Why do we need discipleship training?
Why do Christians need training in discipleship? Why bother teaching them Theology and all the particulars of Christianity? Is it really necessary?
Think about this: Imagine a young man who signs up for military service during war. Will the military simply give him a uniform and a gun and then send him off to the front lines the very next day? NO! To send a brand new soldier up against an enemy without proper training in battle technique, the enemy’s tactics, and training in endurance and strength would be foolish and almost certainly lead to the soldier’s demise on the battlefield. Sure, there are a few who could survive, learning along the way and taking the initiative to train themselves. But by and large, such inadequate training would lead only to destruction.
So then, why do we, as Christians, assume that kids/new Christians are ready to face the temptations of this world and stand against the wiles of the devil simply because they have made a confession of faith? Merely accepting Christ does not spell successful Christian living. The Christian life is a spiritual battle. If we would not send a new soldier onto the front lines without basic training, why would we do so to the Christian soldier? Christians need discipleship training to acquire the skills and endurance necessary to defeat the enemy and properly execute his or her duty as a soldier of the cross.
In Peter’s second letter, he states
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge;
and to knowledge,
self control; and to self control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love.
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Peter talks about adding these Christian character qualities in addition to faith. Make no mistake: it is by grace through faith that we are saved. Salvation comes by grace alone, faith in the blood of Christ that cleanses us. But, Peter makes it clear that if we are to live productive and effective lives in our knowledge of Christ, that is, if we are to live lives as effective Christians in this world, we need to “possess these qualities in increasing measure.” How do we do this – add goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love to our faith? Through “training.” Through discipleship. To be discipled is to be shown and taught what it is to live as a believer in Christ. Most Christians with exemplary lives will tell you they had one or more Christian mentor(s), someone who came alongside them and taught them in the faith – someone who prayed for them, encouraged them, challenged them, taught them, loved them, and – most importantly – led them by example.
I think today especially of the youth – those young in their faith, as they enter junior high and high school and the formative nature of those years – as they come up against the evil desires in this world and the temptations they face. I think of those going off to college – away from the protective environment of the family home – where they will face many more temptations out in the world on their own. I have no doubt that many of these teens and young adults are believers, washed in the blood. But there is nothing Satan loves more than to take a Christian and render their life and witness useless and ineffective, to keep them from “shining like stars… in a crooked and depraved generation.” When the world sees Christians acting in precisely the same vain and fruitless ways of the rest of the culture, what witness do we have for Christ? How are we showing anyone that we are set apart from the rest of the world? We will become salt that has lost its saltiness, or a lamp under a bowl. Brothers and sisters, this should not be.
So then, what CAN we do? Simply: we ought to both seek opportunities to be discipled, and also take the opportunities to disciple others as they are given by the Lord. However, in the second category, we must approach those opportunities in a spirit of humility, and to an extent, fear and trembling. “Brothers, let not many of us aspire to be teachers, knowing that we shall receive the stricter judgment.” Being in a position of responsibility for another’s spiritual development is something that must be taken seriously and considered soberly and with much prayer.
In conclusion, if you are a new Christian, seek discipleship training, either at a local church or with someone whose spiritual counsel you trust. Also, look not only at this person’s teaching, but also their life: is what they do consistent with what they teach? (You will know them by their fruit….). If you know someone who has recently accepted Christ, encourage them to seek discipleship. And finally, if you yourself have a passion for truth, for taking the Word of God to the “front lines” and equipping God’s people for battle, prayerfully consider whether God has called you to humbly disciple His young sheep. If so, look for those opportunities, always being wary of pride and conceit. Discipleship is not only important to church growth and personal strength and effectiveness in Christ, it is ESSENTIAL and VITAL! Onward, Christian soldiers!
