Have you ever noticed how much we rely on systems, strategies, and frameworks in ministry? I’ll admit, as someone who loves a good plan, I’ve been guilty of thinking that a perfectly designed system could solve almost anything. And while structure and organization are vital to church life (I mean, where would the Methodist movement be without John Wesley’s systemized approach?), they fall short in one critical area: making disciples. Discipleship isn’t about checklists or workflows—it’s about relationships. Messy, unpredictable, relational work that doesn’t fit neatly into a spreadsheet. Think about Jesus and Peter. Their story wasn’t linear; it was full of highs and lows, failures and forgiveness. Yet through that relationship, Peter became someone who unmistakably reflected Jesus. In my latest article, I explore the tension between our love of systems and the relational heart of discipleship. I share why we can’t delegate disciple-making to programs and what it means for us to personally invest in relationships that point others to Jesus. If you’ve ever wondered whether your church’s efforts to “make disciples” are hitting the mark—or if you’re ready to embrace the relational art of discipleship—this is for you. I’d love to hear your thoughts after you read it! What’s working in your context, and where do you see the need for more intentional relationships in your ministry? Let’s keep the conversation going!

Posted by Paulo Lopes at 2024-11-26 17:01:03 UTC