I love this image. Just as a fresh young seedling needs nurture, people need nurture. Nurture is at the heart of discipleship. Jesus called Christians to nurture each other, especially Christian leaders to nurture young believers. Paul says in Ephesians 4, "¹¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. ¹⁵ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

Jesus' plan for His followers is to provide for their growth, so that they might be able to have an impact on the lost world around them. When we, the Church, fail to be focused on providing for spiritual growth, spiritual transformation, we fail Christ. This is His call for each of us.

Light Over Europe Ministries is committed to providing opportunities for young Christian leaders all over Europe to learn and grow in their service to Christ. As a result, I will be in Andernach, Germany again, from September 10-16 to teach a basic Christian counseling course. Please be praying for all of the participants that they may be used by Christ to grow His church.

Blessings in Christ,

Kevin Steger