Elephant in the Church: Identifying Hindrances and Strategies for Discipleship
Create Community through Small Groups and Discipling Relationships
Just because Christians meet together regularly in services, classes, meetings, and small groups does not guarantee that genuine Christian community exists. Indeed, beyond a certain size, the larger the group, the more difficult this becomes. The qualities of biblical community include: acceptance, appreciation, commitment, affirmation, encouragement, honesty, love, forgiveness, modeling, counsel, and correction. Such a strong, supportive relational network spurs growth. (Heb 10.24)
Small groups are the primary means by which churches seek to help members grow spiritually, yet they typically fall short, hindered by the lack of true biblical community, superficial biblical understanding, and lack of application.52 If solid teaching is not available at the small group level, churches should consider providing it through other means (Bible class, sermons), and utilize the small group time for meaningful group sharing to build community, and for thorough application and accountability. Small groups can be supplemented by one to one relationships between mature disciplers and disciplees.
Train Believers in Situational Means of Growth
While three major means–the communicating of God’s Word, the practice of spiritual disciplines, and the experience of genuine Christian community—are the focus of intentional discipleship, God’s Spirit also uses the situations of their lives to grow people spiritually. Believers should be taught to take advantage of this avenue of growth, which include: our response to life circumstances, obedience in the face of difficult choices, and honesty in thinking, feelings, and conscience. These less familiar means will receive a fuller treatment.
Responses to Circumstances
Circumstances do not determine believers’ growth, but their attitudes toward them do. Depending on their responses, positive circumstances—such as success, prosperity, opportunities, and fulfilling relationships—can either enable or hinder spiritual growth. Christians can respond with pride, self-sufficiency, and complacency that thwart spiritual progress. Hosea reflected God’s complaint, “When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.” (Hos 13.6 NIV) In contrast, humble gratitude for God’s blessings and a servant spirit in sharing these blessings with those less fortunate enables growth.
Likewise, negative circumstances—such as relational and financial difficulties, physical disabilities, and the lack of career opportunities—can either enable or hinder spiritual development. Believers can respond with anxiety, frustration, bitterness, or defeat. They may even doubt God’s love and blame him for their distress. These reactions hinder spiritual development. The alternative is to trust that God will provide the strength, grace, and/or intervention that they need (II Cor 12.9). Meanwhile they hold on to the conviction that God is shaping their lives (Jam 1.2-4) and accomplishing his purposes (Rom 8.28) through the situation. They remind themselves that their goal in life is not to avoid suffering, but to glorify God in every circumstance (Phi 1:18-20). Through these responses they grow.
Tough Obedience
Throughout the Bible, God called on men and women to make hard choices in obedience to him. This includes taking actions that risk present or future well-being (Acts 5.27-29), or resisting attractive choices contrary to God’s will (Matt 4.1-10). Disobedience smothers growth, while obedience spurs it. Acts of obedience form spiritual habits which in turn shape character.
Honest Thinking, Feelings, and Conscience
Believers need to recognize their questions and doubts instead of suppressing them as unspiritual. Out of sight, like termites they gnaw at the foundations of faith. Brought into the light of day, they can be examined. The answers may not come easily or quickly, but the very process of grappling with the issues can clarify and strengthen faith.53 Another faulty strategy is to try to prematurely tie up a question into a neat package of answers instead of enduring the tension of incomplete resolution, which can stimulate growth.
Category: Ministry, Pneuma Review, Spring 2011
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