status of the congregation and moves them toward maturity through the ministry of the Word. Of course we can’t do this on our own. We’re utterly and completely dependent on the Lord of the church to build his church. Discipleship through our sermons is what we’re after. Discipleship, then, is developing mature, well-rounded Christians who not only are fed through preaching and the wider ministry of the church but also are able to feed others and themselves well. I don’t want to get ahead of myself.