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Your Disciples Should Stand on Your Shoulders

Recently I did a men’s retreat in Iceland, and two guys I’ve mentored joined me. Mike came from Canada and Alex from Romania. I asked both guys to speak and they did a great job. Alex was surprised when I asked him to speak. But I want to push my disciples into deep waters so they will learn to swim. After Alex spoke I told him he was a gifted, compassionate leader, and he said, “No one has ever told me this.”

Jesus gave His disciples opportunities. He sent them out to preach. He told them: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father” (John 14:12). Don’t hold your disciples back. If you are a secure leader, you won’t be jealous if your disciples surpass you. If they preach better than you do, or get more results, that’s great! Wash their feet, encourage them, let them stand on your shoulders and be proud of them when they receive applause. This is Jesus’ way of mentoring!