Jeff Noble's Blog, page 21

Discipleship Story: Jeremy Woodall

It started with my sister

It happened my senior year of high school. My sister had transferred back home to finish her degree at UAM (University of Arkansas at Monticello), and she got connected with the Baptist Student Union (BSU) on campus. Jeff Noble had been the director for a few years, and he and Carolyn immediately had an impact on Lindsay. It wasn’t too far into the fall semester that she had asked me to come to one of their “FIRE” services on Wednesday night. Something was different. There was a different atmosphere. It wasn’t just a collegiate “Youth Group.” It was just….different, and I loved it. I became involved and began serving on the praise team. The difference for me was beyond just being accepted. I was being invested in like never before. The investment was not just from Jeff. It was from almost everyone. The guys seemed to really care about getting to know me, the girls took to me as well. I wasn’t sure why this was so different, but I loved being apart of this.

One on One with God

It wasn’t until I returned to UAM after graduation and interning for a ministry in Atlanta, GA that I started to understand why I had this experience at the BSU at UAM. A few days into the fall semester of 2002, Jeff asked me to come to his office. He put this hardcover, binder-like book in front of me. On the cover of the book were the words, One on One With God. Jeff asked me a simple question, “Jeremy. do you want to grow and go deeper with Jesus like never before?” I said, ”Um…Sure. I guess.” Jeff then said that he would begin leading me through this book. He would begin “discipling” me.

Discipleship plus

I remember going to Jeff’s house, going through a lesson, playing Madden or NCAA Football on Xbox, and just hanging out. It was more than just hanging out, it was hanging out with a purpose. What began that night in that white house on West Jefferson would change the scope of my life forever. I knew why I had that “different” experience my senior year of high school with the folks at the BSU. These were young people that were being discipled, were in discipling relationships, and they were actively investing in me to help me grow in Christ.They had it modeled well for them and they were modeling it for me.

Our discipling relationships were built around growing in Christ through his Word. We would read it consistently, study it, meditate on it (I have to admit, the first time Jeff told me we needed to meditate on God’s Word that I was a little weirded out, but I soon found out this wasn’t meditation in the form of Aummm but in the form of hmmmm), apply it, and reproduce it. We would pray together, confess sin to one another, memorize scripture, and evangelize together. It was great. This was new for me, but Jeff taught us that this was supposed to be normal. After about six weeks of regular meetings with Jeff, he gave me an assignment. Jeff told me by the next week that I needed to have chosen another young man to go through One on One With God. I had already had my buddy Wes in my mind as someone that would be a great candidate. I approached Wes and asked him if he would like to go through this study. He immediately said yes! I was so excited to be able to put to practice a lot of the things I was learning. The most exciting part was seeing Wes have the same “Ah Hah” moments that I had.

Discipleship as life

What seemed so foreign to me as an 18 year-old has become a part of my nature as a Christ follower. I need to be intentional about my personal growth and development as a disciple, but I have to be just as intentional about walking with other disciples through their journey. I believe without a shadow of doubt that this is some of the “bearing of much fruit” that Jesus is talking about in John 15.

Seventeen years later I am now the director of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (formerly the BSU) on the campus of UAM. What was modeled for me as a student is now something I seek to model for my students. With every success, failure, win, or frustration I look back on my experience as a student and think of what Jeff had to be thinking when shepherding us. I laugh and cry often as I think about the patience he had with me as I struggle along with our students. Some of them get it, and I celebrate with joy. Some of them don’t, and I grieve with trust. I know he did the same. He didn’t give up on me. Im sure he wanted to but I imagine that he thought about how our God doesn’t give up on us, just as I do now. The fact he stayed with me more than likely saved my life and my ministry, but that’s a story for a different day.

Encouragement onward

My encouragement for you the reader would be this. If you are not a Christ follower, I encourage you to continue to pursue the mystery of life. If you are a disciple of Christ but are not actively growing in Christ and making disciples, I want to encourage you to find a biblical community and start to develop these interpersonal relationships with other disciples and to seek to make more. If you are a disciple-making-disciple I want to encourage you to keep it up and stay in the fight. You never know the impact for the Kingdom that you will have. I can think of many young men and young women that were apart of our ministry during those years, that Jeff discipled, that are now in ministry. I can think of more that are godly fathers, mothers, serving in their local church, and making Kingdom impact.

This stuff really works.

Onward.

Also in Discipleship Stories


Introduction: Discipleship Stories


Discipleship Story: Phillip Slaughter


Discipleship Story: Kyle Pfeifer


Discipleship Story: Jeremy Woodall

View the entire series

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Friends: Companions for the Journey

I’m grateful to Dr. Jamie Sanchez for allowing me to re-post this article she wrote on friendship over at Northstar’s blog. Jamie is a dear friend and one of the most prolific, joyful networkers and travelers I know. She’s a thinker and an adventurer. Her Kryptonite is any dad joke I tell.. Formally, she is the Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies at Biola University. 

In his classic text, The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis wrote:

“To the Ancients, Friendship seemed the happiest and most fully human of all loves; the crown of life and the school of virtue. The modern world, in comparison, ignores it.”

Lewis goes on to explore friendship as one of four types of relationships in the human experience. He explains how friendships are different than, say, romantic relationships, and yet, maintains that friendships are just as important.

Friendship crisis

Since Lewis wrote his text, the state of friendships have not fared much better. Though there is a “friendship crisis” in modern society, the hunger for deep friendship rages on. Put simply, we are hard wired for connections. We need companions to walk with us on our life’s journey. Others who can encourage us, sharpen us, and pray for us. We want friends with whom we can laugh, cry, and be safe. And, yet, so many of us have learned to value autonomy, privacy, and individualism over accompaniment, intimacy, and friendship. As a result we feel lonely and isolated all while being surrounded by people.

