My growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ was seriously hampered before I experienced Him in close-knit community with a few other people. I’m convinced many Christians face a similar struggle.
Maturing as an obedient disciple of Jesus is a process involving a “one another” lifestyle. (e.g. Jn. 13:34; Rom. 12:10; Eph. 5:21) Disciples need accountable Christ-centered relationships to effectively live-out our faith.
Author Greg Ogden thinks transformation best occurs in small reproducible discipleship groups. He calls this “hothouse growth.” Just like a hothouse maximizes environmental conditions for accelerated plant growth, so does the kind of disciple making that focuses on the right “climatic conditons.” Ogden lists three key elements: Transparent Trust; The Truth of God’s Word; and Mutual Accountability.
I’m thankful for the mentor who took me and two others under his wing in an intentional discipling relationship several years ago. That relationship became the “hothouse” where I met the Savior in a way I’d not previously known Him. It gave me renewed hope and security plus an environment for openly sharing struggles and receiving encouragement. It also spawned my passion for disciple making and sowed seed that eventually gave rise to a project called “The Timothy Network.”
Think Relationally!
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