The Problem/Challenge Today

The first century church, fresh with the mandate to make disciples from Christ himself, set out on that mission and accomplished amazing growth.  Glimpses of the very first conversions and church growth as illustrated in the book of Acts are inspiring and motivating.

^{Ac 2:38}Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Today we have a problem.  The church has drifted from the intentionality and focus needed for making disciples.  One author, David F. Wells, in his book The Courage to Be Protestant: Truth-Lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World, describes the problem as, "...numbers of people (in America) who began with the gospel, apparently accepted these biblical truths, and yet somehow lost their way.  They never matured." 

With that as a backdrop, Wells talks about the challenges of "Truth Engagement" in our culture.  It is essential to understand this when framing the responsibility and tactics for church leaders to use in instilling the purposes of discipleship within today's local churches.  It can help us sort through various venues of discipleship that may or may not be effective for the various groups within the churches.

Blessings and many thanks,

Larry