An Army of Disciplers

Forty years ago, I finished up United States Army basic training in South Carolina. I joined the Illinois Army National Guard because it paid for four years of tuition to any state college or university in Illinois I chose to attend. This enabled me to go to college. Four decades later, I am amazed at the random information taught in basic training I remember. I am delighted to tell you I can still fit in my uniform — at least the boots, dog tags, and hat.

God has laid on my heart a passion to build a different kind of army, one that marches in step with the cadence call of the Spirit of God. I frequently say, “We are failing at the one thing Jesus told us we must do, and that is to make disciples.”

My friends Ron and Marsha Harvell have created a resource for discipling new believers. It is called 50 Steps with Jesus: Learning to Walk Daily with the Lord. It is designed for a shepherd to guide a new believer, a believer who wants to grow, or someone who wants to learn about the Christian faith through a 50-day journey with God. And now there is a WMU edition of the book available. We have testimonies of people coming to faith after completing 50 Steps with Jesus: Learning to Walk Daily with the Lord.

Along with the new believer’s guide, the shepherd’s guide is designed for the shepherd to work side by side with the person he or she leads for 50 days. It comes together in one large workbook.

As I write this article, I am in the midst of discipling my tenth person. My daily investment of Bible study has been about 20 minutes, and then the person I am discipling and I meet together once a week, which lasts about an hour.

What if WMU had an army of 1,000 disciplers at the ready to invest in new believers in their communities? What if campus ministers, church planters, and everyday disciplers were leading people to Christ wherever they are? Just think of the significant impact we could make. Distance is not a barrier with today’s video call capabilities.

Who could you shepherd?

• • Your child or grandchild
  • A young adult at your church
  • A colleague
  • A neighbor
  • A relative or friend who lives elsewhere

The opportunities are endless.

Those you disciple may become disciplers as well. Would you join this army? You can purchase 50 Steps with Jesus: Learning to Walk Daily with the Lord, Believer’s Guide and Shepherd’s Guide, WMU edition at wmustore.com.

Seeing Christ followers take their place in God’s plan is a joy. You can touch eternity with your kingdom investment today.

Father,

Give us courage and boldness to make disciples.

In Jesus’ name, amen.