“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19-20

The Bible offers myriad lessons for all phases of life. A management textbook? Sure, why not?

Consider how Jesus managed his disciples. They were flawed, self-centered human beings -much like the rest of us! Yet He taught and guided them so that, following His crucifixion, they were empowered to establish His kingdom on earth.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) leaves no doubt that we should do the same. The “how” part? Therein lies the challenge.

Scripture, as always, offers guidance. Recruiting and leading new disciples is like managing employees in an organization – or even parenting, for that matter! The roles are defined. They change over time, as those being led grow and change. Ideally, at the end, the proteges transform into evangelists themselves.

If you seek to follow the Great Commission, know these roles you’ll fulfill:

The Caregiver

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Young children need everything. They’re entirely dependent on their parents. Taking care of children early can seem like an endurance test. No doubt, being a parent is a blessing – one that can be totally, utterly exhausting, especially in the first few years.

Similarly, new employees in an organization need lots of care. They must learn everything, from job expectations to finding the restrooms. A supervisor must ensure they have the tools to fly, not flounder.

Someone new to faith has lots of questions. They are not sure how to trust God, or follow His directives on living a holy life. An evangelist should lead the new disciple in spiritual growth, to a point where they can speak confidently of faith and its all-encompassing role.

The Cop

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” – Ephesians 6:1

The early years can be a tough time for kids. No longer toddlers, they are ready to explore the world – except they must follow rules. Understanding and accepting them is cause for many tantrums. A parent finds themselves having to enforce the rules, often with challenging results.

An evangelist, obviously, can’t “enforce” God’s will onto somebody. They can live by example, though, and call out behavior that doesn’t fit. Will a new disciple stay the course? Maybe the answer depends on how well they’ve been taught thus far.

The Coach

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

A new employee in this phase is taking on more responsibilities. They’re up to speed on policies and practices. They just need oversight.

A child is being allowed to try new things. Perhaps they can ride their bike in the street, or cut the grass with a lawnmower. Similarly, they’re (hopefully) allowed to experience mistakes from their decisions.

A new disciple who’s made it this far still needs encouragement, and some gentle wayfinding. Maybe it’s introducing them to other members of a church, where they can build new relationships and get further involved. Or directing them to a ministry that seems suited to their unique talents?

The Consultant

“For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” – Ephesians 2:18

The bird has flown.

A child has grown up. An employee has been promoted, or changed jobs. A disciple is immersed in faith, and sharing with those around.

Still, kids will still call their parents for advice later in life. An employee might reach out to someone they viewed as a mentor for career guidance.

A disciple should continue to know the Bible deeper, and faithfully follow the Holy Spirit as their guide in life. Perhaps a Bible study, or other exercise in deepening faith, could be suggested?

Keeping the Roles Straight

“He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)” – 1 Timothy 3:4-5

These roles aren’t just for show. They’re about developing people. Following them in succession builds trust.

A leader’s main job is to move people into the Consultant phase as quickly as possible. Get them to a point where they can fully function on their own. If they occasionally need consultation or a quick refresher, it’s OK.

This is where Christ’s disciples found themselves, 2,000 years ago. Jesus was gone, though His spirit remained all-powerful. The disciples had purpose, which Christ had instilled in them. They knew their roles – which we should too, in life and business, so that God’s Kingdom can thrive.(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” – John 3:30

“Lord, surprise me today.”

Have you ever started your day with this request? If not … why?

We trust God to not lead us on wayward paths. Granted, none of us know what the future holds – today, tomorrow, or next year. Only God does.

Yet we never live life alone, as long as we walk with Christ.

So many others, though, don’t enjoy this reassurance. They feel abandoned. Isolated. Cast out.

Through the Great Commission, Jesus directed us to be His advocates on earth. We should share faith with those who have not experienced Christ’s everlasting love. He gives us strength, hope and inspiration. He leads us to peace. He will not let us fail.