One reason for the lack of deep friendships that permeates our society is that we have lost the art of building relationships. Somewhere along the line, we were told that friendships just happen. Perhaps this perspective is a result of our “instant” culture in which we click our way through life without having to put in much effort. But, the types of friendships that Lewis wrote about, and that I’m convinced we all long for, have a deeper spiritual component than the “BFF” flavor that has inundated modern society.

Spiritual friendships

That is not to say that friendships themselves are holy but that a spiritual friendship is one that is centered on God. Spiritual friends nudge one another along their own journey of faith. In other words, a friendship does not exist for itself but in order to encourage, sharpen, and lead one another to a deeper attachment to Christ. Spiritual friendships require more cultivation than can be achieved only through Facebook, emoji-filled text messages, and brief interactions. They require active development.

I feel a bit inadequate to share any suggestions on how to build friendships. I have failed more often than not in friendship, but it is out of my own failures that I continue to grow. Another caveat I should add is that my suggestions are in no way comprehensive. There are countless blogs and books that can speak with more authority on this topic than I can. But, even so, I have included five qualities that I think are necessary to develop friendships of depth:

Five qualities that I think are necessary to develop friendships of depth
1. Initiative

I bet each and every person reading this has at one time or another said, “But nobody invites me.” I know I have. It’s a fair need——to want to be invited. 
The reality is, though, that waiting to be invited doesn’t help build friendships. We each have to take risks and initiate with others.

Honestly, I have only a few friends that are mutual in this sense. They call me, text me, and initiate time with me as often as I do with them. These are my heart friends, friends that I deeply trust because through our mutual friendship there is a safe space that is built. A space that allows us to exhale with a relaxed realization that we are deeply cared for.

But in other friendships, and at various seasons of life, I run the risk that others may not initiate with me. And, I know that I have failed others in the same way. Unmet expectations are just a part of all relationships and we must learn to not take things so personally.

The bottom line is that it is hard to develop friendships of depth without initiation.

Takeaway: Press on, friendship is worth the effort.

“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:31)


2. Interest

One-sided relationships are exhausting. It’s hard to maintain a deep friendship when all the attention is always on one person. 

This means that it is necessary to develop ways in which we can show interest in our friends. Learn to ask good questions. Follow up on situations that friends have shared with you. Listen to them. Pray with and for them.

But don’t stop there. Be vulnerable as well. In other words, you also need to be willing to share about yourself. Vulnerability breeds trust. And friendships of depth are built on trust.

Just recently when about to go to a stressful meeting, I texted a few friends to ask them to pray for me. They responded with encouragement, assurance that they were with me, and followed up after my meeting. I was vulnerable and they took interest in me. Win-Win.

Takeaway: Keep pressing in, friendship is worth the risk of knowing and being known.

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Prov. 27:17)

3. Invest

Time, time, time. You will not develop deep friendships without spending time together.

This one is tricky. I have friends that I don’t see very often because we live in different states, or different countries. Time with them is usually concentrated while on vacation or through sporadic FaceTime chats.

But, even for my friends that live in the same place I do, time may be more limited for one person than for another. Every friendship will have a different rhythm. Don’t fret over how much time is spent with your friends but focus on how the time is spent.

Be creative. Find an adventure. Incorporate time with friends into something you are already doing like running errands, attending your kids’ sporting events, or dinner with your family.

Time spent building friendships doesn’t have to be intense, tear-laden conversations. And time together doesn’t always have to be one-on-one. Large group events. Small group outings. Ministry opportunities. Serving at church. Prayer times. All of these are easy ways to spend time together.

I have a bucket list of things that I want to complete while I live on this side of the country. It’s long! Instead of just checking things off the list I have asked others to join me in my adventures. Not only does my task driven self get the satisfaction of methodically checking things off the list, but I get to make memories with friends along the way!

Takeaway: Keep pressing forward, friendship is worth the time.

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10)

4. Inspire

Chances are your friends are incredible. I know mine are. They are godly, gifted, generous people with whom I am so very fortunate and humbled to walk through life.

And, I tell them that. As awkward as it may be at times, I state specific things I see in their lives so that they can be spurred on toward good works. Sometimes, I’ll send a brief text message to remind them of how invaluable they are. At other times I may directly affirm an area of their life in which they are discouraged. Sometimes, I will simply tell them how thankful I am for them. I want my friends to be encouraged, not burdened, through our friendship.

Learn to practice another lost art, the art of encouraging one another.

Takeaway: Keep encouraging one another, friends are worth building up.

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

5. Interrupt

Interrupt? Yes. Interrupt. Let friends interrupt your idea of what friendship looks like. Oftentimes we look for friends that are in the same exact season of life we are in. But just because two different people happen to have kids the same age doesn’t mean that they are in the same season of life. Well, not the same season of spiritual life. Some of my closest friends are in radically different phases of life than I am but there is a deep spiritual connection between us. We have lived through similar ministry experiences or have similar core values. We just get each other. And it’s out of that connection that friendships can be built.

Honestly, the need to connect with only those in the similar seasons of life as us limits the possibilities of being surprised by a friendship that God has just for us when we need it. Further, this myopic view of friendship places value on external circumstances rather than on the internal person. Look for friends which whom you can connect on a deeper spiritual level even if they don’t happen to be in the same season of life as you.

Takeaway: Keep your heart open, friendship is worth the interruption.

