Discipleship Interview

I decided to get in touch with my home church, being that there are two full time positions, a youth and head pastor, and also somewhat of a part time children’s pastor. In these three positions there are some differences when it comes to discipleship, mainly due to the age of the group they work most with, but much was the same, being that the ultimate goal was the same, disciplining a life of Christ. Following are an overview of the written responses from the pastors.

Children’s Leadership

Although children’s ministry, or children’s pastors may be seen as ‘lesser’ in the pastoral world, being that all ministries is important, children’s ministry is definitely fundamental when it comes to beginning and creating a foundation for that of Christ. The discipleship process if very simply, and yet has to be when working within the children’s ministry world. The process is not so much a process containing many steps, but is more a continual reinforcement of the Biblical truths. It is not done in small groups, or through three point sermons, but in pushing the very foundational truths of God found in the Bible through creative, memorable and retaining ways. Being a loving embodiment of the love of God, having fun with the children, loving on them and teaching them the beautiful basic truths of God is the process of discipleship. The biggest challenges faced in this particular children’s ministry is that it is of a small church. Attendance of children’s church fluctuates and at times it can be the same children for long periods of time, though this does not change the necessity for discipleship.  Effectiveness is of course measured by those children whom give their lives to Christ, but also measured by the retaining knowledge of the children of the Biblical truths taught. If they can remember last week, or many week’s of lessons, or if they see an object used in an object lesson, and then remember the lesson or Biblical truth that goes along with it.

Youth Leadership

The discipleship process at this age group is first and foremost embodied in the simple act of ‘being there’ for the youth. A youth that is struggling (all are with and in many different areas) needs someone to be there, embodying the love of Christ for him or her. All to often there is no one there for them. Embodying and showing the youth Christ’s love in their times of need is the most important act/part of the discipleship process. As a youth pastor, you are their (and often times only) Godly example.  Discipleship also continues into small groups, meetings and keeping in touch with the youth. The biggest challenge in making disciples is that the church is located in small town Vermont, not the easiest to disciple. Starting with a small youth group and growing it is challenging, therefore you often find yourself with a core – which you focus on and disciple - but when high school graduation comes, your core is gone and you have a new core.  Effectiveness is hard not to be measured by the numbers, especially being in Northern New England, but that is always an aspect. Effectiveness is also seen when the youth begin to ‘interweave’ the biblical truths and their Christian walks deeper within the fabrics of their lives.  When they begin seeing how pleasing God is so much more, and begin walking what you are speaking about, and also see you walking.

Adult Leadership

Discipleship making is best seen in our small groups that we have through the church. Although the head pastor can preach on Sundays and give specific actions points to follow, the head pastor cannot have a personal, discipline relationship with everyone in the church, which is why small groups are so very important to the church body, and discipling the adults. We have groups from the 20’somethings to our ‘wiser’ (elderly) folks who meet together and may watch a video followed by discussion. Discipleship is seen when people seek council from the head pastor. In their times of distress, there can be guidance given. The biggest challenge in the discipleship making process is getting those who do not attend small groups plugged in. Being that it is a smaller church, there cannot be a small group for everyone’s likings. Small groups are very important, but one cannot fit everyone’s wants. Effectiveness is measured when you begin to see the fruit in one’s life, the effects of turning their lives over and begin following the Lord.