We share an unlikely friendship.
He is twenty plus years my junior, having grown and currently living in a world that stands in stark contrast to mine. We don’t look alike, talk alike, or share any commonalities beyond the one that we shared over eleven years ago.
A classroom.
I entered it as his teacher. He entered it as my student. And while the year would roll a little rough at times, what emerged from our nine months of “doing life” together, was a budding relationship that continues to this day. Today, it doesn’t look so much like it did back then.
Back then, he sat in the first row, front seat (a good place for a kid who is hard of hearing and even harder in taking instruction). Today he sits on the other side of a computer screen.
Back then, he could barely write cursive. Today, he’s mastered the keyboard.
Back then, he was mostly concerned with his being the class clown. Today, he’s mostly concerned about his being God’s man.
Back then, he was my third grade student. Today, he’s a college student.
Back then, he asked me about reading, writing, and arithmetic. Today, he asks me about more.
A bigger more. Issues that exceed the rudimentary. Things that surpass the boundaries of what’s “allowed” within the public school forum. Things about life and God and about how to write a mission statement for a ministry that he’s beginning with the focus of helping young boys in their becoming of Godly men. Things like that.
It is my privilege to enter into his need for my “more.” Not because I think that I am overly qualified to do so, but simply because I’m the one on the receiving end of his questions. To deny him my time, my attention, and my tutelage is to deny my responsibility in the carrying out the Great Commission—God’s mandate “to go and to make disciples of all nations.”
My young friend is but one life within that nation. One amidst many. I am called to that one. You are called to another one. Never is our “making” of disciples an en masse kind of production. Preaching en masse is appropriate. Teaching en masse all the more. But corporate discipling, I believe, misses the mark of God’s intention—God’s model for how this sacred shaping is to be done.
God’s theology of the one.
Hear now what the New Testament Lexical Aids have to say about the word “discipleship” (mathetheuo) as found in Matthew 28:19:
“The action of the verb describes much more than the mere academic impartation of information; one is doing more than simply instructing a pupil in a particular field of study or aiding a student in developing a certain vocational skill. Rather, the word suggests (in religious contexts) the deep shaping of character and the cultivation of a world-view through a close, personal relationship between the student and the teacher. The teacher is a mentor par excellence who seeks to stamp his image on his disciples and thereby enable them to participate in his life. For the goal of discipleship is not simply the attaining of information, but the experience and enjoyment of fellowship.”[i]
Jesus modeled this understanding of discipleship better than anyone. Yes, He would feed the crowds, teach the crowds, and even die before the crowds. But more than living his life out loud and in front of the crowds, Jesus’ life was lived within the context of the one-on-one relationships that were formed as he went and while on the go.
Those are the ones that we remember the most … the ones that stoke the fires of our sentiment and understanding. Why? Because when we see our Savior pause for the “one,” it emboldens our belief in his willingness to do the same for us … to come alongside and to disciple us accordingly. With his time and his attention, and with his tutelage about issues that extend beyond our rudimentary in order to root our lives in his sacred extraordinary.
To stay as we are … as we were at the moment of our salvation … is to miss out on the fullness of what it is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Thus, through the power of his Holy Spirit, God comes alongside to mentor us. He places others in our paths to do the same. He then charges us with the gift and responsibility to seed the equivalent in others.
One life at a time. One phone call at a time. One e-mail, one letter, one conversation, one “interruption,” and one prayer at a time. It’s a one-on-one kind of mentoring that exceeds our sometimes, en masse, preferences. After all, en masse reaches more. En masse is the stuff of accolades and building resumes and of seemingly doing more for the kingdom. But what is the worth of an en masse kind of discipleship that walks away and isn’t available for a hug or a prayer or a further word on a further matter?
I’m not dogging en masse. I’m simply saying that en masse doesn’t cut it when discipleship is required. Yes, it seeds the soil for further work, but if we are truly to grasp our role in God’s Great Commission, then we must be willing to put aside our en masse in order to attend to the discipling of the one.
