During this unique time, some unique discipleship issues have risen out of the sudden need to change almost everything about how we do church and ministry.
Across Illinois, small groups and Sunday school classes are still meeting virtually. Some community groups or Sunday school classes are comprised of several families or couples; other virtual meet-ups are only two or three people.
Whatever the online setting, now is a great time to ask some questions specific to this unprecedented time. How are you spending your time, now that many commitments have been put on hold? Are you increasing your Bible reading? Spending more time in devotional-type activities?
For students, are you joining your youth group? Most student ministers are working hard to provide even more activities than usual—small group Bible studies, online movie nights, virtual scavenger hunts.
The bottom line is this: In this new normal, how much of what you’re doing is impacting your faith and spiritual growth positively? Or negatively?
For parents, these weeks of uninterrupted family time can be an excellent opportunity to grow as the chief disciplers of your children. And for churches, this is an ideal time to train parents how to do that.
Let’s not neglect discipleship now, even though our methods and our questions will be different. As Christians, let’s commit to steward our time for his glory. As leaders, let’s help the people we lead use this time to grow closer to Jesus.
Jack Lucas is IBSA’s director of leadership development.