Rod Culbertson - The Disciple Investing Apostle: Pauls Ministry of Relationships

W hat if, seemingly everywhere you turned or every time you met someone, all you could talk about was Christ and what he has done for you? Such a scenario seems difficult to imagine. Some people, if not most, would probably think that you are either overly zealous, a religious fanatic, or just plain crazy. Accordingly, though we dont know what the Apostle Paul was doing every moment he was awake, we do find an overriding passion for the things of Christ as his constant, driving force. And his focus is not narrowfrom his writings, we see that his vision is cast upon telling the entire world about Christ. He believes in Christs Great Commission to go and make disciples of the nations (Matt :) and for Paul it appears that the call to disciple making impacts his every decision, as well as his every relationship. In both Pauls letters, and in Lukes account of Pauls conversion and journeys, we observe a man who is so overcome by Christ that everyone he meets must know about God and his special Redeemer-Son, the Lord Jesus. Even while under house arrest in Philippi, we see Paul rejoicing over the chains that cause others to mock himwhile they simultaneously proclaim Christknowing and being reassured that the gospel is being heard by citizens of Philippi (Phil :). I might contend that the Apostle Paul is one of the most singularly focused individuals the world has ever known and, humanly speaking, his exuding enthusiasm and commitment is powerfully used to not only change his world but to change future world history. Pauls ministry was one of seemingly constant proclamation and teaching. Yet, the aspect of his efforts that often goes unnoticed is that his was a ministry of relationships. Paul developed numerous relationships with the people he met, taught, and served. Paul is one of the most resourceful, energetic, motivated, type A, performance driven, strong, active, and task oriented individuals possible, but these constant energies are centered around one thing: taking the gospel to the people who need it. Relationships are an obvious theme in the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. And these relationships were wide, diverse, and varied.

It is often implied, if not asserted, that the Apostle Paul specialized in individual discipleship and therefore set forward a model to be followed by any serious disciple maker. I do not agree with that assumption and hope to demonstrate my premise that Pauls ministry was geared toward all manner of individuals and based upon numerous methods, with relationship building being his avenue for gospel proclamation. In the realm of his relationships, I am not convinced that an intense, focused ministry to one other individual was the primary method of the Apostle. I do believe he gave Timothy extra attention and was particularly close to him as a mentor, as well as a spiritual father. However, the Apostle Paul appears to have invested himself in innumerable disciples of Jesus. In order to better understand the Apostle Pauls ministry of disciple investing, we must observe the multiple relationships he had with various individuals. He touched numerous people with his life and influence. With all due respect to the concept of individual discipleship, and hoping not to demean this vital approach to present day ministry, I believe we will observe that Paul never made his primary focus of ministry to be selective, personal, or individual time and attention with another. He certainly touches and impacts others in powerful, individual manners, but he also ministers in large groups, small group clusters, companionship settings, temporary outreach opportunities (evangelistic preaching), and individual miraculous healing situations.