A life wasted on ordinary people

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13

Recently I read an academic paper criticising the use of “unqualified” ordinary people as leaders in disciple making movements. I got mad and wrote a response, but wiser heads prevailed and I didn’t send it.

Around the same time a friend reported in from somewhere in Asia. He’s training unqualified people to multiply disciples and churches. He doesn’t like his same splashed around so we’ll just call him “Mr Smith”.

Hi Steve

Today in XXXX, three more days with this group.

Today a class for some former Muslims some former Buddhists, two still Buddhist, two totally illiterate but good evangelists, one foot amputee from a land mine. One handicapped both feet and one hand, he has one usable hand and arm.

About half and half women and men. Many good testimonies of miracles. Some have been run out of their village about five active army personnel, two former Buddhist priests and one former lay director of a Buddhist temple.

Five languages and many ethnic groups. Two languages have no written scripture yet.

The food is good, and it’s not too hot which is blessing. I have a good translator.

Final day will be Christian wedding opportunity to set precedents.

Mr Smith

Now when I think of that article I bring these folk to mind. They are the future. They have the qualification of having been with Jesus.

My friend is in his seventies and he’s going on strong. He has spent his life training ordinary people to multiply disciples and churches. He could spend all his days on the golf course, or on a beach somewhere. He’s earned the right.

What are you going to do with the rest of your life? Why not waste it on ordinary people.