I was at a men’s ministry mini-conference recently, and for some reason the discussion prompted me to write down the names of men that I needed to call. Some were guys I don’t know very well. Others were guys I knew I could learn something from. I thought of a few that seemed ready to take some steps in their faith that I might be able to disciple in some way. Still others were guys I hadn’t seen around for a while.
Thought the context was men’s ministry, the concept seems equally applicable in almost every area of life and for everyone in the Kingdom. So, here is a question for you to think about:
What would happen if just ONE time a week you pursued ONE of these roles with ONE person? How could it affect their lives? How could it affect yours?
- FRIEND (Romans 13:8): One person you don’t know very well…yet. Someone new from church or your neighborhood or workplace that you know only casually. Someone that might be waiting for someone to connect with.
- DISCIPLE (Romans 15:14): One person that can disciple you. Someone that has experienced the successes and failures of life that you are in the middle of or can see coming. Someone further along in their walk with Christ that could help you with yours. Someone with a character quality you admire and would like to emulate.
- DISCIPLER (Romans 15:14): One person you can disciple. Someone with a younger faith, younger kids, a younger career…someone you can help along in some way.
- SHEPHERD (Romans 12:10-13): One person you haven’t seen for a while. Someone that would feel the power of a shepherd’s concern for his sheep.
I’ve already started calling some of the guys from my list. Guys who fit in these four circles. I can’t speak for them, but it has been a rich blessing to me. What do you think? Can you think of people? How could you interact with them? What are some good ways to initiate the conversation?