“A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.” (Proverbs 24:5)

The Wrap Up

I have learned that each phase of life brings different types of friends. Some friendships will be just for a season. Some friendships will be for life. Some are made quickly and some develop over time. Rather than fretting over the future, I have learned to enjoy my friendships. They are gifts from God. And, remember that not any one relationship will ever meet all of your needs. That’s God’s role. But He does bless us with companions for life’s journey.

I am so very thankful for the heart friends with which God has blessed me. I don’t take their friendship lightly. Their steadfast love, sacrificial time, and gracious words are all evidence of God’s grace-filled love towards me.

I leave you with the wise words penned by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Life Together:

It is easily forgotten that the fellowship of Christian brethren is a gift of grace, a gift of the Kingdom of God that any day may be taken from us, that the time that still separates us from utter loneliness may be brief indeed. Therefore, let him who until now has had the privilege of living a common Christian life with other Christians praise God on his knees and declare: It is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren.

Recommended Texts:

[image error] Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis
The Friendships of Women by Dee Brestin
Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship Direction by David Benner
Safe People by Cloud and Townsend
Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend
How Full is Your Bucket by Donald O. Clifton and Tom Rath
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

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Discipleship Story: Kyle Pfeifer

[image error] I met Kyle Pfeifer at Northstar Church as a student at Virginia Tech. Kyle and his wife Tara, and 8 month-old baby girl Brynlie along with their golden doodle Cassius now live in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated from VT in 2016 with a mechanical engineering degree. He said, “All four years in Blacksburg I attended Northstar and loved every moment!” When Kyle was a student, our destination of choice for meetings was McDonald’s. I’d get a sausage McGriddle, and he’d order a cheese biscuit and proceed to dissect it, claiming he got more bang for his buck by tearing up the cheese into bits and rearranging it.

If you haven’t read the introduction to this series, please check it out here! Here’s Kyle’s thoughts on discipleship:

Discipleship and Spikeball

There is nothing better than a good game of spikeball. The volleys, the diving and the spiking are all so satisfying. However, to have a good game of spikeball, you need players who know how to play, and the only way to learn is by someone coming alongside of you and showing you how to play and teaching you the skills you need to succeed.

Being discipled is a little bit like being that new player on the spikeball set. In my life, I have been that person. I have needed older and wiser men in my life to walk alongside me in my spiritual journey with the Lord. These disciplers of mine have been so intentional in my life and taught me how to seek after the Lord.

[image error]

Kyle and Tara, along with eight month-old Brynlie and their golden doodle Cassius.

However, similar to spikeball, I learn best by jumping in and watching my teacher play the game and playing along side of him. The most influential disciplers I have had did just that for me. They brought me along with them and showed me how to study scripture and showed me how to share my faith with others. They didn’t just read a script to me but let their life be a living lesson on how to follow the Lord. Because of these men and the influence they have had in my walk with the Lord, I desire to disciple other men around me. When I do, I try and follow the example of those who have discipled me and not just share how scripture relates to our lives. I want to also show how to live in a way where God’s Word impacts every decision I make.

Also in Discipleship Stories


Introduction: Discipleship Stories


Discipleship Story: Phillip Slaughter


Discipleship Story: Kyle Pfeifer

View the entire series

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More reasons people leave the church

[image error]If you believe the MSM and pollsters, the American Church is in crisis. Apparently, there’s a mass exodus, especially with young people. It’s not true. Do your research. The reality is that people are leaving some kinds of churches (the old line denominations are hemorrhaging – Episcopals, Methodists, etc). The other reality is that some kinds of churches are growing exponentially. And young adults? Rather than flocking away from the Church, there is an astonishing movement of deep pietism among college students and 20-somethings that needs broadcasting.

These broader issues of people leaving the church are worthy of a much longer look later.

This entry topic is a “smaller” one in contrast to the one above, but it is also significant. People sometimes leave their church today because they can’t say “no” well.

Say “yes” too much?

Eager new church members with a demonstrated ability for leadership are like gold to church staff who are on the constant lookout for dependable volunteers. Let’s say “Susan” just moved to your community and joined your church. She led a small group in her previous church in Wisconsin. It’s not long before she’s asked to lead a small group in your church.

Because people hate saying “no” – especially to ministers – they often will say “yes” to questions of service. The reasons may be:

They want to be a part of the mission.
They want to please the minister.
They want to get to know more people in the church.
They see the need and believe their experience/availability dictates their involvement.

Unfortunately, their “yes” may consign them to a service sentence. It’s all for good purposes, but their service over time eclipses their joy and enthusiasm. They begin to hear or even tell themselves biblical truths such as:

“..do not grow weary in doing good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

And they press on. Until a sense of growing anxiety over their fear of disappointing a minister, other volunteers or the church leads them to abruptly check out.

These former “yes-people” become ministry casualties. If you’re not sensitive to them, they may leave the church – not out of anger, but out of feeling like they’ve let you down.

Embarrassment of non-response

Other people may leave the church simply due to their growing unease with their lack of responsibility and initiative in their church family. For churches that allow “members” to attend only (I’d dispute whether that is a biblical church.), that is not an issue.

For churches that are intentionally seeking to spiritually care for every member and lead them in growth in their relationship with Jesus, members who remain unengaged become aware of a growing sense of anxiety/conviction about their lack of response and responsibility.

Ministers make general appeals for volunteers. Mission trips and VBS opportunities are avoided. These unengaged members avoid small groups and though they love the Sunday experience, they are not invested in the life of the church. They may even give generously, but even their giving may be part of their guilt for their uninvolvement.

