I have often wondered how a theological textbook would read if it was written by someone who is homeless, or disabled, or has been unemployed for many years, or a housewife, or ……..

Most theological books I’ve come across have been written by middle class, white males. Surely they have filters that don’t allow them to see the full picture.

Growing up solidly middle-class myself, I am shocked that it took me until age 40 to grasp the “obvious” call to care for the disadvantaged in our very own communities. Now that my filter has changed, I can so clearly see the numerous passages, both OT and NT, which not only encourage us on this, but command us to do this. I wonder what other aspects I am missing that in reality should be “blatantly obvious.”

One of the amazing benefits of this journey is the recognition that moving outside of my comfort zone with people who are different from me is transformative theologically.

How much are you moving beyond your core group of relationships? Do you engage with other people? These will be people who are different from you economically (both poorer and wealthier), politically, denominationally (if we even know what that means anymore), gender, race, religion, occupation, culture, education, etc.

To disciple people who are similar to me is a fairly simple process in many respects. We already think very much alike and we will find ourselves nodding in agreement more often than not.

However, those that I am disicpling, if I am to lead them well, we need to move outside of our comfort zones. What we read together, where we serve together, are all important aspects of the journey.

I want them to feel uncomfortable at times, have them squirm. At the same time, they need to see me become uncomfortable and wrestle with my beliefs. Without this, we become stale.

Not that my beliefs are going to be swayed by every new idea that comes my way. Yet it is important to engage with different points of view that may alter my beliefs and practices, or perhaps simply further solidify the beliefs and practices I have.

We can’t hide in a protective bubble and simply engage with books and people who will “tell us what we want to hear.” We don’t have all the answers. We aren’t living the perfect life.

Let’s be sure to move beyond ourselves for our own growth, as well as those we are leading. There is nothing to be afraid of, just transformation waiting to take place.

For the Kingdom.

As much as I espouse having some preset activities for every discipling relationship that I engage with (scripture memory, prayer, curriculum, serving), I must always recognize that each person is unique and that their journey as such will be unique. If I don’t keep this before me, I will treat each person as though they were on an assembly line and fail to see how they have been created individually.

I have probably made more errors on this aspect than any other over the years. I am forever thankful for some of the great guys that I have had the privilege of leading who were bold enough to push back when they felt that I was not engaging with them in ways that were meaningful to who they were. It is during those moments that you must be willing to eat humble pie, learn from those you are leading, and make adjustments to the journey.

It is also important to keep in mind that these differences come in a variety of forms.

There are personality differences. Some individuals have deeper sensitivities to various aspects of the journey while others are less so. Some find security in structure and a clear agenda while others are more free flowing in their approach. Some look for the many details, while others are looking to see the big picture learning. None are wrong, just different.

Beyond personality, there are different passions. This becomes obvious with the various topics you will cover. Some will naturally engage in certain topics simply due to their passions. Be conscious that you can learn to understand some topics more intimately when you hear someone with a deeper passion for it talk about it and how they see it impacting themselves and the world.

Family situations are also huge factors in the disicpling relationship. Someone who is in the middle of raising children in elementary school will approach things much differently than a single 22 year old. Someone working through marriage difficulties will see aspects of God differently than someone who is enjoying a vibrant relationship.

There is also a person’s academic bent. Some enjoy reading and study while others were happy that they made it through high school; books just aren’t their thing.

All of these differences should not in any way completely sway the discipling process. We all need to be stretched outside of our comfort zones for learning to take place. Yet as you lead others, always be aware of the uniqueness of each individual. Leverage who they are, learn from each of them yourself, and you will enjoy the variety of the body of Christ.

For the Kingdom.