- How much (you give),
- How often (you participate), and
- How many (other’s are doing the same).
When we measure the discipleship process by participation rather than maturation, we’re leading and pastoring poorly. What do you think? Do you stand at the back of a Sunday gathering with a clipboard and a checklist? Or do you only mentally do it during staff meetings?
- “Johnny Youth Group just bowed in worship, he is really moving up as a disciple. Check.”
- “Oh look, Johnny Youth Group just dropped an envelope in the plate as it went by. Remind me to investigate whether his giving is generous and sacrificial. Partial check.”
- “Johnny Youth Group just signed up to be a student leader! That’s great. Let’s give him two check marks for that.”
- “Johnny Youth Group missed church last week. Minus one check mark.”
- “Johnny Youth Group's dad drinks beer with his co-workers. Minus one check mark + minus two check marks because we probably shouldn't be hosting youth group at his house.”
- “Johnny Youth Group just completed the third round of discipleship classes. Great job! We forgive the beer-thing.Check.”
- “Johnny Youth Group brought a friend to church. Two checks (and maybe a video testimony).”
- “Johnny Youth Group declines video testimony. Minus one.”
Discipleship is not marked by people’s participation, busyness, or activity. In fact, very often it is the busyness of church and youth ministry activity that actually slows discipleship development in people. Simply, participation does not equal maturation.
I wonder then, what are the things we should measure if we were going to measure Christian maturation?
Jeremy Postal is the director of Whistler School, a bible and discipleship school based out of beautiful Whistler, BC. He is passionate about building communities of restoration & creativity with Christ as the focus. You can also catch him regularly on his blog at www.jeremypostal.com or connect via Twitter @JeremyPostal.
