Are You Interested in Discipleship?

CBMC encourages one-on-one relationships where a mature Christian focuses on building spiritual maturity into the life of a younger Christian. It is more than just passing on content. It is developing an ongoing, lifelong relationship, which helps the new Christian grow to be a "spiritual reproducer."

     CBMC uses the metaphor of "spiritual parenting" to illustrate discipleship:

". . . we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us . . . you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God," (I Thes. 7:12).

An important goal for every team is to see that each person on the team is being both discipled and is discipling another. As Paul instructed his disciple Timothy: ". . . the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2).

     2 Timothy 2:2 illustrates the propagation of spiritual knowledge and wisdom through four spiritual generations, beginning with Paul who taught Timothy, who then taught reliable men, who then taught others.

     Our most popular tool for discipleship, Operation Timothy is a great way to follow Jesus' instruction to make disciples of all the nations, "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:20). Operation Timothy is an investigative Bible study with the goal of helping Christians lay a strong foundation for a lifetime of spiritual growth. There are four study books in the series. A Leader's Guide is available to help with the process. CBMC Heartland would like to help every one get involved with another, using this tool or something similar.

    If you are interested in becoming either a "Paul" (Spiritual mentor) or a "Timothy" (Spiritual learner) - please answer the following questions and submit your responses to jreimer@cbmc.com so that you may be partnered with the person that best fits your profile.