So, how will you be surprised? Who will you encounter, to whom you might evangelize? Someone in a coffee shop? A checkout lane? Waiting at a corner to cross a street? Have faith, and these opportunities will appear.

Many, many people toil in uncertainty. They worry about money, relationships, job security, or events that could be next door or a world away.

They need confidence of a better, more joyful life. As disciples, we are the messengers they’ve awaited. By spreading the light of the Gospel, they see a different, more positive path. Share God, and share peace.

Have TRUST. Reap Blessings.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

We never know life’s road ahead. All the more reason to keep our eyes on God. He walks with us, as we climb in life through faith.

God doesn’t want us to focus on outcomes, though. We need to let go, and believe in His

plan. In other words, we need to have TRUST: Totally Relying Upon Spiritual Timing.

It’s not easy. Human nature fights circumstances outside its control. TRUST doesn’t come naturally. Its practice is an extension of faith – which, let’s admit, has challenges at times.

TRUST is about patiently pursuing God, confident that good things will happen when He deems appropriate. Ignoring our inner negative voices can admittedly be difficult. Do we wholly believe Jesus is on our side? If so, we know He will take care of us.

Do we believe God loves us? If so, we hold that He wants our lives to be fulfilling. Miracles happen if we embrace TRUST. God shines through us. We can set high expectations, and expect them to be fulfilled.

The upshot? We need more of God, and less of us. Release the steering wheel. We are just the vessels, the vehicles, the tools through which God does His works. Relinquish control. Allow Him to work through you … and reach those who need His grace.

When we let go, we can be an example to others, in being unafraid to bear witness to God’s wonders, and joyfully proclaiming His glory. They’ll see our transformation.

More of God, and less of us, is a change that is impossible to miss.(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.” – Isaiah 65:17

We don’t like working. Or, maybe we just don’t like the work we do. A recent study found that two-thirds of American employees are disengaged, to one degree or another, at their jobs.

The number has been on the uptick for years. The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t help. Millions took the opportunity to quit working altogether.

The sad truth is that many people are unhappy on the job. Given how much time we spend at work, it can’t help but spill over into other parts of our lives. Who wants to live non-joyfully?

Perhaps the picture would brighten if we reframed work. Most people work for an employer. They perform specific tasks. The employer pays them.

Let’s try a different take: How about if we work for God?

God won’t directly pay us (literally). Yet don’t we give thanks to Him daily for the blessings we enjoy? In this sense, hasn’t he already “paid” us … and quite well?

Consider another take. The money we earn working allows us to support the church, and its missions undertaken in God’s name. The Bible has much to say about money – yet these entities can’t operate without it.

We are called into service to reclaim the world for Christ. Truly accepting this commission, though, means more than giving money away.

Workplaces are the source of many relationships. How we work, and interact with others in these environments, allows us to witness to God’s love and generosity. Are we taking advantage of this opportunity to tell others about Christ?

We should see work as laboring unto God. For a real wholesale shift of view, let’s accept that everything we have belongs to Christ – and we put it all at His service.

Still feeling disengaged about work?

Accepting a Holy Task

“The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.” – Psalms 37:29

Work is a basic human need. Human beings require purpose, lest they go astray down unhealthy (and sometimes dangerous) paths. Ever hear the old saying, “Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop?”

Work, and its sense of accomplishment, feeds our souls. Moreover, our work is of interest to God!

God understands work. Remember, in Genesis, He is a gardener. In the Gospels, in the form of Jesus, He labors as a carpenter.

Heaven, where God resides, is a place of instruction. Earth is a place of implementation.

God is on a mission to redeem the world, and reclaim it for His glory. The Second Coming lies ahead. Our work can lay the groundwork. We can help renew all things.

Can we reimagine work as a service unto the Lord? Instead of seeking to escape this world – via the countless avenues available today – can we engage in it for His cause?

No one says it’s easy. We must proclaim that Christ’s light pushes back the forces of darkness that seek to envelop us. Instead of bowing to cultural conformity, we should hold up holiness as a worthy, admirable pursuit.

