The Heart of a DisciplemakerSample

Day 5: An Open Life

Paul told the Thessalonians he was “delighted to share with [them] not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (2:8, NIV). New believers need more than information or even inspiration: they need incarnation. They must see how the gospel works in everyday life. Words alone won’t do it! 

How do you share your life with a new believer? Here are some suggestions.

Be vulnerable. Relate your struggles—not just your victories. People won’t think less of you, but rather will be encouraged to know that you are normal. I still recall the time I saw a mature mentor chicken out of a clear witnessing opportunity. He admitted it. Though he was discouraged, I was elated! I no longer felt alone in my struggles.

Get together. Notice the phrase “among you” in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 and 2:7. Invite your protégé to accompany you to the dry cleaners where you were bilked on a ketchup-stained jacket. She needs to see you struggle to be gracious and realize that she, too, needs to control her feelings and words. Let people you disciple see you live your life. Don’t limit your contact to once-a-week, hour-long, structured appointments.

Open your home. Bring new disciples into your house or apartment. Let them see that your stove needs cleaning and your garage is a mess, lest they get the idea they must be perfect in everything. Let them observe your family relationships—how you have devotions as a family, how you handle conflict with a spouse or roommate, and so on. They need to see that your relationship with Christ affects you on the home front.

All of this requires a great investment of time. It’s the most valuable thing you can give new believers. Bring them into your day-to-day victories and struggles. Anyone can share a message; it takes the heart of a disciple to share one’s personal life.