Often times when I was growing up, our entire purpose and goal within the Church was structured around baptism. I grew up in a mainstream denomination that is still very popular today. This denomination looked at each Church, and would try to evaluate it’s health based upon one criteria; baptism. This created a culture within the Church that baptism was the ultimate goal. I still see the remnants of this around me. One of my fellow Church planters back home has recently lost funding for his plant from his denomination because they didn’t have enough baptisms. Although I understand there needs to be a tangible way to measure Church health, I believe this causes more harm than good. Although baptism is a goal, it is not the goal.
Matthew 28 is what we at Stone Oak Bible Church have chosen as our mission. Specifically we have chosen making disciples as our mission. We believe that our ultimate purpose does not end once the sinner has been saved, but begins. This is what fuels my passion for discipleship. Often times I would see many people coming to an understanding of what Christ has done for them, and choosing to follow in obedience to Christ by way of baptism. We would all celebrate this win by Christ, but then we leave them in the water. There isn’t a next step. It is simply a “welcome to Christianity, hope you can find your own way” mentality.
By creating this sort of dynamic within the Church we have many immature Christians. We end up with a large group of individuals who are entering a dark room and have no idea what is around them or where to go. I believe we have missed the mark of Matthew 28 if we leave our fellow brothers and sisters here. I believe it is our goal and mandate to grab our own lights and show them the way.
I am grateful for the people within my own life that have helped me along the way. Everyone from my family, to professors, to pastors. Thank you for showing me, guiding me, and correcting me. Thank you for being patient with me as I stumble through the darkness trying to find my own way. I pray that as I continue in this journey of seeking Christ that my light will shine brighter for Christ, and I will be able to guide those behind and ahead. It is my prayer that we, the people of Stone Oak Bible Church, would not leave Christians in the water, but would reach down and begin the process of discipleship.
Are you currently being discipled? Are you currently discipling? It is our goal that each individual of Stone Oak Bible Church is able to glean from those further down the road, and able to guide those who aren’t as far. If you are missing either of these relationships I would suggest you join in a community group beginning in February here at Stone Oak Bible. It is the perfect place for these relationships to form.