This is our responsibility

“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”

Colossians 1:28

Back to the Basics

At Antioch Baptist Church, we are currently focusing on becoming a church of disciples that make disciples. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 should be a filter through which we live our lives. Shawn Hammontree (Education and Discipleship Pastor) has pressed that verse from Colossians into the collective mind of the church.

Defining the Term

But what is a disciple? Merriam-Webster defines it as “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.” What a great definition! We have to accept and then spread the doctrine of Christ. But that verse in Colossians says “everyone” a couple of times. “Everyone” is a daunting task. Sometimes when I’m faced with a daunting task, I like to start simple. In this case, that means starting at home.

The Best Place to Start

Discipling at home is a fantastic place to start for several reasons.

First of all, there’s a captive audience. You don’t have to go to a “mission field.” Your home is the mission field where you will spend most of your life. Your family is going to listen. They want you to pour into them. They need you to pour into them.

Secondly, they are a forgiving audience. You get flustered easily discussing your faith? They don’t care. You find talking about faith matters hard? They will be patient. Does your 15-year-old have a question you can’t answer? They’ll be waiting when you find the answer.

Lastly, what better investment can you make than the time discipling in your home?

My Experience

I have found recently that Tuesday mornings with my sons before school is a great time to disciple. We started last school year, and unless there’s a calendar issue, I take them to breakfast and we have a quick discussion through the filter of the Bible about life, faith, etc. They now ask me on Monday nights, “Hey Dad, where are we eating in the morning?” Those Tuesday morning chats have become one of the highlights of my week. Find a way to make discipling your children a part of your routine and prioritize it.

Spouse Support

Scripture says a man should love his wife like Christ loved the church. Among the chief things Christ did for the church was making disciples.

How do we do that with our wives?

• Pray together.

• Go to church together.

• Do a Bible study together.

There are numerous ways to disciple our wives. Struggling to figure out how? Ask another, older couple that has already been there and done that. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Our Responsibility

As followers of Christ and servant leaders, we are responsible for discipling our families. I can only pray that when we’ve finished our race here on this earth, our families are included in the “everyone” that is presented fully mature in Christ.

Thad Hardin

MD5 Facilitator