I’m sure it doesn’t keep you up at night, but have you ever wondered what the difference is between a disciple and an apostle?  

In our world so fraught with apprehension and uncertainty, it may actually be helpful to know the difference because, believe it or not, the two words apply to you!

Often these two words are used interchangeably but they are, in fact, different.  A “disciple” is one who learns from a teacher.  It comes from the Latin word “discipulus” which means both “learner” and “follower.”  In the bible, the disciples are those who follow Jesus and learn from him.

An “apostle,” on the other hand, is someone who takes what has been learned from the teacher and shares it with others.  It comes from the Greek word “apostolos” which means “one who is sent out.”

One builds on the other.  A disciple becomes an apostle.  In the bible, the disciples of Jesus remained disciples until a dramatic turning point in their lives.  They ceased being disciples and became apostles at the Holy Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost.  After that moment, they were those who were “sent out” by God to develop the church through ministry and community building.  In doing so, they created more disciples who then became apostles.

That pattern continues to this day.  In our church, we welcome everyone to join us to learn about the Christian faith and the role of God in our lives.  In that sense, we are all disciples.  

That learning, though, takes the form of sharing with one another and through that act, a shift begins to occur.  It is a pivot toward being an apostle.  After all, we are sharing what we know and what we have experienced.  That process continues as we involve ourselves in ministries that reach out to the wider community in the name of Christ.

So if you’ve ever wondered if you could possibly be a disciple the answer is “Yes, you are!”.  And if you ever dared wonder if you could be an apostle the answer is “Yes, you are that, too!”  Church involvement allows you to be both at the same time. 

We are never done learning about our faith.  We are also never done sharing our faith through the lives that we lead.  You are a disciple and an apostle woven together.  And in our chaotic world today, there is no better kind of person to be.

See you in church,

–Rev. Dominic