Equipper Interview

James N Lanza Jr

Tom Rees

PST 443-GIS Disciple Making & Equip. Ministry

Fall 2012

11-6-12

Equipper Interview

1.     What is your process for making disciples?

“I lead by example.  Paul said to ‘Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.’  I cannot disciple anyone if my own relationship with God is strained.”

2.     What is your biggest challenge you face in making disciples?

“I am an extremely introverted person, so I tend to prefer to work alone when given the choice.  I let chances for discipleship come to me rather than seeking them out, which I am sure led to some missed opportunities.  Leading others is a daunting responsibility, and I am always concerned I will steer people in the wrong direction.  Thus, every discipleship opportunity involves a great deal of prayer and dependence on God.” 

3.     Who equipped you for ministry?

“In relation to my specific area of ministry, I really did not have a set person who traditionally mentored me through the process.  It involved a great deal of prayer, mistakes, observations, and finding others who were succeeding in the field and trying to acclimate their techniques to my own personal style.  Christ did the most work on my heart rather than specific interventions.  Working with special needs challenges a person to

4.     What are some ways you equip people for ministry?

“I show them and then let them try.  Sometimes the best way to teach is to let people experience lessons firsthand, mistakes and all.  My area of ministry requires a delicate balance of theory and practice, so it helps to have someone jump in and then refine as the processes unfold.  In my field of service, it is easy to forget the basics, so I also try and reinforce those notions.”

5.     How do you measure your effectiveness?

“Progress can be a red herring.  Some kids flourish, others stay stagnant, but most will move forward to some degree.  I measure my effectiveness based on whether I remain consistent in my therapeutic rapport building and interventions.  Being or feeling burnt-out is a sure sign that I am no longer effective with that particular individual.  It signals my need to either transfer care or return to the well.” 

6.     Where does discipleship making start?

“It starts and ends with Christ.  Nothing can happen unless God draws a person to another and then fosters that relationship.  God must begin the work, and the Holy Spirit is ultimately the one who teaches both individuals.”

7.     Where did discipleship start for you?

“Honestly, my first instance of discipleship was when someone came up and asked me.  Even then, I needed some time to pray about it because I did not think I was ready for that.  I am still not, but it forces me to depend more on Christ in those situations.” 

8.     How would you define a disciple?

“One who follows.” 

9.     What helps you stay effective in your discipleship role?

“Keeping Christ in perspective is key for me.  Trying to see the world through His eyes is the only way to persevere at times.  I burn out easier than most people, so staying rooted in Christ is the only way I have the endurance to continue.  Also, Jesus took time to be by himself, and I find myself needing to do likewise.  Investing in another human is rewarding but taxing, so I know I need to spend my own personal time with God to stay effective.  I have limits, and I need to respect them.”

10.  What do you believe is the most important thing in being a disciple?

“Leaving behind the self and following.  I think there is a fine line here, though.  When it comes to following Christ, there should be no compromise, but I believe that I still have a duty to ‘test everything that is said’ when it comes to discipleship in the church.  Even the best men can be wrong at times, so I cannot shirk my own personal relationship with God.”