Pursuing Christian Discipleship

Christian discipleship is such a foreign concept to so many people, even among well-established believers. I recently taught on this very subject within our Marriage Matters community at church. We talked about a number of areas, such as repentance, a long obedience in the same direction (thanks to Eugene Peterson), weighing the cost of being a disciple, etc. And I believe that individuals, in general, acknowledged the need for these things. But what was revealed through our discussions is that many of these couples do not truly have a framework or foundation of discipleship. There is little intentionality in being a pupil of Jesus, or a sense of purposeful "following" after Jesus.

It became apparent that most of these couples were more interested in Christian "experiences" that transform their lives - that give them a sort of leap or boost towards Jesus, towards becoming more like him. It is as if some metaphysical experience has been elevated beyond the centrality of Jesus and being a disciplined follower of him. And it makes sense; having an "experience" is the easiest route to expedient transformation. It also has the added bonus of providing an emotional euphoria that is difficult to replicate, and having such an experience requires little effort beyond showing up.

Where is the sweat and work in engaging God's Word? Where is the effort to worship individually, to fast and pray, to confess and repent before the Lord, to be mentored and to mentor others (especially within the family), to read and engage great biblical leaders/scholars? Where are the basic spiritual disciplines that lead us down a path of being spiritual "self-feeders?"

I suppose I am looking for a particular culture, an environment or community that seeks to move beyond the worship of Christian experience. I am looking for those who truly want to learn and grow, and who are willing to engage discipleship with a renewed intensity.