Strengthening Our Faith- by Bishop Chad Fickett

SPRING 2024 ISSUE | 4 minute read

Discipleship, Church Membership, and Tithing:
Strengthening Our Faith

In the Church of God, we place great emphasis on the youth department, calling it Youth & Discipleship. However, it is disheartening to realize that while we have numerous youth events, discipleship often takes a backseat. It is important to acknowledge that there are churches that prioritize discipleship among students, but it is not always highlighted or promoted as fervently as the next big event. This raises the question: Why is discipleship so important?

Just consider the time spent by students in their week. On average, a teenager spends 35 hours per week at school but only 1-2 hours at church. In a typical year, this amounts to 1,260 hours in school and a mere 52 hours at church. Given the abundance of false theologies and cultural ideologies promoted in public schools, it becomes urgent for us to be more intentional and dedicated to discipleship. The Christian adult is no different. The constant flow of ideologies from social media, internet, TV, and movies can overwhelm one's understanding of scripture if they are not actively being discipled.

What exactly is a disciple? The term "disciple" originates from the Greek word "mathetes," which translates to "learner." If our success in making disciples is measured by the extent of their learning, we must ask ourselves: Have our students and adults truly learned anything? The goal of our ministries and churches should not merely focus on gathering followers, but on cultivating a community of committed disciples. We should strive to create an environment where individuals hunger for knowledge and eagerly shape their lives accordingly. A disciple requires a teacher, as emphasized by Jesus in Matthew 11:29: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." We ought to yoke ourselves to Christ and learn from Him.

Discipleship is an active and engaged lifestyle, not a passive one. Martin Luther said, "A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing." Being a disciple of Christ will cost us. Unfortunately, many of our church members view discipleship as something that happens to them rather than actively learning to pursue the Master. We must shift this mindset and encourage our people to press in and become disciples rather than mere followers. Disciples are constantly searching the Word, seeking to grow their faith and stretching their understanding. It is important to note that I am not advocating for the erasure of all event-oriented activities, but we must make it a priority to empower our members to actively embrace their discipleship journey.

When someone is discipled, they comprehend the true nature and value of Church Membership. It becomes a desire to be part of a community of disciples. Membership holds significance in that it signifies the church's recognition of the Mark of Christ in an individual and their invitation to belong to the "Way." The process and qualifications of Church of God membership are outlined in the church minutes, and it is beneficial for pastors and leaders to appreciate its value. Being a member teaches us to be engaged members of the faith community, committing ourselves to love, serve, and support one another. By belonging to a community that uplifts, encourages, challenges, and nurtures our growth, we can deepen our discipleship journey. Membership allows the disciple to become a steward of their finance and be a part of sowing into good ground to help reach the harvest.

In conclusion, discipleship, church membership, and tithing are essential components of a vibrant and growing church. It is crucial that we prioritize discipleship, recognizing that it requires active participation and dedication. We must strive to create an environment where individuals are hungry to learn, grow, and pattern their lives after Christ. Additionally, church membership serves as a testament to our commitment to the community of faith, allowing us to be part of a group that both supports us and challenges us to deepen our discipleship. Together, let us embrace these principles and cultivate a thriving church that glorifies God through our discipleship journey.

Bishop Chad Fickett
Youth & Discipleship Director
Virginia Church of God State Office