I wrote about GRIT disciple-making on Thursday, and yesterday I noted that when some people hear “disciple-making,” they hear “evangelism.” Hence yesterday’s story from the life of Navigator founder Dawson Trotman that “evangelism is not enough.”

Today, I want to tell another classic Dawson Trotman story illustrating what GRIT is about. Please recall that I said GRIT stands for disciple-making that is:

• Generational
• Relational
• Intentional
• Transformational

Dawson was in San Diego, investing in the lives of sailors, one of whom was Les Spencer. Dawson met at least weekly with Les, teaching him how to have daily time with God, how to memorize scripture, how to share the gospel, how to do Bible study, how to pray, etc. After about three months, Les brought another sailor, whom Les had led to Christ. Excitedly, he told Dawson, “Dawson, this is Joe! He’s just become a Christian. Teach him what you taught me!” And Dawson’s response was simply,

You teach him. – Dawson Trotman to Les Spencer

Dawson went on to say, “If you can’t teach him what I taught you, then I have failed.” Folks, that’s what we mean by generational disciple-making.

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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 2.1, 2, NIV)