Over time, the wear-and-tear of non-responsiveness leads to a vague sense of guilt or shame. These members become less and less frequent in even Sunday morning attendance, and their quiet leaving is not out of any dissatisfaction with the church. They reason that it’s just much easier to live without a foreboding sense of “church guilt.”

How to combat this kind of leaving

Two types of church exits have been described – one is the highly-involved member and the other is the non-responsive member. Let me attempt to address the involved member first:

The Highly-Involved Volunteer

Make sure to communicate terms or service to your volunteers. This includes length. I would encourage you to ask people for a nine-month term of service, with a three-month evaluation. This enables them to get involved, serve and discover if this area is one they’re gifted for or truly interested in. Over a few months, it’s easier for them to see that another area of service may fit better. Giving them terms helps provide an “easy-out” for those who may need it without them feeling they’re disappointing you. You may even use terminology like “trial period” or “discovery time.”
Regularly demonstrate appreciation for your volunteers. Remember the significant importance of lavishing thanks upon those who serve in your area.
Keep the big picture in view. It’s vital for them to understand the overall vision. Help them see that what they do matters for the gospel message and mission!
Provide ways for anonymous feedback. While not preferred, sometimes a highly motivated volunteer will not want to disappoint you as their leader by an honest critique.
On the other hand, cultivate an environment of honesty, fun, and trust in which volunteers understand their input is extremely valuable for the big picture of bringing God glory and blessing others.

The Non-Responsive Member

Make it personal. Talk to them. Face to face. Encourage them and seek to understand them.
It’s spiritual. While some non-responsive members may be exceptionally busy, there is usually a spiritual issue at the core of their lack of involvement.
Don’t back down on expecting every member to be involved in the life of your church and the lives of members. It’s tempting – so very tempting – to fudge here because you genuinely like someone. But remember the ultimate goal is their spiritual maturity and active embrace of a gospel and kingdom lifestyle.

In his commentary on Ecclesiastes 4, Phillip Ryken said about verses 9-12:

 

“There is spiritual warmth in going through life with other believers. It is easy to grow cold in the christian life, to become numb to the work of God, and eventually to freeze almost to spiritual death… We need to live in close fellowship with the people of God… Rather than assuming that you can manage your ministry or your sanctification on your own, open your arms to spiritual partnership.” (Ecclesiastes: Why Everything Matters, Crossway, 2010: p116-117)

Remember that they ARE members. It is never appropriate to “write someone off” because they have not met your church’s expectations. They are sheep. They need gentle shepherding. Many a “disappointing” church member becomes a highly-involved leader with loving carefrontation in cooperation with the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

A Side Note

I don’t believe everyone should serve in a church ministry.

It may come across that I think everyone should be involved in a “church” ministry. Nope. There will be many who are truthfully busy and engaged with family, work, community leadership and responsibilities. Don’t communicate that “unless you’re involved in a church ministry, you’re not a good church member.”

That’s why our church constantly reminds one another that we are called to “be the church.” Many do need to discover their area of service within the church’s existing framework of great ministries. Many do need to carve out time for involvement in a smaller group of believers (small group, discipleship group, etc.).

But by encouraging everyone to be the church, you are able to help those who are presently unable to be involved within the church structure to serve wholeheartedly as joyful followers of Jesus who are actively and intentionally building His kingdom.

Preach the “whatevers”

Help your members understand the “whatevers” principle:

“…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

 

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Colossians 3:17)

 

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23, 24)

“Whatever” they do means… whatever. Whether in a church ministry or helping coach a basketball team for their son. Whatever it is, their heart needs to be in their service. They are not serving you or the church. They are serving Jesus. If they are not serving Jesus with the right motivations, with His gifts and energy, they will become depleted and discouraged.

Helping highly involved members say no may prevent a quiet exit. Honest, loving conversations with the uninvolved member will address unmet expectations and provide a path forward.W

In the end, we want friendly, welcoming faces at the “front door” of our churches and friendly, understanding faces at the back door. But let’s make the back door harder to find with intentional member care.

Also in Leaving Church


How long do you plan to be at your church?


Signs that someone is leaving your church


Leaving your church


Why leave your church?


How to leave your church


Loving stops leaving


Leaving your church: Don’t insult a man’s wife


Apologizing to your church for leaving


More reasons people leave the church

View the entire series

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Discipleship Story: Phillip Slaughter

Phillip Slaughter is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Mansfield, Arkansas. He has been featured here on the blog before. He and his wife Rose are former students of mine from BCM days in Monticello, Arkansas. He also served with me at Journey Church and rivals my own corny joke-telling. If you haven’t read the introduction to this series,  please check it out here ! Here’s Phillip’s story:

[image error]I will never forget the day Jeff asked me if I wanted to go through 1-on-1 discipleship with him. I was excited, but I had no idea how it would radically change my life. He taught me God’s Word, allowed me to learn from his life by watching him as a husband and dad (mistakes and all), rebuked me when necessary, encouraged me, and simply lived life with me. I also remember the moment he warned me that he was finished investing in my spiritual development in such an intimate way if I didn’t start obeying the principle of 2 Timothy 2:2. He entrusted truth to me, and it was poor stewardship for me not to pass it on to others who would do the same. I prayed that night and decided to ask a former roommate, Michael Pettiette, if he would commit to studying the Bible with me.

Not only did God use Jeff to exhort me toward obedience, but that obedience led me to a friendship with Michael that has been my most consistent and strongest friendship of my adult life (apart from my wife, Rose). God’s Word radically changed Michael’s life, and we committed to not only studying it but also obeying it (something we are still striving toward today). Thankfully, I can name many men and women who have joined us in following Jesus and making disciples in the way Jeff modeled to me (which finds its roots all the way back to Jesus).