All of us should have some “ones.” We cannot be all things to all people, but we can be the shepherd to some “ones.” And if we think that our calling is all about the masses, then we think shallow. Many can preach the kingdom of God, but rare are those who are willing to disciple His kingdom living into the hearts of a few “ones.”
Pulpits come and go, friends. Stages tear down and move on to another city. But the classroom of discipleship is always in session. It has nothing to do with platforms and report cards and the counting of sheep, but has everything to do with our commitment to intimate and intentional relationship with a few.
God’s theology of the one.
May we never get too busy or too big for our britches so as to neglect the needs of the one. Whether that one is a child, an adult, a family member, a stranger, or a student from days gone by, all “ones” matter in the building up of God’s kingdom. May our hearts and hands and feet be found upon the path of such a sacred and faithful “going” this day. It’s what our Jesus came to do. He’s charged us with the same.
Thus, let’s keep to it, friends, for the kingdom of God is near … closer now than it has ever been. My “ones” coupled with your “ones” coupled with your neighbor’s “ones” are the makings of a good party. And I, for one, cannot wait to see what heaven will birth accordingly. There is coming such a day. Even so I say, come quickly Lord Jesus!
As always,
~elaine
[i] Entry for “mathetheuo” from The New Testament Lexical Aids, NIV Key Word Study Bible (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 1996), 1647.
Copyright © March 2009 – Elaine Olsen
PS: The winner of the Starbuck’s gift card from my UBP post is #38, Stephanie from Truthsharer. Congrats, Stephanie! Please send me your snail mail via my email. For all of you, may the truth and hope of Easter be present in your Sabbath rest as we draw ever closer to the cross and our remembrance of Love’s redeeming work! Shalom.
What a good word for all of us, but especially for those of us in ministry. Too often we get very caught up in the numbers game, forgetting that Jesus’ most effective work was done with individuals…i.e. Matthew, Peter, the woman at the well, Mary, Martha, etc.
May we never forget the power of doing life one on one.
Leah
Thank you – thank you for choosing me as the winner of the Starbucks GC! We have several Starbucks here in my area where I can enjoy that!
Your post today is soooo special to my heart! I don’t know where to begin except that my very own definition is:
Discipleship = FOLLOW-THROUGH
You certainly are an example of that concept. Too often we ‘get people saved’ and then as I often say we ‘let them hang dry’. We just expect them to know what to do next – they don’t! They need follow-through – someone to walk along side them to show them the path of faith.
You wrote this:
“Pulpits come and go, friends. Stages tear down and move on to another city. But the classroom of discipleship is always in session.”
That’s the follow-through part!!!
Thank you for being who you are – and being the discipler that God called each of us to be. Disciples make disciples and hopefully your young friend will do the same for another down the road!
Praise God for your follow-through!
Looking UPward and Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
[In Flight]
Elaine… this is exactly why I have been absent from blogging this week. My God-assigned “ones” have needed a little extra love, care and devotion. A little extra discipling… and I have neglected my so-called many… But it has been a “no” to the “many” for the greater “good” of the “one”…
Girl… you are hitting the mark! Praise be to our God!
Such an incredible reminder, Elaine. The impact on one is so incredibly important, and I HAVE been on both sides of it. Amen.
Elaine, this is so good. I do believe the Lord brings people into our lives and gives us an opportunity to disciple or simply help them. Just as Jesus didn’t meet all of the needs of the people who thronged about them, He touched them one life at a time. What a powerful testimony of how you’ve been there for your student. How awesome that he felt so comfortable and close to you to trust you and look to you for guidance. You were faithful with what the Lord would have you do. That’s a great example to me.
