Hey there, fellow pastors, I hope you know that you’re beautiful shepherds of souls, and I write this today to encourage you. Whether you’re a full-time pastor, lay leader or small group leader – this is all for you.
Distractions are everywhere. Phones are pinging, Netflix is dropping new seasons, and commitment? Well, commitment feels like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall. People are ghosting small groups faster than you can say “fellowship potluck.” But here’s the thing: we’re not out of the game. The Spirit is still moving, and we’ve got a story to tell that’s bigger than any algorithm or attention span. So, for just a few minutes today, let’s dive into how we can disciple people today, right here, right now, with all the noise and the “I’m too busy” vibes. And let’s do it with some hope, because Jesus is the most important source of hope, love and connection that we have. He created the model for us to emulate.
1. Meet People Where They Are (Because Jesus Did)
Okay, so the world’s loud. TikTok’s got their thumbs scrolling, and half the folks in your church are mentally juggling soccer practice, work deadlines, and that new true crime paranormal podcast (okay, maybe that last one is just me). Trying to get them to commit to a weekly Bible study feels like herding cats in a windstorm. But check this out: Jesus didn’t wait for people to have their lives together before he invited them in. Do you remember Zacchaeus? Jesus met Zacchaeus up a tree, the woman at the well in the heat of the day, and Peter right there in his fishing boat. Scripture tells us: “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” (Matthew 11:19, ESV)Jesus went to where people were—messy, broken, distracted, skeptical—and he loved them right there. So, let’s do that. If your people can’t make it to a 6 p.m. study, try a 15-minute devotional podcast they can listen to on their commute. If they’re glued to their phones, send a group text with a verse and a question to spark some discussion. Meet them in the chaos. Start small. Maybe it’s a coffee shop conversation or a quick prayer via Zoom. The point is, don’t wait for them to show up polished and ready—go to their tree, their well, their boat. You’ve got this, because Jesus is already there, and the Holy Spirit has already prepared hearts and the path you should take.
2. Make It Real, Not Religious (I can’t emphasize this enough!)
Here’s a question: when did following Jesus become a to-do list instead of a way of life? Our culture’s allergic to commitment—people bail on dinner plans, let alone church membership. And honestly? A lot of folks see “discipleship” as another box to check, like signing up for a gym membership they’ll never use. But Jesus didn’t call people to a program; he called them to a relationship, to a life that’s alive. John 10:10 says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” So, let’s make discipleship less about filling out a workbook, following a 5-12 step program, and more about living the story. Share your own struggles—your doubts, be vulnerable, share your moments when you wonder if God’s still paying attention. Let them see you wrestle with faith, because that’s what makes it real. Invite them into practices that breathe life: gratitude journals, serving at a food pantry, or just walking in nature and talking about what God’s stirring in their hearts. Show them that following Jesus isn’t about adding more noise—it’s about finding the quiet where the Spirit speaks. You’re not selling a program, you’re not selling religion; you’re inviting them into a life that’s bigger than the distractions.
3. Build Community That Feels Like Family
Let’s be real: people are lonely. They’re scrolling their social media feeds, liking posts, but they’re starving for connection. We think these things will bring us closer but it actually makes us lonelier as we crave what someone’s highlight reel is displaying. Our culture’s got this weird paradox—hyper-connected online, but ghosting each other in real life. And churches? Sometimes we’re so focused on programs we forget to be people.
But discipleship happens in relationship, in the messy, beautiful, “pass the mashed potatoes” kind of way. John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Pastors, create spaces where people feel like they belong. Maybe it’s a small group that eats together, laughs together, cries together. Maybe it’s a barbecue where kids are running around and nobody’s pretending to have it all figured out. Encourage your people to share their stories—because when someone says, “Me too,” that’s where the Spirit starts knitting hearts together and we discover true commonality. And don’t be afraid to lean into the awkward. Community isn’t perfect; it’s real – you don’t have to be perfect. Lean into the awkward. It’s the guy who always talks too long, the mom who shows up late, the teenager who’s skeptical but still shows up. That’s where Jesus shows up too. Keep building those tables, and setting places be a pastor who holds the door wide open for everyone. Because in reality people are sacred to be vulnerable and open up.
4. Point to the Bigger Story
Here’s the thing about distractions: they’re loud, but they’re shallow. They promise meaning but leave people empty. And that’s where we’ve got something to offer—because the gospel is the deepest, truest story there is. In a culture that’s noncommittal, chasing the next shiny thing, we get to point people to a story that’s been true forever. The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:2 tells us “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Help your people see how their lives fit into God’s bigger story. Preach it, teach it, live it. When they’re stressed about work, remind them their worth isn’t in their hustle but in being God’s beloved. When they’re distracted by the news cycle, point them to the kingdom that never shakes, and that we’ve been created to be Kingdom people first and foremost.
Use stories—your stories, their stories, Jesus’ stories—to show how God’s weaving something beautiful even in the chaos. Maybe it’s a sermon series on how God meets us in the ordinary. Maybe it’s a testimony night where people share how Jesus showed up in their mess. Keep pointing to the Story that outshines the noise. It’s what they’re hungry for, even if they don’t know it yet.
5. Trust the Spirit (Because You’re Not Alone in This)
Okay, pastor, let’s get honest. Sometimes it feels like you’re shouting into the void. You plan the discipleship program, you pray, you prep, and still, half the group bails because of a kid’s soccer game or a Netflix marathon. It’s easy to feel like you’re failing, like you’re not enough. But here’s the truth: you’re not the one making disciples. The Holy Spirit is.
Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” Your job isn’t to fix people or force commitment. Your job is to show up, love them, and trust the Spirit to do the heavy lifting. Plant seeds. Pray like crazy. Be faithful in the small moments. That conversation over coffee or pizza? That’s the Spirit at work. That time you listened to someone’s doubts without judgment? That’s the Spirit moving. Even when it feels like nothing’s happening, God’s doing something. You’re not alone in this, and you don’t have to carry the weight. The Spirit’s got this, and you’re just along for the ride.
So dear Pastor, Youth Pastor, Worship Leader Lay Leader, Small Group Leader here’s a quick word of encouragement for you: Keep Going, You’re Doing Holy Work!
So, here we are, pastoring in a world that’s distracted and noncommittal, where people’s attention is pulled a million ways. But you know what? The gospel’s still true. Jesus is still calling. And you, pastor, are part of the most beautiful story ever told. Meet people where they are. Love them. Make it real. Build community. Point to the bigger story. And trust the Spirit. You’re not just leading a church, or a small group—you’re inviting people into a life that’s more vibrant than any distraction could ever be. Keep going. Keep loving. Keep showing up. The Spirit’s moving, and you’re right in the middle of it. With you in the mess and the beauty,
Grace & Peace
–Pastor Scott.
Ps. What’s one way you’re seeing the Spirit move in your church’s discipleship efforts?
Share it below—I’d love to hear your story.
Pastor's Ponderings 
Leave a comment