Developing a Discipleship System
We Dare Not Fail Them!
by Ralph E. Bauserman, Evangelism Consultant, General Board of Discipleship

On September 16, 2001, the Sunday following our national tragedy, my wife and I were in Lewisburg, West Virginia. We worshiped that morning with the local United Methodist Church. Not only were we blessed by a wonderful worship service, but we also were challenged by a powerful and timely sermon. The church that morning had run short on bulletins. They simply had not anticipated the increased number of worshipers. The last church I served — on the east edge of metropolitan Columbus, Ohio — had an average worship attendance of well over 1,600. On Sunday, September 16, there were over 3,200 in the morning worship services of that church. All over the United States, people are turning to churches in increasing numbers. This raises a very serious question for all of us who believe that the first order of business for the church is that of making disciples: "Are we ready for this new opportunity that is now at our very doors?"

There can be no doubt that people are now turning to the church because they are looking for something that their instincts tell them cannot be found anyplace else. All at once, we are all faced with a national tragedy, the likes of which we have never seen; and suddenly people are trying, almost desperately, to make some sense out of life. They are searching for answers to the deep and penetrating questions that will not go away. They are seeking some sense of security in the face of a new wave of fear. They are struggling to renew their hope in the midst of despair.

Our churches now have a new and unexpected opportunity to help new seekers discover a faith that is not only relevant, but is solid and dependable — even in times like these. Churches with effective discipleship systems are providing worship services that are carefully planned and executed. Pastors, in their preaching, are working harder than ever to bring the great biblical truths to bear on the real issues now affecting the lives of our people. We are struggling with how to help our people distinguish between revenge and justice. We continue to wave the banners of peace, rather than giving a blanket endorsement of war. We continue to feel the pain and suffering of our own people, as well as the suffering of other innocent victims of political turmoil, hunger, disease, and war. We support the efforts of our country and our churches to alleviate human suffering in whatever form it may take and in whatever area of the world it may occur.

In and through all the anxiety, anger, and fear of the American people, the message of the church must always be what our people need to hear — not necessarily what they want to hear. This will not always be easy or popular; but the church, while offering hope, must also help people know what it means to live within the will of God and to pray and work together for the ultimate coming of God's kingdom.

Yes, people in increasing numbers are now turning to the churches of America. They are looking for something, if only to make some sense out of life. Compassionate churches that truly care about people and that are serious about making disciples know that we dare not fail those people!

posted 11-16-01