This January, our church will launch Disciple Groups, and we're eager for our people to experience true community and spiritual growth. It's an exciting step in our mission to bring our community into authentic life together with Jesus Christ. Discipleship is all about becoming more like Jesus. If that’s true, why would any Christian choose not to be a part of a Disciple Group? Sadly, many have convinced themselves that their excuses are legitimate.

1. Bad Experiences

Some have had a bad experience in a small group. I understand that since I’ve had a few difficult ones myself. However, the truth is that bad experiences--when viewed through the lens of discipleship--are often opportunities to become more like Jesus.

For example, you have to be hurt in order to learn forgiveness. You can only develop patience in circumstances that require it. God often uses uncomfortable relationships to shape Christlike character in us.

2. Fear of Vulnerability

Others resist community because they’re hiding. They're unwilling to risk being known and making themselves vulnerable. Sometimes guilt over past mistakes builds walls to protect from judgment or shame.

However, those walls don't protect--they imprison. They keep us from community and hinder spiritual growth. True discipleship calls us to let others see who we really are so that Christ can shape us through community.

3. Pride and Independence

Still others avoid discipleship groups out of sinful pride. This pride takes many forms. It may sound like independence: “I don’t really need this.” Or selfishness: “I don’t really want to do this--it’s not my thing.”

We live in a world that idolizes personal autonomy, but that mindset runs contrary to biblical Christianity. You can’t be like Jesus without loving and serving others.

Bearing One Another's Burdens

The Bible says, “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) In the previous chapter, the Apostle Paul explains that the law of Christ is “loving your neighbor as yourself.” (5:14)

I can’t help you bear your burden if I don’t know what it is, and you can’t help me carry my burden for the same reason.

Burdens come in two forms: physical needs and heart needs. The burdens of the heart reveal our dependence on God and others, teaching us to live an abundant life in a broken world.

• If you're hurting, you need a caring person.
• If you’re lonely, you need relationships.
• If you’re afraid, you need a refuge.
• If you live with shame, you need full forgiveness.
• If you’re rejoicing, you need others to celebrate with you.
• This is what Jesus wants for you.

A Call to Authentic Community

Yet there are believers who go to church, attend Bible studies, and even serve faithfully--yet remain disconnected from true community and stagnant in spiritual growth.

• So, are you willing to risk being known and knowing others?
• To love and be loved?
• To serve and be served?
• To affirm and be affirmed?
• To admonish and be admonished?

To be like Jesus is to extend the same grace you have received. It is to humble yourself, as He did, for the sake of others. It won’t be easy. You’ll have to step out of your comfort zone. There will be serious challenges along the way.

But for those who pursue Christlikeness, it’s the only way.