IN TOUCH IMPACT TEAM
Discipleship

Have you ever undergone training for a skill or occupation? How did the trainer make the lesson clear and effective? Since Jesus is the Master Teacher, we can learn much by observing the ways He instructed His disciples. For instance, He taught truth through parables (Matthew 13:3), used illustrations from nature (Matthew 6:26-29), and contrasted prevalent misbehaviors with conduct that our heavenly Father desires. (Matthew 5:20-24) Most importantly, the Lord modeled the right way to live and act.

    One of His most powerful lessons concerned prayer. The disciples had watched Jesus pray. In fact, they witnessed Him as the embodiment of constant communion with God: they saw Him slip away to pray (Matthew 14:23), and they witnessed His resolve to do only what His Father called Him to do (John 5:19). Furthermore, His followers heard Jesus pray for Himself, for them, and for future believers (John 17)—no doubt a moving experience at the time, as well as a strong, motivating recollection after the Crucifixion.

    Because they had observed the Lord at prayer, the disciples themselves desired to learn how to pray. So they asked Him to teach them. (Luke 11:1) We, too, should long to learn from Jesus, who was the perfect demonstration of a life fully surrendered to God. While He walked the earth, He taught formally and informally, showing how to live and love; now He intercedes on our behalf.

    Discipleship isn't just about training and guiding; it is about living by example—reading Scripture, praying, demonstrating integrity and kindness, and getting involved in things that matter to God. This applies to everyone, not just those involved in ministry. (Titus 2:1-8) Are you being discipled, or are you discipling someone else? If not, ask God to provide you with the opportunity to be used in this mighty way.

    Thank you for joining the Prayer Team—your prayers are making a difference. If you have not joined, please don't wait another day. God can and will use you to impact other lives throughout the world. To join, please see the insert in the center of this magazine and check the box indicating that you would like to be a part of our team.

—Robert J. Schipper
Chaplain/Executive Assistant to the President

Every Timothy Needs a Paul

    This is the season for fresh notebook paper, sharpened pencils, and brand new folders—it's back-to-school time. While we sometimes think our "learning years" end when our classroom experience does, in reality God created us to be life-long students. This is especially true for Christians. As disciples of Christ, we should always be actively learning more about our God. (Matthew 11:29; 1 Peter 2:21)

    Global discipleship as the Lord commanded is a tough assignment; In Touch recognizes that the task is impossible without one-to-one mentoring. To use a biblical example, we should each be a Timothy and a Paul. That is, not only must we have a spiritual mentor, but we must also be one to someone else. The relationship between New Testament writer/missionary Paul and his young protégé Timothy reflected godly discipleship. The apostle shared with Timothy his hard-earned knowledge gained through years of walking with the Lord, and he also offered the young pastor advice needed for his journey of faith. (2 Timothy 3:10-15) Paul's focus was never to make a disciple for himself, but rather to develop a disciple for Christ.

    As demonstrated by Paul's letters to Timothy, the relationship between the men was firmly rooted in the encounters of everyday life. Discipleship is sometimes conceived as a formal relationship, complete with regular meeting times and a list of questions. In truth, however, the most effective learning probably occurs in situations we would not think to term "discipleship."

    Most of us know a Christian of great faith whom we admire and can claim as a spiritual mentor—a "Paul." It might be harder to distinguish who might be your Timothy, that person who looks to you for spiritual guidance. Perhaps you support evangelistic efforts or discipleship organizations like In Touch and through that have Timothys all over the world—people who have been reached because you gave or prayed. But what about your personal responsibility to the Great Commission? (Matthew 28:19-20) You might be thinking, But I don't know enough about God to disciple someone in his faith! God can use anything we offer to build up His kingdom and His people. Chances are, since most discipleship takes place in everyday situations, you probably already do mentor someone else. Discipleship is all about being willing to share what you know about God and Christianity with other believers. Just as Paul did.

IN TOUCH DEVELOPMENT
P.O. Box 620538, Atlanta, GA 30362
(866) 782-2121