Stop Outsourcing Your Faith
Many believers unintentionally place the full weight of spiritual growth and discipleship on their pastor’s shoulders. While pastors are ordained by God and serve an essential role in shepherding the church, discipleship was never meant to be outsourced.
God has given every believer the responsibility to grow in faith, spread the Gospel, and disciple others. The same Holy Spirit that fills the sanctuary on Sunday morning is alive in you on Monday morning.
Jesus didn’t say, “Follow your pastor.”
He said:
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19
Your pastor is a guide and teacher, but God gave you His Word, a mind to understand it, and the Holy Spirit for discernment. We are all called to read, study, pray, and live out the Gospel daily — not just when we hear a sermon.
My Story: From Brokenness to Calling
I wasn’t planning to create Prepared and Redeemed. In fact, I didn’t think I had anything to offer God’s Kingdom.
I was a completely broken sinner — addicted to everything the flesh craves: sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. My life was a mess of bad choices, selfish living, and spiritual emptiness. I figured that if God wanted to use someone, it certainly wouldn’t be me. That was the pastor’s job, right?
The enemy whispered every failure and sin back into my mind, reminding me of my past like it was a prison cell I could never leave. I believed the lie that my mistakes disqualified me.
But God had other plans.
He didn’t ask if I felt qualified. He didn’t wait for me to “get my act together.” Instead, He called me into something greater — and, to be honest, He had to get firm with me before I even started this website.
I didn’t have faith in myself, but God had faith in the purpose He put in me. And that’s why Prepared and Redeemed exists today: not because I’m perfect, but because His plan is greater than mine.
If you’ve ever thought you’re too far gone for God to use you, let me tell you — that’s a lie straight from the pit of hell.
God Uses the Least Expected
One of the most powerful truths in Scripture is that God often chooses the people everyone else would overlook:
- Moses — a murderer and reluctant speaker, yet God used him to lead Israel out of Egypt.
- Rahab — a prostitute who protected God’s people and became part of Christ’s lineage.
- Matthew — a despised tax collector who became a disciple.
- Peter — impulsive and flawed, yet a foundational leader of the early church.
- Paul — once a persecutor of Christians, transformed into one of the boldest apostles.
- Gideon — hiding in fear when God called him to lead a nation’s army.
- David — an overlooked shepherd boy who became Israel’s greatest king.
- Jacob — a deceiver who wrestled with God and received the name “Israel.”
- Joseph — betrayed by family, sold into slavery, yet used to save nations from famine.
- Daniel — a captive in Babylon who stood firm in faith, influencing kings.
If God could use them, He can use you. Your past is not a disqualifier — it’s the very testimony that reveals His power to redeem.
Discipleship Is a Shared Mission
When Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, He didn’t speak only to pastors, missionaries, or ministry leaders. He spoke to all His followers:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
That means sharing your testimony, teaching your children about God, encouraging fellow believers, and showing Christ’s love to the world — at work, in your neighborhood, online, and at home.
If you’re wondering how to start, I recommend reading: What it Means to be Spiritually Ready for the End Times — it’s a great place to see how personal faith and action work together.
Why Relying Solely on a Pastor Is Dangerous
When we make our pastor the sole source of our spiritual food:
- We risk spiritual starvation if that leader falls away or moves on.
- We stunt our personal growth by not digging into Scripture ourselves.
- We miss opportunities to serve and disciple others in our daily lives.
A healthy church equips its members to grow in faith and lead others to Christ — but it’s up to us to pick up the tools and use them.
Taking Ownership of Your Walk with God
Here are practical steps to live as an active disciple:
- Read the Word daily — don’t rely only on Sunday sermons.
- Pray for discernment — ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions.
- Serve others intentionally — in your church, community, and family.
- Share your faith naturally — through conversation, example, and compassion.
- Mentor someone younger in the faith — be the example you wish you had.
If you’re not sure where to begin, check out: Bible Verses That Anchor Faith in Crisis for encouragement and Scripture to stand on.
Dig Deeper
I’m currently reading Living in the Daze of Deception, and it is one of the most urgent, eye-opening books for our generation. This is not just another Christian book — it’s a wake-up call perfectly timed for the days we’re living in.
We are seeing the early tremors of the birth pains Jesus warned about in Matthew 24. False teachers are multiplying, deception is rampant, and distractions are stealing the attention of God’s people. The clock is ticking, and the mission is urgent.
This book has reminded me why discipleship is not optional — it’s essential. God’s promises will not return empty. Everything He has spoken will be fulfilled, just as it always has. And in this critical hour, He is calling every believer — not just pastors — to step up, speak out, and take His truth to the world.
Final Encouragement
Pastors are shepherds, but sheep still need to move, eat, and grow. Your spiritual life is too important to delegate entirely to someone else.
God has chosen you — with your past, your gifts, and your story — to be part of His plan. If He could use Moses, Rahab, Joseph, Daniel, Peter, and Paul… He can use you.
The question is: Will you step into that calling?
If this message hit home, I encourage you to also read: How to Spiritually Discern Truth in a World of Misinformation — it ties directly into walking in your God-given purpose.
Blessings In Christ,
Jason
Prepared and Redeemed
Hey a interesting post you have here!
You don’t often find posts like these that talk about discipleship and whose job it is. It is really important to discuss topics like this especially with children and the young as well who have not been taught properly.
It is interesting to see how different religions teach about this.
Thanks again and have a great day!
Yeah, I get what you mean. A lot of people don’t talk about discipleship in a real, practical way, and it’s something that really needs to be taught—especially to kids and younger folks who might not be getting it at home or in church. Different religions definitely have their own spin on it, but for me, it comes back to following Jesus’ example and actually living it out day to day. Appreciate you taking the time to read and share your thoughts.