We are re-releasing older posts to continue stirring vision and tools as you practice the Great Commission. Below is a post from 2/9/2017
One Size Does Not Fit All
"One size fits all" is a description of some clothing items or products that would fit in all situations. Doesn't matter if someone is tall or short, slim or wide, you give them one product and it will fit their situation. This may sometimes work with clothes, but it doesn't work in disciple making. When it comes to discipleship, we are talking about people. People who are all at differing stages in their walk. Every one of us have different experiences, different struggles, and different circumstances. So what one person needs to hear in a moment could be totally different from the next person. And what worked for one situation may not work for another. One of the most important skills in discipling others is listening, being able to ask good questions, and listen to what people need most. When we do this, we can meet people where they are and point them to a solution that fits them, and not "all". Jesus was the master of asking questions.
-"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?" (Matthew 5:46)
-"If you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others?" (Matthew 5:47)
-"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27)
-"Why do you worry about clothes?" (Matthew 6:28)
-"If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?" (Matthew 12:11)
-"How can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? (Matthew 12:29)
-"Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" (Matthew 12:48)
Jesus asked all kinds of questions like these to get down to a deeper level of teaching. Once He exposed what was in the disciples' hearts' He was able to give them truth that they needed for the moment.
This is one of the reasons why in our discipleship groups at Highview we want to train disciple makers to teach principles of discipleship. When we teach principles vs. methods, we show people how to spend time with Jesus for themselves, and He ultimately begins discipling them. Methods come and go, but principles stay the same. So we provide some direction, and as we listen to what the Holy Spirit is doing inside of people, we can suggest scripture and offer feedback that really helps. You may get going with your D-Group and realize some folks in your group need to change their reading plan because reading paces are different. You may notice someone in your group needs more discussion on a particular issue. You may notice that someone has a struggle that you thought they had conquered, yet it needs more attention, so you should double back. Part of our responsibility in leading others is figuring out their needs and prayerfully considering what adjustments to make.
Methods come and go, but principles stay the same.
So ask good questions, listen well, teach people how to know and follow Jesus for themselves, and pray for wisdom when you need to make adjustments.
Grace & Peace, Scott