Life of a Trainer.

Proper training is critical to success in any endeavor. In a work setting, a trainer generally follows a four step process to successfully train a new employee. This process includes first demonstrating and explaining the required task. Next it is best to walk the new employee through doing the task. Third a good trainer allows the employee to perform the task while watching and giving guidance along the way. Finally, after an employee has somewhat mastered the task, the trainer, or new manager, continues to follow the progress of the employee to ensure that a task continues to be done properly. A good manager will continue to model the behavior and character that is required of employees.

If any of these steps are not followed properly, the training will not be completely successful. If the task is not first explained and demonstrated appropriately, the new employee may not completely understand what is expected of them. Without this foundation it will be difficult to learn anything. Taking the next step of walking through a process with someone who is learning a new task is critical. For one to simply show a task once and expect a trainee to be able to recreate it is unrealistic. Instruction at every step is important. Once the working together step has been completed, allowing the learner to display his/her expertise will give the trainer an accurate view of how well the task has been comprehended and can be performed. Then finally, continual follow up will ensure that bad habits do not creep in. Above all, the integrity of the manager or trainer is crucial, because employees will also imitate that.

Jesus has called every believer to go and make disciples. “Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).” (Matthew 28:19-20 AMP) This, in essence, makes us all trainers. We are to share the good news of God's abundant salvation and then nurture new believers. As disciples of Christ we can follow a similar training model.

First of all, we are to share the good news and invite people to come into an intimate relationship with Jesus. We are to explain the good news to everyone. “But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 AMP) This good news includes both the accounts recorded in the Scriptures and our own personal experience and knowledge of Jesus Christ. We share the truth and respond to questions “But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.” (1 Peter 3:15 AMP)

As a relationship is developed with another, we must be willing to demonstrate the attributes of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to live as the Lord commands us to, we can confidently share the sentiment of the apostle Paul. “So I urge and implore you, be imitators of me.” (1 Corinthians 4:16 AMP) We are not only to explain how God desires us to live, we are to model that behavior in everything we do. Faith, hope and love must be seen in us.

Modeling the behavior of Jesus Christ, we teach and encourage others to study and begin walking according to God’s plan. Those being nurtured and taught in the Lord (which is all of us) must not only listen to God’s teachings but also obey them. “But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].” (James 1:22 AMP) We walk side-by-side answering questions and giving encouragement as the new believer begins to experience his/her newfound faith.

As believers begin to grow, we disciple makers must allow them to exhibit their understanding of Jesus Christ as it is worked out in their lives. As the word is taught, and accordingly learned, young believers must be permitted to step out in prayer and faith, allowing God to develop and nurture His plan for them. As they stumble we can help them up and encourage them on. Growing in Christ together with other believers becomes a mutual path. We learn from each other and all grow stronger together. “Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP)

It is important that we all continually live our lives in a manner pleasing to God. The apostle Paul wrote, ^“I therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service, living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.” (Ephesians 4:1-2 AMP) Paul also expanded on his earlier sentiment about imitating him in these qualities. ^“Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).” (1 Corinthians 11:1 AMP) Throughout every stage of life we are to live as an example of Jesus Christ to others.

As a trainer invests time in a new employee, nurture and invest time other believers. All the while, living your life in a manner that you wish others to follow.