Meeting People Where They Are: A Lesson from Acts 19

​The best way to help people grow from where they are to where they need to be is to start by listening to where they are.

​In my regular reflection series, Walk with the Lord, where I aim to make Bible concepts simple and accessible, I recently reflected on Acts 19. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul arrives in the city of Ephesus and encounters a group of twelve men.

​He recognizes that these men are genuine seekers who love God and are living as disciples, but he isn't immediately sure where they stand in their specific faith journey. Rather than making assumptions or launching into a rigid lecture, Paul simply asks: Where are you coming from? What do you believe?

​They explain that they had accepted the teachings of John the Baptist, but they hadn't yet heard about Jesus or the Holy Spirit.

​Because Paul took the time to listen and meet them right at their point of understanding, he was able to bridge the gap:

• ​He explained how John the Baptist’s message pointed directly to Jesus.
• ​He invited them into a deeper understanding and relationship.
• ​They had a substantial, transformative conversation and became fully grounded disciples.

​It was an incredible encounter, but notice how it began: it started with Paul recognizing where they were in order to help lead them to where they needed to be.

​Whether you are discipling someone, leading a team, or simply encouraging a friend, effective guidance begins with active listening. Meet people right where they stand today.

​What are your thoughts on this approach to helping others grow? Feel free to comment, like, or share to help spread the message! God bless.