As a church we are regaining the focus of discipleship. It's a dying art according to some (for example see Mark Dever of 9 Marks, Discipleship), and something that churches need to capture again.
We've decided this year as a church that we will not stumble into Discipleship, but we must be INTENTIONAL about developing it. We want not just to turn up to any of our gatherings or wake up each day just stumbling into following Jesus, but striving to follow Him. Examining 2 Timothy 3:10, Paul has invited Timothy into his life to examine him, learn from him, watch him, and so Timothy knows that Paul is full of integrity. In helping Timothy to follow Jesus, Paul has been intentional about helping Timothy to follow Jesus.
We've also decided that the reason for our intentionality in Discipleship must be to produce CONFIDENT Christians. Back to 2 Timothy 3:14-15, Paul wants Timothy to be firm in his beliefs and wisdom. From church history we know that Timothy was a young pastor in a large collection of churches in Ephesus. Confident in a world where there is much scepticism towards Christianity, and confident to share their faith coherently.
Lastly we want to produce USEFUL Christians. In 2 Timothy 3:16 we find Paul urging Timothy to go to the Bible and learn, grow and use, so that he would be equipped for every good work. As a church here outside Edinburgh, we want to encourage our folks to serve, develop their Spiritual gifts, and talents, and if they move away, or help to plant more churches, they will be useful when they go.
And for our own children? It needs to be the same. As we prepare for Mexico, our aim must not change. Intentional about preparing them, so that they would be confident in Jesus and useful when they are living their lives in our own community as well as in Mexico this summer.
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