manupthebook

One of the things that I’ve noticed is that there are many different languages used when talking about discipleship or spiritual parenthood. The language varies from denomination to denomination and from demographic to demographic.

All of these languages are attempting to convey a message of discipleship. But becoming a disciple is more than forming minds. Becoming a spiritual parent or disciple is a movement of the heart. Whatever language that is used has to be able to touch the heart.

When I really thought deeply about discipleship, I saw a parallel between the process of parenthood and the process of forming disciples. I recognized that God, the perfect parent, followed a sequence with Adam and Eve. Jesus followed the same sequence with his Apostles. We follow the same sequence as we raise our children. As children, we learn best from the same sequence.

Even if we don’t have biological children, we coach and mentor others by using the same sequence. The sequence of discipleship, of spiritual parenthood, is implanted in us. It is natural to us.

In the Bible, the pattern of parenthood is evident and the pattern of discipleship is evident as well. STEPUP points out the pattern in scripture and uses the language of parenthood. STEPUP shows us that we know how to be disciples. We are wired to help others grow. As we grow in our own faith, we are further prepared to help others grow as well.

This what spiritual parenthood, discipleship, is all about