Become Priests and Rise to Disciple

611 is a cell leader church and discipleship is a mission entrusted to us by God, which is more important than anything else. However, the departure of cell members has affected many cell leaders, and some even doubt whether they fail in discipleship. What exactly is discipleship? And how should we face the trials of discipleship?

Recently, Ruby shared in her sermon that discipleship is our ultimate calling: “We have a little sister, and she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister in the day when she is spoken for? If she is a wall, we will build upon her a battlement of silver; and if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.” (Song of Solomon 8:8-9) Discipleship is stepping into the ordained role of a priest. A priest stands between God and the people, possessing peace from God, speaking truth on God’s behalf, building up the lives of the people, and interceding for them. God shepherds us, and we shepherd all nations, leading them to grow under the Tree of Life. That is discipleship. Discipleship is not about organizing special events or boosting attendance, but about standing in the position of a priest.

As a priest, we should speak into people’s lives, but some cell members cannot take it and choose to leave the group. Does the departure of members mean that the cell group leader has failed? The Lord Jesus did discipleship and spoke into people’s lives. He also experienced being betrayed by Judas and many disciples turning away. Did Jesus’ discipleship fail? No, Jesus never fails. Therefore, we should not be afraid to speak into people’s lives for fear of them leaving; even if they leave because of it, it does not mean our discipleship has failed!

Dear cell leaders, as shepherds, let us simply be used by God and leave the results to Him! In the past, I also believed that sufficient love and trust needed to be established with cell members before speaking the truth in love. But I have also waited for many years, thinking there was enough love and trust, only to find the other person could not bear a single word. So now I prefer to wait for a period of time and then start speaking truthfully. I simply do what I should do, believing that the fruit of my discipleship will be seen in eternity.

As priests shepherding the flock, we are sent by God. Regardless of how the people respond, we simply follow God’s instructions and never fail in Him! As long as the members do not leave, we will not give up discipleship; if they do leave, we will cast our burden upon God. Dear brothers and sisters, discipleship is our eternal and ultimate calling. I hope that everyone will rise up to disciple, responding to God’s heart.■【2025.03.09】