It’s known by many names: discipleship, mentoring, influence…Books galore have been written on the subject. Training courses, dvds, bible studies, simulcasts, seminars and motivational speakers abound to help us get better at it.
I am a simple man, and I don’t claim to be an expert at this, but I’ve been thinking about my role as a disciple-maker a lot lately. This is far from an exhaustive list, but this is what I’ve got:
1. Start with relationship. My role as a discipler is limited to those I have a relationship with. I would go so far as to say that my main role as a discipler should focus on my family. I am a youth pastor, but if you expect me to disciple your son or daughter, you are mistaken. I can help, be a resource and an encourager. But parents should take the most active role in the discipleship of their children. Relationship is vital.
2. Start with what you know. You don’t have to know it all to help someone else take the next step in following Jesus. Start with what you know, and share that. Be authentic and vulnerable. Be real.
3. Discipleship only happens when both parties are intentional. I must be intentional in shaping conversations and situations that will help my disciple discover and apply truth. The disciple must be intentional about learning. A teachable spirit is non-negotiable.
4. My life is the best curriculum on the market. Books and other resources are good, and can shape the on-going discussion, but the life I live is what my disciple/children are going to see. They hear the conversations that I have with others, my private reactions when things don’t go my way, when things happen to test my faith and actions…they see it all.
5. Have a plan that you both agree to: When will you meet? What will you discuss? What will you do? What are the desired outcomes? How long will you meet?
6. Prepare yourself. Pray for God to move, to reveal himself and his ways, for the Holy Spirit to fill both of you, or wisdom, for teachable moments…then take time to think through and write out a plan for each meeting.
7. Start. Begin. Today. Don’t waste another moment. Get after it together. Now. Time is of the essence. Do you realize that Jesus took his disciples with him everywhere for 3 years? 16 hours a day of “teaching time” X 3 years = about 17520 hours. Discipleship takes time.
What would you add to this? If you’re interested in reading more, check out Seth’s posts on the topic. You might start here.
1 Comment
Sean Michael Murphy · September 17, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I recently went with a mapped out plan (something I’ve never really done) and the person talked me into it by saying, “worst case, you’ve taken someone through the entire New Testament and talked about it each week”
and I couldn’t argue with that – so we’re working the plan