Discipleship is Essential

Scientifically, it is a common knowledge that food is essential to every human body; for without food, our body weakens, and if our body weakens, we slowly die. In other words, we need food to survive. Similarly, just as we feed our bodies with physical food, we also need discipleship to feed the spirit. In fact, engaging in discipleship does not only condition one spiritually, but holistically: physically, emotionally, mentally, and psychologically among many others.

       

EVANGELISM – Evangelism, by definition, is the act of sharing the gospel, especially to those who are lost, and who has not known Jesus Christ yet. Evangelism may take place anywhere; whether it be in the workplace, in the university, or even just along the streets as sharing God’s word is not restricted in specific places.
 
“Before, I was just no one--literally no one. I do know God during those times, but I do not know him in depth, but one day, I joined an outreach and eventually joined the discipleship that also took place during that time, then my life started to change. Essentially, discipleship helped in many ways not just spiritually, but it has also helped me be more accountable.”
                                                          - Eugene Manahan, 17, Student from San Juan National High School

FOLLOW-UP - After evangelizing and having met all the people one has shared the word with, the next act is to constantly check on them. Checking on them will pave the way for the establishment of one’s relationship with the people, which in effect would further help one to draw these people near to God. Follow up is basically ensuring that the people whom one has met will be literally “followed up,” letting them realize that they are welcome in the loving arms of God, that despite what they’ve done and who they are, they are welcome and that they belong.

“I felt like I matter, because someone checks on me. I feel that follow ups make me more important and that I matter to my spiritual family, and it just feels good to be remembered and loved.
                                   - Kyle Vincent Andrada, 19, Student from Polytechnic University of the Philippines

TEACHING – After one has been followed up, the next step is to teach the people biblical knowledge, enriching their foundation in faith through the word of God. On the other side of evangelizing, teaching is focused on elaborating more about the scripture so that one may grow in maturity biblically. This is to establish the truth amongst the people--instilling in them the difference of right and wrong in the real world and in the word of God, so that people may realize that sometimes, what the world considers right may be deemed by God wrong.

“It helps us to grow up in the presence of Jesus until we can be ready to spread his word. Also, the bible enlightens us by correcting our flaws by developing us into the Christ-like image,”
                                                                       - Ervin P. Villanueva, 18, Student from Golden Faith Academy
 
BUILDING RELATIONSHIP – As the phrase suggests, this stage is the act of building relationships with the people by being with them, always; whether it be in their saddest times, or in their happiest ones--in all their moments one could possibly be in. Many are thankful for being part of a discipleship group because through the relationship they have established with their group, they are able to share all the events in their lives.

“The benefit of belonging in a discipleship group is having a family to share one’s happenings in life and not be condemned for the problems one had faced. Instead, they even help you get through it and be the best person I can be.”
                                       - Christian Abillon, 17, Student from Technological Institute of the Philippines

       

Yes! Definitely. Discipleship is conducive to a better life because it helps us understand the teachings of God. It enables us to see the world through God’s eyes, hear people’s needs through God’s ears, and understand others through God’s heart. Discipleship does not only contain mere words of encouragement, but it undoubtedly changes lives; from a sinner to a believer, from who you were to who you are now in Christ. With all the problems our world faces today, people now more than ever need evangelists like you to give them hope that despite what one is facing, God is able--to love you, to help you, and to be with you in every step of the way.

       

I, too, have undergone each and every stage; from evangelizing to building relationships. And now, as I look back, truly so much has changed about me. However, honestly, from time to time I forget the Lord’s teachings, but then again, that is the purpose of discipleship--to remind us of the real reason why we live: to give him praise, honor him, and spread his word to save more people who have lost their way and draw them back again in the loving arms of the father.
                                                                                          - Paolo Manalac, 17, Student from De La Salle University

“I found companionship on discipleship.”
                                                                                         - Catherine G. Daniel, 24, Accountant, Manila, PH
 
“Discipleship taught me to trust people. It also taught me that I can be trusted by them. Real friends are found in discipleship.”
                                                                                          - Claricel L. Flores, 25, Associate R&D Engineer, Yokohama, JP

“The environment or the people around you affect your pursuit with God, sometimes its slows you down sometimes it create more fun. Discipleship creates an environment that won’t make you lonely at this journey and make your steps one step closer to your calling. Discipleship creates belongingness of your true identity.”
                                                                                         - Lance A. Traigo, 28, Software Engineer, Manila PH