I'm still reading Organic Church by Neil Cole (see below) but here are some thoughts on discipling etc.
I was thinking the other day that about how the standard way many church organisations work - this is not anti the method but an observation...
A new comer comes to the building thru invite or walks off the street. They immediately notice all seats face forward - to a stage or pulpit area. They meet a few people then sit facing forward where those who are permitted get up and lead some music (or worship songs) then theres a welcome and a speech by a person (or a sermon) for about 30 minutes to an hour, then a collection, some announcements and a final song with tea and coffee afterwards. This is roughly what many 'meetings' run on...
If the person wants to go further, they can attend a new comers course, some classes on basic christianity, a marriage course and even a small group. If the person wants to get to that stage though, they need to be 'vetted' and complete certain criteria as well as various other levels of serving. This is all b due to the fact that they may not be known or trusted enough as yet.
This is all fair enough - not everyone can just walk in and lead the show.
So where and I going with this you may ask ?
Well here it is ....
The trust factor is very important.
Consider this as an alternative :
Jesus spent roughly 3 years with His disciples. At mid-point that time He sent them out. He had 1. shown them what He was about 2. taught them what the Father was about 3. connected them to the Father (eg. with the Lords prayer) and 4. sent them 2 by 2 (as backup)
All of the above steps indicate trust through relationship - He trusted them as He knew they had His heart as He knew them.
So - should we spend more time with those we connect with, show each other how to connect to the Father and trust others as we know we have the same heart i.e through the time we have spent together ?
Is relational discipleship the way to better trust relationships ?
