There are things we do in life with barely a thought. Those of us graced by living in the United States travel about; drink safe water from free public fountains; go to sleep reasonably confident of being undisturbed by violence. For most of the world these simple acts are either unattainable or unthinkable and yet the world still seems to be able to make life happen, day to day.
I find it disturbing that Americans are growing increasingly incapable of accomplishing some of life’s most basic tasks. I could (and intend to) write extensively on the subject of American incompetence facing life’s banality, but today will limit my comment to the subject of spiritual growth. Any aspiring “Christian” can easily acquire so-called spiritual growth aides without much effort and with little cost. Yet, in spite of all the print, visual and audio encouragements of the saints in history and the giants of today, most would-be followers of Jesus are unsure of what to do, unmotivated to do what they know and unconcerned as to the consequence of maintaining their present spiritual infancy.
I have long resisted any program promising to guide a new follower of Jesus toward mature emulation of the Savior, or enhancing the “seasoned” believer’s life of obedience. It has been my contention that such efforts produce mostly unprincipled clones instead of genuine disciples. Without surrendering my objections, I have come to realize the error of my prior and the necessity of a clear, sequential, and foundational effort to obey Jesus’ command to “make disciples…”
The idea I will introduce to my friends at Main Street (and to the listening world by ITunes™) is one of spiritual growth as the mundane “errand run.” True Christian spirituality must be, in my estimation, no less complicated or necessary than getting groceries, filling the car with gas, going to school, spending a day at the park or “vegging” in front of the television at home. We have made far too little of the basics of Christianity and far too much of Biblical charts and supposed modern-day “prophetic” fulfillment.
This upcoming weekend we will together wrestle our own hearts as we attempt to respond to Jesus’ command to love God, heart, soul, mind and strength. This is the essence of worship and the genesis of our spiritual “errand run.”
TheNarrowRoadPursued 
Bob, this sounds like a great series coming up. It really resonates with some reading and meditating I’ve been doing lately on my need to “get back to basics” with regard to the practice of the classical spiritual disciplines (simplicity, fasting, prayer, study of Scripture, etc.).
We’ve (I’ve) lost touch with Brother Lawrence’s simple “practice of the presence of God” and, along with it, access to the power of the Spirit that is rightly ours as citizens in and heirs of the Kingdom.
While I share your reservations at being able to create a disciple-making “system”, I have personally profited from participation in a group whose sole purpose was merely encouraging one another on in and studying together about these historical practices that have been lost to the mists of time.
Maybe such a thing could catch some traction at Main Street here in the not-too-distant future…
At any rate, I’m looking forward to the series!
I have thought and prayed over this topic deeply the past few months as well. I am looking forward to this series, Pastor Bob. I see two topics here, to a certain degree. Spiritual growth for me has come as easily as breathing. At first it seemed to require effort but once I opened up to the desire for true spiritual growth, it happens every day without knowing it. In fact, like breathing, I can’t stop the growth now that I see how essential it is to living.
Spreading this desire for spiritual growth in Jesus with others (descipleship) is my personal challange though. I admit, it is still tough to come out of my comfort zone into the realm of the unknown and give testimony and witness to Jesus’ unconditionally love for us. I pray and ask for guidance daily on this. I am looking forward to inspiration from this series. I desire to be like the members of our sister church in all situations…AMEN BROTHER BOB! AND WELLLLLL!
God Bless.
I am excited about this whole process. Some of the things we are attempting actually are the results of suggestions Jeff and Darrah Herron made a long time ago. Unfortunately ducks were all over the place and had to be captured and made to stand in line (a trick I assure you). I think the disconnect with discipleship comes from so many not having healthy same-gender relationships. I am blessed with several guys who are completely unimpressed I am a pastor and who help hold me accountable to live and grow and to make a concerted attempt to live what I say I believe. As far as speaking with the fellow next door about Jesus…we are going to try to help out with that as well!