The Importance of Pacing Yourself When Leading People Towards Christ

I LOVE leading and I LOVE making disciples.

It's one of those passions where you could just do it for eternity because it is such a joy. Not to discount the difficulties it brings, but it really is a lot of fun.

I recently came across this little piece of advice in a book I'm reading. In short, it was basically "lead people at their own pace."

Many times, I (and if you are anything like me, YOU) have charged ahead with our passion, drive, and seemingly unending energy towards our goals, all the while intending to bring certain people with us on the journey. But when we get to our goal, we look back and it appears everyone has given up because they couldn't keep up with the pace at which we charged forward.

You been there?

I have...

Many times.

I remember one particular example.

I had led this girl who knew nothing about the Christian faith to Christ over the course of four one-hour meetings (hint hint). Once I had, I moved on and tried to find someone else to lead to Christ, missing out on the value of making a self-sustaining believer. A few months later, her faith dwindled out was gone under the lack of discipleship and good example.

Realization hit.

I had gone too fast...

And there was no going back.

How do we avoid creating this demoralizing and difficult scenario?

JOG, DON'T SPRINT.

Now, don't get me wrong, there are times in life to sprint, but that is ten percent of the time. The other ninety percent, we need to be patiently jogging alongside those who are weaker than us. This is what Paul has to say on the matter.

"We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1

This has two main applications.


1. Leading People to Christ

When working with someone to help them learn about the Christian faith for the ultimate goal of seeing them give their life to Jesus, understand that more often than not, there pace is going to be different than yours.

Take it upon yourself to give them what they need to hear and know, not what you would like to tell them. Learn about who they are, where they are at in the process of surrendering, and from there, with prayer and discernment, decide before meeting what some things they need to understand are. Not always, but often times what they need to hear at this stage is painfully basic.


2. Discipling People who Know Christ

When working with someone to teach them what it looks like to live a Christian life and dedicate every area of their life to Jesus, pacing is equally important. Realize, in most cases, this is not going to be a two month process, but usually a several year, if not a life-long journey.

You will be disappointed at times. They will not be completing the challenges you asked of them, they will not be moving at the pace you desired.

Remember though, as long as there is any amount of forward momentum, no matter how small, YOU are making a difference.


Just....


Pace yourself.