Not every Disciple-maker Stands on a Stage

"You became imitators of us and of the Lord... "  ! Thessalonians 1:6 

Lloyd and Menno were disciple-makers and I was the disciple being mentored, but neither of them knew the significant role they were having in my life. Menno's life on earth ended without me ever thanking him for the role model he had been for me.

Fortunately, there was an occasion when I happened to be traveling through the city where Lloyd and his wife lived so I stopped in for a visit. Lloyd was 92 years of age at the time. I told him how I had watched his life and modelled my management style after the way I observed him managing people, projects and situations. He was surprised to hear about the influence his life had on mine. Then he told me one last piece of information that has stood the test of time and has become my testimony as well. He told me:

"KR, God will never abandon you even when you are 92 years of age."

I did not know at the time how important this statement would be in my life. Through times of struggle I have often been reminded of Lloyd's words to me and now I testify to others from my own experience that what he said is true. God will never abandon his children. 

Discipleship takes many forms. Sometimes it is accomplished through organized training sessions and discipleship groups. Sometimes it is less formal and we find people in our lives that we can imitate. Whenever possible I want to formalize the discipleship process so the people I disciple can become disciple-makers. But, I am also mindful there are people watching me and the way I live my life in Jesus who will never ask me to lead them in a discipleship group. For them I want to be like Menno and Lloyd and live my life in such a way that they are attracted to the Jesus I serve and will seek to imitate me as I disciple them from a distance.