Following Jesus a.k.a. Discipleship

As I was reading Rich's previous post, I started thinking on how the term "discipleship" probably isn't easily accessible to those outside the church walls, or those we would call "seekers" (What's discipleship anyway??). For those of us who've been in the church a long time, we typically think of discipleship in terms of the process, the way one grows from a "baby" (Christian) to a "mature" believer, the way our faith is strengthened over time and through relationship with Christ, the way his transforming power in our lives begins to transcend, struggle by struggle, the conflict within ourselves and our relationships.

Discipleship programs often masquerade as the tool to get you from from point A to point Z in ten tidy steps, but the truth is, a series of discipleship classes will be just the jumping off point for a lifetime of following Jesus. A synonym for disciple is "follower," and following has no finite ending. That is, unless we turn away. So perhaps when we talk about discipleship classes for seekers, we're talking about something not unlike an orientation for a walkabout in the Outback. Here's the gear you'll need. You're tour guide's name is Jesus. Here's where to find water. (Don't touch the rattle snakes.)

Ever since I've been on the journey, I've sidled up to followers who've been walkign longer than I have. I want to learn whatever I can from them, get whatever help I can get along the way. For those who've only been following for a few days to a few months or years, a series of classes--really, hanging out with others on the journey and paying attention to the observations of a more experienced follower--could be quite helpful in navigating the Christ-trodden path and answering a follower's most important questions. Where does Christ go? What does he say? How does he get there? How do I do it too?