Thursday I had a decision to make. Not an earth-shaking one, to be sure, but a decision, nonetheless. I had planned to go to Denver for an event featuring my friends Neil Hudson, from England and his U.S. representative Chris Lake, who lives in Boston. I don’t see them often. But we had 8 inches of snow at my house the night before!

It took me nearly two hours to clear my driveway, and by the time I was ready to go, it was 11a. The event ran only from 9 – 2, and I knew Neil would be last on the schedule, so I could get there before his talk and in time for lunch, which I assumed was noonish. But I was tired from shoveling. What to do? In the absence of clear direction, I opted for action over inaction!

I went, and I’m glad I did. I was able to connect with Neil and Chris, put a copy of my book The Disciple’s Work into the hands of the event organizer, Brian Gray of the Denver Institute for Faith and Work, and even touch base with a pastor friend who had moved from Monument to the Denver area.

Here’s my main takeaway: I was reminded of Neil’s definition of a disciple:

Disciples are learning to live the way of Jesus in their context at this moment.

Discipleship is not what we do in the classroom or small group. It’s how we live real life in the places God has put us, what Neil calls our “frontlines,” and the church should be equipping people with that mission in mind.

The host church was showing us what it does on its frontline. In contrast to the church I wrote about in late September which has a No Trespassing sign on its doors, this church, also located in an older part of Denver near three marijuana dispensaries and a liquor store, displays this sign.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5.13 – 16, NKJV)