To learn Jesus is another way of saying “discipleship.” Most people who know God do not know how to talk with the lost about the hope that they have in Jesus. Paul told us that the main role of church leadership is to equip the people in the body to do the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12), but “the work of ministry” does not solely mean Sunday morning programming.

We need to ask ourselves (and the people in our churches) if they know what to say to the lost. Do they know how to engage in spiritual conversations when people ask them questions about Christianity? Are they really prepared to share their salvation testimonies? Do they know how to defend their faith? Do they know what to say when an atheist questions the validity of the Bible? Do they know enough about the different major world religions to have an effective conversation about them?

Not to mention the areas of personal growth for each person in the body—do they know how to handle the pressures, cares, and concerns of life in this world? Do they know what God desires for their marriage? Do they know how God wants them to raise their children? The answers to these types of questions reveal whether or not a believer is truly “walking in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

Our “learning Jesus” centers around the sound teaching and learning of God’s Word, which has all the answers to the previously asked questions, and many more! 2Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.” So all of the efforts we make to disciple and equip each person in the body is founded on the teaching, learning and applying of the Word of God.