My children are both in university. To get in, they had to meet some minimum requirements, without which they would not have been accepted. There are many degrees and diploma programs available if you choose to enter university or college, each with its requirements for entrance – MCATs, LSATs, volunteer work, minimum marks, specific high school courses, etc.

Once they graduate, they will enter the workforce where once again they will face certain barriers, minimum requirements to begin their career. I think that most of us are okay with people in many careers having to meet certain minimum requirements, otherwise we could be diagnosed incorrectly by the doctor, the bridge we drive over may collapse, the food we eat may make us ill and the counsellor we see may lead us astray.

How about becoming a disciple? How do we approach those that agree to connect with us? Do we take a laissez-fair attitude toward them, or do we have some minimum requirements? And yes, I do recognize that we are all unique and our personalities are different and our learning styles are not the same. And yet, we must always keep in mind that we are committing to help someone grow, and that growth means that they need to stretch, and that stretching isn’t always all the comfortable, and yet without without they won’t grow.

So here is my question – what are your minimum requirements of those you meet with? What will they be required to do? Are you willing to remove someone from your discipling relationship if they don’t want to meet the minimum requirements? And yes, my personality is such that I may not “feel” as much as others do, so perhaps you may be thinking that I’m mean spirited. And yet, what did Jesus say: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow.” What do you think that really means? He told the rich young ruler to go away until he was ready to sell everything. He looked at Peter and said “Get behind me Satan.” He scolded Martha for missing out. And on and on we could go.

So I ask you again, what are your minimum requirements for those that you disciple? What hoops will they be required to jump through? You are giving of your life for the sake of another – don’t you want a return for your efforts?

I have written on the requirements I have developed for the guys that I meet with in previous blogs, I don’t need to go into that here. The question is for you – think about, pray about, talk about – what will you require of those that you are willing to give of your life? This is kingdom work, don’t take it lightly.