The Cost and Reward of Discipleship in Pastoral Ministry

Introduction

Text:

True discipleship is costly, but it is worth everything.

As pastors, we are called to model and teach a discipleship that demands:

Total Surrender

Counting the Cost

Persevering in Faithfulness

Discipleship Requires Total Surrender

Luke 14:26-27 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple."

Discipleship demands Christ as our highest love

We must be willing to surrender even good things for the sake of Christ.

Pastoral Application: Ministry requires letting go of personal comfort to follow Christ’s calling.

Supporting Scriptures:

Matthew 10:37-39 – Loving Christ above all.

Philippians 3:8 – Paul considers everything loss compared to knowing Christ.

Illustration – William Carey’s Surrender

Who was William Carey?

“Father of Modern Missions”

Left England for India despite hardship.

Faced family struggles, financial burdens, and opposition.

Famous Quote: "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."

Lesson for Pastors: Surrender leads to fruitfulness in the kingdom of God.

2. Discipleship Requires Counting the Cost

Luke 14:28-30 "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost?"

True discipleship is not an impulsive decision.

Jesus warns against beginning without considering the sacrifice involved.

Pastoral Application:

Ministry requires wisdom and perseverance.

Avoid burnout by counting the cost and relying on God’s strength.

Supporting Scriptures:

2 Timothy 2:3-4 – Enduring hardship as a good soldier of Christ.

Hebrews 12:1-2 – Running the race with endurance.

Illustration – Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s "Cost of Discipleship"

Who was Dietrich Bonhoeffer?

A German pastor who stood against the Nazi regime.

Wrote The Cost of Discipleship, emphasizing "cheap grace vs. costly grace."

Was imprisoned and executed for his faithfulness.

Lesson for Pastors:

The gospel demands everything, but Christ is worth it.

Faithfulness is costly, but eternity is greater.

"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.")

3. Discipleship Requires Perseverance

Luke 14:31-33 "Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Following Christ is a lifelong commitment.

Pastors must lead with endurance, knowing that reward is ahead.

Supporting Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 15:58 – Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Galatians 6:9 – Do not grow weary in doing good.

Encouragement to Pastors

The cost of discipleship is great, but the reward is eternal.

Stay faithful in your calling—your labor is not in vain.

Final Charge: Matthew 16:24 – "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Closing Prayer & Reflection

Ask pastors to reflect:

What have I surrendered for Christ?

Have I counted the cost in my ministry?

Am I persevering or growing weary?

Prayer for renewed strength and faithfulness.