Engaging Each Person We Meet
I want to be about making disciples, but often get sidetracked taking on other “priorities” in my life.
The discipleship sermon series we had recently really got me thinking about the people in my life and specifically those I work with and how I might step out in faith to get to know them on a different level, perhaps spiritual level. Pastor Brandon’s message on August 27th made me think about my co-worker Josh. After the sermon I went to the front of the Worship Center and asked for prayer that God would give me the courage to specifically engage Josh with the intention of having a spiritual conversation.
The very next day (Monday) Josh came into my office and asked if I had a few minutes to talk. He was seeking advice for a career-related decision that was weighing heavy on his mind. We chatted with the door shut for 30 minutes and I did my best to give him encouragement and advice. At the end, I apologized for never following through on an earlier invitation to lunch and asked if he wanted to get together later that week. He seemed genuinely excited about the possibility.
On my way home from work I was on the phone with Pastor Robin. I told him about my conversation with Josh. Robin asked if I had shared that I pray when I have a difficult decision to make. I hadn’t thought about that, but immediately thought that it would have been a great idea. Almost immediately I felt like a failure since this idea had not occurred to me. Thankfully, God took my shame and turned it around by prompting me to text Josh and tell him about prayer and specifically Psalm 32:8. Josh immediately responded with appreciation for the encouragement.
Josh and I met for lunch a week later and it lasted 2.5 hours! I used some questions that were on the “How to Start a Spiritual Conversation” card that was handed out at church. Josh shared with me about his upbringing and admitted to a lack of pursuing God since youth. He expressed concern that his kids don’t know much about Jesus. The conversation turned toward the Gospel and I may have “dumped the truck” sharing about what Jesus has done for us. We ended the lunch and agreed that we should get together again. I went away wondering if he really meant that. I began picking apart the conversation in my head. I felt that it was too wordy, disjointed, too long and didn’t involve many (or any) questions. All of my insecurities began rising up. Even though the conversation ended with no great admissions, confessions, revelations or proclamations of faith from Josh, I can trust that the Lord will take my step of obedience to engage with my co-worker and turn it into something fruitful. At the very least, I got to practice what we have been learning and will be more equipped next time. When you have a minute, pray for Josh!