Teammates
“… and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.” Colossians 4:11b
The ‘they’ being referred to are Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus. Fellow workers with Paul, brothers in Christ, willing servants… just the kind of guys a pastor longs to have as partners in ministry. I know I did and I’m pretty sure you do too.
My father encouraged me to follow Jesus’ discipling example. He said, “Michael, it will cost you… time and effort! Make an investment in men.” Spend time in prayer, before asking anyone to join you. Jesus spent the night in prayer before calling disciples (Luke 6:12,13). Like Jesus, spend time teaching them, by being with them. The disciples were recognized as having been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Spend time in delegating and mentoring. Jesus sent them out two by two and followed up with assessment (Luke10:1,20). Spend timeinterceding for them (John 17:6-12). Take to heart what the Father has entrusted to you.
Praying for you! Keep recruiting ‘teammates’!