There’s no one size fits all for making disciples of Jesus.
Sometimes we get the “perfect” pastor or youth pastor or discipler in our mind. And it’s not us, is it?
The youth pastor is cool, charismatic, holds world records at Chubby Bunny (look it up if you don’t know) plays guitar and can connect with any teenager when talking about Jesus. Wow, I was in youth ministry for a very long time and I can honestly say I was never cool.
The pastor has wisdom, a sense of humour, great teeth, (okay maybe not as extreme as some), a perfect family and is a preacher extraordinaire. Okay, not identifying with several of those, but I’m not saying which!
The discipler is a combination of Obiwan Kenobi, Lara Croft and Billy Graham. You just know she or he has pearls of wisdom for every situation and patience and probably a long monastic style robe.
We’re never the “perfect” anything. Because no one is.
If you think someone you know is the perfect disciple maker I’ll tell you right now they’re not. They’re filled with flaws and doubts just like you are.
So, you might not think you’re the right one to pastor or disciple. You might doubt your abilities or knowledge. Doubt is not a new thing is it? We’re human and we doubt ourselves. But we can depend on Jesus and the Holy Spirit’s leading.
If you are a follower of Jesus then you are a disciple
and a disciple makes disciples.
It’s not particular character traits or abilities it’s about being forgiven and in a relationship with Jesus. Then you help others to do that as well. The apostle Paul talked about following his example as he followed Jesus. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t work to learn more from the Bible or grow in godly character. Of course, you should. But quit beating yourself up for what you lack. Are you in a growing relationship with Jesus? That’s where it starts.
So, you’re not perfect, me neither. But God is and we can depend on our God.
