Disciplining the Middle
Over the years, I have coached many basketball players at different levels. There are those little ones in the K-3rd grade league whom you teach the very basics, and I have helped skilled players at the high school level. Making disciples is a lot like coaching. You are coaching people to walk with Jesus. Like in coaching basketball, Christians can be at many different levels of their walk with Jesus.
Sometimes, we can be good at teaching the young believers the faith basics. This is an exciting time, where everything is new, and there is a lot of spiritual growth in a short time. We are also good at stretching the faith of more mature believers, taking what they know, and helping them expand their understanding and think through the implications of our faith and the teaching of the Bible.
But what about those in between? Is there a place where we teach those not new to the faith yet have not reached maturity? It is a painful transition in the Little League to go from T-ball/coach pitch to player pitch. It is necessary, but it is hard to watch. Players walk and strike out based on the young player's ability to throw strikes from the mound. Likewise, it can be hard to watch non-newbies continue to struggle even after some years in the faith. How can we encourage believers at this level of spiritual maturity?
- Acknowledge the struggle. One problem in churches is that to many members, it can seem that everyone knows everything and has it all put together in the church. We need to show that we are all learning and growing together. Discussing our spiritual lives can pay huge dividends, especially in our struggles.
- Teach to these believers where they are in their walk. They may be past spiritual milk but not ready for the strong meat. Believers need the fundamentals and then need to understand how these fundamentals work and grow. Some believers must circle back and review some basics to keep growing.
- Encourage them to read theological works at an appropriate level. There are all sorts of good resources available at every level. Ensure your church's book table and your list of recommendations reflect the diversity of needs in the body of Christ. While we would love for everyone to read John Owen or Richard Sibbes, not everyone is ready.
- Do not let these folks just slip away. It is easy for you to let them slide into a maintenance guide path, which means they are never challenged to grow and push forward in their faith. New Believers and Advanced members are often more exciting for us to teach. Make sure you are looking at and engaging those who do not fall into these two categories.
The church needs to teach and instruct Christians at every level, from new believers to mature saints and everyone in between. Is your church doing this? Are you intentionally doing so, especially with those who may be stalled in their spiritual growth?
