Christian Discipleship is Mandatory

Christian discipleship is mandatory, and not optional.

It's important to preface this article by first saying that the discipleship that I will be referring to is one that is personal, and intentional between a mentor and a disciple. It is a relationship where the disciple proactively follows the mentor in various ways. It is instructional and inspirational.

Some may claim that they are already being discipled by the regular messages that they are hearing from the pulpit, and some will claim that they are already learning from the small life groups that they participate regularly in. But, it is different.

Some see discipleship as optional, like as if its only for the more serious Christians and some even view it as unnecessary. Because it takes times, commitment, and the exposure of our private lives, many shun away from it.

Hebrews 13:17

¹⁷ Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

In the early churches, God appointed shepherds within the church to shepherd and watch over the people. These people are what we call "mentors" these days. They can be pastors, elders, leaders, or even "title-less" people who intentionally mentor and guide others. These are people who have "rulership" and authority over lives. It is God's design for His church, where appointed people will "rule" over others, and we must submit to such a structure that God has put in place.

Having no mentor figure in our personal lives is no different from a country that has no law enforcement. We need to be accountable to someone who will "enforce" the standards of Christ into our lives... by convincing us, rebuking us, and encouraging us. (2 Tim 4:2)

One common fear that people face these days concerning discipleship is the fear of judgment. We fear the exposure of our private lives and how our mentor will judge and correct us. But, which is worse, to be graciously judged by a mentor from church (and learn), or be judged by the Lord Jesus on the final day when there is no "redo"? (Matthew 16:27, Rev 22:12)