November 11, 2024 -- Derek Van Ruler
Some people know how to cook without recipes. My mother-in-law is one of those people. She has a feel for the right ingredients and the right amount of those ingredients to make delicious, mouth-watering, stomach-satisfying meals every single time. When it comes to discipleship, some have a feel for it, while others of us need a recipe to follow. In my previous article, I argued for pastors’ need to personally disciple those within their church. But two questions remain: whom do you disciple, and how do you disciple? In this article, we will focus on the who.
Years ago, while working for a collegiate ministry, I learned two versions of a similar acronym that is a helpful guide to identifying the kind of person you should disciple. The fuller and better version of this acronym is F.A.I.T.H.
Faithful
When deciding whom you should spend time discipling, look for those faithful. These are the people who show up. No matter the event or need, they want to serve. They do not show up to find the spotlight. No, they love God and his church and want to be used by God in any way they can. These people you can ask to perform a task and know they will perform that task to the best of their ability. You know that they will fulfill what they promise, no questions asked. This faithfulness is monumental as you seek to schedule time with them. Few things are more frustrating than constant no-shows to scheduled meetings. Avoid this frustration, and observe those who show up. They are singling themselves out and unknowingly asking for discipleship. After all, that’s why they show up!
Available
Secondly, you want to find someone who is available. Discipleship takes time, and it’s hard to disciple someone you don’t spend time with. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” This verse shows the importance of proximity and availability. Proximity: discipleship best occurs when you are in the same place as another person. Seeing one another’s facial expressions and body language goes a long way in knowing the best direction for discipleship. Thus, find someone with a schedule conducive to yours and then grab a meal, go for a walk, engage in a project, and talk about Christ. You cannot disciple those who are always unavailable or available at opposing times for your schedule. Lastly, you have limited time. Give your time to those who will make themselves available for you to mentor them.
Intentional
Third, look for someone who is intentional. We all have quirks and fears that prevent us from the intentionality God’s word calls Christians to exhibit. But by and large, those who desire to grow will be intentional in their pursuit of God. These people read God’s word and seek to apply it in their lives, although often imperfectly. They may not understand God’s word, but what they do know, they seek to live out with integrity. Honestly, this third part could’ve easily had the label 'integrity' because either way, you should look for someone who wants to live their life for Jesus Christ. You should spend time with those who wish to conform to Christ. Sometimes, people do not know how to live in this way. Therefore, look for people who are intentional in multiple areas of their life. If they are intentional in friendships or family, they will likely become intentional in their walk with Jesus Christ.
Teachable
The fourth characteristic of a person you ought to disciple is that they are teachable. No one loves a know-it-all, especially a know-it-all disciple. You cannot get through to one who believes that they have reached the mountain peak of their Christian faith. So look for those who recognize they need help. They realize their need for growth and maturity, even if they do not know where they need development. These people intently listen to your preaching, teaching, or other gospel conversation. You can sense that they want to know and understand the gospel and God’s word. These people may not read every book you give them, but they are willing to read some (probably smaller) books. Challenging people to read books is a great way to test one’s faithfulness, intentionality, and teachability: give them a book to read and then have them contact you when finished. Those who contact you are clear people to spend time with and pour your life into.
Hungry
Lastly, find a hungry person. This trait is a culmination of all of them, but slightly more. Here, we want to find those who want to learn. They desire to learn and grow. They put themselves in positions to learn. They may already be reading or listening to podcasts. When you mention a resource, they immediately grab that resource. Beyond head knowledge, they want their hearts to treasure Christ. This treasuring is evidenced by a willingness to forsake the world’s pleasures because they see Christ as a greater pleasure and joy. And the best part is you can see it when they interact with others. They do not allow knowledge to puff up but rather push them towards loving the church body. Your soul is encouraged after a few minutes around this person.
There you have it! The five key ingredients to the kind of person you ought to disciple. There are many within your church whom you could spend time with. But to fulfill the call in 2 Timothy 2:2 and Titus 2:1-10, we must be intentional about whom we give our time to. Pastor, find those who are full of FAITH. And pour your life into them for the glory of Christ.
Derek serves as an Associate Pastor at Real Hope Community Church in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, overseeing missions, church planting, and leader development. He previously served as a church planter and Lead Pastor in Sunbury, PA, for 10 years. Derek is a DMin student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. You can also find Derek in leadership at 4th Level Discipleship, an organization he started to help local churches grow in discipleship. Derek is married to Alecia, and they have two boys, Raymond and Donovan.
Comments