Making Disciples

Talking about disciples and discipleship is characteristically bible-speak, churchese.  We rarely use the words to identify other learning experiences.  We don't say, "I am a disciple of Mr. Smith, my math teacher."  We may talk about apprenticeship or training, but not discipleship.  I dare say students and teachers in our context are not as close in relationship as the biblical rabbi/disciple was.  I don't have evidence to support this at all.  But I would say that most formal education happens in classrooms.  And the goal of teachers is not to make disciples to a way of life, but to teach content and processes of thinking that may be applied to a productive career.  The goal is usually productivity in the west.  Relationships are secondary, at most.  Not so, I suspect,in the eastern world of antiquity.  Productivity was important, as it pertained to sustaining life.  But, healthy relationships were more essential than career aspirations.  
Discipleship was an essential part of 1st century Jewish culture.  Their religious life, centered around the observance of Torah (a word meaning teachings, law, or way), was passed down by teachers or Rabbis to students or disciples.
Disciples were apprentices, training to become Rabbis or observant teachers of Torah.  One stood within a particular rabbi's school of thought or teaching. Rabbi's held different points of view, opinions, and interpretations of Scripture and its application.  Some gifted students were trained or apprenticed to become Rabbis.
Jesus began his own rabbinic teaching, calling disciples to follow him.  His interpretation of Torah was a radical departure from traditional, normative teachings.  He was accused of disobedience and teaching disobedience.  His disciples did not fast or observe cleanliness laws.  He did not respect Sabbath prohibitions.  He did not abide by social, economic, or ethnic prejudices.  He treated women and children with love and respect.  He had compassion on those suffering from illnesses that dehumanized and segregated from community.  He subverted social structures of power and authority, suggesting that pedigree and position and prosperity did not equal divine blessing.
He taught that dying, self-emptying humility, and service were keys to meaningful, lasting life.  Sustainability was found in giving away one's possessions and wealth.
Disciples followed Jesus. They intended to live like he did.  And die like him to.  Many of them did. Peter was crucified upside-down to avoid being too much like the master.
So what is a disciple of Jesus like today?  One who reads the bible and believes that it is holy, inspired by God, and good news for people.  A disciple is learning about healing, reconciliation, and a balanced life with God at the center of it.  Disciples pray.  They are compassionate.  They serve people.  They are concerned for the welfare of people at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder.
How does one become a disciple of Jesus?  Disciples are a community of learners/practitioners.
Disciples are caught.  They are invited.  They experience a thirst or a hunger in their lives to know God.  They seek what they have not found.  Listen to the song "I Still Haven't Found what I'm looking for" by the Irish band U2.  It is the anthem of the postmodern disciple.
I am a disciple.  Not a very good one.  But I'm learning. Not a Jedi Master, but a paduwan learner in the language of "Star Wars".  I am also a Lutheran Pastor.  I have a Masters degree in divinity from the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg.  I do not think I am a master yet.  I am studying the work of Christians who believe that making disciples of Jesus is essential to the church's DNA.  They suggest that a process of formation in the teachings of Jesus makes a more compassionate, just, and balanced human being.  Humanity is better when the teachings of Jesus are known and practiced.  Selfless concern for others, generosity, and peace-making are three characteristics of disciples.
Why is discipleship important?  Because the 21st century world lacks a cohesive narrative that examines and articulates what it means to be human.  The Christian story, the story of Jesus, is about the human condition in relation to the God who created life.  We need a carefully developed, tested, enduring, and meaningful narrative to become better at life in this world as human beings.