Discipleship Matters
The other day a friend asked me an interesting question: In your ministry, what one accomplishment are you most proud of? Having been in ministry for about ten years, that’s a hard question. I think the answer changes as I grow and change. But for the moment here is my answer. David.
David came into the youth ministry about a year and a half ago, he was a brand new Christian, and it was obvious that he had a serious love for Jesus. Since coming into our church David has been more faithful and involved than most. But, more importantly, he has been faithful in seeking discipleship and a deeper relationship with Jesus.
He and I meet weekly over breakfast. At breakfast we talk about life, school, family, friends, girls (him not me), and Jesus. It’s a time where we are completely honest and open. As we meet and our friendship grows, I also see his love for Jesus grow. As I grow, I encourage his growth, and as he grows, he encourages my growth.
This is how discipleship works. We learn from each other, sharpen each other, encourage each other, and ultimately point one another toward a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Last Sunday evening David preached his first sermon. It made me proud to see the depth of his knowledge and his passion for Jesus. If discipling David were the summit of my ten years of ministry, that would be good enough, because I have faith and hope that he will carry on and have a great ministry throughout his life.
But, as it is, my ministry is not over, there are more to lead, more to teach, and more to disciple. I pray that throughout my life I will be allowed to pour into great young men like this one. And that through discipleship we will impact the eternity of many.
April 24th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
YES! If we all could see the power of ONE we would see a great movement of believers who love Jesus. I praise God for your faithfulness as a youth pastor and mentor. For your answer to be a person and not a number or a program is very refreshing!