The Bereans

Last week I was hanging out with Austin West, a former student and current Collegiate Coordinator for the Metropolitan New York Baptist Association. I was thinking about the qualities that make him, Michael and so many others successful in their flawed yet impressive pursuits of Jesus. Simultaneously, I was preparing my final sermon in a verse by verse study of 1 Peter. This led me to rediscover a familiar passage while studying the lives of Silas and John Mark (who are both mentioned at the end of Peter’s letter). The passage is found in Acts 17:10-15. It takes place in Berea immediately following a crazy experience in Thessalonica where Paul, Silas, and others were chased out of town. The Bereans were completely different than the Thessalonians. Luke writes,

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11, ESV).

Austin, Michael, and many others share the characteristic of being teachable with the Bereans. Throughout the years, the men and women who I have seen consistently grow in their love, obedience, and commitment to Christ have been teachable. They know they will never be a completed work on this side of eternity. They always strive to know Christ more and live for him more faithfully. They constantly improve at loving others and being valuable to their churches and God’s Kingdom.

Frustrating discipleship experiences

On the other hand, some of my most frustrating experiences as a disciple-maker have been with people who think they have it all figured out. Those stuck in their ways and unwilling to change. People who know enough about God to be blinded to the truth that there is always more to discover and forgetful of the joy of knowing him more. People who do not have the privilege of being acquainted with the heartache of realizing you were wrong about something in the Word or something about God. Do not be like those people. Be like Michael and Austin. Be like Jesus. And make disciples who will do the same.

Heart-check questions

For those of you who have been doing this for a while, are you still teachable? When was the last time you learned something new or realized you were wrong? For those who are new to this, keep pressing on. I cannot begin to describe the joy found in intimately knowing Jesus more and more as the days and years go by.

As a final challenge, I encourage you to read the following passage which Jeff and I studied many times together roughly 18 years ago, and I continue to study frequently today. Read it as if it is your first time:

“…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3:10–16 (ESV))

Also in Discipleship Stories


Introduction: Discipleship Stories


Discipleship Story: Phillip Slaughter

View the entire series

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Introduction: Discipleship Stories

Discipleship Stories

“I wasn’t discipled.”

I confessed that reality in a recent post about our church’s initiative to take every member through an intentional six-week discipleship initiative in 2019.

For someone who wasn’t discipled intentionally, I have prioritized discipling others. For as long as I can remember in ministry, (going on 31 years!) I’ve believed in the importance of discipleship. I don’t know how it happened, but I’m deeply grateful.

I began thinking recently about the guys and girls I’ve had the joy of meeting with in discipling relationships, and I began to reach out to them. My memory is terrible, and so I’m hoping more come forward.

This Discipleship Stories series will feature some of those who agreed to respond with an entry about discipleship and the impact that meeting with another believer to mutually encourage growth in faith has had on their life.

There are several life stages for me that I’ve invested in discipleship:

Third Street Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, Arkansas (1986-1990)
Caddo Valley Baptist Church (same, 1990-1991)
First Baptist Church of Tolar, Texas (1991-1992)
First Baptist Church of Garland, Texas (1992-1995)
Second Baptist Church of Monticello, Arkansas (1995-2003)
Baptist Collegiate Ministry of the University of Arkansas at Monticello (1995-2003)
Journey Church of Monticello, Arkansas (2003-2009)
Northstar Church of Blacksburg, Virginia (2009-present)

In Arkadelphia, I don’t know that I practiced 1-on-1 discipleship. I served as a youth minister and then as a Sunday School teacher, and my understanding of regularly meeting with someone to encourage them in their walk with Jesus was not fully formed. It also had not been modeled for me.

When I got to Tolar, Texas (pop. 412 back in 1991), I began to meet with some of the guys in the youth group 1-on-1 and experienced the joys of seeing them quickly grow in their faith.

By the time I began serving as a collegiate minister in Monticello, Arkansas, I had fully embraced discipleship as a strategy and began using a tool called One on One with God by Jerry Fine to provide structure.

Since then, I’ve used different tools, but my commitment to discipleship has been consistent everywhere I’ve been.

For some, the word “discipleship” conjures up some kind of elitist, supra-spiritual approach to Christianity that is only for a special few.

However, discipleship is simply a relationship between two Christians with the intention of helping one another grow in their relationships with Jesus.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, leaving his disciples to build what would become the church, He instructed them to “make disciples:”

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Simply, “discipleship” should be embraced by every single follower of Jesus. It is intentional. It is relational. Its goal is obedience, and its process is systematic. Jesus told us to “teach them to observe everything I have commanded you.”

This is something every Christian can do. Get involved in the life of another Christian (obviously starting at home) and encourage and teach and remind one another what Jesus said and did.

The connected promise is the presence of Jesus when we make disciples. He said, “I am with you always.”

I’m eager to hear the stories of some of the men and women God has allowed me to meet with over the years. I hope by hearing their stories, you’ll be encouraged and motivated to embrace a life-long commitment to making disciples.

Also in Discipleship Stories


Introduction: Discipleship Stories

View the entire series

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The danger of “the”

The danger of “the” in theology

Theology is the study of God. Interestingly, “ology” added to anything means “a study of.” Biology = the study of life (bio). Theology comes from theos = “God” in Greek, and logos = “the study of.” So, “theos” + ology = study of God.

In a strange wordplay, it’s the “the” in theology that I have a problem with (not theos). When we talk about God and read about Him in the scriptures, “the” gets in the way and actually impersonalizes God who declares that He is love and that He simply.. IS.

