Staying the Course
Robin and I have been involved in helping adults become followers of Jesus for or 40 years. For 14 years my focus was helping youth become fully devoted followers of Jesus. I am a lifelong learner who enjoys reading and consulting with others who love the church and want to become more effective.
30 years ago I was tasked with spearheading a new initiative in a large church, helping our staff of 22 pastors to change the software of in our minds from executing programs, to making more and better disciples of Jesus. We learned how to build teams and develop leaders who were equipped to make disciples who could make disciples.
As we look back, Robin and I have hearts filled with gratitude for the thousands of people who put their shoulders to the plow and patiently allowed us to figure things out, while making plenty of mistakes and blunders along the way. Our great joy is the relationships we have enjoyed with some of the most amazing people, busy people, skilled people, successful people who said "yes" to Jesus and made it a priority to be a part of a team of people who were committed to figuring out how obey Jesus' command to "make disciples," not just converts.
The flame is still burning brightly in our hearts knowing that making disciples who make disciples is dear to the heart of God.
I've noticed that everyone can find an excuse for disobeying Jesus' command to make disciples, but those who understand Jesus' Lordship will obey "as they are going" in life. Discipleship is messy and heartbreaking at times, because people are messy and seeing people fall back into sin patterns is heartbreaking.
Remember, ten spies reported,
"There are giants in the land!
Joshua and Caleb saw the giants too, but they looked to the Lord who is bigger than any giant and any excuse and responded with
"let's take this land!"
That choice is what set them apart to be used by God.
Looking back gives me perspective on all that God had done in the past and inspires me to continue to listen for the leading of God's Spirit, anticipating the even greater things God has in store for the future by faith!
Continuing the great adventure!
Stan Lubeck