This includes time spent in our “work life.” Faith shouldn’t be shoved into a small corner of our existence. Rather, every segment of our lives should revolve around faith.

If it sounds like a bit of work – it is! Except, there’s a new boss in town. He’s giving us a holy purpose, and plenty of opportunity to accomplish it. Let’s engage fully. The work ahead is important. Now is not the time to take a break!

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” – Romans 10:14

The COVID-19 pandemic might be over. Its impact on our psyches remains.

Everyone claims to value accountability. It’s a trait that reflects responsibility, diligence and “get it done” perseverance.

Accountability seems to be in short supply, though. Consider politicians who continually castigate “the other side” for a variety of ills. Or organizational heads who blame failures on those beneath them. Or spiritual leaders who lambaste parishioners for committing all-too-human acts of sin.

Looking in the mirror is hard. Yet, it’s where accountability is found.

We, as disciples of Christ, are accountable to many: spouses, children, co-workers, bosses, fellow church members and more.

Why aren’t we better partners, parents or team members? Why don’t we get things done? Do we have good reasons for not cutting it?

We all fall short. No one is perfect.

Here is where blame-making begins. It’s easy to fault others, and become a victim. Yet, by doing so, we bring ourselves and others down.

Besides, who wants to associate with those who aren’t accountable? They don’t grow. They’re hard to be with. Their excuses get old really fast.

We grow by taking chances, going outside our comfort zones and, occasionally, failing. When we trip and fall, it’s best to stand up, dust off, and keep moving ahead. Remaining

 on the ground, and making excuses for how we got there, gets us nowhere.

Time to Take Account

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” – Hebrews 4:13

Spiritual accountability should be at the top of any Christian’s list. If we don’t answer God’s call, there’s no guarantee we get to heaven. We can’t “Cover the World in Christ” by ignoring His directives.

So, consider how we interact with the world around us. God brings many people into our lives. If someone doesn’t believe in Jesus Christ, they won’t start on their own. Do we talk to them about Jesus? Do we actively work to save them?

Doing so is more important than ever. We’re at an inflection point. God is being driven from our schools and public places by secular entities pushing divisiveness.

Prayer is controversial at sporting events. A cross hung in an office can trigger all sorts of outrage. It’s open season on Christians.

The secularists are winning. They are turning people of faith into societal outcasts.

Who’s to blame? Facing declining membership, many traditional churches concentrate on people in pews and dollars in collection plates. Their focus is on stopping the bleeding.

Let’s not point fingers at others for allegedly falling short. Instead, let’s take spiritual accountability.

Speak Up!

“And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’” – Romans 10:15

We are all sent to share the Word. Now look in the mirror. How can we win the world back for Christ?

The Great Commission (Matthew 26:18-20) is straightforward. It’s a call to action. It’s not the Great Suggestion.

Doesn’t mean it’s easy, though. Christianity is not a popularity contest. Evangelism is about opportunity. Pray to God, asking for chances to share the Word … and to be accountable to not pass them up.

When opportunity appears, be open. Share stories of how God has blessed you. Explain why you believe.

Often our encounters with others are brief – too short, in fact, to go into any depth. In these scenarios, ask simply: “How can I pray for you today?”

Maybe you’ll get a “No, thank you.” Or a funny look. Or, perhaps, an honest response about a challenge that someone is facing, and possibly losing hope over. Say you’ll ask for God’s blessing on them … and do so.

This is a “one person at a time” crusade. Secularists control the means of mass communication. We’re on our own.

Know that you might be shunned, or cancelled, or uninvited from places you were once welcome. Jesus knew this feeling. The Pharisees wanted nothing to do with him.

Someday, our Holy Father will face us in heaven. He’ll ask us how we shared Christ’s love, and his teachings. What will we tell Him?

Jesus was a solo act, apart from a dozen devoted followers (to varying degrees). We’re in a similar boat.

If not us, who? If not now, when?(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)