In the Water: What Surfing Taught Me about Making Disciples
I didn’t grow up surfing. Far from it. I spent my childhood 2 miles down a dirt road on a farm in rural Alabama. So, as you can imagine, I knew a lot more about driving a tractor than riding a surfboard. That all changed in the fall of 2015 when the providence of God brought this southern boy to the sun-soaked land of southern California for the purpose of planting a new church.
Our family visited several famous local beaches in those first few months in California. Instantly, I became enamored and intrigued by the entire surf culture. It was so iconic. Something I had seen on TV and movies. And yet, here I was seeing it first hand. There was something captivating about watching these surfers paddle into a wave, stand up on their board, and cruise effortlessly to the beach.
Eventually, I decided that it was my turn to give surfing a try. But, there was a huge problem … I had no clue where to begin. Where should I go surfing? What kind of board should I purchase? What’s the deal with surf wax? So, I did what we all do when we want to learn something new … I googled it. I began reading articles online. I watched YouTube videos. I even had a few local people give me their best tips on surfing. But, none of it helped. The knowledge gap just seemed too overwhelming. I couldn’t muster the nerve to walk into a surf shop, purchase a board, and get in the water.
Finally, one fateful day, a friend of mine named Patrick spoke the words I had been waiting to hear, “I’ll teach you how to surf.” Patrick was a local. He’d spent his entire life riding waves at Newport Beach and T-Street. With his invitation, I had all the confidence I needed to begin my surfing journey.
I’ll never forget both the excitement and awkwardness of that first surfing experience with Patrick. I walked down to the beach with my borrowed board under my arm and did my best imitation of a cool California surfer. After arriving at the beach, Patrick coached me in the art of the “surfer’s change.” Basically, it’s where you change from your street clothes into your wetsuit using nothing but a towel to cover yourself while praying that you don’t accidentally flash the hundreds of innocent bystanders surrounding you. Thankfully, and proudly, I navigated the surfer’s change without a glitch. However, Patrick was quick to inform me that I had successfully put the wetsuit on backwards. I think his exact words were “Zipper goes in the back, bro.” So embarrassing.
I eventually did manage to get the wetsuit on correctly. Then came the real test…actually surfing. I followed Patrick as he strolled into the water and tried to do exactly what he did, although not nearly as effective. Patrick paddled quickly beyond the waves and then sat up calmly on his board to await the next set. I struggled to balance on my board and flailed like a drowning man while being consistently knocked over by the waves. After several minutes, I arrived exhausted beyond the breakers to the area where Patrick was waiting. I used what little energy I had left to sit up on my board and did my best to avoid teetering over.
For the next couple of hours, Patrick attempted to teach me to surf. He pushed me into waves so that I had enough momentum to catch them. After each wipeout (and there were many), he coached me on what I did wrong. He gave me a lot of tips about how to paddle into waves, pop up on the board, and surf down the line. But, there was one particular statement that impacted my life far beyond surfing; he said “You can’t teach someone to surf from the beach. You have to get in the water with them.” That statement struck me! He was exactly right. There were no amount of articles, videos, or even beachside conversations that had given me the courage to even attempt surfing. It took someone … a guy named Patrick … to get in the water with me and teach me to surf.
As I left the beach that day, I realized Patrick had not only given me a lesson in surfing but in making disciples as well. I began to think about how many people in our towns and cities across the world are just like me. They notice the Christian culture. It seems interesting and intriguing. In an effort to learn more, they read articles online, watch a few YouTube videos, and even have a couple of casual conversations with real-life Christians. But, the knowledge gap just seems too large. They can’t even muster up the courage to walk into a church and begin their Christian journey.
So, what do these people need? More articles? A pamphlet about how to get to heaven? A catchy sermon series? Actually, the people in our communities don’t need another person teaching them to follow Jesus “from the beach.” They need a Patrick in their life who will say “I’ll teach you.” They need someone who will take time to invest in them, push through the awkward moments, model what it means to follow Jesus, and even have difficult conversations of correction. Ultimately, they need someone who is willing to “get in the water” with them.
In case you’re wondering, I did eventually learn to surf on my own. But, it wasn’t on the first day … or the second … or the third. Patrick and I were in the water together somewhere around 20 times that initial year. Honestly, it took about a dozen trips before surfing finally started to click with me (I’m a slow learner). But, I’m thankful that Patrick was patient and worked diligently to teach this southern boy how to surf. And I pray that God gives me the patience it takes to make disciples as I get in the water with those in my community.
