the road trip::tales of ambassadizing the nation

ministry (n) : the spiritual work or service of any Christian or a group of Christians, especially evangelism

skills (n) : the ability to do something well, expertise (both from Oxford American Dictionary)

The third goal of discipleship is to develop a student's ministry skills. This includes a whole range of things, from basic interpersonal interaction, to evangelism, to specific spiritual gifts... and the list goes on. Your disciple should be better equipped for ministry as a result of your time together.

If I'm being honest, I'd say this is the area of discipleship that is most lacking in our churches today. While there is room for improvement in the areas of developing character and biblical understanding, in many places we are at least attempting to address these two. But ministry skills are often completely overlooked. We get together for coffee and talk about how we're struggling, how we're succeeding, and what we're learning in Scripture, but it's not often that we get up, go out, and do a project together, get involved in ministry together.

When it comes to helping develop ministry skills, I think there are some simple, practical things ways to start:

• take a spiritual gifts inventory together: an inventory isn't foolproof, but it is a good starting place. Especially since many students (and adults, if we're honest) don't really know what their gifts are. The Resurgence has a great series available online about an extensive list of gifts, including descriptions and indicators of each gift.
• study different evangelism techniques: there are tons out there. From your own testimony, to tracks, to the Way of the Master, to basic verses that lay out the gospel. Why not take some time to learn new ways and talk about your favorite ways to share the gospel. And then go out and do it. Whether you go to an organized outreach, or the mall, or the fair, or a football game -- there are unsaved people everywhere you go. While it may be uncomfortable for your disciple (and for you!) the first time, there is no better way to learn about evangelism than to do it. And it is so beneficial for you to go together, as you can help to guide your disciple, and then debrief afterwards, and share the joy of evangelism (Philemon 6).
• develop projects based on needs/circumstances: this depends on your disciple and what the Lord is working in them. For example, Leah wants to become more disciplined in quietly waiting on the Lord in her prayer life. So we did an exercise where we each wrote a letter to ourselves from the Lord (based on the model in Revelation 2-3). This provided good quiet time, and gave each of us direction and insight into things the Lord wanted us to do. Katie loves people, but often is so busy at school that she was struggling to know how to love on them. We decided she'd pray for one person in each of her classes every day, and really focus on that one person. It has allowed given her purpose in each class and the Lord is using it to direct her love and passion for people.
• do things together: anytime you can be involved in any kind of ministry together, do it. You will gain invaluable insight into your disciple's gifts, passions, strengths, and weaknesses when you are working alongside them. Morgan is part of a mentoring program at college, where she works with a couple girls from underprivileged homes. Last month I got to meet those girls and hang out with them and Morgan and just see her in action. It was a blast. So fun to see her initiate with them, love on them, and direct them.

Jesus trained his disciples in ministry. Obviously. They followed him around as he prayed, taught, healed, loved, and died. Our disciples need the same training.

Sometimes it's uncomfortable, because it's outside of our disciple's (and our own) comfort zone. But uncomfortable does not necessarily mean bad. Even Jesus put his disciples in uncomfortable situations. Sometimes it is necessary for our growth.