What Is Relational Discipleship? Living the 7 Discipleship EmphasesSample

Focus

Imagine a montage of first-century winemaking. Picture the workers in the vineyard planting, watering, and cultivating the grapes. Listen to the chatter of the people harvesting and pressing the grapes. Imagine how they would feel if after a year of hard work, the owner refused to give them new wineskins and the fruits of all their labor burst out of the old ones. Now hear the Holy Spirit speaking to you, “Will you put the new wine I am making into old wineskins?”

Apply

Discipleship is not simply about our own internal change. It also requires us to be responsive to the Holy Spirit and to lead change when old things must pass away for new Work that God is doing. Look at your home, work, community, or ministry: where might the Holy Spirit be prompting you to lead change?

Respond

Lord, I trust that You will show me where new ideas, methods, and measures are needed. I am willing to follow where You lead. Help me be courageous in leading change and to listen to those who are attuned to Your Spirit. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.