Opening Reflection: Finding a Person of Peace

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?”
- Luke 14:28

If God has stirred your heart to disciple others, begin with prayerful preparation. Before you reach out—whether to unbelievers or to believers who have not yet stepped into active discipleship—consider your next steps. What will you do if someone responds positively? How will you walk alongside someone who is curious but hesitant?

Discipleship is not accidental. It requires intention. A disciple is not merely someone who believes in Jesus, but someone willing to follow him wherever he leads. If your schedule feels too full to commit to discipling another person, ask what might be adjusted to make it work. Remember—this is God’s work before it is yours. He desires it even more than you do, and he will make a way.

Recognize and Discern

A “person of peace” is someone open to discussing or ready to receive what you have to offer. In the Listening to Jesus context, what you offer is Jesus and the opportunity to connect and grow through the Listening to Jesus discipline. People of peace are likely all around you, but not everyone is ready at the same time.

Your role is to engage with others and exercise discernment. Look for people of peace in your everyday life—at home, at work, at school, at church, or in your community. As opportunities arise, remain attentive to the Holy Spirit. Be willing to step into conversations with faith and curiosity.

Some responses will be red lights (no).
Some will be yellow lights (not yet).
Some will be green lights (ready).

When someone listens, responds, and even expresses hunger to grow, you have likely found a person of peace.

How Jesus Modeled It

Jesus did not engage everyone, though he rejected no one. He allowed the Spirit to guide his focus.

In Jericho, he noticed Zacchaeus in a tree and chose to stop. That one moment of engagement led to Zacchaeus’ transformation. Many others were present that day, but Jesus engaged the one the Father highlighted.
In Samaria, Jesus asked a woman for water while resting at a well. A simple, natural interaction became a doorway to spiritual awakening—not only for her but for her entire community.

Jesus tells us, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few” (Luke 10:2). God prepares the harvest. Our task is to notice the ripe fruit and gather it by engaging with those who are ready. When the opportunity presents itself, step into it.

Practical Ways to Look

A few ways you may actively seek a person of peace:

In your neighborhood – Walk and pray silently for the homes you pass. Be open to conversation. God may call you to open your home for a Spotfire.
In your church – Notice those who are spiritually hungry, curious, or unconnected. You may gather people for a new Spotfire or expand an existing one.
In public spaces – Ask God to lead you. Starting with the simple question, “Is there anything I can pray for you about?” may open a door.
At work or school – These everyday environments offer natural opportunities to build trust. Stay prayerful and attentive. Without forcing it, look for spiritual conversations to develop organically.

Be Ready When Someone Says “Yes”

Your process will look different for each person you disciple. A new believer will need different support than a long-time believer who is now ready to grow. Thinking ahead will help you walk with people intentionally rather than reactively.

For me, when I find someone interested in Jesus or in being discipled, I start by inviting them to go through this book with me. As we meet, I watch for consistency. Some begin with enthusiasm but drift. When that happens, I gently encourage recommitment. If they respond, we continue. If not, we pause, leaving the door open for a future restart.

If someone remains consistent, I invite them into a Spotfire—either mine or another that fits them well. Your approach may differ. If you have limited time due to work or family responsibilities, ask Jesus to help you find a creative solution and listen for his response. Co-leading and/or encouraging your church to provide a community of support for those willing to disciple are just a few ways to address common reservations and encourage more disciplers to step into the call. Finally, when you’ve completed a discipleship experience with a group, help identify those ready to lead, and equip them to begin new Spotfires.

The key is simple: when you find a person of peace and sense the Holy Spirit calling you to it, walk with them.

Faithful Availability

Not everyone will respond positively. Rather than viewing others’ responses as a burden for you to carry, your responsibility is to remain faithful, available, and spiritually alert. After all, the Lord said, “The one who listens to you listens to me, and the one who rejects you rejects me” (Luke 10:16).

As you count the cost of discipleship, recognize that Jesus is in it with you. For in the very moment he charged the first disciples with the Great Commission, he also promised, “I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20). So, make space, stay attentive, and engage when prompted. God prepares the heart. You simply respond. And when you find a person of peace, be ready for him to move through you as you help them take the next step.