Do You Know Why I Pulled You Over?

Several years ago, I was pulled over for speeding. (Most state troopers aren’t moved by the fact that you are on your way home from preaching) As I slowed down on the side of the road, Bryce asked, “What are you doing?”  I had a choice to make. My desire is to be an example for …

The Time I Used the Heimlich

Not long ago, my son and I were eating in a local restaurant. All of a sudden, a lady at the table next to us stood up and started shouting, “Somebody do the Heineken! Somebody do the Heineken!” I was pretty sure the word she was looking for was “Heimlich,” but this wasn’t a time …

Nature vs. Nurture in Discipleship

Do these names sound familiar? –OJ Simpson, Martha Stewart, Michael Jackson, Timothy McVeigh, Scott Peterson, The Menendez Brothers, Jeffrey Dahmer, Lindsay Lohan, Casey Anthony, Justin Beiber, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian, Donald Trump, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie. What is it that we so desperately want to know about them? For some reason, we are all fascinated …

Defining Discipleship

I once heard a man say, “The moment you define discipleship, you lose it.” I get what he is saying. Discipleship can’t be placed in a formula or a “one-size-fits-all” solution anymore than a concept like parenting can be. So, my goal is not to describe a step-by-step process of discipleship or to describe a …

Are You Hitting the Target?

Like a target, goals give any endeavor direction and meaning. So what kind of goals should a disciple-maker have? While this isn’t an exhaustive list, its a great starting point. Goal 1) For my disciple to become Christ-like.  To be Christ-like, a disciple must obey Christ’s teaching as summed up in the Great Commandment and …

The Who & The What

All of Jesus’ teachings are summed up in two passages of Scripture.  We call them the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. They are the “who” and the “what” of the disciple’s life. The Great Commandment teaches who I am in Christ (Love God & Love Others).  The Great Commission teaches what I am supposed …

Is Discipleship a Starting-Line or a Finish-Line?

Some people think of planned discipleship as a finish line.  They think if they can just complete a discipleship program with someone, that will get the person across the spiritual finish line to a place where they are fully mature.  Nothing could be further from the truth. First, discipleship is not a program with a …

5 Tips For Cultivating Discipleship In Your Church

1) Pastors should identify the disciple-making that is already happening within their Church. Disciples are being made in every church -the only question is “disciples of what?” Although not all of the discipleship is intentional or profitable, the good news for pastors is that they do not have to create the momentum –it already exists. …

I’m Not a Real Farmer, But I Play One in Ministry…

I just had a fascinating conversation with my brother-in-law, Andy, about discipleship. Andy farms and knows all about tractors (especially a certain green brand). We were talking about how people respond better to teaching when someone has taken the time to work with them personally in their spiritual life. In the middle of the conversation, …