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A few weeks ago I had some extra time at the end of my work day so I decided to watch a few training videos about leading difficult people, building confidence in people and convincing others to follow your lead that you do not have any authority over in a team environment.
The segment that stuck with me, and that The Lord really stirred me to take notes on was: Levels of Confidence.
As I listened to the speaker teach it was very clear that what he was laying out was not only a template to train employees, but unknown to him I imagine, the way The Lord raises up His people and trains up His leaders.
Even deeper for me, I saw a path to freedom for those struggling with addiction, obsessions, abandonment, pain, the list could go on and on. I saw a safe road, escorted by loving and mature believers , where many people could be led safely to freedom
What I was seeing is The Path of Discipleship. What I was seeing is what is demonstrated in The life of Moses, Joseph, Paul, Peter, Mark, Timothy and really just about ever major leader servant in The Word.
As I list these , I want you to really think about each step. Each step is so important in order to move to the next step. Each step requires a mentor, a guide, a teacher to help those on the path, stay on the path. I ask that you pray for a few minutes before and ask The Holy Spirit to show you how you can either start on this path or start leading others on this path.
If you are a Pastor, or a councilor, ask The Lord if this may be a template for discipleship or counseling that He wants you to build a form and function around.
The key aspect to this, that The Lord spoke to me heart about, is the fact that this is a guided journey, with loving, caring, dedicated teachers and guides. Shepherds that are truly dedicated to discipleship. Shepherds that care more for the sheep that their own lives and comfort.
(My thoughts on each step will be in parenthesis)
Shepherds like Jesus
Confidence Levels:
1. Confidence To Try:
Goal is not necessarily to succeed, BUT TO TRY.
(This is quite possibly the most important step. We need to encourage people that freedom is possible, even guaranteed if they will just take the first step and start the journey with us, and not quit. Draw them from the place of fear and isolation into a place of trust and action.)
2. Confidence To Learn:
The goal here is to learn and PROGRESS IN GROWTH:
( Line upon line, precept upon precept. Brick upon brick. Confidence not only to learn, but to be okay with the process of growth. To be given grace and mercy to trip, fall, mess up and get frustrated, with no condemnation or retaliation in the least bit. They are on an exciting and at times perilous journey, if they don't quit, they will make it.)
3. Confidence To Do:
Based on competence and consistently doing.
(Important transition step. Still learning, still slipping a bit, now it is time TO DO. Depending on the environment of the process whether training up disciples in a church or counselling somebody to break free from chains, many times they go hand and hand, the people need to start doing something to exercise their newly learned talents,abilities, gifts or freedom. This will be more institution based, competence based, but still a safe place to start doing, moving, exercising.)
4. Confidence To Teach
Mastery, They now have the confidence to teach and lead others.
(This is the goal of Discipleship and Counseling, to raise a person up to the point that they can use all they have experienced and learned to lead others, mentor others, encourage others to take the first step to freedom and a life in the service of The Lord.)
Recap-
1. Confidence To Try:
Goal is not necessarily to succeed, BUT TO TRY.
2. Confidence To Learn:
The goal here is to learn and PROGRESS IN GROWTH:
3. Confidence To Do:
Based on competence and consistently doing.
4. Confidence To Teach
Mastery, They now have the confidence to teach and lead others.
