It’s time to focus on disciple making

Have you ever read the pastoral letters of Paul to Timothy? I really think you should.

These are letters of encouragement from a mentor and father figure to a young preacher.

The church was in a metropolitan city and Christianity was a new thing. Paul had started this church and Timothy was there to continue the ministry. Many of the older members were having a problem with a younger preacher, and it was wearing on Timothy.

I think these letters share the importance of mentoring a young person.

The world today is very different than the world I grew up in. The things we take for granted today were Star Trek fantasies when I was younger. The fact that we hold more computing power in our phones than the entire Apollo program had, is testament to the advances we have witnessed. Even with all this technology, we still must deal with the issues of being human.

Christians today must contend with political and social marginalization. Our churches are trying to navigate this new world, and many believers are falling behind. I’ve also noticed that our young people are not taking things at face value anymore, (maybe they never did). So, now there is a call for “real church” and “real religion”.

This is where you and I come in. Our young people need guidance and encouragement. The last thing anyone needs is coddling. We need to become mentors in dealing with the world through Christ. When you see what a young person is exposed to everyday, then you will realize the need for guidance.

I truly believe the church has failed our young people in this respect.

Boundaries have been tossed aside, and self-satisfaction has become the goal. The world has redefined sin, and morals are no longer considered a litmus test of humanity. Our young people need guidance.

In your church are those who are seeking real Christianity. They are wanting to know a real Christ, not this pop culture good guy that some evangelists are selling. They want a real experience of the real Christ in the real world.

It is here we, as followers of Christ, can draw the line and tell the world, NO MORE!

NO MORE calling wrong right and right wrong. NO MORE making excuses for sinful acts. NO MORE wars on the weak and poor. NO MORE cowering behind our church walls. As mentors we can expose these new seekers to the possibilities of life that only God can provide.

When you get to church, encourage your leaders to start mentoring programs. Encourage the pastor to focus on Disciple Making. Help those who are searching for meaning in life, know that Christ gives life meaning. Best of all, offer your self to someone as a mentor and guide.

Or find a mentor and spiritual guide. Seek out someone who can offer encouragement and prayers. But most of all, give yourself to God, so He can bring others to him through you.

See you in church.

Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.