Torch, Spring 1987: Centennial Issue

leship Discipleship is the process by which a Christian interrelates with another believer to assist him in maturing spiritually . The ultimate goal is for the one discipled to build into the lives of others . Examples of discipleship at Cedarville College are abundant: a staff member meeting weekly with a student; the dean of men leading a weekly Bible study with a group of off– campus students; a basketball player encouraging, challenging , teaching other men in the residence hall; faculty members involved with students in memorizing Colossians; students asking other students to hold them accountable for personal commitments to growth . Why should discipleship be given such a high priority? First, it follows the pattern set by Christ with His own disciples. Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28 :19). Furthermore, He taught, " . .. every one that is perfect [successfully discipled] shall be as his master" (Luke 6:40 NIV). Paul exhorted his disciples in Philippians 3:17: " .. .be followers together of me , and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample ." And to Timothy he urged , "The things which thou hast heard of me .. .commit thou to faithful men , who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tim . 2:2). Second, this principle of "life touching life" is important because of its value to the individual believer. Many of us have reason to be thankful that a more mature Christian cared enough to invest in our lives and took time to help us mature in our walk with Christ. In a seemingly impersonal world of struggles and temptations , how encouraging it can be for the immature Christian to know that someone cares enough to want to spend time listening, encouraging, and teaching . Third, discipleship is important because of its impact on the discipler. Our culture promotes self-centeredness, with an emphasis on pursuing the "good life ." In contrast, the Bible teaches Christians to be in submission to God's Spirit (Eph. 5: 18) and that it is His Spirit Who then produces those qualities of life referred to in Galatians 5:22 . Biblical discipleship is an outworking of submission and an occasion to further develop in the discipler the fruit of the Spirit such as patience, kindness , self-control , etc . Finally , discipleship is important because of its role of developing mature Christians to take the gospel message to the lost. Having briefly reflected on several of the relationships of discipleship to God's program, each of us does well to consider these questions . What does my use ofabilities, time, and insights reflect about my values ? What's really important to me? Are the values that are central - about which everything else revolves - temporal or eternal in their focus ? If I believe I am not prepared to disciple, why not? Should I ask someone to disciple me? ls there an individual whom I would be interested in discipling? Discipleship is the process of reproducing biblical qualities in others for the perpetuation of the work of the church from generation to generation . May each of us carefully consider the ministry of discipleship and be available for the opportunities God gives us. Pastor William Boulet God has blessed the pastoral ministry of William Boulet ('82). While a student at Cedarville College, he pastored Calvary Baptist, a vibrant, growing church in Xenia, Ohio. Two-and-a-half years ago, he became pastor at Grace Bible Church in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. During his time at Grace, the church has added over 150 members with Sunday morning attendance increasing from 235 to over 500. As Pastor Boulet says, "This is just outward growth - the tip of the iceberg. Time would fail me to tell of the many spiritual vic– tories in the lives of these pre– cious saints, people who have come to Christ and who have matured spiritually. "Largely responsible for our incredible growth is our disci– pleship ministry. We have over 100 people in our congregation committed to this vital ministry. I thank God that He implanted in me a burden for discipleship at Cedarville College. Not only is it taught in classes and in Chapel, but it is also modeled by the administration, faculty, and staff. To me, that is what makes Cedar– ville a cut above the rest." ".. .we ... imparted unto you , not the gospel ofGod only, but also our own souls, be– cause you were dear to us." I Thess . I :8 19