 |
|
Whole-Life Discipleship
By Dr. Ken Turnbull, ACU Vice-Chancellor
|
|
|
Jesus grew up in a culture that modelled discipleship. In application of Deuteronomy 6:4-9, the rabbinic culture was one of a student living with, listening to, learning from and imitating the rabbi. Hours of walking, meals together, reading, studying, praying and times of work and rest were all opportunities for conversation, experience and learning. Jesus demonstrated this same culture with His disciples. This was not just schooling, it was life, and it was transformative.
Uniquely Christian Discipleship
 Christian discipleship has grown out of this same Jewish culture. However, true discipleship is more than the application of a method of teaching or training. Christian discipleship is transformative. Under the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the disciple (a
regenerate believer in Christ), discipleship provides a format where the powers of discernment are trained by constant practice in distinguishing good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). The Christian discipler has the unique tool of the Word of God as the source for the principles that will be taught, lived and modelled for the disciple to imitate (Hebrews 5:12-13). Life experience then brings the lessons for learning. Under the work of the Holy Spirit, the disciple's mind is renewed by the Scripture and sanctification in the daily exercises of the application of discernment in every decision and choice. This progressive experience of overcoming the sin of the flesh in the righteousness of Christ in thought and deed leads to maturity in the life of the Christian disciple.
Teaching vs. Discipleship
The concept of discipleship is often malformed in today's evangelical church by focusing effort solely on the systematic study of doctrine and Scripture to mature the growing disciple. Growth in Scriptural knowledge is certainly an important aspect of discipleship, but it is the experiential application, through the work of the Spirit, that brings living transformation. Discipleship is not merely the renewing of the mind
-
a work of the Spirit through saturation in God's Word (see Romans 12:2 and Hebrews 5:12-14). The more difficult and life-consuming aspect of discipleship is experienced in living, observing and imitating the discipler which brings confrontational reality to the new life in Christ. Too often discipleship in our churches today focuses on a curriculum or programme of teaching, when true discipleship occurs in the type of cultural context similar to Jesus' Jewish experience. A true discipler is then one who is walking with Christ in all aspects of their life while inviting others to participate in life with them and guiding them through contextual discussion, relevant study, real-life experience, opportune training and purposeful prayer together.
Sanctification in the Life of the Disciple
It is important to note that the disciplers are not perfect. They are devout disciples of Christ seeking to walk in the Spirit while serving God for His glory in all that they do. The disciplers are fully living out the gospel in their own sanctification. They may make wrong choices leading to sin, but they learn from those wrong choices. They repent, examine the Scripture and seek counsel from other Christians and authors to better discern good and evil in making choices. A disciple who experiences both the successes and failures of the discipler is experiencing the true Christian life of sanctification. Effective disciplers allow the disciple full access to their lives in turning inexperience to experience, lack of understanding to understanding, poor choices to more discerning choices, sin and forgiveness to righteousness
-it is critical that the disciple experiences the process of sanctification in the life of the discipler. This is whole-life discipleship. A God-honouring marriage relationship is a good example of this type of discipleship between the husband and wife (see Ephesians 5:22-33).
There are likely many in our churches who are living the lifestyle of a Christian discipler, but they may not fully realise that they are discipling, and their church leaders may not consider that they are involved in discipleship. It must be realised that discipleship is not just formal teaching; it is exemplifying the Christian life hand-in-hand with another or others.
