Yesterday, we explored how joining Jesus on mission is not unlike joining the Star Trek crew on mission. And my friend Bill Mowry indicated that one of the reasons more of aren’t involved is:

I don’t have the training or the skills.

Bill’s reaction is that with all the tools out there, that’s not a good excuse. I agree. A friend of mine was leading a group of men through Bill’s book Ways of the Alongsider, and he told me this story:

Near the end of our time together, one of the men said, “Let me see if I’ve got this right. You want us to share the gospel, help someone put their faith in Jesus, then come alongside them to help them grow in their Christian faith.” I replied, “Of course.” The man replied, “I’m not ready for that.”

I would have had a simple response: “If you don’t think you’re ready, after a lifetime of teaching in a Bible-believing church, and even after taking this course, what else are you going to do to get ready? Jesus didn’t consider not being ready an excuse.”

And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. (Luke 12.47, 48, ESV, the words are Jesus’, the emphasis is mine)

Being part of the mission is not difficult. Most of us are way more ready than we think or more ready than some church leaders think we are. If you missed last week’s series suggested by my friend Ray Bandi, I encourage you to look at it. His model was a simple Love, Pray, Model, Teach, Repeat.

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2.2, NIV)

Remember:

2 Timothy 2.2:  It’s so easy, anyone can do it, even lay people.
It’s so important, everyone must do it, even pastors.