To the Ends of the Earth: Multiplying Church Leaders — Friday
Acts 18:26
When Priscilla and Aquila heard [Apollos], they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. (NIV)
Several years ago, the family that lived in the house next to us moved out, and my family spent some time praying for whoever moved into that house. Admittedly, part of that prayer was selfish—we wanted good neighbors who didn’t cause us problems. But we also prayed that whoever moved in would come to know God’s love, and that He would use us however He wanted in that process.
The next day, our new neighbors moved in, and we soon learned that the family was struggling. There were drug issues, previous marriage issues, custody battles, legal issues, and health problems. They were clearly struggling, but we knew that God had a plan for their lives.
I’ll spare you all the details, but I can tell you some of the ways God moved. First off, they began coming with us to Southland… and then coming even when we didn’t. In the fall of 2019, just a short while after we first met them, I had the privilege of performing their wedding (in my living room). The husband was baptized. And now, they are regular volunteers on our Guest Experience Team. They just recently attended Rooted, our parent dedication service, and committed themselves to raising their new son to know and follow Jesus. And what I’m perhaps most thankful for is that we have gained new close friends! Josh (the husband) and I hang out regularly, and we share our struggles and victories.
I tell you this story not to brag about my amazing mentoring abilities. In fact, I tell you this for just the opposite reason: I’m a pathetic mentor. I never know what to say. I’m not good at giving advice, and I’m a really bad listener. But… that doesn’t give me an excuse. Priscilla and Aquila knew Jesus’ command to go and make disciples, ”teaching them to obey.” So that’s what they did with Apollos. Discipleship doesn’t stop with baptism. In fact, that’s where it should start.
The amazing thing about mentoring and discipleship is that, most often, I get as much (or more) out of the relationship as the person I’m mentoring. Josh has challenged me just as much as I have challenged him. God has used our relationship to grow us both. So my challenge as we wrap up this week is this: Who are you investing your time into? As followers of Jesus, there are no valid excuses. It’s what we’re called to do. And if you take that step, I guarantee you’ll be just as blessed as the person you’re leading.
Friday’s Reflection
Who are you investing in? Who are you telling that they matter to Jesus? If you don’t have an answer to that question, take some time to pray right now for God to lay someone on your heart. Then, look for an opportunity to deepen that relationship.