Wesley Student Ministry

Author: Andy Bender, Lay Leader

In our first installment, I stated that, “I believe Wesley Memorial Church exists to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.” Closely associated with the proclamation of the good news of Jesus is this declaration, “Wesley Church exists to make disciples for Jesus.

It’s important that we understand, the Church is Jesus’ idea. In Matthew 16, Peter made his declaration that Jesus, “is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!” Jesus replied that on this declaration He would, “build his Church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” In Acts 1, Jesus’ delivers final words to his followers before ascending, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” On Pentecost this empowerment happened as the Holy Spirit filled Christ’s disciples, and thousands put their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

We are called to become disciples and to make disciples. We do this best when we understand what it means to follow Jesus. Perhaps we can better understand by looking at three aspects of our relationship with Jesus:

1. We are called to be with Jesus. This means spending time with Jesus in prayer, and reading and meditating on his words in scripture.
2. We are called to be like Jesus. This is what John Wesley termed as sanctification. This process of spiritual transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit filling us and making us more like Jesus each day.
3. We are called to do the work of Jesus. That is doing what Jesus did and would do if he were living in our bodies (which he is).

There is a way to live; it’s the Way of Jesus! The Way of Jesus is the essence of spiritual formation. Following Jesus involves the work of the Church through preaching, teaching, prayer, Bible study, and participation in small groups. Our congregation should come to know that our lives will be better by following and abiding in Jesus. Let us remember that Jesus alone is the source of love, peace, joy, and power for living each day!