In Sympathy: Fernando Siaba
Rev. Fernando Siaba, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, died on October 6, 2025.
Mark Manzi, NIC Co-Lay Leader
The first question may be “What is a disciple?” The Rev. Junius Dotson, General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries for The United Methodist Church, says that a disciple is a person who Knows Christ, Grows in Christ, Serves Christ, and Shares Christ! Dotson says that we must be disciples to make disciples. Making disciples is the WHY of The United Methodist Church. He says we must move away from “fixing” churches toward making and growing disciples.
The first of the three Annual Conference Shepherding Team (ACST) goals approved at Annual Conference this year was “To Grow and Reach Disciples of Jesus Christ.” WHY is this goal so important?
Are you a disciple? A first step may be to think of yourself as a disciple. Take a look at yourself. Do you worship almost every Sunday, participate in a small group, live a welcoming and invitational lifestyle, and serve your neighbors? If so, you are a disciple! Of course, now comes the challenging part (or perhaps not so challenging). How will you live as a disciple? As we grow into the thought and practice of a disciple, we will be more prepared to help those in our churches become disciples. As we all become stronger disciples, we will be ready to “Go and Make Disciples for the Transformation of the World”!
Consider registering for Discipleship Systems Training being held in September. Click here to learn more.
Rev. Fernando Siaba, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, died on October 6, 2025.
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