As part of the 40 days of discipleship workshop, we are inviting your reflection on what you are learning as you seek to be a Jesus’ learner in helping to disciple others. Isn’t it great that God not only chooses us as instruments of his grace in the lives of others but helps us to grow through the process? This means we celebrate all learning even if it is painful. What is God doing? Tell us your story by posting a comment. (If referring to other people, please use a “pseudonym” and not their real name)
Jim
PS By posting in this forum, you will receive updates from others who tell their story.
PSS 40 Days of Discipleship can be experienced here
I’ve been trying for months to get MYSELF to invite two people to 40 Days, as well as inviting them to go on a journey with me learning to disciple others. There never appears to be the right time…yes, I know most of it is my hangup with regards to perceived rejection, but also I see a lot of obstacles in people’s lives interfering with the transition between being a spiritual consumer (searching for healing and blessing) and actually taking on an individual role in the Great Commission. My two friends are having a hard enough time as it is just being a loyal disciple of Jesus, let alone MAKING disciples. What with busy-ness, stressful life events, and general pain, people are far more ready to receive from Jesus than to work for him.I also find people don’t IMAGINE; instead they hope for a pain-free life. I have a great life now, free of pain, scads of flexible time, a good income, a healthy family….I have more “room” for imagination and work towards those goals.
So instead I focus on love and patience, and faith God has these friends on the journey he wants, and for me another. I share my stories, my yearnings for myself, my imaginings, hoping to attract fellow travellors, but so far, little bite. But I wait, and maybe others will come along later. Prayer!
After borrowing teaching tips from the Alpha, Dunamis and Precept models, I have arrived at a model that I find effective and fun.
After much research on the lesson and prayer that the Holy Spirit would be the teacher we gather as a discussion group rather than a lecture type model where the
teacher does all the talking.
I ask questions, point to the Scriptures and the group members need to discover the
truth for themselves.
By asking, who, what, why, where,when and how does it relate to me everyone not only reads God’s Word but UNDERSTANDS it, so it can be OBEYED.
Hi Cleo,
I resonate with your sense of experiential risk here. We surrender control when we create a learning environment and give room for people to learn from God. How much greater the engagement, how deeper the learning. Bravo for the fruit of your own experience and reflection. Thanks for sharing.
Jim