In recent times, God has brought an ‘old’ friend of mine who accepted Christ in early adolescence but wih no post-discipleship… I have made a commitment to helping her grow in faith as she and God permit..please pray for her..N. and me…her family is unsaved and there are obstacles…so pray against Satan’s thwarting…
In partnership with you,
In advancing His kingdom,
Love, Sita
I liked the way you emphasized “one” versus the “mass”. I need to worker harder in that area. There is a young woman that I know who is so in need of discipleship. I want to be able to help her in this area but we live so far apart. Have tried to connect a time or two but so far nothing. She claims to be saved but has gotten into some big time problems. She started working at a “club” in a big city last year because she “needed the money”…she said. I can see such a difference in her life. Both she and her kids (she’s a single mom)have totally stopped going to church at all because she doesn’t get in from working at the club until 7:00 or 8:00 on Sunday mornings. Makes me so very sad! Pray that I will be able to minister to this young woman in some way.
Thanks,
Marilyn
I find the theme of “one” to be powerfully poetic. It played itself in my own heart/life/blog this week as I reflect on the incredible power of one. It’s a number united, primary.
May your friend and your friendship continue to be one in the One.
Kathleen
AMEN!!If you can hear all the way down in Fla you would hear me clapping! I loved this and this line especially–One life at a time. One phone call at a time. One e-mail, one letter, one conversation, one “interruption,” and one prayer at a time.
I’m so glad that ONE does make a difference as you did in that boy’s life and so many more.
Elaine,
I’m moved by this message for too many reasons to list. I’m always in awe of the people God brings together and the opportunities He gives to us to make a difference in their lives through His leading and provision. Clearly you had/have a willing heart to be used to impact another persons life and so many more.
I appreciate you and I will be praying for this young man. I’m completely moved for so many reasons.
Love you.
Elaine, thank you for the times I have been your ‘one’.
I’m a one-on-one girl. Coffee/tea and ‘one’. Hearts open. Truths shared. Masks removed. Relationship deepened.
I also love my one on One with my Lord and Savior. It empowers me for my other ‘ones’.
Love ya,
Joy
Elaine, this part of your post really spoke to me:
“For the goal of discipleship is not simply the attaining of information, but the experience and enjoyment of fellowship.”
What a blessing for you to play such a major role in young man’s spiritual journey!
Oh Elaine! This in an awesome post. Tears filled my eyes as I read your precious words about your former student now current disciple. You are right on it.
I have found such joy in my “ones”. Many times they feel like they are the ones that are receiving… but I find that I am the one that receives the most blessings from them. The pouring out of ourselves for the benefit of others…. that sounds just like God, huh?
Blessings,
Lynn
I agree with you here sister. So many times we think our mission in our churches is to get ’em in and get ’em saved, but we neglect to help them know what to do after that salvation experience. We have to disciple them or else they get back out in the world and don’t have a clue what to do next.
We need to be a people of discipleship.
Beth
Thanks, Mrs. Olsen. Your blog made my day. God has truly blessed me to have a friend like you in my life. I appreciate everything that you have done for me and continue to do, even though we sit behind these computer screens. Remember to keep me and my family in your prayers. Most of all pray for me to become a strong man in Christ.
-T
Well spoken and something I totally agree upon. Why? Because I’ve been the one, as well as hungry to be speaking into the one.
Your words beat in my heart, Sister and Friend.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Oh, precious friend! Amen, Amen, again I say, Amen! Beautifully and truthfully expressed. I am so in agreement with you and was actually just contemplating the same thing earlier today.
All glory, praise, and thanks to God for perfectly intersecting the “ones”! 🙂
i’ve got a “one” that is in mission in Hawaii but heading to another location soon…
One of my “ones” is currently in college, but he calls me on Mother’s Day and sends me prayers requests on facebook…
As a youth counselor I treasure their brief moments spent talking with me, asking questions, running along side if only for a quick hug.
Mustard seeds that become large sequoias in the eyes of the Lord.
🙂
So many times I’ve prayed for God to bring ‘ones’ into my life. He has – and it is such a good feeling to see positive change in those lives.
I don’t think God called me to be a ‘masses’ witness. I’m grateful for the ‘ones’ He sends my way.
I’ve been a ‘one’ in the past as well. Thank God for women who took me under their wing and showed me Greater Love when I needed it most.
What a beautiful post! People are brought into our lives for a reason and we don’t know why at the time. I remember several years ago we were in a church that said “Each one reach one”.
