A friend of mine has asked what next steps would be for people on the discipleship path. Not that you can use a cookie-cutter approach. But are their general directions, perhaps ways of testing the current state and projecting forward towards the next step?
The thought intrigued me most of the afternoon. The first question is one of perceiving what a person knows – or more rightly what is known that can help in taking a next step.
As I pondered this I asked myself whether there is a foundational basis. Emerging church literature implies that a relational basis is the one to start with, not some sense of propositional statements or foundations.
I struggle with excluding foundations – I believe that the Scriptures are the basis for faith and practice. So I do have a foundation. The question in approaching a next step in the discipleship path is where to focus in regards to the myriad nuggets of wisdom found in the Scriptures. And perhaps that is where relationship flourishes – for a mentor or spiritual director or counselor can help to point towards those nuggets that will lead to the next step.
Well, that was the beginning of my thinking. Hopefully over this next while I can expand some of my thoughts and see where they end. So, somewhere in the midst of my daily blog meanderings I hope you will join me in some philosophical thoughts every once in a while!