Church bulletin:
We live at a time when ministry is increasingly focused upon specific groups – women’s ministry, men’s ministry, young people’s ministry, etc. I certainly think there is a place to address individual needs which people have at particular times. Titus 2 provides a good example: vv3-5, “the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—4that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”
A Christian battling with discouragement could benefit from a brother or sister in the Lord spending time with them to talk and pray. Someone with learning difficulties or social anxiety could benefit from a mature Christian visiting regularly to lead Bible studies. An abused woman could benefit from a lady in the church offering support and encouragement. There are numerous examples of ministry tailored to a particular person and setting.
It seems to me however that many Christians see discipleship almost exclusively in these terms. Real discipleship takes place in the context of specific groups such as men’s meetings or one on one interaction. I have sometimes wondered where this leaves public preaching. As I read through the New Testament I see far more significance given to the public ministry of God’s Word than small groups or one on one teaching. If preaching isn’t intended for discipleship then what purpose does it serve? Why does Paul urge Timothy to keep preaching to the church “in season and out of season”? At the end of the day we all have the same problem regardless of age, sex or background – the problem of sin. We all need to mortify the flesh. We all have the same hope. Preaching is not the only way we are equipped to live as saints, but it does have a primary and indispensable place given by God.
By all means let us meet in small groups and minister one on one, but let us not downplay preaching as the principle tool in discipleship. Clearly it is through preaching that the Spirit most powerfully works. 2 Tim 4:2, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
Pray continually for accurate earnest preaching, and thoughtful earnest listening.
Andrew