TWO-BY-TWO

What's similar between the practice of doing ministry 2-by-2 and the 2-by-2 principle on Noah’s ark?

It's Biblical

There's safety in numbers. In Mark 6:7 we learn that Jesus called his disciples to follow this model. “And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.“

God knows our human nature, and how prone we are to various aspect of temptation. So going two-by-two is also a form of companionship to keep us from being lonely or falling into fellowship with someone not aligned with our faith. Remember, we minister to all in relationship and networking, but we are refreshed and built up through the fellowship of believers.

Also we benefit from the encouragement when discouragement comes, and it does come. Even when we’re ambassadors sharing good news, there are always those who have no interest in what we have to share. The Bible tells us to "leave that house or town" in Matthew 10:24. It's a humble action, sometimes demoralizing, but always made better by the encouragement from the company of Two.

Reproduction

Getting back to Noah’s ark, the most obvious reason for two was to reproduce and populate the world after the flood. But even in ministry we need to be thinking about replacing ourselves.

The other day talking with a missionary she said, “Even if we commit to staying on the mission field for twenty years, we’re still a short-term missionary.” Her focus was to grow up believers that could carry the ministry. Nationals that both know the landscape-the culture-and will be available for a lifetime. Her focus was a support position.

As we gear up for ministry here at home, we should still be thinking about training up others that can, and should, someday take our places. There are too many scenarios to list that can take us out of being available…health, family needs, etc.

In Ephesians 4:12 we learn that part of our role as ambassadors is, “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” A favorite quote of mine leverages on the biblical truth in Ephesians. “The measure of a person’s character is not what they get from their ancestors, but what they leave to their descendants.” In order to leave something to others, we need to mentor or coach the next generation of those who are called to motorcycle ministry.

Just some of the things we can pass on: how to do a bike blessing, starting a conversation with a 1%er, protocol within the biker culture, and how to securely manage a helmet and gear check. It’s how I learned.

Although still in training myself, I can always pass on to someone newer than me what I’ve learned. It’s called discipleship.

Accountability

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way.” Isaiah 53:6.

It’s true, we are like sheep. Own it. There’s too much evidence to deny it. “You’re known by the company you keep,” is just one of dozens of sayings that speak to the truth of Isaiah 53:6.

This elevates the need for two-by-two. If you really get into networking with people you don’t know, you might find yourself wandering away like a lamb who follows fresh grass into another field, away from the safety of the flock and the shepherd.

It’s true, integrity is doing the right thing even when no one else is looking. Many of Jesus’ ambassadors have great integrity, but what’s the point of testing it. Without the companionship and encouragement of a partner, without the fellowship and training of a mentor/mentee, we can get weary. Weary is the most likely condition to test integrity.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of accountability. It helps me achieve a goal, keep on track for a plan (like exercise or memorize scripture), or meet a deadline. Without accountability I tend to get lazy. Now I’m not saying you’re lazy, but if you’re reading this you are human. And I know human nature.

Jesus knows our human nature also, and He called his disciples to go out two-by-two. Enough said. Gear up today for ministry, “and all the more as we see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25b)

What are your thoughts?

Libby