Friends of the King: The Divine Design to Enjoy Discipleship

BURLESON, TEX. – As Christians, we eagerly anticipate the joy of being with Christ in eternity, even as we continue to walk this earthly path. 

Along our journey, we may have overlooked the profound significance of both embracing discipleship ourselves and sharing it with others. There have been moments when we could have more fully embraced His teachings and the model He provided to fulfill the Great Commission.

How can we move from the status quo to a genuine discipleship that expands the Kingdom of God? Why is it necessary that we walk our journey of discipleship with love, joy and commitment?

Being a disciple and friend of Jesus is to be a priority for each of us, so why isn't the practice of making disciples given more significance in the activities and plans of ministries and congregations?

For this reason, the Southwestern Union’s Evangelism Department has collaborated on a new book that will act as a guide for positive change in applying God’s divine plan. The purpose of the book is to help each believer and each congregation understand and cultivate at least two essential experiences and challenges with and from Christ. 

First, the relationship experience with Jesus is being His disciple, knowing Him, learning from Him and forming ourselves according to His character and His example. It was never the Lord’s plan for us to be and conduct ourselves as “members,” but rather to be His followers, His disciples and, above all, His friends. Second, the clear challenge of the mission is to “make disciples,” and the best way to do this is with those who are right beside us. Make disciples from within the family, at schools, in our churches and in the community, and then share our experience at the feet of Jesus.

The book will include three practical aids. First, each chapter provides a moment in the reading to reflect on what is being considered as well as a prompting prayer, so that we will not move forward so quickly that we do not set aside time for self-examination and the intervention of the Holy Spirit. Second, a brief section of questions at the end of each chapter that favors dialogue and learning. The questions will be a prompt for discussion for small groups. Third, a QR code at the end of each chapter will direct the reader to a short video in which a moderator and some of the authors will discuss the importance and priorities of the section being studied.

For more information about this project and for resources, please contact the multicultural ministries department at 817.295.0476.

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By Osvaldo Rigacci

VP for Multicultural Ministries