There are no lone wolf disciples
The model of Christian community that we see in the book of Acts is one that worships, prays and fasts together. Discipleship means being present with each other.
Historian Keith Sewell (my neighbour and colleague at Dordt University) once argued that the decline in church attendance, especially in England, began with the Billy Graham crusades, which emphasized a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. One could experience this outside the church, making church attendance unnecessary. Many contemporary Christian worship songs reflect this shift as well, using the pronoun “I” rather than “we.” Personal love of God is good and right, but it should go along with love of people. Better yet, a strange mix of people, or a mix of strange people.
This reminds me of a good sermon I heard on Acts 13:1-3. Luke begins Acts 13 by introducing a diverse lineup of prophets and teachers gathered in Antioch, beginning with Barnabas, meaning “son of encouragement” (who is also a major actor in Acts 4:36-7, 9:27, 11:22-30). Then there are Simeon, a black man; Lucius, a North African; and Manaen, who was raised in the royal household of the tetrarch Herod. Finally, he lists Saul, the former zealous Jewish persecutor of the church.
Together these characters are taking action: worshiping, fasting, praying and listening for God’s Spirit. Yet today, Christians tend to teach these spiritual practices as private, individual activities.
Discipleship
A few months ago, I attended a conference on church growth and disciple multiplication. The conference’s keyword was “disciple,” used both as a verb and a noun. “Disciple” is an in-house religious word with both male and hierarchical connotations in English. I hear this word often in Christian circles now, emphasizing our knowledge and behaviour, but it usually does not mean reciprocal relationships. Jesus gives us a different picture; he calls his twelve disciples “friends” (John 15:15-16).
The key to living and sharing the Gospel is presence before God and each other. Listen to other’s experience and perspectives. Be hospitable. Interact without judgment. Share yourself without pontificating. Be vulnerable. Be present. This is love.
Being present
As a pastor and chaplain, I learned that a substantial portion of pastoral care is just being there, showing up for the other person. While providing pastoral care, I have suggested that spouses or parents of teens take a long car ride together without the radio or phones on. See what comes up. Maybe start with a simple observation of something along the way. Share a story and see what connects. Be present with each other.
In Acts, being before God with others led to a new beginning for the church. How is Jesus present now? In part, Jesus is now in the other person’s presence.
