Of all the commands Jesus gave, making disciples seems to be at the core of the core. Note that in Matthew 28:19-20, it’s the only verb in the imperative (command) mode. So the question is, what path will you choose to build a discipleship emphasis in your ministry, mission field, or local church? For example, there’s “Simple Discipleship,” at…
http://www.simplediscipleship.com/
which presents a four-year plan emphasizing “Strong Faith,” “Strong Family,” “Strong Church,” and “Strong Witness.” Try it out with the free PDF downloads and let us know what you think. OR — alternatively, let us know about the plan YOU prefer. Just use the link below to jump to the web version of this item, then click “Comment” and let us know your thoughts please. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
I use any of several N.T. epistles to teach discipleship — I prefer to let the Word of God, not some non-inspired author, to teach others how to be disciples. Did not the Logos do this in his earthly life? If he did it with his words and life, then should we not use the Word of God to do the same now?
Our team has been following “Faith, Hope, Love,” a pattern we adapted from the epistles and best practices in disciple-making. The pattern can be used with any content, though we have been going through Mark, Acts and Ephesians. See the description at http://ctbp.org/faith-hope-love/.
In 34 years of researching what is bearing the most fruit that others can learn from, I’ve not seen anything like the fruitfulness and collaborative learning that is taking place around emerging movements in the U.S. I hope you will make time to skim the Mar/Apr Mission Frontiers.
I have 2,000 copies left which I can ship free in quantities of 60 to anyone who will make good use of them (donations welcome but not required). Offer good while supplies last.
After a couple decades in which neither my wife nor I have led someone to Christ, we have become convinced that working with the Holy Spirit to lead others to Christ is something anyone (even introvert mission strategists like us) can and should learn and teach.
Last night I led two international students (Hong Kong and Vietnam) into separate conversations about what they believe, and prayed for one to receive healing for an injury. Meanwhile my wife led two Japanese students to Christ.
Jackie simply followed the approach outlined in this small (4″x6″ 32-page) booklet: view the PDF or order free copies.
The case studies in MF describe the additional elements necessary to turn individual conversions like this into a movement.