Making Disciples in Every Season

July 22, 2026 / by Sarah Gentry

We know Jesus’ command before returning to His Father in heaven: “Go and make disciples…” (Matt. 28:19). We also know that this is hard to do.

We know that while God calls some to be full-time evangelists, most do not have that specific calling. However, we all are called by God to be faithful to share our faith in our sphere of relationships.

While I was Professor of Violin at ISU (1992-2021), I had working and teaching relationships with many people that needed to hear the truth about Jesus. I shared my faith several times during this season of my life with those that didn’t know Christ. Looking back though, I know I missed many opportunities along the way. Those particular relationships existed in my life for only a finite period of time. This reality that our life circumstances and certain relationships will fluctuate and change with different seasons of life, has shown me how important it is to be intentional about the opportunities God places in front of us right now.

Now that I’m retired from working at ISU, and my husband and I are “empty-nesters,” the number of built-in relationships that I have with those that don’t know Christ has shrunk greatly. Though fewer opportunities exist to share my faith, I know God doesn’t want me to “sit on the sidelines.” He has impressed upon me the need to intentionally nurture relationships with some of my former colleagues, and to intentionally cultivate new relationships.

In the first case, reaching out to a former colleague to connect over lunch or to attend their concerts will keep our relationship current. I know they are busy and have many stresses. Reaching out to listen and let them know I’m praying for them means a lot. And ultimately I pray God opens the door to speak of Christ.

In cultivating new relationships, God has opened the door to join with other seniors in the community who meet regularly to play pickleball. (I love the way God uses our interests to build relationships while having fun!) I’ve been involved with this new activity for only a few months, but am rejoicing in the way God is working through conversations, getting to know people, and building relationships.

As we examine our current sphere of relationships (as neighbor, co-worker, teacher, coach, friend, etc.) and the need to be intentional to share our faith, let us pray that the Lord will give us strength to be faithful and obedient to Him, and eyes to see the opportunities He has placed before us right now.

Sarah has been married to Gary for 35 years and they have 2 children, Luke and Madeline. She has served in Sunday morning Toddler Church for 12 years, Wednesday night AWANA program for 11 years, and as part of the Instrumental Worship Team. Since retiring from ISU, Sarah teaches private violin lessons, serves as a teacher in the School Program of Bible Study Fellowship, and enjoys walking, reading, watching tennis, and playing pickleball.