Schools for Disciples

When we think of “church,” most of us think of a building with a cross on it or in it somewhere, like a classic kindergartener’s depiction.  Some might remember a priest or minister telling them that a church is not the building, but the people that make up the community.   But the word “church” usually doesn’t remind us of what happens there, what takes place in that building or between the people. 

The word “school” does evoke images of a building, as well as students and teachers, but it also carries the understanding that LEARNING happens in that place.  It is the essential characteristic of what a “school” is about. Hence, it makes sense that our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. William “Chip” Stokes, is offering the intentional re-thinking of our churches as “schools for disciples.”

In truth, much of what we do at church is learning how to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ in order to engage the world beyond the building using those ideals and tools.  Our worship is offering our praise and thanksgiving through liturgy and music - all things we learn how to do (in our tradition). Our educational programs offer time for engagement and reflection on God’s Word and how to use those lessons in our lives.  Our fellowship invites us into other people’s lives, learning how to love our neighbor as ourselves with people who have shared values, which helps us learn how to engage with people who have differing values.

When we understand the purposes of what we do at church, claiming that churches are “Schools for Disciples” is obvious. However, since it is a change in the way we think about and approach our church-life, some may find it challenging.  Many of us do not like change and resist it.  While I can sympathize, I also remind us that God calls us into a transformative relationship.  If we are seeking to be our best selves for God’s sake, that will require change.  And if we stick with the status quo because it is known and comfortable, it will inevitable lead to death is some fashion.

So imagine with me of what a “School for Disciples” would be like. How would we engage in worship, formation and fellowship with the primary intention of learning how to be disciples of Jesus Christ?  Would there be more interaction and feedback?  More discussions of “why we do what we do”?  More time devoted to education for all ages?  What would we have to change in our schedule or even sacrifice to make more time for learning?

More importantly, what we want to do is deep our spiritual experience and understanding so that we are more comfortable with using our faith in the world to engage others and share with them the gift of faith.  In my sermon last Sunday, I mentioned the “Barnabas Questions” from the book Becoming Barnabas, which offer an easy way of being curious with out being intrusive.  “What are you celebrating?” “What challenges do you have?” “How are your dealing with those challenges?” “Can I help?” “How can I pray for you?”  This is how we are disciples in the world, using our faith to help other – not fixing their issues, but supporting and encouraging them in the midst of them.

I do hope that we, as a church, will take on the identity of “disciple” to use in our everyday life together.  I think it is a more active term than “Christian” as it involves both learning and using those lessons to make our lives and the world better.  And it is what Jesus called us to do: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) 

In the Spirit of Truth,

Rev. Valerie+