Make disciples who make disciples part1
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Most Christians have not been intentionally discipled, which is essential for spiritual maturity. Discipling involves accountable relationships and small groups that foster growth, transformation, and multiplication of disciples. The church currently faces a gap in producing deep, life-transforming disciples, as many members remain passive rather than actively participating in ministry.
Make disciples who make disciples part1
- 3. Most Christians have never been intentionally and personally discipled!
- 4. “Discipling is a process that takes place within accountable relationships over a period of time for the purpose of bringing believers to spiritual maturity in Christ.”
- 5. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- 6. Joel Baker asked the question, “What is impossible to do in your church / ministry, but if it could be done, would produce the greatest change?”
- 7. “What one problem in our church, if solved, would change everything else?”
- 8. Most Christians have never been intentionally and personally discipled!
- 9. For us the question becomes: “How can we grow Christians into self-starting, reproducing, fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ?”
- 10. The answer: “The primary way people grow into self-starting, reproducing, fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ is by…
- 11. …taking part in highly accountable, relational groups of three or four—by discipling them”
- 13. “Discipling is a process that takes place within accountable relationships over a period of time for the purpose of bringing believers to spiritual maturity in Christ.”
- 14. Note that discipling… Is a process (a series of steps and changes)
- 15. Involves relationships People are accountable (for their life and actions)
- 16. John Wesley used questions, such as: Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate? Can I be trusted?
- 17. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits? Did the Bible live in me today? Do I give it time everyday? Am I enjoying prayer?
- 18. Is truth-centred Involves groups of 3-4 people Involves people who will invest in others (time, energy etc.)
- 20. Most Christians have never been intentionally and personally discipled!
- 21. “Discipling is a process that takes place within accountable relationships over a period of time for the purpose of bringing believers to spiritual maturity in Christ.”
- 22. Discipleship is a journey of transformation (being changed) into Christlikeness
- 23. This process often is best seen taking place in small groups. Why are small groups powerful at bringing about change in people?
- 24. They make multiplication possible—people who are discipled are given the power to disciple others.
- 25. You
- 26. Your First Group
- 29. They develop intimate (close) relationships— deep trust is a bridge to real life change.
- 30. They provide accountability— we lovingly speak truth to others. They help us get to know more of the Bible—this gives us a big picture of the Christian life.
- 31. They are the starting point for doing spiritual disciplines— prayer, fasting, silence, worship…
- 32. Based on the model of Jesus and Paul—who deliberately grew followers into responsible, reproducing disciples who made disciples.
- 35. How have you seen God’s goodness this week? How are you doing with loving the people God has already put in your life? How has God been speaking to you through his Word and prayer? Who are two or three people who are not yet following Jesus that you are praying for?
- 36. 4 Groups 2 Nepali speaking ladies - Phebe in the Study Centre - Mamtha in the Chapel
- 37. 1 Nepali speaking men - Surjay in this Classroom 1 English speaking group - Soso in Richard’s Office
- 38. The following ideas are based upon Greg Ogden’s work in Transforming Discipleship
- 39. The Discipleship Gap—what should a disciple be?
- 40. Where are you in discipleship and disciple making?
- 41. Max Depree, “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality”
- 42. Jesus said, Luke 14:28, “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?”
- 45. John Stott was asked about how he would describe the growth of the church in recent decades, he replied, “Growth without depth”
- 46. What we do is to make converts much better than we make disciples—we are good at telling people to make a decision, but poor at seeing life transformation take place.
- 47. Good - making converts - telling people to make a decision
- 48. Poor - making disciples - seeing life transformation take place.
- 49. Americans who claim to be born again, “...most Americans who confess their sins to God and ask Christ to be their saviour—live almost indistinguishable lives from the unrepentant sinners, and their lives bear little, if any fruit, for the Kingdom of God.”
- 50. The question is: What kind of followers of Jesus are we producing? How deep is our discipleship?
- 51. 1. Ministers: Passive or Proactive?
- 52. The Bible describes the church as full of active ministers.
- 53. In many churches most members see themselves as passive, receiving ministry from the pastor.
- 54. 1 Peter 2:9, …for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
- 55. 1 Cor 12:7, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”
- 56. “The NT describes a full employment plan that dignifies and gives all believers value based on the contribution their gifts make in building up and extending the church” Greg Ogden
- 57. In most churches: 20% of the people provide ministry for 80% of the people, 20% of the people give 80% of the finances.
- 58. Of the 80% who are fairly uninvolved church, when asked 80% of these church members wanted to be involved, trained, given responsibility and inspired to Christian service.
- 63. Paul expresses the idea that every member of the body should have some idea of their spiritual gifts, and have opportunity to put them into action.