The Ripple Effect

Many of us have struggled at some point in our spiritual walk with how to share our faith with others. If you're like me and grew up in church, you probably remember the awkwardness of trying to have spiritual conversations as a teenager—navigating peer pressure and social discomfort. And let’s be honest, that struggle doesn’t always go away in adulthood. Regardless of age, having real, meaningful conversations about Jesus can feel intimidating.

One challenge I’ve noticed is how we often interpret Jesus’ command, “Go, therefore, and make disciples,” as a call to reach unbelievers “out there” in the world. While that’s absolutely part of the mission, we sometimes overlook the people right around us—youth and adults in our own churches who are still growing in their understanding of the faith. Making disciples isn’t just about evangelizing strangers; it’s about walking alongside others, mentoring them, and investing in their spiritual growth. We need more people who are willing to step into that role—to guide, teach, and help others move deeper in their walk with Christ. The more we start talking with each other and helping each other learn more about the Word, the more we can understand how to start those conversations out in the world.

Mark 2:1-12 discusses the time when 4 friends lowered their paralyzed friend down from a roof right in front of Jesus' feet. This is a great example of how we as believers need those people closest to us to be willing to take us to the feet of Jesus. We cannot do life without the support of those closest to us. The saving grace of Jesus has made us an eternal family and its up to us to start supporting each other as family should.

How are you getting out of your comfort zone in your faith? Without pushing ourselves to do things we aren't comfortable with, there will be no growth. What are you growing in right now? Or what do you need to grow in? Have you prayed about being a consistent mentor to someone else?

How to Mentor

Mentorship requires consistency, coaching, and companionship. If you are looking to become a mentor its so important that you be consistant with the person God lays on your heart. Constantly be checking on them, schedule times to go out together or make a phone call. Don't let the idea and excitement dwindle off after you get to know them better. Be willing to coach that person no matter how awkward you may feel when conversations take a turn, remember the point is to help them grow in Christ, so offer wisdom from scripture where you can, and always be praying for that person. Grow your relationship into a companionship, walk alongside them with empathy and be willing to share life experiences.

Looking for a Mentor?

I've always craved for someone else to come up to me and be willing to mentor me, someone who would show interest in my life and be there to offer Godly advice when I needed it. Sadly for me that person still hasn't come. If that's you, I want to encourage you to not give up! Even if it's not in God's design for that to happen in your life, we know where we can find true wisdom and that's in God's Word. Dive into scripture as much as you can, seek out people you can take your questions too, whether that be your pastor, deacon, or another knowledgeable church member. Lean on Christ for understanding, and learn to be a mentor for someone else! Just because you may not have had one doesn't mean you can't be one for someone else. Be the first drop that starts a ripple effect.