The Fellows program at Impact 360 is truly built to shape and grow students to love and know Jesus more deeply. As Class XX, we have been blessed with many unique and extremely special opportunities to do just that. One of these things is 1:1 discipleship with an older mentor, where we are able to take a deeper dive into vulnerability, encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth.
For many of us, meeting with our disciplers is one of the best parts of the week. It’s a time to slow down and reflect, to genuinely share what the Lord is showing us, and to be shown wisdom from those who have been walking with Jesus longer than we have.
One of the most important aspects of discipleship that I’ve come to value through this journey is intentionality. To be successful in the process of discipleship, one must be very intentional. In this sense, you have to be vulnerable enough to share whatever the Lord has placed on your heart in order for your mentor to establish a firm understanding of how you’re actually doing. Then, you must humble yourself in order to be teachable, so that they can guide you and encourage you. When done in this manner, discipleship proves to be extremely effective in deepening our relationship with God and others.
One of my favorite aspects of discipleship is the 1:1 conversations that take place. Setting aside time to meet with someone to learn and share the ups and downs of life creates a very intentional space for these sorts of conversations to take place. I am able to discuss topics that I wouldn’t normally bring up in casual conversations. When I share my personal struggles with my discipler, I am met with words of compassion and wisdom, constantly pointing me back to the good news of the Gospel.
Along with this, each discipler works with their student through a Bible passage at each meeting, breaking down what God is saying and how it applies to our lives. I’ve found this insight coming from someone with a more keen pattern of thought than myself to be super beneficial in my study of the Scriptures, and I have been able to see those patterns of thought begin to flow into my own personal quiet time with the Lord.
Reflecting on discipleship as a whole, we have experienced many joys from our experiences. As stated earlier, discipleship is an extremely intentional time where authentic people, who actually desire to do life with us, come alongside us and meet us where we are at. They are honest individuals; they understand that they themselves are not perfect nor better than any other, yet they still desire to make themselves available to us always.
Our disciplers are extremely special to us, and they’re the kind of people who you know you’ve found a good thing once you meet them. There really is nothing like it.
Along with these joys also come challenges. It can be challenging at times to be 100% vulnerable, especially during times of confession. In this sense, we as students also need to be honest with ourselves, something that can be difficult at times. Some of us struggle with Scripture memorization as well. Although these things can be a bit harder to work through at times, we know that all of the challenges we face within discipleship are ultimately to grow us and to help us to know God deeper and to appreciate the good gifts that he has given us.
As Class XX, we are abundantly grateful for the gift that is discipleship. It has been paramount to our spiritual growth over the course of this year so far. The skills we are learning have proved to be very useful in our daily walks with the Lord and when it comes to doing life together as well. Our ultimate hope is that in building community through discipleship during our time here, we will become well-equipped to go out and fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Gavin Locke, Class XX