Ski Club

Topic: Making Disciples

Author: Larry Ely (Student Ministries)

My dad taught me how to snow ski at Seven Springs ski resort in Pennsylvania when I was very young. I started on the bunny slope and progressed to the green hills. I learned how to do the snowplow (make a “pizza” shape with my ski tips pointed inward) and do “S” curves across the face of the hill to slow my descent. I also learned how to speed up and go straight (make “French fries” with my skis parallel). My dad taught me how to use the rope tow and ride the chair lift, which was intimidating at first. Often, I wiped out and ate my fair share of snow, but like every good skier, I learned how to get up when I fell.

Over time, I learned to love snow skiing and the freedom of skiing down the mountain with the wind in your face. I joined the Ski Club in middle school and took ski lessons. I learned from the ski instructors and ski patrol. In high school, I was tackling black diamond slopes and doing tricks and jumps with my friends. I learned to ski the moguls by following other skiers through the bumps, trying to turn where they turned, jump where they jumped, land where they landed, and skip over obstacles. Eventually, I got good enough to pick my own path and had friends follow me. It was challenging, but really fun to try and master.

Learning a skill like skiing is a lot like learning to follow God. We have to start small and learn the basics first. Whether you are learning to snow ski, snowboard, play guitar, pitch baseball, rock climb, disc golf, throw a football, play volleyball, skateboard, dance, spin pottery, sing in a choir, or march in a band it takes patience and time to get good at it. Like most skills, it takes practice and a good instructor.

In the Bible, the path of discipleship is a lot like learning a skill. In order to grow in our faith and become more like Christ, we need a good mentor, instructor, or friend to help us. Check out what Jesus has to say about making disciples:

“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” –Matthew 28:18-20

So that’s the challenge… to help make followers of Christ and teach them how to follow God. Invite a friend to join you on the journey and let them follow you as you follow Christ. Teach them how to read the Bible, pray, love, forgive, and serve. Share your struggles and lean on one another as you go.

Thought for the Day:

Who has helped you grow in your faith? How did they help you?
Who are some people that you could disciple and help them grow?

TIPS FOR MAKING DISCIPLES:

Share It: God’s Story
Tell It: Your Story
Live It: Put Your Faith in Action
Show It: Help Others Grow (G.R.O.W.T.H)
- G o to God daily
- R ely on God’s strength
- O bey God moment by moment
- W orship God in a local church or youth group
- T ell others about Jesus
- H oly Spirit- let him guide your life (© Youth For Christ)