Note from the Editor: FOCUS Weekend begins March 1. As the student team prepares for a few days of intense discipleship, Grant Hoover explains the philosophy behind these events, specifically about what they can and can’t do.
Discipleship is always happening, even in the most unlikely moments. It’s present in a small group discussion and when the Word is taught. It takes place in spontaneous conversations after an event ends or the long walk to the food hall at camp. It occurs when students walk faithfully with a brother or sister through the valleys of life and during group prayer on a Wednesday night. It’s visible as students serve alongside other church members on a Sunday morning or spend an afternoon sharing the Gospel together. It even happens on the ride home when a parent intentionally talks with their student about the Wednesday night message, or when a small group leader intercedes for her students in her time with the Lord.
In student ministry, we do a lot of things. We pull all-nighters, go on retreats, grab dinner together, meet for Bible study, and so much more. But where exactly does discipleship fit into all of these things? Should we schedule it? Do we plan and host discipleship events? Discipleship is more than an event. It must be if we want to disciple as Jesus did.
Jesus invested in his disciples as they journeyed (Luke 9:57). He walked with them, prayed with them (Luke 1:1-4), and taught them (Mark 1:38). He had meals with them. He spent early morning hours with the Father praying for them (Luke 6:12). Lastly, Jesus sent his disciples out to engage the world with the gospel (Mark 16:15). Similarly, at Providence Students we hope to reflect the heart of Jesus by discipling students as they journey through the teenage years and then send them off as ambassadors of the King.
Discipleship happens over time and we don’t always recognize it’s happening. Although we plan and strategize for the general discipleship of students, we know that the Lord often uses unplanned moments of interaction to influence the hearts of his followers. Discipleship cannot be completed with a single event. It must be accomplished over time.
When a student is sent out upon graduation, they might recall a specific message that transformed them or a biblical concept their small group leader taught them. But they will undoubtedly see the presence of godly men and women in their lives who consistently showed up to point them to Jesus. Lord willing, students will look back and see the love and care of Jesus modeled by their parents in both the easy and not-so-easy conversations. If discipleship were an event, we would host it and then be finished with ministry. But by God’s grace, he allows us (and you!) to participate in this process for the long haul in the lives of others. Discipleship is a slow drip that eventually fills the jar of our hearts with Christlikeness.
