Hiking and Disciplemaking

If Jesus were telling this story, it might have been a parable. I realized we had something to learn here, beyond just surviving the hike and reaching our destination.

Recently, my husband and I traveled to Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy the mountains and to hike some trails. We consider ourselves adequately fit for such an endeavor, and reasonably prepared. We had all the hiking gear and a trail map. We were ready to go!

Our first hike was a 3.5 mile trail to Gem Lake. For reference, we walk our 2 mile loop in our Ohio neighborhood easily, so, we figured this is not-quite-double-distance, and we’d take our time. No problem. This trail, however, was a difficult uphill journey! Rocky, steep, hot, dry—not at all like our neighborhood! And, at 9,000 ft. elevation, we struggled to breathe!

About halfway to Gem Lake, it occurred to me that God had some things to show me about disciplemaking through this activity. Both hiking and disciplemaking require at least four things:

Preparation

Whether it’s a hike or disciplemaking, success begins with preparation. It starts by deciding where we want to go, the tools we’ll need to get there, the people we hope to meet on the way, and the results we hope to see.

Before starting out on our hike, we prayerfully considered the right hike for us, gathered our tools, and practiced using them. We wanted to have what we needed to reach our hiking goal safely.

Prayer is a big part of preparation in disciplemaking, too. At the beginning, as I discern who God wants me to disciple, and during our meetings, I seek God’s guidance. I try to make my daily life a preparation for discipling – by meeting with the Lord. I keep discipling tools that I might use handy. Jesus prepared similarly for his time with His disciples.

In both hiking and disciplemaking, there can be challenges ahead, which will be more effectively met with good preparation.

Getting Started

How many times do we say things like: “One of these days, we should go for a hike,” or “I know I should come alongside my friend and disciple her in her faith, but I’m just not sure I’m ready to do this”?

For many of us, procrastination is our default. We keep doing what is easy, the path of least resistance. It’s easier to walk the neighborhood, than it is to drive to a hiking location, and gear up for that adventure. But the rewards on the trail are usually greater than the familiar, easy walk.

It starts with a step of faith. Our walk with Jesus began when each of us took that first step with Him, saying, “I believe.” Peter strengthened His faith when he took that first step out of the boat to meet Jesus on the water. (Matthew 14:29)

When we step into active disciplemaking, Jesus promises us, “Go and make disciples….and behold, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)  Jesus also instructed us that with God all things are possible! (Matthew 19:26)  Our confidence in these promises fuels our journey.

The Journey

Sometimes the path is smooth, and the travel is easy. Other times, rocks must be climbed over or a crevice needs to be crossed. On this particular hike, there were moments of discouragement. I began thinking “what if…?”  What if we have a major injury? Or, How can I possibly hike over those rocks ahead. My mind can be my worst enemy sometimes! But then, we would come to a resting spot and receive an encouraging word from a passing hiker. I was reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

In discipling relationships, we find obstacles too. There are obstacles of distraction, time constraints, and tough theological questions, just to name a few! No matter the obstacle, we keep the goal in sight, pray for guidance, and persevere. I find that intentionality and commitment to the person you’re discipling are key to navigating through these obstacles. Yes, I want to see the disciple strengthened in her relationship with the Lord, but I also have my eye on those who will be discipled by her in the future.  After all, this was Jesus’ plan. He discipled the few, and he equipped them to disciple others.

Encouragement

Where do we find our encouragement for difficult tasks? On the trail it’s shady spots to rest, the kind words from fellow hikers, and the cool mountain breezes.   In disciplemaking, our encouragement comes from our relationship with Jesus, and the presence of Holy Spirit who guides us and reminds us of the progress we’re making, and fellow disciplemakers, who share their experiences to encourage us (Hebrews 10:24-25). My scripture memory verses are also a source of strength and encouragement (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Reward

In case you’re wondering, we did make it to Gem Lake. It was a challenging but rewarding climb. Our joy was not only in achieving our goal; it was also in the mountain views from different vantage points, an unexpected pine tree growing from a rocky crevice, wildflowers, and a mountain bluebird. There is beauty in disciple-making, too.

There is JOY in growing a new friend who loves Jesus, and helping her mature in her faith and understanding. There is PEACE in experiencing the presence of God in this journey. There is HOPE, when I see her become a disciplemaker.  By faith, we each play a seemingly small, yet critical role in growing God’s Kingdom through multiplying disciplemakers.

God used this hiking experience to remind me of some important elements of disciple-making—truths I’ll carry with me. I was reminded of the importance of intentionality in every element of discipling: preparation, getting started, and the journey. An effective discipling relationship is made possible through my relationship with Jesus. When I follow Jesus well, His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

This post originally appeared at: Hiking and Disciplemaking – Navigators Church Ministries