March 14, 2006 | Seth Barnes | How to Disciple | 4 Comments | Views 5

How do I choose someone to disciple?

Some new disciples grow at a faster rate than others. Those that grow fastest possess the following four biblical FAST characteristics. The first is that they will be Faithful. That is, they w ill follow through on the direction they’ve been given. Here’s what Jesus said about it: “Well done, …

By Seth Barnes

14 March 2006, 12:03 am

By Seth Barnes

14 March 2006, 12:03 am

Some new disciples grow at a faster rate than others. Those that grow fastest possess the following four biblical FAST characteristics.

The first is that they will be Faithful. That is, they w ill follow through on the direction they’ve been given. Here’s what Jesus said about it: “Well done, my good and faithful servant!’ his master replied. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of five cities.'” Luke 19:17

We waste too much time throwing “pearls before swine.” Eager to invest in people, we impart truth and spend time without pausing to consider whether or not the person we are giving our time to will ever follow through on what we’ve given them to do. Ultimately, when we’ve been repeatedly disappointed by those who were unfaithful, we can begin to lose heart and decide it’s not worth the effort.

In tomorrow’s blog, I’ll explore the other three criteria:

Available Available on a regular basis; periodically for longer times.

Seeking Eager to know God – motivated.

Teachable Can be led in new and sometimes difficult directions.

Comments (4)

Becca

March 14, 2006 at 2:16 pm

Reply

I think is it important to remember that our speech is to be seasoned with salt and grace. We are to have truth and wholeness on our lips but I agree that we should not try to force people to be discipled. Eagerness and curiosity are the best of teachers. We are also to persevere in our relationships and sometimes consistency is the best demonstration of interest in anothers life.
Elizabeth

July 19, 2007 at 11:54 pm

Reply

I agree we can not push, we are to plant the seed and God is to do the rest. that is when prayer for the seed to grow comes into place. We are here to plant the seed and be there for people when they have questions. But it is not a waste of time because remember the Heavens rejoice when one soul alone comes to the Lord Jesus.

Jesus is love.

Liz
jeremiah

December 4, 2007 at 1:17 am

Reply

Let’s remember that discouragement is a part of sharing th Word of God. The enemy has always somthing to make you upset to make you feel sad in order to hinder of sharing God’s Word. Have in mind that whenever circumstances like this happen be consistent in what you are doing and for sure the enemy will be confused of what he must do to hinder you froem sharing. Amen.
Bruce Howard

December 9, 2012 at 4:25 pm

Reply

I agree with not rushing the process. Most importantly is remembering that no one wants disciples birthed more that God. Having said that, we must remember the Jesus said “without me you can do nothing” so we need not focus so much on settling on the right ones, but praying that they would become the right ones. The key word is prayer. Jesus spent a whole night praying before He selected the twelve. Patience is a prerequisite in working through the selection process.