The discipleship difference - the mosaic process

I've already written a couple posts from my reading of 'The Discipleship Difference' from the good people at Logan Leadership. Today I want to share from their chapter (5) on "The Mosaic Process of Discipleship."

As the authors say, "Mosaic is an artistic term referring to a design made up of smaller, disparate elements that come together to form something greater than the sum of its parts."

They go on... "Life is like that. So is discipleship. Different little pieces come into play and we often aren't really sure what they mean when we run across them. But we place one, then God places another, then we start to place new pieces based on how the earlier pieces were arranged. Eventually we see a bigger pattern taking shape."

I think there are three things they point out here that we would do good to keep in mind:

1. Discipleship is often more "mosaic" than linear.
2. The goal is to individualize our approach to discipleship without losing its intentionality.
3. We need to get used to working with the "mess." 

So, as we disciple others using the mosaic process, they suggest we first and foremost need to keep in mind that we are not the ones in charge of the process -- the Holy Spirit is. He will take things in directions we cannot imagine or plan for. Our role is to ask authentic questions, listen to his voice, and follow his leading. So we need to be intentional - not about following our plan, but about listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit.


This is a possible scenario that might take place (pp. 81-82):

You're part of a group pf believers gathering together. You're talking about what you're hearing from God. You're sensing his hand of correction in how you've not been consistent in keeping your commitments. You say, "Yes, I'll do that," and then you forget about it. You're now sensing tension around this pattern. Others speak into your life. They have seen this dynamic play out too, and they confirm that it does make for difficulties for the people around you.

"What about your inward life?" someone asks. Lately, you have been struck by Jesus' heart of compassion for those around him, how he allows himself to really feel it as he sees people struggling. You would like to develop a similar heart of compassion.

"What steps could you take in that direction?" Talking with those around you, you decide on some specific windows of exposure to people who are hurting: spending some time in the part of town where the newly arrived refugees are trying to settle into a life that is completely different from all they have known.

"What about steps for honoring your commitments?" You have no idea, and ask for input. One comment that strikes home is that you could write down your commitments onto your calendar when you make them. That way you won't forget. That seems to be a good first step.

You receive prayer. Then you provide a listening ear and a sounding board for the others in your gathering as they process through what they are hearing from God and what next steps he might be asking them to take in their growth. You listen, provide input, and pray. You then continue to provide ongoing encouragement for one another along your very different paths of discipleship, according to what each of you are hearing from God.

This is an example of how God can be at work in a mosaic pattern. No one in the group had an agenda for anyone else. They simply listened, asked questions, encouraged one another to follow God's leading, and prayed. As the authors say, "this is an example of discerning and cooperating with what God is doing - and learning how to listen to the Spirit."

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On a personal note, I think it's interesting how often this sort of thing keeps coming to the surface in my life. Whether it is leadership coaching, discipleship coaching, things I've learned at work at the YMCA... there is a definite theme developing: LISTEN, ASK QUESTIONS, ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER, and PRAY. Hmmm... it's almost like someone is trying to tell me something...