Are You On the Sinking {Disciple} Ship?

Have you ever done something really incredible…in your head? I’m talking, like, winning Olympic gold, becoming the bull-riding champion of the world, conquering Mt. Everest, or skydiving with your pet cat? Oh, come on! Y’all don’t have to deny the fact that in your head, you have at some point done something unimaginable. Who says adults can’t have imaginations?

Anyway, I want to share my secret incredible feat with you. In my fantasies, I am the author of a New York Times Best Seller. Yes, I am—in my head. Would you like to know more about my book? I figured you might.

The title of my imaginary book is Sinking on the {Disciple} Ship. Now, let me pause here. You should know that kids these days are using cute little brackets to create plays on words. Since my husband and I are knee deep in student ministry, I have the privilege of knowing these types of fads. And I’m afraid I got caught up in this one when I titled my {imaginary} book.

As you probably already guessed, my pretend book is about discipleship. I just love that word, discipleship. It means to teach or train to become a disciple. Now, you may be wondering, What is a disciple?

When I googled the word disciple to find an exact definition, I found, above the 34,123,562 results, the pronunciation, some synonyms, and then a couple of definitions. The first definition of disciple is, “A personal follower of Jesus during his life.” The second definition is, “A follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher.” I like this definition. My college professors liked to use the phrase “lifelong learner.” We should all become lifelong learners.

Discipleship is two-fold. When it comes to discipleship, there are students and there are teachers. I believe each of us should be both a student and a teacher. Let that idea percolate for a second.

Discipleship, if you want to think of it this way, is the boyfriend of the word relationship. They go hand in hand. [Tweet “You can have a relationship without discipleship, but not discipleship without a relationship.”]

I like relationships. If there were an award for being relational, I could absolutely be in the running. But when we start bringing discipleship into the picture, if you are at all like me, you might consider jumping ship. Seriously. Discipleship takes things to another level. You know what I’m saying? Being a disciple involves emotions. Deep emotions. It also involves accountability. The type you might prefer not to have.

Discipleship involves positive growth, and growth frequently requires pain and sacrifice. Pain and sacrifice generally lead to more emotions. Heaven forbid we have people in our lives who call our bluff and challenge us to move forward. I mean, honestly, how fun does that sound? Not very.

On the flip side, as someone who is going out and making disciples, it can be a real challenge to build strong relationships in which we hold people accountable, share the weight of their burdens, struggle through their pain alongside them, and have enough patience to watch their slow and steady growth. Discipleship takes work. It takes willingness to go the distance with and for someone.

The problem with avoiding discipleship is that we are called by Christ to do this difficult thing. Lately I am trying to become more “black and white” or “if this,  then that,” when it comes to God and His truth. For example, if God’s Word tells me to go and make disciples, then that is precisely what I am going to try to do.

As I previously mentioned, I love the idea of discipleship so much that I have written an entire {fantasy} book on the topic. I have created the cover and my bio. I have written my dedications and summary for the back. I have even included some pictures! It’s really something to think about, this idea of teaching and being taught. I don’t claim to be good at it, but I do recognize its importance in our lives. I recognize that the call to discipleship is what Christ left behind as his final words. I want to be about that, even if it hurts. Even if it’s hard. Even if I sometimes fail.

Rachel Van Hook was born and raised in the Casey Jones capital city of Jackson, Tennessee. She’s mom to three girly girls, married to her church camp sweetie, and passionate about . . . well, according to her husband, she’s just passionate! Rachel blogs at racheljvanhook.com.