Discipleship
Philosophy of Discipleship
Discipleship is the church’s ongoing voluntary work of following Jesus in his great commandment and great commission so that we (his disciples) may rightly glorify Christ before the world. In defining what discipleship is, it is important to clarify what discipleship is not. Discipleship is not a self-taught, self-centered work exclusive from the church. Scripture is clear that the work of discipleship is always done in community.
This aspect of community has become an integral way of how my family has practiced discipleship. In every church we have ever worked in, we have created a normative culture of worship nights, family game nights, and bible studies at the Lewis house. The church is not an organization, or a corporation to be maintained or expanded. The church is a growing family that needs attention and care. We laugh together, cry together, rejoice, and morn together.
We have seen this pattern of community cause great security within the members of the church when seeking council, confessing sin, or receiving correction. We have found that the old adage “they want to know how much you care before they will care how much you know” more true than the leadership principle of “it is lonely at the top”
Preaching & Teaching
Though discipleship is not exclusively done through the preaching and teaching of God’s word, true discipleship is never missing the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Because, the holy scriptures are our only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. It is from and through God’s word that Christ is perfectly manifest before his people.
For the past eight years, I have been blessed to preach and teach God’s word in various capacities. As a campus missionary, Youth Pastor, evangelist, associate pastor, and as an online teacher, I have had the privilege of working with various people groups and ethnicities from all over America. From the rural Midwest of Saint Elmo Illinois to the urban suburb of Haltom City. I have found that the verse by verse exposition of scripture transcends age, race, and socioeconomic classes. Because God’s people are made alive when they hear God’s Word.
References
“Where do I start? In my 25 years of ministry, I have met many ministers with a lot of “biblical knowledge” but very few who had the ability to couple that knowledge with humility. That is Josh Lewis. God has blessed him with wisdom, revelation and biblical understanding. But he never uses it to lift up or draw attention to himself but rather to inspire the greater body of Christ. I love the attention he gives to the word as well as his ability to draw out the meaning behind the word of God. He is also a gifted orator, teacher, and preacher. He was indeed our resident theologian….
…If there is one word to sum up his ministry goal, that word would be Discipleship. Josh loves to disciple those that disciple others. By far this is where Josh shines. If you are looking for someone who can lead others to lead others – look no further. Josh is a Shepherd after God’s own heart. He cares, watches, and protects those he has been given the responsibility over. I not only recommend Josh to you, but I commend him for his faithfulness to the ministry call and various assignments the Lord has given him over the years. “
Pastor Floyd Ellsworth
Media
With a background in media, connecting the Gospel with mediums such as youtube, Spotify, Facebook, and google play seemed to come second nature. Here you can listen to some of my favorite content I have produced over the years. I have a sermon uploaded that you can sample along with my favorite podcasts I have produced. I hope you enjoy it.
