Over and over again we talk to our Network 20 disciple-makers about “walking with” the young men they disciple. It is important to be present for the guys as they experience life moment by moment.
Recently, I was reminded of Paul’s instructions to the church of the Thessalonians, specifically his words found in ! Thessalonians 2:7b-12 (NIV). Paul writes, “Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”
What great words to describe how those who are part of the church body should be for each other: care, love, share, encourage, and comfort. And, maybe most important of all—urge to live lives worthy of God!
We as the church body are called to be disciple-makers. If we would apply these words to our relationships, we would be disciple-makers!
I praise God for the example of “Paul’s approach” to disciple-making. Let’s walk with those we disciple as we care, love, share, encourage, and comfort them. Let’s urge them with all the strength and passion of the Holy Spirit living in us, to live lives worthy of God!
Gary Wybenga
Network 20 Executive Director
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