From One Pastor to Another: Let’s Talk About Following Jesus
By Preston Ulmer
Talking with my staff recently, we came to the same impasse as most churches. Baptisms are happening (we are helping people find Jesus) but next steps are down (following Jesus . . . not so much). It’s not due to a lack of resources. You and I both know there is no shortage to Bible-based material. In fact, we might be overcomplicating what it takes to stay connected to the Vine (John 15).
Have you figured out the secret to helping people grow spiritually? Honestly, neither have I; however, I think I’ve found something that helps. It sounds simple and cliché, but hear me out.
Devotionals and Journaling
(Returning to these might be the way.)
If you have grown up in church, it’s likely that you have heard the term “devotional life.” Whether it was given as a command or as an invitation to a robust spiritual walk with Christ, having a devotional life is an ongoing struggle for most people. Even those of us in leadership.
The kids have soccer.
Work has deadlines.
Marriages haven’t seen a date night in months.
(Insert your reason for tight margin here.)
A set devotional time aside, as a pastor, it’s becoming increasingly difficult just to get people to church on Sundays. Spiritual growth on top of that seems nearly impossible. Whatever the reasons are, life is busy. And the reality is this: traditional devotional times are easier with your feet in the sand on the shore of Cabo than they are after you put the kids to bed or during a lunch break at work. I’d be willing to bet between one-third and one-half of pastors reading this blog have resigned to being Sunday centric because it’s easier. It’s easier than trying to equip people throughout the week. If that’s you . . .
Keep reading. There is hope!
As a pastor in the Midwest, I’m constantly looking for resources that help people who want to grow. I’m sure you are, too. But, if you’re honest with yourself (like, really honest), we don’t need just resources. We need resources that move us all toward action. We need practice-oriented, grace-filled plans that we can integrate into our everyday lives.
I think these devotional books and journal resources meet that need.
In fact, here’s what I’m always asking when vetting resources for people in the church.
1. Is the resource invitational?
If I were to pass a copy of a devotion book and this devotional guide to people, I’m confident they would feel invited into something doable and transformational. This invites us into some simple yet profound ways of seeing God among us. Our souls aren’t hungry for more to do. We are craving more meaning in what we are already doing.
2. Is it short?
For some reason, I still think I need to go to the gym for hours a day to make a difference. Maybe I’m watching too many Marvel movies, but most days I don’t even want to try. In the fitness world, trainers are constantly encouraging clients to get 15–20 minutes in each day at home. Small steps are a big deal in creating new habits. This journaling guide invites people to set a 5-minute timer when journaling. Download the guide and make copies to distribute with journals at your church. It’s these small wins that make us desire more progress. Spiritual growth isn’t meant for the Navy Seals! It’s meant for all of us: the ordinary, the busy, from single moms to college students—everyone!
3. Does it keep them going?
Having a consistent devotional life was never the goal. Being with God was the goal. Too many devotionals and plans are created like a checklist (yuck!). I’m always looking for something that puts God’s presence in the center. This mentality allows people to stay creative in their devotions and journaling.
Recently, my daughter was filling out an application to be in leadership in a local Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. One of the questions was “If you were to knock on the door of Heaven, why would God let you in?” Full transparency—the question offended me. I don’t know if it was the wording, the theology, or both, but I didn’t like the works-based tone of the question.
“Go outside and knock on the door,” I told her. She walked outside and knocked. Barely opening the door, I asked her why I should let her in.
“Uh . . . ’cause I’m your daughter,” she replied with a puzzled look on her face.
“Exactly!” I told her. “Come on in! I’ve missed you.”
Scripture-based devotionals and journaling remind us that God wants to be with us! And when done with a consistent plan, we remember how much we desire to be with him!
We don’t need more to do.
We need to be taught how to be.
And that requires reflection, contemplation, and practice.
Let’s reintroduce those people in our care to devotionals and journaling so that they can remember these truths.
