Dollar Store Discipleship

The past few months I’ve been doing a lot of praying, reading, and thinking about what it means to truly be a follower of Jesus Christ.  Most of us Christians know we are to be disciples and make disciples.  But, how does it happen . . . and at what cost?

One of the many books that I have read (or re-read) in the past three months is a little 96-page book written three decades ago by William L. Hendricks.  Deepening Discipleship was a book Hendricks wrote for teens (under the auspices of the old Baptist Sunday School Board).

It was a simple book, but the five chapter titles really struck a nerve:

1. Welcome to Discipleship! (because you are now on a “life or death” team)
2. How Much Did It Cost God (everything)
3. Your Part Costs a Lot, Too! (praying, staying, watching, broadcasting, risking)
4. And It’s Going to Continue to Cost! (discipleship is your Christian life – all of you)
5. But It’s Worth It (Holy Spirit power and a place to go)

What I loved is that Hendricks said it plain . . . without any sugar-coating.

Fast-forward 30 years to 2011.  The church in America is overwhelmed by those who really don’t want the “real deal.”  They are very content with “Dollar Store discipleship.”

I don’t want to settle for the cheap imitation.  I don’t want those whom I influence (including those in the church I pastor) to settle for Dollar Store discipleship.  Let’s be willing to pay the full price and attain authentic discipleship.

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