of both camps. Yet both have things to offer. So which one is correct. Or is there a third way?

Growing in faith is something that can be served by others, but ultimately must be owned personally.

James Emery White

Discipleship itself is a muddy world. It’s rarely defined and even more rarely described clearly. While it can take many forms and shapes (and should) the reality is much of what goes under the “discipleship” bucket doesn’t necessarily belong there. James Emery White addresses this in his article “The True Nature of Discipleship“. He gives a working definition and description of what genuine discipleship is.

READ THE ARTICLE

Tensions abound in life and discipleship is an area of tension if we are honest. Those discipling need to offer things. But those who are being discipled need to take ownership. So how that tension works out will look different in every arena. But I’m curious, what do you think of White’s article? Is he correct? What is he missing?

As always be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s Day!

Until Next Time…