How to Grow Disciples

Inviting people to church is a good way to show you care about them. It is also a great way to introduce them to Jesus. But I am sometimes puzzled about how to keep the friendship going. The Bible, in Acts 3:1–12, offers some ideas.

1. When you see a need, do what you can to fill it. Peter and John met a lame man begging near the temple. They had no money, but they had a better gift. Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (verse 6, NKJV). Before the lame man had a chance to think anything negative, Peter did something positive. He took him by the hand and lifted him up.

2. Be available and encouraging. The man, although no longer lame, still needed Peter and John’s support. And they gave it. When we bring the good news of salvation to others, we do not want to drop it off like a package and drive away. We need to stay with them to carefully help unwrap the mysterious coverings that may obscure the gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

3. Make use of God’s promises. When Peter lifted up the man, the Bible says that the man’s “feet and ankle bones received strength” (verse 7, NKJV). When we encourage others with words and promises of Jesus, God is using us to help strengthen their faith.

4. Be a friend like Jesus. Have you ever had a friend invite you to a meeting or a gathering where you did not know anyone? What happens if she introduces you to someone you have never met and then she is called away? You are left standing there, trying to think of something nice to say. The situation can be awkward. You might begin to feel that you should have stayed home. When a friend is learning about Jesus, she needs us to stay nearby so she can be more comfortable being alone with Him.

5. Be His witnesses. Depending on how we respond to Christ’s invitation to be His witnesses, we bring Him credit or shame. After Peter had healed the man, “all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed” (verse 11, NKJV). May we witness in such a way that people are drawn to the Savior, greatly amazed, and long to know more of His love. That is the goal.

Marcia Mollenkopf