Chapter 2 - Questions

Transforming Discipleship – Chapter 2: “The Discipleship Malaise”

On page 40 Ogden argues that the leader’s primary calling is to equip or train “ordinary believers…for their place of service in the body of Christ.” (1) Do you agree or disagree? (2) Why? (3) How, if at all, do you fit into this primary calling as a small group leader?

Dara:

I agree. I do feel that as small group leaders we are ultimately able to foster growth/confidence/encourage for their place in the body. I do not sometimes feel as though I have much to pass along or my knowledge is not sufficient to do this properly. I do feel that the process we are going through right now is helping.

Ron & Carolyn:

(1) We agree (2) All of us need help and guidance. Ken needs to train others to perform the other tasks. (3) Small Group Leaders are smack dab in the middle, needing guidance and required to guide others.

Florence:

I agree that this is the primary calling – Ogden’s arguments are compelling. I’m not sure how I fit in. Possibly by close relationship with 6 others in our small group I am helping foster a discipling relationship – we are discipling one another. Maybe I am freeing Ken up to focus more closely on a few.

Patricia:

I agree that the leader’s primary calling is to equip and train ordinary believers…. But I think prior to reading this book I defined the leader as the Priest or Pastor and not the small group leader. I think that this could be one of the roles for the small group leader, but I am nowhere close to fulfilling this “calling”.

Sarah:

• I agree. The mission of the Church, as Body of Christ, is to “go and make disciples of all nations……..and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”.
• As a small group leader and an ordinary believer and disciple, I recognize that it is my role to “Go and make disciples….” I also realize that I fall far short.

Ogden argues on page 48 that “we have made discipleship for super-Christians, not ordinary believers.” (1) What is your understanding of discipleship? (2) Are you a disciple of Jesus? (3) Are you called to help make disciples?

Dara:

I have always thought it was for "superChristians" (which I am not!!).

I am still unclear how and with what tools can a regular disciple disciple others?

Ron & Carolyn:

(1) To be like Jesus in every way, to give up self completely. (2) We’re trying but failing miserably. (3) Yes

Florence:

I think of discipleship as being for all. I don’t normally think of myself as being a disciple, but in the context of this book I feel I am one and that I am called to help make disciples.

Patricia:

I believe discipleship is a relational process where one becomes fully committed to following Jesus Christ. I believe I am learning and trying more to become fully committed to following Jesus. I believe that part of being a disciple is helping others with this process and so therefore if I am trying to be a disciple I must try and help others.

Sarah:

• I understand discipleship to be living a Christ centred life, in obedience to Christ’s teaching – it is an active role, rather than simply choosing to passively think of Christianity as living a good life, loving one another and acceptance of our salvation through Christ’s death on the cross.
• I am trying to be a disciple of Jesus, but am well aware of my many shortcomings. But Jesus also said “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”. I think this is one of our priorities at St. Timothy’s. For some reason, many Christians choose to think of Christ’s message, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples”, but the “going out to make disciples” message gets lost.
• I know I am called to help make disciples, but feel most inadequate for the task.

What do you make of Ogden’s comment on page 55 when he says, “The motivation and discipline will not ultimately occur through listening to sermons, sitting in a class, participating in a fellowship group, attending a study group in the workplace or being a member of a small group, but rather in the context of highly accountable, relationally transparent, truth-centered, small (three of four people) discipleship units.” Be honest…do you want to fight him? Is this overstating it? Is he making any sense?

Dara:

I can remember, not so long ago, when belonging to a small group was a huge step to take. I do see the that as long as people are able to remain passive( ie. showing up is the only requirement) then the pew gets comfortable again!

Now that I have been a part of a small group in some way for 6 years I do see it as a natural transition to make a step to a smaller more accountable group - but I really am not sure what that looks like either.

Ron & Carolyn:

The listed activities don’t call for personal accountability whereas a small discipleship unit is more nurturing and holds you accountable, same as a life coach. We don’t want to fight him, we don’t think this overstates it and he makes sense.


Florence:

I think he makes total sense. I have been to many excellent talks and groups, but it is easy to forget unless there is a constant reminder maybe through a discipleship unit.

Patricia:
I have some difficulty with Ogden on this issue. I know that this is how Jesus “worked” with his disciples, but in reality how possible is it for every individual to have the time to commit to yet another “small group”? I cannot believe that this is the only way that one can become a truly committed disciple of Jesus Christ????

Sarah:
I agree with this comment, although each of these methods of instruction plays an important role in the creation of disciples. However reluctant we might be to admit the truth of Ogden’s statement, in order to be motivated and disciplined in our discipleship, we need to accept responsibility for our discipleship role. This might be best achieved through belonging to a small discipleship unit, where we are accountable for achievement of our personal goals, for obedience to Christ’s word, and where we can encourage one another to pursue what is inevitably a very difficult path.