Embrace the “be with” Strategy
The DNA of Discipleship: The Jesus Model
He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.
Mark 3:14
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:13
Discipleship in the Gospels was a relational process where Jesus chose 12 to be ‘with him’. After he left the earth, even those who opposed Christ recognized the disciples as having been with Jesus .They sounded like him, they taught like him and they worked like him. They learned to do what he did. The ‘Being with’ strategy meant guiding and accompanying others in real life.
Do you know another Jesus’ follower with whom you can read the Bible and discuss what you are learning? Something special happens when 2 or 3 people gather in Jesus’ name. Invite a friend to join you and meet for a coffee to share ideas and questions about what you are discovering. Discuss verses you have highlighted or comments you have written. Discipleship learning could start in a 15 minute coffee break. God is an amazing connector of people. Ask for his help to connect with someone to join together in this learning journey.
For Reflection:
- Who has helped you so far in your learning journey with God? How have they been ‘with you‘?
- Who could you connect with to make this more meaningful?
Make Life Count:
- If someone has helped you in your spiritual journey, write her/him a short email and say ‘Thank you”.
- We would like to celebrate with you those people who have helped you so far in your journey.
Hungry for More?
- Invite someone out for coffee and tell them about this course to see if they would like to join you.
Together with you…
