The Importance of Discipleship

In 2005 my wife, Suzy, was an intern with Quito Quest for 8 months. I remember coming to visit her and getting to see Ecuador for the first time. She told me one day that we’d be going over to the Miller’s house and that she’d be watching their daughter, Hannah for a few hours. I was a little confused. Who are the Millers? Why are you doing this? Suzy explained that Brad and Sandi were the team leaders and that Sandi was her mentor. Over these months she had been and would continue to meet with Sandi, being discipled by her. Part of discipleship meant not only being invested in, but also serving and helping when needed.

In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus told his disciples,“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” These were his final words before ascending to heaven, which in essence communicated: I discipled you—now go do the same. We want to take those words seriously!

When Suzy and I arrived in 2012 Brad Miller took us to Corfu during our on-boarding and we talked about what it’s like to be a part of Youth World. On a side note, we ran into a guy named Len Kinzel in the line and Brad introduced us to him as the pastor of a church called ‘EFC.’ Brad reminded us that day that discipleship is central to Youth World. He challenged us to always pursue a mentor for our own spiritual growth while also investing in others. This is what we do! It matters! It was true back then and it’s still true today: We as team members of Youth World want to keep growing spiritually and relationally with someone investing in us, and we want to be that person for others. That model—being discipled and discipling others—is the way of Jesus, and it’s still our calling today.

So here’s my challenge: Who are you discipling? If the answer is “no one,” ask God to show you someone in your life who needs encouragement and guidance. And here’s my invitation: Who is discipling you? We all need to be loved, supported, and invested in. If you don’t have that person, start seeking one—trusting Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:8: “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Start knocking on doors and seeking out that person today!

Be discipled—and disciple others!

In Christ,

Jim