The Power of the Empty Seat: Making Room in Hearts and Lives

I remember my first assignment to a new ward. I thought I knew how to minister, how to build rapport, how to ask the right questions. I was ready, I was armed with all the latest study materials, and I felt prepared. But I quickly learned that mission preparation isn't just about knowing the answers; it's about recognizing the spaces.

Sometimes, the greatest challenge in the field, whether you are in a foreign country or across the digital ether as an Internet missionary, is that the people we want to help are already scheduled. Their lives are full—full of work, family, commitments, and established routines. They might walk past our message, not because they don't care, but because they've already mentally filled up their schedule for the day.

The principle illustrated in the video, “Make Room,” is profoundly applicable to our calling as returned missionaries and lifelong disciples. The empty chair, the open time slot—these are metaphors for the moments when the Spirit is whispering, “Go here. Try something different.”

Making Space for the Gospel in Your Routine

If we take the idea of “making room” and apply it to our ministry, it means being willing to change our own patterns. It might mean shifting from waiting for the perfect, pre-scheduled opportunity to creating the opportunity. It might mean recognizing that the most powerful time for a missionary discussion isn't when we’re cornered by a chance meeting, but when we've been prayerful enough to find the open window in someone’s week.

A Skill for the Internet Missionary: The Soft Ask

One key skill I learned during my time in the field that translates perfectly to being a rogue disciple anywhere is the “soft ask.” Instead of presenting a grand, overwhelming theological argument (which can feel like a performance), the soft ask is simply about identifying the space and gently asking if there is room for a conversation.

When you encounter someone, don't try to fill the silence with scripture quotes or doctrine. Instead, ask about *their* schedule, *their* challenges, or *their* passions. This shows you see them, not just their questions. You are making room for *them* to talk, and thereby making room for the Spirit to work.

This is the essence of the work. We are not just sharing information; we are creating space for the Spirit to illuminate the truth in their hearts.

Are You Making Room for the Spirit?

Being a disciple today means understanding that our mission field is everywhere, all the time. We are the Internet missionaries, and our most powerful tool is our willingness to adapt and to be humble enough to recognize when the ‘seat’ isn't available. When we feel overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the work, remember the empty chair. Remember that one person, one moment, one conversation can change everything.

If you've been feeling stuck, or if the sheer volume of preparation feels daunting, I have a recommendation for you. I encourage you to dive into the materials on the Iron Rod website. Specifically, the section on Book Clubs. These discussions are designed to help us solidify our understanding of core doctrine and scripture, giving us the confidence to walk into any missionary discussion, regardless of where we are.

Next Steps for the Disciple

• Testimony Focus: Spend time reflecting this week on a time when you felt discouraged or out of space in your own spiritual life. What did the Spirit do to open up room for you?
• Challenge Invitation: Join our free weekly Disciple Challenge! It's a low-pressure way to practice your skills and connect with other rogue disciples who are committed to making room in the world.
• Deep Dive: Check out the recent insights in the Social Scripture Study feed inside LivingBook. See how your fellow disciples are highlighting verses and discussing discipleship.

We are building a movement defined by our willingness to meet people where they are, and in the moments when they least expect us. Let's keep making room.