“Faithful Mentoring Conversations: A Path to Discipleship”

In a world filled with distractions and uncertainties, one thing remains constant: the importance of relationships. As we nurture our faith and help others do the same, as Christ-centered leaders, we guide and support those seeking to deepen their relationship with God. 

Let’s explore a transformative approach to discipleship through faithful mentoring conversations. These conversations provide a simple and powerful way to equip individuals to become faithful followers of Jesus who, in turn, make more disciples.

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Disciples Make Disciples

Who is a disciple? A disciple is a grace-filled Christ follower who puts faith into action. This simple yet profound definition encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. It’s not just about belief; it’s about actively living out one’s faith, embodying God’s grace, and sharing it with others.

To unpack that definition, consider what it means to be a student of Jesus. To learn from Jesus means we’re always growing and becoming more of who God wants us to be. These faithful mentoring conversations are a way to lead disciples to make more disciples. Let’s take a closer look at this one way to develop and nurture discipleship.

Defining Disciple in the United Methodist Tradition

As United Methodists, our faith is rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, and we place great emphasis on the means of grace. The means of grace include acts of piety and acts of mercy, striking a balance between acts of devotion and acts of compassion, as well as acts of worship and acts of justice. To be a disciple in the United Methodist tradition is to engage in both personal faith and community action.

Starting with Relationships

One fundamental step in leading others to make disciples is to begin by building relationships. Before delving into deep theological discussions, it’s crucial to get to know one another. 

This can involve sharing about family backgrounds, current friendships, and hopes for the future. This first conversation sets the tone for a three fold rhythm to all of the conversations: consider the past, acknowledge the present, and look forward in faith to the future. Building these connections sets the foundation for meaningful discipleship.

Reflecting and Acting Together

After each conversation, it’s important to engage in reflection and take action. Reflecting on the discussions and shared experiences can provide valuable insights into personal growth and faith development. The hosts suggest starting with simple actions like praying together or reflecting on shared goals.

Exploring Prayer: How Did You Learn to Pray?

Another conversation to consider is focused on prayer. When you consider the simple question, “Who taught you to pray?” it opens the door to inviting others share personal experiences and discuss the significance of prayer in one’s faith journey. It’s a chance to delve into the history of prayer and its role in our lives.

Engaging with Scripture

Scripture is a cornerstone of discipleship. Exploring the Bible’s impact on personal faith and discussing individual Biblical literacy can be eye-opening. This conversation isn’t about having all the answers about the complexities of scripture. It is a conversation about engaging in a dialogue about the scriptures, their context, and relevance in daily life.

Embracing Spiritual Practices

Spiritual practices play a crucial role in nurturing one’s faith. These practices, whether prayer, fasting, or acts of mercy, help individuals connect with God and live out their faith. Exploring one’s current practices and considering ways to deepen them is an essential part of the discipleship journey.

Identifying Purpose and Gifts

Discipleship also involves understanding one’s purpose and recognizing the God-given gifts. Questions like “When do you feel most alive?” and “What future purposes do you envision?” can open doors to discovering one’s passions and gifts. It’s a step toward embracing one’s unique calling in God’s plan.

Commitment to Jesus

Commitment to Jesus is a central aspect of discipleship. This conversation encourages individuals to reflect on their journey with Christ, the commitment they’ve made, and the possibility of making it public through baptism or other means. It’s an opportunity to evaluate one’s current commitment and explore future steps in faith development.

Moving Beyond Programs

The concept of faithful mentoring conversations moves beyond traditional programs. It’s about fostering relationships, curiosity, and imagination. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, it allows for personalized guidance in the discipleship journey. The focus is on loving people as God loves us and helping them experience God’s love in their lives.

Disciples Make Disciples

Faithful mentoring conversations are a powerful means to lead disciples to make more disciples. By engaging in meaningful dialogues about relationships, prayer, scripture, spiritual practices, purpose, and commitment to Jesus, we can equip individuals to become faithful followers of Christ who actively live out their faith. 

The transformation happens in these conversations, fostering deep connections and a true understanding of what it means to be a disciple. It’s a journey of love and faith, not confined by programs or membership, but centered on building authentic relationships and sharing the grace of Christ with others.