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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-mdwo-HXIw&feature=youtu.bernrnSometimes in Christianity the word ‘discipleship’ is a word that is used so frequently that it loses its meaning. Sometimes the concept of ‘discipleship’ is completely forgotten and we lose sight of the true meaning of being a disciple. Many of us are unsettled and on a constant search for a deeper connection with God, wondering how that connection will translate into action and bring greater intimacy into our relationship with Jesus. This is where discipleship comes in. Discipleship is our primary focus at NZPUC. We would like to challenge ourselves, our administrators and our members to be true disciples and help others to become disciples too. Join us on a journey of discovery as we seek to create a Discipleshift.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.rnrnSo what is a disciple? What is a Discipleshift? We believe the bible sums up perfectly what a disciple is in this text:rnrn“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3rnrnA disciple then, is someone who is becoming more like Jesus as they grow more fully in relationship with him. The flow on effect is that they will also be making disciples along the way. Not as a ‘task’ or ‘requirement,’ but as a natural progression and a heartfelt response to their growing relationship with the Saviour.rnrnJesus said “On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14:20rnrnWhat a beautiful promise and invitation! Jesus longs for a relationship with you that is so deep you will feel at one with Him. In fact, God wanted this relationship so much that he sent Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice that made this relationship possible!rnrnrnrnAs 21st Century disciples our connection with Jesus is the basis of everything we do. The best gift you can give to your family, friends, neighbours and co-workers 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 in prioritising a Discipleshift in the NZPUC region is not about producing fruit, but on remaining with the One who produces fruit through us. Being a disciple means spending time with God and allowing Him to do what needs to be done in and through us. The very essence of discipleship is shaping us for eternity, right now, today.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 sabbath school, holding meetings, and attending church.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. This same Discipleshift is what we are called to as Christians today. To be a disciple and to grow disciples is to be part of the great Adventist Movement.rnrnThis leads to the heart of the matter. Are you a disciple?  Do you spend time with God every day, simply being, telling Him the raw feelings of your heart, listening for and obeying His voice? Are you too busy studying, leading, worrying, to stop? Do you tell yourself “I’ll do it later?” Are you growing disciples?rnrnBe a part of the movement in the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference. Be the change as we step boldly into a new day where we prioritise connecting with God.  Join us as we prayerfully seek a Discipleshift. It’s what God called us to do.rnrnrnrnWe hope this blog left you feeling excited to find out more about becoming a disciple.