I once watched a documentary on the Sherpas of the Himalayas. It's from these folks, who are native to the mountainous terrains and the climate of Nepal, that Mountaineers from all over the world ask for them to join their expedition, to be their expert guides and help.
I remember watching and thinking, what a journey they've been on thus far. This mountain is so high, so tough, so grueling... then, I realized, all that prep work, all that hiking, all the moments captured on film thus far was only to show us what it took to get the team onto the base of the mountain!

Ekko Orthopraxis, we are at the base of the mountain.
Discipleship is the journey ahead with Christ our Guide.

I want to commend you leaders for taking us to the base.
I want to invite you Ortho members to get ready for the climb.

Many check out right about now, many are satisfied with the view, and some choose not to climb at all due to the potential danger ahead.

But we are here now,
the wind is just right,
the climate inviting,
it's time to climb.

So, if Orthopraxis wasn't discipleship, then what is?
Discipleship is willingly (organically) going up the mountain with the Church. It's planning on trekking together. Staying close. Checking in on each other's "oxygen tank." Stopping to rest together. Cheering each other on, carrying each other, confronting each other, pushing each other.

That time has come, it's time to climb.
I'll meet you at the base this Friday.
And we'll get ceremonially ready with new climbers on Baptism Sunday.

Don't hesitate to form prayer groups, book clubs, editability groups, etc.

Get ready. Get ready.

See you soon at the base of the mountain.

Your Friend and Resident Sherpa,
Bryan