I’m always very interested in chatting with those who take the next step and choose to disciple others. I’m excited for them and pray for them as their names come to mind. They have begun a great adventure that will not only have a lasting impact on those they lead but on themselves as well.

Interestingly, from time to time I will hear them talk about their experience, either to me or to those that they are connecting with. I am surprised that at times they speak in terms that present themselves as someone who lacks experience, doesn’t really have much to offer and is simply “facilitating” the discipleship process.

Can I provide one word – “nonsense.”

Now hear me out.

You have just begun a relationship with one or more individuals who agreed to allow you to guide them on this journey. Apparently they sensed in you something that they do not have and they were willing to place themselves under your leadership. They are trusting you to take them places that they have not been. At the least, you owe them your confidence.

Now let’s be honest. You know and I know and I believe that those you lead know – you are not perfect. That’s a given. You will be learning during this journey just as they are. You will be learning from them perhaps as much as they learn from you. This is all good and normal. In fact, if you aren’t learning then something isn’t working.

And yet I believe that presenting yourself as someone who really doesn’t have something to offer is in a way false humility.

Look at it this way – are you personally going to follow someone who presents themselves as less than competent? Think about those you have followed and have listened to for advice. My guess is that you looked up to them and were glad that you met them and were able to glean insight from them. You didn’t hold them up or put them on a pedestal as though they were super human. And yet you made changes to your life as a result of the confidence they demonstrated on the topic of conversation.

You are being the same for someone else – lead boldly, believe in yourself.

Perhaps this sounds like a pep talk for a sports team full of bravado and self-help statements. Perhaps. And yet I honestly believe that as we appreciate our standing under Christ, we can move forward in confidence and believe that we will make a difference in someone’s life. The Apostle Paul on one hand spoke of himself as being the worst sinner and yet he also said to those he was leading to imitate him as he imitated Christ. Bold, yet I’m sure also reassuring to those who attached themselves to him.

People want to be led, I’m convinced of that more and more. Even though I am leading others, I am still looking to be led as well by mentors of mine.

So as you move forward on this journey, do so with self-belief. You have the opportunity of a life time. You are leaving a legacy. Be excited. Be confident.

For the Kingdom.