Jack has already mentioned how much we enjoyed our visit with Shawn Winters at Wooddale.  It was amazing to learn about the small groups, one-to-one discipling. and ministry opportunities the church provides.  The literature they have developed for discipling is excellent.  Shawn drew a picture to show the path he thought discipleship follows--and it wasn't a straight line, rather it is upward for a while and then loops, as scripture rebukes and corrects, and then it starts upward again for a while.

Shawn underscored that discipleship happens in community.  Then he mentioned that as we mature as disciples, others should notice.  He referenced I Timothy 4:15:  "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." (TNIV) I liked that link to community.  We are formed as disciples in community, and the community should be able to see that we are maturing.