The Power of Small

"And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons." Mark 3:14-15

What would it mean to adopt a Christ-like method of faith community?  It would mean spending our lives completely enmeshed in the lives of others.  Sharing every meal, traveling every road, spending every night - together.  Christ choose the most relationally intensive method of community possible to spread the good news.  And while he taught workshops and offered free healing and feeding parties to thousands, the ones who carried the message were the ones who shared every moment with him for three years.  They knew one another in the raw.  They were familiar with one another's vices, problems, unique gifts, and idiosyncrasies.  They shared their pasts, their fears, and their hopes with full disclosure.  While this might not look like the best business model on paper, its really the only way to do discipleship.  The only biblical way to teach and equip people to become agents for the gospel is to draw them into meaningful, committed relationship of intentional faith development.  Disciples aren't accidents.  They are people who others have poured themselves into with love and faithfulness.  These kinds of relationships don't happen on Sunday mornings where hundreds or even dozens gather to listen to special musicians and speakers.  It doesn't even happen in bible studies that people attend every few weeks in smaller gatherings.   The model that Jesus set included twelve people who spent every waking moment with him for several years.  I often find people wanting to grow in their faith in a way that won't disrupt the rest of their lives.  They want to attend a class that will "introduce them to the bible" or they want to become involved in a ministry that will "give them a chance to serve".  There is nothing wrong with these endeavors, but they will rarely result in disciples.  Knowing other Christians won't make you a better Christian.  Worshiping next to other Christians won't in and of itself draw you into the depth of faith.  The best way to become all that Christ wants you to be is to learn and share consistently, vulnerably, and frequently with the "Body of Christ" through some kind of small fellowship.

"Oh Lord, your first disciples left everything to follow you.  If you are calling me to a deeper relationship with you, give me the strength to make the kind of commitment I need to make.  Put a desire in my heart to grow in you above all things.  In Christ's name.  Amen"