[I wrote the article below for the website Ministry127. It’s a great website with free resources and ideas to encourage and equip leaders in church ministry.]

March 7, 2012—it was the beginning highlight for what would become the delight of my year.

That evening, I had the joy to begin leading a young Christian through our church’s formal discipleship program.

What is discipleship?

• It is a front row seat in seeing God’s Spirit bring growth.
• It is a fresh reminder of the depth and grace of God’s love.
• It is spiritual energy as you observe a tender heart for God and growth in His grace.
• It is the incredible opportunity to work with God’s Spirit in pressing the button to watch a miracle of His grace unfold in a life.
• It is the perfect vantage point from which to watch God’s Word change a life…at the deepest levels of the heart.
• It is an indescribable joy to participate with God in His work.
• It is…my favorite event of the week!

In case you can’t tell, I love, love discipleship! There is nothing like the energy of a growing Christian with a tender heart to reinvigorate your own walk with the Lord. Something about watching baby steps while giving everything within you to encourage those steps into a walk brings one of the deepest joys I know.

[Read the rest of this article at Ministry127.]