The Example of Paul and Timothy
Paul reminds Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10 (ESV) that, "You, however, have
followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness." Note that teaching leads the list of what Timothy experienced while he was with Paul; likewise, renewing the mind leads the process of being transformed in Christ (Romans 12:2). So teaching is certainly critical. But notice the rest of the list of what Timothy experienced under Paul's discipling. He experienced Paul's conduct
-
how he behaved himself, responded to situations and other people. He experienced Paul's aim in life
-
what became most important when Paul faced opposition, fear, turmoil, or in times of peace, joy and comfort. Timothy experienced Paul's faith
-
what truly motivated him and sustained him, the underlying principles from which Paul lived. Timothy was able to see Paul's faith not only by what he taught, but by how he actually lived. Timothy experienced Paul's patience in his circumstances
-
patience with Timothy, and with other people. Likewise, Timothy experienced Paul's love for him, for the brethren, for the Jews, for the heathen and for Christ Himself. And Timothy experienced Paul's steadfastness in all of his disappointments, trials and suffering; Timothy saw Paul press on for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
This is a wonderful expression of a discipling relationship. And realise, Timothy was not the only disciple with Paul. Imagine how intimate the relationship must be, how much time the discipler and disciple are together, how many things they experience together, and how much time is spent discussing and learning from the experiences? Discipling occurs as we live out the Christian life with others and allow them to see and understand why we live the way we do. Effective parenting is a vivid example of discipleship.
Practical Discipleship
You are discipling if you are a hospitable, encouraging Christian who allows others to come into your home and see how you behave with your spouse, with your children and with others. You are discipling if you invite other Christians along while you visit a friend, the sick or bereaved. You disciple another Christian if you invite them to join you as you work or conduct business. You are discipling if you demonstrate the way you practice your vocation in a God glorifying way whether that be in art, carpentry, automotive work, accounting, teaching, research, engineering or any other occupation. Sharing the living out of your Christian life with another Christian is discipleship. Accentuating the shared experience with a disciple through explaining the Biblical principles for why you do the things you do saturates the discipleship process. For example, the Christian carpenter who demonstrates to his disciple the importance of using a square while perfecting every corner of his masterpiece. He explains his desire to do all things as unto the Lord, to glorify God. He allows the disciple to understand the motivating force of his faith that drives him to do the highest quality of work that he can. The landscaper who can work alongside her disciple demonstrating the importance of wise stewardship of God's resources while subduing the earth. She takes dominion in ordering and beautifying unkept bushland into beautifully landscaped, peaceful garden space that soothes the soul. This is active discipleship.
Are You a Whole-Life Discipler?
This describes the discipleship that we are seeking from everyone involved with African Christian University. We do not simply want to impact the intellect in the classroom; we want to disciple the student in the whole life of
being a Christian. Perhaps you have what it takes to live your life and
vocation out with African students who can learn the Christian life as they experience life alongside you? Contact us: [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
Why Volunteer
By Davey Hoffman, ACU Scholars Programme Instructor
|
|
|
"
Is it worth it?
"
We have all asked that question at one time or another. We ponder this when life gets hard or when things do not go the way we expect. Is the struggle, is the sacrifice going to be worth it at the end of the day?
It is easy to ask that question at ACU. It is easy to question why we continue to struggle to receive
regist
ration, struggle to set up a campus, struggle to mould and polish a God-honouring curriculum
and
, for a few of us, struggle in all these things while learning a new culture.
W
e
should not lose sight of why we struggle through these things, or anything in life for that matter
.
Rather, we
persevere because we know that
our
Creator, Saviour
,
Redeemer and F
riend
has called us to live a life of love towards
Him
; to give Him the glory in all things.
How then can we live this life of love and gratitude towards
Him? By doing what we would do in any relationship, that is, doing what pleases Him. And what is it that pleases Him?
It is doing what He has asked us to.
So
, what are we called to do? Specifically, what are we called to do as children of God? Looking to His word, we find that we are called to do many things. We are called to love one another,
to serve the poor and needy, to be good stewards, and to
w
orship in spirit and truth. However, I think there is one task in which ACU may find its primary focus.
And Jesus came and said to them,
"
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
"
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
Discipleship. The hard, strenuous mining of the soul that cultivates in the heart of the believer not only a deeper and richer understanding of who God is, but also an understanding of who we are in light of who He is. From this we develop worldviews, callings, ministries and communities. From this the church grows and is built up. From this came the foundations of what we believe, founded by Christ, the Head Himself.