We are to be His arms to reach out to others. Thank you so much for sharing from your heart!
Hey! Just got back in town and trying to catch up on a few of my favorite bloggy friends.
How blessed this young man is to have such a mentor in you, my friend.
You inspire…
It has always been one on one ….. Too many people spend too much time looking for their “ministry” when it is in actual fact their ministry is right outside their door……… It is not in the numbers but in the souls………….
good word
Truly, isn’t the Kingdom built one heart at a time? Didn’t the shepherd leave the 99 for the one?
Like Leah, I appreciate this word for those of us in ministry, as the group size tends to take precedence over the needs of the one.
Love to you this day,
Melinda
What a wonderful story, Elaine. You've invested in one life here, but it will be multiplied many times!
My precious daughter in law gave her life to the Lord about 3 years ago, and we've never been closer. That one-on-one, Naomi & Ruth type relationship has enriched both our lives in many ways.
Beautiful post.
yes, Yes, YES! Amen, Sister!!!! It is impossible to disciple the masses, and I love the way you wrote this.
Yes, it seeds the soil for further work, but if we are truly to grasp our role in God’s Great Commission, then we must be willing to put aside our en masse in order to attend to the discipling of the one.
I am certain that it is the “ones” we will see in Heaven that our ministry really really really mattered to. POSITIVE.
Very well stated my friend. I couldn’t have said it any better.
Elaine, God is using you in a powerful way. Praise HIM!
Elaine, how I thank God for the people who have touched my life by taking the time with me so that I could be their “one”, even if for a short time. Just think of what would be lost if we didn’t take the time that is often needed when ministering to others. How many seeds may not have been planted along the way?
Thanks for the reminder that our “one on one’s” are very important. Sometimes we lose focus when planning an event at church, etc. and our human desire wants to see “many” because that is how we gage success, when many times all God needs us to touch is just a “few”!!
God Bless you friend for another wonderful word!!
What a great picture and wonderful story, Elaine! Also, an excellent teaching and good reminder to keep investing in the lives of individuals… Thanks for sharing.
One to one is real life – less places to hide, avoid and pretend. Thanks for sharing your power of one.
Blessings,
Denise
an excellent word of encouragement for me as a pastor’s wife and as a parent of little ones~thanks so much for sharing such powerful words
What an excellent Word! What a beautiful thing…what God has done through you for this particularl "one" (and no doubt countless others…)
Praying God keeps this example at the forefront of my mind lest I miss an opportunity with "one" He places in my circle of influence.
Thank you!
Love & blessings,
Tracy
This is so fascinating to me because often I grow tired of ministering to my “ones” and wish there were no such thing. (If that’s not selfish, I don’t know what is…) And what I realized in reading this is that so often I try to do that in my own strength, which is woefully lacking. I’ve got some “ones” to call back tomorrow and I thank you for this reminder that I can do nothing without Christ’s strength…
Loved you sharing this on your blog! I truly believe that as I teach, if I give them the best of me, that becomes my legacy!! I might only make a difference in one child's life, but if I show Jesus' love through my actions and words, WOW!! I love being able to teach and do missions all at the same time! 🙂
I also think that there's people who come into our lives for seasons. I know that I've had many people in my life for just to minister to me. Discipleship comes through all different avenues. I'm glad that I've been the recipient of being "one" and that I've been able to reach out to someone & make them my "one", too.
Blessings to you, my friend!!
wifeforthejourney:
The blessings of your life of faith, lived out in the public schools continues to bear fruit.
Thanks for sharing this important testimony; we all need to be reminded of the impact we can have as we share our faith.
Love you,
Billy
Through tears…thank you for sharing. May we never underestimate the significance of one.
Oh Sweet Friend…this is SO it! Just we came into relationship with our Savior…its a one-on-one deal. May I see EVERY one-on-one situation today and in the future with this very perspective, and live in these moments fully aware of HIs love for me and share it!
My, my, my, sister.
A lovely blog you have here.
So glad I tracked my way here.
Wow … just, wow.