Discipleship in 2025

Friends, we are quickly approaching the last Sunday morning we’ll get to see one another before a new year is upon us! As 2024 ends and 2025 begins, it’s a good time to pause and consider, “Lord, what are you calling me to do over the next year?”

For some, a broad question like that is exciting! You eat priorities and goals for breakfast. For others, it’s overwhelming. Next year? I’m not sure I’m ready for next week!

Most of you I know. Some of you I don’t. But if you’re a Christian, I don’t need to know you personally to tell you on the authority of God’s Word in Matthew chapter 28 exactly what he has called you to do next year:

He’s called you to make disciples, to help the people around you to become wholehearted followers of Jesus in every area of life. We say it like this at KingsWay: We exist to help one another enjoy a growing relationship with God. Why? Because following Jesus means helping other people to follow Jesus – to trust him and live for him as their greatest treasure!

With that vision in view, ask the Lord one question of 2024:

By your grace, Father, who was I able to help follow you last year? Listen for His answer, and then thank the Spirit for using you. Give all the glory to God!

And then ask the Lord two questions about the coming year:

Of my friends outside our church who do not know you, for whom should I especially pray and initiate conversation about the gospel?
Of my friends in our church who already do know you, for whom should I especially pray and regularly schedule time to talk so we can discuss the everyday implications of the gospel, and I can help them grow?

It’s not arrogant to ask that question. False humility says, “I’m in no position to help anyone to grow. I have too many needs of my own!” You will always have needs, Christian. And top of the list is a need to be faithful and focused on the mission God has set before us.

Disciples are not made by accident. They are made by men and women like you who demonstrate they are disciples by making more disciples. Let’s be a people who are all the more diligent and intentional in this area over the next year.

I’m not inviting you to join a program. I’m not asking you to sign up for something. I’m saying, “If you consider yourself a follower of Jesus, then follow him by making disciples.” That’s not what we pay the pastor to do. That’s what Jesus saves every believer to do. That’s what God has called every member of our church to do in 2025.

Who can I introduce to Jesus? Who can I help to follow Jesus? Don’t let 2025 begin before you ask and answer those two questions, brothers and sisters.

Matthew Williams