One problem in churches is that to many members, it can seem that everyone knows everything and has it all put together in the church. We need to show that we are all learning and growing together. Discussing our spiritual lives can pay huge dividends, especially in our struggles. 

Over the years, I have coached many basketball players at different levels. There are those little ones in the K-3rd grade league whom you teach the very basics, and I have helped skilled players at the high school level. Making disciples is a lot like coaching. You are coaching people to walk with Jesus. Like in coaching basketball, Christians can be at many different levels of their walk with Jesus. 

Sometimes, we can be good at teaching the young believers the faith basics. This is an exciting time, where everything is new, and there is a lot of spiritual growth in a short time. We are also good at stretching the faith of more mature believers, taking what they know, and helping them expand their understanding and think through the implications of our faith and the teaching of the Bible. 

But what about those in between? Is there a place where we teach those not new to the faith yet have not reached maturity? It is a painful transition in the Little League to go from T-ball/coach pitch to player pitch. It is necessary, but it is hard to watch. Players walk and strike out based on the young player’s ability to throw strikes from the mound.

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