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Sometimes in ministry the word ‘discipleship’ becomes a word that is used so frequently that it loses its meaning. Sometimes ‘discipleship’ becomes a non-word because pastors and church members alike forget the true meaning of being a disciple.rnrnJesus’ disciples (and disciples of other great teachers throughout the ages) were not merely people who agreed with what was taught by an admired person. Their discipleship experience wasn’t about sitting at home having a chat here and there about the latest news relating to the teacher and his ways. A disciple left his home, his employment, his family, and followed his teacher everywhere. He learned to eat like his teacher, speak like his teacher, walk like his teacher, live like his teacher. The goal was to be a replica of his teacher.rnrnAs 21st Century disciples our connection with Jesus is the basis of every ministry we (and our churches) undertake. The best gift you can give to your church is that you remain plugged in to the Source. Jesus Himself referred to it in John 15:5: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” NLTrnrnOur focus as ministers of the gospel is not about producing fruit, but on remaining with the One who produces fruit through you – to be a disciple by spending time with God thereby allowing Him to do what needs to be done in and through us.rnrnFor many of us, being still and allowing our relationship with Jesus to grow and deepen is a foreign idea. We want to work, to be able to say we’ve done this and this and this. But, paradoxically, to be Jesus’ disciple and to lead others into discipleship is more about being with Jesus than being busy running programmes, holding meetings, and supporting ministry initiatives.rnrnIn the book of Acts we read of the activities of the disciples after Jesus’ ascension. By the power of the Holy Spirit their discipleship experience shifted from simply being disciples to growing more disciples. And so it should be of all Christians today – to be a disciple and to grow disciples is to be part of the great Adventist Movement.rnrnAs a pastor, how much of a disciple are you?  Do you spend time with God every day, just being, telling Him the raw feelings of your heart, listening for His voice? Are you too busy studying, leading, worrying, to stop, you’ll do it later? Are you growing disciples? Do you measure ‘success’ based on more baptisms and overflowing churches, or is it more about being confident that your attendees are connecting to the Source?rnrnDiscipleshift. Change the game. Connect with God. Together, with Him,  produce more disciples.rnrnIt’s what God called you to do.rnrn