There’s comfort in isolation. A deep comfort of not wanting to allow anyone. As the lies that whisper in the lurking shadows demand that everyone is out to get you. Mask up, cover up , guard up. The thicker your walls, the harder anyone will penetrate through. Like a princess stuck at the top of a tower, with no exit and firing breathing dragon, and the flows that guard the tower are hot lava , this is my journey to embracing discipleship.
UP, IN, OUT. A song I accidentally heard from Apostle Mukisa’s sermon that one time. And wondered to myself, why do we have triangles being taught in church. Is this, in whispers, the lefties group!! Gasp! Nay!. This was in fact a sermon illustration on how discipleship group’s function.
Let me explain, there is something known as a discipleship language. Using geometric symbols to represent a foundational teaching of Jesus or principles from His life. Circles represent continuous learning and growth. Triangles emphasize balance relationships with God (up), from believers (in) and Community (out). Octagon represents a person of peace. A tool to identify the people God has already put in the mission field to help you out. Life rhythms (semi-circle) are a tool to illustrate the rhythm of rest and that the members are living their best lives through the rhythms of grace.
Very straightforward. But what exactly is D.I.S.C.I.P.L.I.S.H.I.P. From Jesus, He models this so well. Jesus modelled true discipleship. Through Invitation and Challenge. A gifted disciple (i,e. a follower of Christ) is someone who invites people into a covenantal relationship with him or her, but challenges that person to live into his or her true identity in very direct yet graceful ways.
Jesus drew his disciples closer, loved them, and invited them to share life with him. But in the process, he also called them to give their lives to a great and challenging cause – that of introducing the world to God’s plan and purpose. He created a highly inviting but at the same time a highly challenging culture for his disciples to function and grow within.
Wanjau, Muriithi ; Kimaru, Angela; Opiyo, Jerry Rawlings. Discipleship Group Leaders Guide (p. 60). Kindle Edition.
It’s simple right? Yet it took me close to 3 years to understand this concept as past hurts had deprived me of the joy of fellowship. The world hails independence, self-preservation, self-(add any other word you had heard before that has been hailed to be great) yet there is a deep hunger to be seen, to be loved, to be corrected and to belong. Though the journey of opening up your life, to an authority figure that is accountable to yet another authority figure, it allows room for embracing the tough conversations and growth.
Discipleship is a way of life
A story is told of a village that had many beautiful flowers and trees, they were scattered and unorganized. A young woman realized that if everyone learned to care for a seed—sharing the water, soil, and sunlight—the whole village would bloom. One day, she gathered the villagers under the ancient oak tree and shared her vision: a garden where every person became both a student and a teacher. She explained that when one person learns to plant a seed and nurture it into a mighty tree, they in turn can help others do the same.
Inspired the villagers began to form small groups, meeting regularly to share their successes and challenges. They called these gatherings “ huddles” where each person brought their little seed of potential and learned the art of caring for it. As these small groups flourished, the garden transformed into a vibrant, interwoven tapestry of life—a living example of how intentional care, guidance, and shared wisdom could lead to abundant growth.
The villagers soon discovered that this wasn’t just about gardening; it was about building a discipling culture.
Using the analogue of a Garden: When one person learns to plant a seed and nurtures it into a mighty tree, everyone in turn can help others do the same
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