What Tech Teaches Us About Discipleship

Early on in my ministry journey, I experienced something that showed me the connection between Apple and discipleship. My MacBook’s headphone jack started crackling, making video editing a challenge. So, I booked a Genius Bar appointment, hoping for a quick fix.

When I got there, the tech confirmed the problem, but the solution wasn’t what I expected. The headphone jack was connected to the Logic Board, meaning the entire board had to be replaced. The cost? $650. That was half the price of a new MacBook, at the time.

A Surprising Solution in Apple and Discipleship

I relied on that headphone jack for editing, especially when working in coffee shops or shared spaces. I was ready to bite the bullet and pay for the repair. But then, the Apple Genius did something unexpected. Instead of pushing me toward an expensive fix, he offered a simple alternative.

“You could just buy a set of USB headphones. We don’t sell them here, but you could find them elsewhere.”

Why didn’t I think of that? If I had sent my MacBook for repair, I probably would’ve realized it two days too later. Instead, I shook his hand, thanked him, and walked out with my laptop intact and a better solution in mind.

Apple knows how to keep its customers, and there’s a lot the church can learn from that about discipleship.

What Apple and Discipleship Teach the Church

That experience got me thinking about the parallels between Apple and the church. Apple doesn’t just sell products; they offer ongoing support. They have manuals, tutorials, and workshops to help users maximize their devices.

Their goal isn’t just to get a product into someone’s hands. They want to ensure it makes a lasting impact on their life.

Now, compare that to how we approach discipleship in the church. We emphasize evangelism; bringing people to Jesus. (Which is absolutely crucial by the way!) What happens after that is important.

• How will they connect to the church community?
• How will they continue learning Scriptural insights?
• How will they cling to following Jesus as a life-long journey?

Jesus didn’t just call people to believe; He called them to follow.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Apple and Discipleship Should Be Engaging and Ongoing

The church should be the best at equipping people for daily life in Christ. Just as Apple offers diverse ways to help its customers, churches should provide multiple discipleship pathways. Whether through small groups, mentorship, workshops, or online resources, discipleship should be continuous and relevant.

Another lesson? Apple sometimes sends customers elsewhere to meet their specific needs. Why? Because they’re secure in the belief that the customer will return.

Churches, on the other hand, often hesitate to recommend another congregation. They hesitate even if it would better serve someone’s current season of life. Instead, there’s a trap of clinging to congregants at all costs, instead of prioritizing their individual growth and care.

It’s one (big C) Church. Each local church is different and fits the diversity of our needs and preferences.

Paul reminds us: “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5)

When local churches balance reaching the lost with opportunities for discipleship, they last. These churches often survive, and thrive.

The goal isn’t just to fill pews. It’s to fill the pews with disciple believers who live out their faith. This is similar to how Apple builds a customer base that returns time after time.

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Dive Deeper Into Scripture

Matthew 28:16-20
Romans 12:1-8
Ephesians 4:11-16

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How have you seen the church excel (or struggle) in discipleship?
• What are some practical ways churches can improve their support for new believers?
• How have you ever been part of a discipleship group that changed your life?