John 16:1 - Leadership Training
At my last company in Canada before moving to the States I was the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the MSA of Alberta. We regulated the electricity market for the Province - like a mini-FTC, but for electricity production and retail sales. One of the smart things we did as an executive team at that organization was to promote professional development. We asked each employee to spend at least $5k yearly on professional development. Many of our younger guys had to be coaxed to take any classes or training. But some were all too eager. And when they came to us with ideas for expensive trips to Norway or Australia that far exceeded the budget we quickly said yes, go.
Be an advocate for continuous education. As we said coaching young hockey players, ‘you are never too good for the basics.’ It’s true. Even the pros practice every day. But what about in the church? Why is it that so many Christians walk away from the faith? Jesus is the Model for mentorship and leadership example. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the church ought to be the best example of leadership training. And yet, frankly, we are not.
I’m more and more concerned we’ve failed the young men of the church and in turn our young families. Without spiritual leaders families are adrift. Yes, I know men have the freedom and responsibility to take ownership of themselves. But we really have not done a good job at discipleship training, which starts at the beginning goes to the end, and deals with the hard and necessary truths of our faith to produce men who lead and lead well in the example of the Apostles. The reason I believe we've failed is manifold, but it includes primarily a focus on worldliness and a desire for control rather than for the service of others.
For sure we’ve produced alter call machines that take the input but fail to honor Jesus in what He requires of us to produce the output (Revelation 22:12). Content with a hand up or a statement of contrition we leave it there and take no heed of Jesus’ command to grow and produce lasting fruit.
Here’s my conviction. Let’s get serious about discipleship. Mind, body, soul. MAGA: Make America Godly Again. Young men prepared for spiritual battle; old men with sharp swords fighting at their side, nay, leading the charge. Let’s ask the young men of the church if they’d like to walk with us for a year, meet with us, and commit to reading, and taking action. Not because we are perfect. Indeed, because we are not, but we know One who is.
Yes, I know, we dabble. That is, we do a men’s breakfast here or there and a class for the 'real sinners', those stuck on porn, or those whose marriages are in trouble. But is there any of us who does not need constant vigilance and growth? The way we are haphazardly training our young men is like whack a mole. My contention is that we need preventative medicine. Instead, like big pharma, we are eager for a quick fix - a classic Baptist program with an acronym - as we look to react to the symptoms rather than a mentor to produce the fruit Jesus commands.
If you would, please pray for this discipleship idea. In your own life, I’d like to see you take on the mentor role or the mentee role if that is what you believe you need. I see so many of my friends who are godly and have the character and experience to lead well and to help young men walk in the Light so that we can have fellowship with the Son and with one another (1 John 1:6-7). God commands us to be doers of the word, not just hearers (James 1:22-25). If you need a kick in the ass to get started let me offer my right foot.
Let’s take the time this coming year (starting now) to step up our game. I’m talking to my 50-year-olds plus friends. You guys are the real deal. We can do better walking with the young men. We can do better walking with each other. Let's really start to mentor our young men. To our sons, yes, the responsibility is on you. But we want to walk with you. For we know that we will all account to Jesus. We want you to succeed! More than anything! We know that we must all produce lasting fruit, testify about Jesus, and go and make disciples. No one is exempted.
And God wants us to succeed. We read this in John chapter 16. God wants all men to repent and come to faith in Jesus. And He wants none of us to abandon our faith. Do not give up on God. He loves us and will never give up on us.
Last thought. I think this producing lasting fruit concept is essential. We have to do it. Whether we are 84 or just getting started. We pick it up again today. Farming is a combination of the natural process with the intentional planning of inputs and harvesting to produce a crop. The sun naturally does its job. As does the rain and the soil. However, the farmer places the seed in well-prepared and fertilized soil. The wise farmer deals with insects, runoff, and weeds. And he patiently waits and prepares the barns and the machines for harvesting.
The wise farmers are always learning. Good farmers are always mentoring the next generation. Always getting better at increasing yield and learning what best to produce on the land he’s given. Some of us end up in Northern Saskatchewan with good soil. And sometimes with a quarter section of land that has clay. Some end up in the hills of Virginia - hill country, but good soil nonetheless. We can do something with each piece of land. Something good.
Yes, good farming takes persistence and intentionality. So too in producing spiritual fruit. Jesus requires us to remain in Him. No one can force you from God’s hand or protection. No one but yourself. Jesus said, “Anyone who does not remain me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers” (John 15:6). Let's be thriving branches, growing branches.
So men, let’s do this life together. Let’s remain in Jesus until the end. Lasting fruit. Disciples of Jesus Christ. We are in His word constantly. We live to His high standards (not even a hint of immorality!). And by His grace and through His power and wisdom we will produce much fruit as Jesus expects - and as gives great glory to the Father.
Thank You, Jesus, for Your way. And for this day. Amen.
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