When God revealed His name to Moses in the Old Testament, He said that His name was “I am.” He is who He is. Eternal being. I am the “I am.” Fast forward several thousand years when Jesus stands before the Sanhedrin at his mock trial on the eve of His crucifixion.

But he kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One? ” “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What is your decision? ” They all condemned him as deserving death. (Mark 15.61-64)

Why did they condemn Jesus for blasphemy? He used the holy name of God – “I am.”

Then Moses asked God, “If I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name? ’ what should I tell them? ”

God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the Israelites: The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my name forever; this is how I am to be remembered in every generation. (Exodus 3.13-15)

Later, this name of God would be considered so holy that the Jews would not utter it. It is written in the Hebrew as יהוה. These four Hebrew letters are known as the Tetragrammaton. His name is pronounced as Yahweh (yaw-way).

“The divine name was increasingly regarded as too sacred to be uttered; it was thus replaced vocally in the synagogue ritual by the Hebrew word Adonai (“My Lord”), which was translated as Kyrios (“Lord”) in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Hebrew Scriptures.” {Source]

One distinctive way to determine when the Old Testament uses יהוה is that most English translations record it as “LORD” – in all caps. When you see “Lord” it is another name of God – more than likely אֲדֹנָי (Adonai).

What about “the?”

Here’s why I have a problem with “the.” Translators began inserting “the” before the names of God to help it make sense, I suppose. So we read passages like:

“At the time that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens..” (Genesis 2.4)
“The LORD spoke to Moses in the tent of meeting in the Wilderness of Sinai, on the first day of the second month of the second year after Israel’s departure from the land of Egypt.” (Numbers 1:1)
Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD because he did not keep the LORD’s word. He even consulted a medium for guidance, but he did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. (1 Chronicles 10.13-14)
Then everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. (Joel 2.32) (This passage is quoted by Peter in his first sermon after Pentecost in Acts 2.21).

What do you see here over and over? “The” LORD. Our eyes and ears are so trained to insert it that we don’t think twice.

The problem with “the” being inserted (it is not there in the original language of Hebrew) is that while it may clarify and make for easier reading, it also impersonalizes. Yahweh is a personal name. It would be like putting “the” in front of my name every time it’s used. Instead of telling someone, “Jeff loves cream soda,” it would be, “The Jeff loves cream soda.” It might distinguish me as “the” Jeff – as in the original, best, and most unique Jeff out there, but it also removes the relational component.

I believe as we’ve read and heard “the Lord” in our churches, Bibles, and conversations, it has tended to depersonalize our relationship with Yahweh. I know it’s not our intention, and our brains process “the LORD” as personal (I hope).

I have heard, however, people refer to God as “the man upstairs” and use such obviously rote language as “the good Lord” with such casualness that it leaves the impression that it’s more of an impersonal reference to God than indicative of a personal relationship with their Creator who really is good. The worst case scenario is taking God’s name in vain.

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain..” (Exodus 20.7)

This includes using such disrespectful language as goddamn or even an exclamation like “Jesus!” (usually pronounced Jee-zus). According to Ryan Lytton, “A stronger case can be made that ‘taking the Lord’s name in vain’ indicates applying His reputation to things that He didn’t intend. So, when someone says, ‘God told me to…’ they are risking taking the Lord’s name in vain (literally in Hebrew it’s “do not life the name of YHWH your God up to futility/vanity).”

Steadily dining on “the” before LORD can remove the intimacy and intended loving desire of Yahweh to know and relate with us.
Meeting יהוה

God introduced Himself to Moses as יהוה. It was an epic day for humanity to meet Yahweh who personally revealed His name and thus His character. He wanted to be known and He offered Himself in relational love to all who would believe/trust/follow Him in faith.

Later (after Moses had broken the first set of 10 Commandments) Moses would ask to see Yahweh. God replied that He would pass by in front of Him. As He did so, Yahweh elaborated on His name/character:

“The Lord — the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.” (Exodus 34.6-7)

What wonderful revelation! Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love and truth! But also see that “the” is not there in the Hebrew: “Yahweh. Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious El..”

I understand why “the” is used. But the next time you see it in scripture before LORD or God, remind yourself that it’s not there and think how much God loves you and desires an intimate love relationship with you. Yahweh sent the Jesus (the only Son of God) to die for your sins so that you may experience salvation through faith by His grace.

When Jesus told them, “I am,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. (John 18.6)

Helpful Reading

10 Things “Yahweh” Means by John Piper

A Nod

I’m grateful to Ryan Lytton for helping me think through some of the language implications. Ryan is Director of Academic Services at Ignite-Life Pacific College in Christiansburg, Virginia and also a professor at Radford University.

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A hypothetical Father’s Day

Back in 2015 I wrote a post for Father’s Day as a tribute to my dad. As I read over it, I saw that it still applies to him equally as much as it ever did. Hypothetically, a blog post about your dad is a good way to attempt to make up for a Father’s Day gift arriving late. Not that I know of any real-life situations like that. This is purely hypothetical.

My dad, Gayle Noble, grew up in northeast Louisiana and southeast Arkansas. He has two siblings, a brother that we all knew as Uncle Junior since he was named Harry Noble after my grandfather. He has a sister who still lives in his hometown of Hamburg, Arkansas and who is famous regionally for her love of the color pink, even though she has never sold Mary Kay.

[image error]Dad attended Arkansas A&M College (now the University of Arkansas at Monticello) and then went to the University of Oklahoma for an advanced degree in history which he never completed. History remains one of his great loves, and he devours books on history and has read (as far as I know) all of Will Durant’s massive, 11-volume The Story of Civilization.