 Discipleship involves more than just teaching the right answer in a Bible study, how to pronounce theological terms or even what is the best way to lead a worship service. Discipleship involves taking the truth of God
'
s
Word and applying it to all things from the smallest (like drinking water) to the grandest (like ruling a nation). A believer must know how his or her faith affects every area of life including church, family, work, recreation, social interactions and acts of service. The list goes on and on. It is holistic and inclusive of every sphere of life.
The vision of ACU is to build a community that is grounded, first and foremost, in discipleship. A vision of cultivating a worldview that puts Christ over and above all areas of life.
Ladies and gentlemen, that is why the struggle is worth it. That is why we volunteer at ACU. Is ACU building churches and creating converts? Not necessarily. Is it following Christ
'
s call to make disciples by cultivating lives that seek
Christ
and His glory? Yes, and may that now and always be the life-blood of African Christian University.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The J
onathan Edwards Library is taking shape under the diligent and careful oversight of librarian Kendra Hawley
.
We are grateful for the numerous volumes of books that have been donated, mostly from friends in the U.S
.
However, there remains a profound need.
ACU will be establishing a seminary as part of graduate level studies in Theology
.
We have been blessed with many donations of theological and religious books for our library
.
We are well on our way, we believe, to having the most expansive evangelical theological library on the continent
.
Praise God for His provision of these books through the generosity of many of His saints.
ACU is, however, a university which will include the breadth of humanities and sciences as academic offerings. Therefore, we desperately need textbooks and other scholarly publications in fields of study other than theology and religion. These books do not need to be explicitly Christian, just intellectually inform
ative, legitimate and current. Please help us with this important request.
For further information, please contact [email protected]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Please continue to pray for the registration process for ACU with the Higher Education Authority. Join us in praying that the Authority will complete this process without further delay.
2. The Paul family is putting together final preparations for their move to Zambia in November. Please remember them in prayer during this transition time.
3. On the 7th of November, ACU has been asked to make a presentation to several Lusaka churches. Please pray for those making the presentations. Also pray that the hearers will be challenged by ACU's vision of Christian worldview education in every discipline.
4. Pray that God, through His people, would provide support for several families who desire to serve in Zambia with ACU, particularly the Pauls, Janse van Rensburgs, and Kilians.
5. There are several family difficulties facing the missionary staff of ACU. Please pray with us for opportunities to connect with our families even though distance separates us.
6. Preparation work is going on at the Chisamba land. Please pray for wisdom and resources to complete these projects (specifically electrical and water projects).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. We thank the Lord for Ben & Abby Kilian's visit in September. Please pray with them as they begin preparations towards moving to Zambia to serve with ACU.
2. We are grateful that the Jonathan Edwards Library is now set up in the converted shipping container. Continued preparation and cataloguing is ongoing.
3. We are grateful for the many volunteers helping with projects at ACU. This university is truly an international work of God's people.
4. We thank the Lord for all those who support ACU and the individuals serving here.
5. Praise the Lord for continued safety of the ACU staff and families as we live and travel around Lusaka and beyond.
|
|
|
|
|
Seeking Help
|
|
If God has gifted you as an artisan of excellence in any aspect of the construction trade, consider
discipling colleagues and students with ACU.
Please contact us if you believe God is calling you to serve His kingdom wor
k in this way.
 
Current Faculty Needs:
Theology - Education
Business - Agriculture
with future expansion to cover all humanities and sciences
|
|
|
|
Links
|
|
|
The "Friends of ACU" campaign seeks partners for a 10 month duration to
support special projects with monthly gifts in 3 categories:
Bronze K500/mo
Silver K1,000/mo
Gold K1,500/mo
Contact Gladys Mposha for more information or to sign up as a partner. [email protected].
A Letter From Kabwata
|
|
|
|
|
|
