Stages of following Jesus

Pastor Al's sermon yesterday reminded me of this truth.  In his ministry on earth Jesus called his disciples to three successive stages of followership.  The stages increased in intensity the more time they spent with him. I think the stages are still relevant today...

1. Come and see ... who I am.
2. Come and abide ... with me.
3. Come and die ... to yourself. 

Churches need to understand that there are people in their church at all these different stages and create opportunities for people at each stage.