The Hunt For A Talking Dog:

Searching for a spirit guide without losing you soul

Go to most churches today and you'll hear a word being used quite often "discipleship". I think the official church rules have said to replace "evangelism" and "conversions" to "discipleship" or "making disciples" and personally I think that's a great thing. If you're not sure what discipleship means think of mentors but with a spiritual focus. This shift in focus is much more about creating deeply rooted and faith-fill believers instead of simply trying to get as many numbers in the seats and down the aisle as possible.

For new believers the process is pretty straight forward. A Christian friend has built a relationship with you, shared their faith, and guided you in your own decision to follow Jesus. That person is well suited to be your discipler and presumably will do so. But what about for someone who has been a believer for some time but is new to the idea of discipleship? Who should disciple them? Sure in some cases there may be an obvious choice but most of us have more peer relationships and very few intimate relationships with our elders.

The task of finding a discipler seems overwhelming to be sure, so to help me I've come up with 4 key attributes that I feel a mentor of mine should possess; hopefully this will help to narrow the list down some.

They must have childlike faith. Someone whose beliefs are muddled down in arcane theological riddles can teach me far less than someone who loves God and loves his neighbor. While academic knowledge of the divine is definitely useful, what I am looking for is someone who has "walkin' around faith", someone who's relationship with the creator of the universe is real and tangible in their everyday life and not just something to be discussed when you feel the urge to wax philosophic.

They must have a Godly family. Perhaps the hardest challenge I have faced thus far in my life is being a husband and a father. This is an area I am bound to fail in time and time again, and I certainly could use some sage guidance in this area. While no man is perfect, someone who has learned from their mistakes and will guide me away from those same pitfalls could be a blessing to my whole family.

They must be stalwart. In the past I've had issues with sticking with things; I'd quit jobs, school, relationships whenever they became too hard. What I need is someone who can be an example of what it means to work hard, someone to inspire me when I feel I can't do anymore.

They must be driven. I am a man of ideals, passions, and dreams. What I lack is the drive to see those things through. My discipler should be someone who not only dreams big, but dreams out loud. Someone who would do the things I only dare to dream of.

Anyone know Bear's number?

Still, how do I find this person? I've narrowed it down a bit, but it's still too many to choose from. Most likely you've heard tales of Native American spirit quests in which a young man would go into the wilderness and meditate day and night until his spirit guide (often in the form of an animal) presented itself to him. Perhaps they were onto something there, perhaps instead of relying on my own decision making abilities I should rely on God's. I should fast and meditate and pray day and night until God provides me with a spirit guide. Jehovah Jirah can provide for more than my physical needs, He can provide the relationships I need to guide me closer to Him.