Work

As long as I can remember, Dad worked as an insurance adjuster. He worked with Custard Insurance and Commercial Credit Claims and also formed his own independent agency, Noble Adjusting. He would drive all over the state of Arkansas viewing large truck wrecks, mobile home damage and the like. He spent weeks in New Orleans for hurricane adjusting. It was during these trips like these where he had a wreck which would end his driving days. It was so severe that he deals with chronic pain and his vision is impaired.

Committed Reader

In spite of impaired vision, Dad is a voracious reader. You’ll find him in his recliner on most afternoons, reading under a bright lamp with a magnifying glass. He looks a little like Sherlock Holmes when doing so. He reads history of course, theology, fiction, anything that he can get his hands on, and he runs circles around me for his sheer volume of reading.

Devoted pray-er

The best gift a dad can give his adult children is one of constant prayer. That is one gift I am confident of receiving from my dad and one that I’m constantly reminded to give Sam and Adelyn these days as young adults. I know my dad prays for me. Having that constant uplifting, even when he doesn’t know specifics (because I’m bad about updating him!), is a reassurance and a comfort. There are many days that I’m doing “great” when I shouldn’t be due to life’s stress and hardship. It’s on days like that that I often think, “Someone is praying for me.” I know that more often than not, that someone is my dad.

[image error] Sweet tooth

If you stop by their house in west Little Rock today and open the pantry, there’s no doubt you’ll find a plastic bin sitting there. It will be full of miniature Baby Ruths and Snickers. My dad has always had a sweet tooth and passed that on to me. I passed it on to Adelyn, who unfortunately has diabetes. It doesn’t stop her from the occasional candy. Dad came by it honestly. My grandmother would always have a cake sitting under the dome. When I visited for summer stays, it was my favorite – a “straw” cake (coconut). If you offer to take Dad to Purple Cow or any other restaurant in Little Rock that serves milkshake or malts, I guarantee he will not turn you down.

Happy Father’s Day

My dad doesn’t have an email address. I don’t know that he has ever used a computer. I know he’s got mad skills on a typewriter. I’ll be depending on my mom to read this blog entry to him (again).

I love you, Dad. I am deeply grateful for you. Thank you for praying with seven year-old me when I asked Jesus into my life. Thank you for your constant presence in my life. Thank you for your faithful love as a father.

And.. hypothetically if you look around and there’s no gift today, it may arrive Monday.

 

 

 

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Make much of Jesus

Last August 29, I wrote a post in which I attempted to shine a light on the goodness of Jesus Christ. I said that I wanted:

“..to shine the brightest spotlight possible upon Jesus Christ. I hope my feeble illumination might encourage you to attempt to do the same – in a tweet, Facebook status, creative video, blog post, coffee convo or bedtime prayers with your kids. I think all of our feeble flickerings together, if singularly focused, might light the darkness that others find themselves in and help them see the Light of the World for the first time in living color.”

Today as I concluded my study through the gospel of Matthew that I began in late January, (using the Christ Chronological Bible), I thought again of how important it is to make much of Jesus. Too often I find myself talking about Macs, iPhones, movies, football, politics and it hits me that Jesus is the most important subject of my life, and I simply talk too little about Him.

Sure, I start most every day focusing on reading, prayer and journaling. I preach most Sundays. I meet with people all the time and counsel them to seek Jesus. I live my daily life in a way to honor His teachings. But as I survey my social media and blog and reflect on casual conversations, I am humbled by the long moments of time in which Jesus is not mentioned or considered.

And yet, I WANT to make much of Jesus.

He is the most important relationship in my life. He is Peace, Redeemer, Hope, Wonder, Friend, Truth, Guide, Counsel, Director, and More. He is Beyond, Other, Faithful, and Love. He is Awesome, Fearful, Creator and Joy simultaneously. He is Power and Quiet, Clear and Veiled, Holy and Near.

“I feel His pleasure”

[image error]In the 1924 Olympic Games, Scottish Jesus-follower Eric Liddell met some scorn from fellow Christians for investing so much time in training and sports when he (in the eyes of some) should have gone to the mission field. Award-winning movie Chariots of Fire tells his story and records a conversation he had with his sister in which he explained:

“I believe God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”

For me, when I preach, I feel God’s pleasure. When I write, I feel His pleasure. When I sit down one-on-one with someone and nudge them with compassion to consider Jesus and His teachings as completely sufficient and wonderful for all the moments of their life, I feel His pleasure.

What is it for you? When you do you feel the pleasure of Christ? When you do you sense His pride and joy in you? Perhaps that’s something you have never dreamed of or considered. The reality is that He loves you. Period.

That’s why I DESIRE to make much of Jesus. For I know in all my small attempts to bring Him glory, I’m humbled to realize that even as I attempt to make much of Him, He has promised to bless, reward, and lavish His love on ME. He is FOR me.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2.16-17)

#MakeMuchOfJesus

I want to encourage you, much as I did in last year’s post. Make much of Jesus. Talk about Jesus and how much He means to you on your next Facebook post or tweet. Work a conversation around to the point of humbly inserting how much Jesus means to you and how faith in Him makes all the difference to you.

When we encounter something sublime or exciting – whether our team winning or a rainbow or the Grand Canyon or a healthy baby, we talk about it. We post on Instagram. We share with others how much something has meant to us. We can be obnoxious about it (think Crimson Tide fans). If you’re like me, and it dawns on you that as much as you love Jesus, you want to talk about Him more, then.. do so. Go for it. In your own way, with your own voice, skills, paintbrush, or post.

He is Good. Worthy. Glorious. Kind. Constant.

