In today’s post Jaime Hlavin challenges those of us who love Jesus to recommit ourselves to the Great Commission . . . making disciples. Take five minutes to read her inspiring story and then more importantly, decide to follow through. Enjoy ~ John.

Nearly thirty years ago, I was in a period of disobedience. I had walked away from the faith of my childhood and spent the bulk of my college years far from the Lord. Through a series of extremely specific and supernatural experiences, Jesus left the ninety-nine sheep to pursue me. In the weeks and months following my rededication to Him, I told myself I never wanted to lose touch with what it felt like to experience such grace, rescue, redemption, and reconciliation.

Also, at that time, there was an older woman in my church who took a group of newly saved young ladies under her wing and began to study the Bible with us. I say, “older woman,” but looking back, she was probably the same age I am now. She was patient, wise, and full of the Holy Spirit. That time with her was priceless for my faith journey.

As the years became decades, I’ve learned it takes intentional hard work to stay in touch with remembering my first love. The rhythm and routine of the “Christian life” can mute the intensity and zeal of those initial days and weeks following our moment of salvation.

Especially in ministry—we often develop a blind spot. As we age in our faith, serve among believers, and move in ministry circles, it becomes likely we lose contact with those who don’t yet know Jesus. Therefore, it is crucial we find ways to intentionally stay connected to those young in faith and in need of discipleship.

Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus had very specific final words for Holy Spirit and those who would serve Him all throughout time, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20).

When Aaron and I served as lead pastors, we created a New Believers group. Honestly, it was one of my favorite times in ministry. The raw excitement of those new to faith was exhilarating. The honesty of their questions and lack of knowledge was humbling. Then a global pandemic hit and changed how we did church for a bit. Shortly after that, my husband was elected to a role that kept us enveloped primarily in the church world.

Given the nature of the ministry we are currently involved in, it’s difficult to get deeply plugged into our home church as our travel and speaking schedule moves us all over the state of Michigan every week. However, I made an intentional decision to remedy that and had the profound privilege of leading a New Believers’ Spiritual Formation group this past fall. I loved every minute of it . . . It was rejuvenating, challenging, and humbling.

I highly encourage those of us seasoned in faith and ministry to find ways to engage deeply with newer or not-yet believers. It could be in a format like I’ve described, or something less formal or more organic.

When you can deeply engage on a regular basis with someone in the early chapters of their walk with Christ, you are part of creating the following:

• A safe space for those new in faith to explore questions and concerns about navigating a relationship with Jesus.

• Development of basic faith life skills and Biblical knowledge.

• Creating a narrative for them about Jesus and the way He has moved in the lives of longtime saints.

There are also benefits for you as the “seasoned” saint as you live in relationship with new believers:

You learn to be ready “in season and out” (2 Timothy 4:2)

In my experience, the questions and comments sprung on you in these moments are wild. Keep in mind that it’s okay to admit you may not have an answer in the moment. Prayerfully take the time to research the questions and follow up.

Your faith will be encouraged and bolstered as you connect with the experiences of rescue and redemption of others

Learning the ways Jesus is moving in the lives of others, and how he leaves the ninety-nine to find the one will ignite a spark in your walk with the Lord. This is the part of the exhilaration.

And finally, it reconnects you with the emotions you experienced when you first began your walk with Jesus

When I see the excitement of a new Christian, I’m instantly transported back to those days when my own rescue was so fresh and palpable. It strengthens my resolve and renews my strength. This is another part of the exhilaration.

So, if you find yourself orbiting in primarily Christian circles with people of seasoned faith, may I recommend in this New Year to intentionally find ways to connect with young-in-the-faith sisters and brothers. You will grow in a synergistic connection that propels you and those you’re pouring into toward being part of fulfilling the Great Commission!