Written byAnn Thiede, Volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

Jesus’s last words on this earth called His disciples to go and make more disciples (Mt 28:19). Doing that is a beautiful, high, and holy calling. It is a common thread in Acts. Peter and John exemplify the calling after being told in so many words not to teach or talk about the name of Jesus: “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Ac 4:20 NIV).

Still wet from baptism in November 1972, I had to tell whoever would listen about my new life in Christ! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come”(2Co 5:17 ESV).

Knowing so little in the Bible, I became the man blind from birth who when healed by Jesus said, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (Jn 9:25b NIV).

Sharing Christ in those early years might be compared to bubbles from a soda bottle: they just had to come out! So, my first common thread, my rose, became effectively speaking about Jesus to draw others to Him. Four people during college influenced me to seek the truth. As they had done for me, so I wanted to do for others, following in the steps of Christ who said, “Freely you have received; freely give”(Mt 10:8b)

I encountered a few thorns along the way that could interfere: selfishness, procrastination, and fear, causing me to hold back at times and not speak when the Spirit nudged, afraid of what others may think or too preoccupied with daily life to notice people desperate for Christ. 

But greater than these thorns was the desire to become a wise woman, dependent on God, asking Him to lead me to open people and teach me what to say. So began the third common thread, digging deeper to intentionally speak of faith, desiring to make disciples. Paul spoke practical words in one of his letters: 

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.(Col 4:5-6)

I remember going through a scenario in my mind of talking to a woman I knew, asking what was getting in her way of coming to church. No doubt it was Spirit-prompted preparation because the conversation occurred a day later, becoming a great learning experience of asking questions to find out what was in someone’s heart, not assuming nor having to have just the right words, but discovering. 

If we belong to Christ, faith should naturally season what we say. I kept asking God for spontaneous spiritual conversations with friends or strangers. Over time, He has helped me refine the approach, often beginning with salty, comfortable conversation and then moving on to a strategic question: “Are you a person of faith?” 

The responses have varied. Some “yes!“ A few “no.” Many veering toward church. All opening a door. The Spirit has helped me steer toward Jesus — His words and His great love for them as well as His impact on my life. I found pocket-sized Gospels of John on Amazon, carrying a few in my purse or carry-on if flying. I still remember the response of a man who I gave one to after a very salty conversation about our lives, faith, and Jesus. “So you think I should begin here?” Glory! I’ve earnestly prayed for him and others Jesus has put in my path, that seeds planted are watered and God brings forth a harvest. Paul exhorts us to make the most of every opportunity, “because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16). People desperately need Jesus!

We are all called to make disciples, and God has supplied us with His Word, love, courage, and the Holy Spirit. Will we love others as He has loved us (Jn 13:34)? Do you have a rose, thorn, or effective strategy for disciple making? I’d love to be encouraged or encourage you.