#MakeMuchOfJesus

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Joseph and Nick: leaving legalism

Joseph and Nick had a secret. They kept it to themselves for fear of losing their positions of prestige and influence. When you read their story, it’s not even clear when they became aware that each of them loved the same man. The religious culture that they were a part of – even leaders of – was strict. Individually, they must have each felt like spies among a group of religious zealots whose lives behind the scenes revealed as much hate and vitriol as they preached against.

Both Joseph and Nick had become more and more convinced that fulfillment lay elsewhere. But how would they break free from the religious bondage and desperate life of legalism that they’d until recently embraced without question?

It happened one Friday.

As often occurs to thrust one’s secret world into the light, it was a crisis that precipitated both men’s true loyalties. They had been summoned to a meeting, and the results of that meeting unleashed an epic chain of events that thrust them from hiding into the light forever.

The details are recorded in the gospel of John 19:38-42 –

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus — but secretly because of his fear of the Jews — asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’s body. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and took his body away. Nicodemus (who had previously come to him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. They took Jesus’s body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the fragrant spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. There was a garden in the place where he was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish day of preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

Joseph

Joseph was rich, from a small town in Judea of hilly countryside outside of Jerusalem. He was a prominent member of Israel’s ruling religious organization, the Sanhedrin. He had a deep character and a sensitive heart. He was in tune with spiritual things, deeply believing that the coming kingdom of God was near. The crisis of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest had finally pushed him over the edge. He could no longer support the actions and hatred of the men in the Sanhedrin. He had not agreed to their desire to kill Jesus. Whether he had spoken up or not, we do not know. Fear is a crippling deterrent for one in a position of influence.

Nicodemus

Nick was in the same boat as Joseph. He was a closet disciple of Jesus as well. While they both loved Jesus and believed deeply that He was who He said He was, neither had been able to act on their belief. Perhaps they thought they could follow Jesus and stay in their positions of prestige and influence. At one point, Nicodemus had snuck across town at night and met Jesus in a surreptitious rendezvous-vous. It’s recorded in John 3:1-2 –

There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”

Their clandestine conversation bewildered Nick as Jesus spoke to him of being “born again.” It was this momentous encounter that produced for us God’s mission statement. It’s been displayed on monuments and banners, in churches and stadiums:

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Coming out

And so it was that in one day Joseph and Nick left behind their concealed allegiance and approached the Roman governor Pilate and were granted the bloody body of Jesus. As they carried the lifeless corpse of the Christ from the cross to a nearby garden tomb that Joseph had bought and prepared for his own grave, they knew things had changed for them.

Now everyone in the Sanhedrin would know that they too were followers of Jesus. While others had hated Him, they had believed, hoped and expected Jesus to make all things new and right. And now He was dead. The newly purchased linen that wrapped Him was a minor expense compared to what they had lost by exposing their faith.

And they would be mocked, make no mistake. They had cast their lot with a loser. He was as dead as their hopes. How do you go back to the Sanhedrin after the man you professed as Messiah was dead?

Darkness

It was already evening by the time Joseph and Nick competed their burial mission. Out of affection and respect for Jesus, they did what they could and avoided the shame of Jesus’ body being left out in the open. Darkness would hide their individual shame. It also announced the beginning of the Jewish sabbath. That had to have been particularly poignant for them.

Their cohorts on the Sanhedrin undoubtedly were celebrating, relieved to have rid themselves of this Jesus who had challenged their authority, called them hypocrites and unnerved them with his genuine displays of supernatural power. They knew there’d continue to be fallout, but for now, crisis averted and damage controlled.

It was Joseph and Nick who were despondent now. Jesus had spoken of forgiveness and grace and hope and joy. As they walked home, the settling darkness of their souls eclipsed the dusk of the evening.

Why did they do it?

I’m left to wonder why Joseph and Nicodemus revealed themselves as followers of Jesus when they did. Jesus’ disciples had all done the reverse. They had run for cover and denied knowing Him over the same time period. Were they ashamed that they didn’t speak up for Jesus and seek to derail the bogus trial? Did Jesus’ words echo in their minds?

“For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

“Therefore, don’t be afraid of them.. everyone who will acknowledge me before others, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever denies me before others, I will also deny him before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:26, 32-33)

Maybe it was because each of them had tasted of the love of God in Jesus and couldn’t go back to legalism. They had experienced a quality of life, a vibrancy of being, a lift of soul by deeply believing the teachings of Jesus that they had never experienced in the cold, dead, loveless orthodoxy of the religious clan of which they had formerly belonged.

Something had changed within them, and even though they had laid Jesus’ body in the grave, they struggled believing the story was over. Death was final though, wasn’t it?

And so they wondered and grieved and thought and despaired.

What do you do when you can’t go back to the way things were?

In the middle of the dark and in the middle of their doubt, I am sure of one thing. They prayed. They cried out. They poured out their bitter disappointment to God. There would be no immediate answer to Joseph and Nicodemus’ heart-felt cries for another 36 hours at least.

That’s when the sun would rise on Sunday.. and when the Son would rise. Let’s call it Son-day. Then all would be clear and all would be set right.

For now we leave Joseph and Nicodemus in grief and anguish. And let’s take note.. God is uncomfortably (from our perspective) comfortable allowing us to mourn and grieve and despair.. for a time.. to achieve a greater purpose and good.

Nicodemus had once defended Jesus in a risky retort to some of his brother Pharisees:

“Our law doesn’t judge a man before it hears from him and knows what he’s doing, does it?” (John 7:51)

Little did he know then just how profound his question was. What Jesus was doing was beyond what Nicodemus could imagine. And so he must wait for a stone to be rolled away to find out.

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