Seeking Someone a Few Steps Ahead
Paul provides a biblical vision for this in 2 Timothy 2:1. He writes to Timothy, saying, “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Four generations of believers are mentioned in this one verse. Paul teaches Timothy, who is in turn exhorted to teach faithful men, who will then pass on the teachings to others.
Relationships like this rarely form by happenstance; they require intentionality and involvement in your local church. Begin to join the men and women who are quietly serving within the church. Look for those who are faithfully discipling their children at home and sharing the gospel in their workplaces. Put yourself around these people and ask to spend time with them. If someone says they don’t have the time or capacity, don’t grow discouraged. Simply keep looking and consider asking a pastor or church leader for help in finding someone.
Busyness is the common excuse given for not being able to invest in others. What if, instead of treating discipleship as another event or meetup to squeeze into the week, we simply brought someone along in what we’re already doing?
My friend on the mountain trail invited me into her home and life, showing me what it looked like to follow Jesus as a mother and wife. I joined their family in whatever they were doing—family devotions, trips, hikes, mundane errands, and weekday dinners. Our conversations along the way often led us to explore scripture together. I was also deeply shaped by being welcomed into the ups and down of family life. And, come to find out, their family also benefited from inviting a single woman into their home as I became someone their girls looked up to, a big sister of sorts.
Pursuing Someone a Few Steps Behind
Discipleship is a journey where we have someone a few steps in front of us, but also a few steps behind us on the trail of life. Paul’s instructions to Timothy make it clear to believers that this is the way it should be. We are to share with “faithful men” who, in turn, are pouring into “others” and so the cycle goes on.
Many of us long to have had someone intentionally pursue us in mentorship. You also have the chance to be that intentional person for someone else! Look around at the people God has placed in your life. Who is someone you could purposefully invite into your own rhythms? If you’re unsure, search for opportunities in your church to serve among the youth, college students, or young adults.
There is great joy in sitting across from a younger sister in the faith, learning to read the Word, or talking through the difficult parts of life on a walk. Discipling others is not without its challenges, though. I’ve often been asked difficult questions that drove me deeper into Scripture for answers and held accountable to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, knowing others are watching my example. When I’ve felt in over my head, I turn to my friends who are a few steps ahead and ask for their advice.
