AM I STILL A DISCIPLE?

 

I often look around and wonder what the fuss is about. I’ve been a follower of Jesus for many years, but it seems as though Christianity means life to others and more a habit for me. I go to church on Sundays because it’s what I’ve always done. I don’t really serve in church ministry and I don’t know many people in the community. When I initially made the choice to follow Jesus, I thought that made me a disciple, but it seems as though almost nothing in my life has changed since then. The question I’m struggling with most is: “What makes someone a disciple and why don’t I see that in my own life?”

 
 

- Possible next steps -

    • The very first step we take toward change is honestly naming where we truly are and (if we know) what has brought us to that place.  Continuing to maintain familiar patterns (attend church, prayer before meals, etc.) is relatively easy, but if you sense that your desire to really plug in and connect is lacking, it’s worth taking note as this doesn’t come from nowhere. Often the first step toward change is simply honest self-reflection coupled with vulnerability to share what you discover with others in order; to invite someone else to walk with on the path to re-connection. Whether you know what the initial disconnecting factor was or are still confused about it, naming that you’re not where you want to be can be the first step towards discovering something different.

    • While it may be intimidating or daunting to be vulnerable with others, there are opportunities within our community to start from the ground up, through homegroups as well as serving opportunities in the church. A foundational part of Christian life is that it’s lived alongside others, therefore finding ways to reconnect back into community are another vital step towards change. There are also opportunities to speak with others one-on-one to encourage openness and community building (e.g. mentorship, meet with a pastor/church staff)

    • While some reasons for disconnecting aren’t easily identifiable (we remain genuinely confused), in other cases, you could easily recall the very moment/circumstance where the disconnect took place. Whether because of hurt, grief, abuse, or a deep sense of exhaustion, these moments require processing along with continuous healing, something that cannot be done on you own. Seeing a counsellor, talking with a pastor/church staff/trusted Christian friend is another vital first step toward change.

    • If you’re feeling stalled in your discipleship i.e. there’s been a commitment made to Christ and Christian living in the past, but what’s true today is we’d rather retreat then connect, then what could be needed is a recovering or renewing of why you began this journey to begin with. 

    • Additionally, in many cases where Christian life has turned into habitual rhythms, a clear vision of life with Christ is lost or muddied. If you’re in that place, maybe doubts or questions that have never been answered begin to emerge. Press into those questions! Talk with a church leader or a mature Christian friend who may be able to walk beside you and help you to renew a vision of what life with Christ could look like. 

    • One of the small ways that healing begins is taking one small step forward by engaging in community. Stay behind after service and meet someone new, attend a homegroup, come to a church event, or serve in an area around church.