Paul says, I was taught, I taught you, now, you go and teach others, who, will themselves teach others. A disciple is someone who is taught. And, discipleship is integral to the life of a Christian. We are taught, and we are to teach others - to make impact in the lives of those around us.

Friday, I went to a High School football game - Cappuccino vs. Sequoia. It has been years since I went to a High School football game. Not much has changed. Except, that even fewer people are paying attention to the game. And, at least for once I got to watch Sequoia get destroyed.

Do you know that when a 240 pound lineman - capable of running 100 yards in eleven seconds - collides with a 240 pound running back - capable of covering the same distance in ten seconds - the resulting kinetic energy is enough to move 66,000 pounds - or thirty-three tons - one inch? Mamas don’t let your boys grow up to be linemen!

This explains why some players stagger about the field mumbling to themselves after having their bell rung during a collision. The likelihood is that they have been hit on the helmet by a blow approaching 1,000 Gs. That means 1,000 times the force of gravity. By the way, fighter pilots, in top physical shape, tend to black out at about 20 Gs. These guys have been hit with a force approaching 1,000 Gs.

A few years back, Sportsweek magazine ran a test on linebacker Joe Schmidt from the Detroit Lions - and reported that he had to cope with blows which registered at 5,780 Gs. That’s making an impact in someone’s life.

Hopefully, with less violence, yet with as much spiritual impact, is the discipleship which takes place in the Body of Christ. Those who are ahead of us spiritually, impacting our lives - through formal teaching - or just being with us in the process of life - helping us to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ - and we in turn helping others.

I used to meet with a guy who was just a few years older than me. I was in my first year of college at the time. We would get together before the sun was up and go jogging. I have no idea how I was able to do this - I am not a morning person. But, we would meet, and as we jogged, we would share. And this brother, shared his life in Christ with me. And God used him to help me through difficult times.

One friend of mine - and I say friend, because that is what he became - At first, he was just the Youth Pastor at a church I attended while I was in college. But, this man took me in. Every Sunday afternoon I was at his house for a free meal. When the 49rs won their first Super Bowl, I was at his house watching on a 5 inch screen. I practically became a member of his family. And, he let me work with him - as his assistant. To teach and lead Junior Highers, High Schoolers, College kids. And without teaching me, I was taught. I began to imitate his life. And, as I spent time in close association with him, God used him to shape my image of ministry and myself.

There was a pastor I worked with in Seminary. Every week he would hand me list of 7 or 8 names - people in the congregation. And, I would contact them and set up visitation appointments. Together, usually on Thursdays - even in the snow - we would ride around Portland in his car and visit people. And as we drove around, I would share the concerns of my life and ministry - and he would disciple me.

It has been my privilege to share with others what I have been taught. In similar relationships - informal settings - to talk and share the impact Jesus has had in my life - and to watch as Jesus uses me to impact the lives of others.

This is discipleship - being impacted and impacting others with life in Jesus Christ. And, discipleship is essential for us if we are to be the church - the community of faith - that God desires for us to be.