Trying or training?

I met up with friends from Kairos last week to have a look & think about discipleship. If we are to be a truly missional church disciple-making has to be our number one priority and it has to be simple. We are rejecting a curriculum/programme approach what means that people have to do a course. What we are seeking is a simply explained relationally oriented process that identifies key points of discipleship, engages people in a purposeful accompanied journey of intentional discipleship that is integrated with life in general. I think it is Dallas Willard (but heard from Todd Hunter) who talks about discipleship as training not trying. I'm reminded of a quote by the hero of the film Man on Fire, Creasy played by Denzil Washington, who says:

‎"There is no such thing as tough. There is trained and untrained. Now which are you?" 

We need to develop a mentality that says discipleship is not about trying to be good (and usually failing therefore becoming demoralised and ineffective) but rather about being trained. Much more positive and life affirming to see things in this way. I know that training isn't just about someone telling me to do things (actually very rarely) it is much more about partnership and the company and influence of others. Why else did Jesus say "take my yoke upon you and learn from me?" if he wasn't implying that being a disciple, finding rest, is all about training that is done in intentional relationship with another. My observation is that those who choose to intentionally yoke themselves to others are more effective than those who suppose that just turning up to a service or a small group will give them enough. This Tuesday evening I will be hosting an Order of Mission huddle, a group of people who have yoked themselves to each other and continue to intentionally prioritise training above trying. How intentional are you? Are you getting trained, submitting to training? Are you yoked?