In 2020, as churches were coming out of Covid-related ministry adjustments and thinking about how ministry might look different moving forward, I remember a pastor friend saying that his church was going to need to raise up “persecution-proof disciples.” He was seeing changes on the cultural horizon and discerned the church might not be ready.
What is a persecution-proof disciple? Here are five traits:
1. They take Jesus at his word – Jesus said in this life you will have tribulation (John 16:33) and persecution-proof disciples believe Him.
2. They lean on God for help – The psalmist reminds us in Psalm 121:2 that our help comes from the Lord and persecution-proof disciples heed that advice, looking to God for daily—and sometimes hourly—help.
3. They understand the mission – Persecution-proof disciples know they are not easing through life on a cruise ship, but instead are navigating tricky waters on a battleship with a clear mission given to us by our Captain, the Lord Jesus.
4. They understand this world is not our home – Persecution-proof disciples love their native land but are looking for a better land, a permanent one.
5. They understand that life is a vapor – These followers of Christ know that life on earth ends quickly, and they are packing all the gospel impact living they can into the one life they have been given by God for His glory and the good of others.
Why do pastors, elders, deacons and other church leaders need to be intentional about developing persecution-proof disciples — followers of Jesus who will remain faithful when they are no longer in the cultural majority or viewed favorably by the prevailing majority worldview?
1. Because of public pressure – It is no longer popular in America to be a Christian and to hold the positions that Christians hold. Our views on abortion, homosexuality, transgenderism, cohabitation and more are out of step with the mainstream, and the pressure to capitulate will be felt by those who swim against the torrent of moral decline.
2. Because of legislation – Many of our elected leaders are mirroring the culture instead of influencing it by legislating for the advancement of human flourishing. As our culture moves further and further away from a biblical worldview, many of our laws and regulations will follow suit, making life more challenging for followers of Jesus.
3. Because of the devil – We have an enemy (1 Peter 5:8) and he puts a target on the backs of those who are living as strangers and aliens on this earth representing the values and vision of the Lord Jesus. Our enemy is a defeated enemy, but he continues to wreak havoc for those who live surrendered lives to Jesus.
4. Because of our Savior – Our Savior, the Lord Jesus, was persecuted, and ultimately crucified on a cross. As His followers, we should anticipate—as our culture follows the progression of Romans 1:18—that we, too, will face persecution. Jesus is honored when we stand with Him in the face of challenges.
5. Because of the mission – Those who are caught up in an unbiblical approach to life are not the enemy, they are victims of the enemy. Our mission is to take the gospel of Jesus to those who are separated from Him due to their own sin and rebellion. Persecution-proof disciples will strive to live out that mission.
May the Lord be pleased to use faithful pastors, deacons, Sunday school teachers, elders, ministry leaders and professors to not only live faithfully for our King in a fallen world, but also to raise up others who will do the same.
Dr. Todd Gray 