Ministry Calling by Pete BriscoeSample

Invited Into Something Special

Leaders don’t force people to follow—they invite them on a journey. — Charles S. Lauer

Don’t hesitate to invite someone into ministry. This is especially true if you’re a leader or mentor.

What qualifies you as a leader or mentor?

If you’re a parent, an aunt or uncle, a grandparent, a small group leader, a youth or kids’ leader, a manager at your work, or a coach for your kids’ team—then you’re a leader and a mentor.

As leaders and mentors, the book of Acts shows us that Jesus will invite people into ministry through us as we surrender to Him.

Why would we want to put ourselves out there like that and be part of such an invitation?

• The first reason is for our good: Over and over again in Scripture, we see that ministry requires company. We shouldn’t do ministry alone.
• The second reason is for the good of others: Discipleship flourishes when others are truly plugged in.

During the first week of my wife’s surgical rotation, her attending told her, “Here’s how we work: See one, share one, do one.” On Monday she observed an appendectomy. On Tuesday she participated. On Wednesday she took charge.

Being invited into the process is a great way to learn! But how do we know whom to invite?

When Jesus invites Peter in Luke 5, we see three qualities in Peter that we should seek out in others.

• Find someone who is willing.

[Jesus] said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night but haven’t caught anything. But because you say so…” (5:4-5)

• Find someone who is humble.

They caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (5:6, 8)

• Find someone who is trusting.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. (5:10b-11)

Look for these qualities in someone you are leading or mentoring, surrender to the idea that Jesus would invite them into ministry through you, and be willing to teach and release leaders regularly. 

Jesus, I see the “See one, share one, do one” principle all over Scripture. Maybe teaching isn’t natural to me, but it’s natural to You. Will You lead others in this way through me? Make me eager to invite those who are willing, humble, and trusting. Amen.

Reflection:

1. Who does God call into ministry today? How does He call them?
2. Who are some of your mentors in the faith? How have they encouraged you to serve Christ?
3. Who in your sphere of influence is willing, humble, and trusting? What opportunities can you invite them into?

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