Discipleship Tool
MODULE 1 — DISCIPLES MAKING DISCIPLES | GET A COACH | MODULE 2 | SERIES LIBRARY
GREAT COMMANDMENT
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
— Matthew 22:37-40
GREAT COMMISSION
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
— Matthew 28:18-20
Every disciple a disciple-maker • Every home a training center • Every simple church a missions organization
WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?
The meaning of the word disciple is a follower. A disciple is a follower of God. Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me." So in God’s kingdom, Jesus is our King. We are His citizens, subjects of His will. His desires, purposes, intentions, priorities and values are the highest and best. His Word is the law.
What is the law of the kingdom? What does Jesus tell His citizens to do?
Jesus taught that God’s commands from the Old Testament, i.e. all the law and the prophets, can be summarized in these two things: LOVE GOD and LOVE OTHERS.
Jesus also commanded us to make disciples and teach them to obey all that He commanded. Since making disciples includes teaching them all that Jesus commanded, the New Testament can be summarized in this one thing: MAKE DISCIPLES.
Therefore, a DISCIPLE is a follower of Jesus who LOVES GOD, LOVES OTHERS and MAKES DISCIPLES.
WHAT IS A CHURCH?
You may be used to thinking of the church as a building — a place where you go. But God’s Word talks about the church as a gathering — a people you belong to. The word “church” is used in the Bible three different ways:
- THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH — the gathering of all the believers who were, who are and who will be.
- THE CITY OR REGIONAL CHURCH — the gathering of all the believers in a city or a part of a country.
- THE SIMPLE CHURCH — the gathering of believers who meet in a small group like in a building or a home.
SIMPLE CHURCH is a spiritual family who LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS and MAKE DISCIPLES who multiply — with Jesus as their center and their King. When groups of these simple churches connect to do something bigger together, they can form a CITY OR REGIONAL CHURCH. The UNIVERSAL CHURCH is made up of all the simple churches networked together into regions and stretches across history.
Scriptures | Where did the early church meet? |
Acts 2:46 | House to house |
Acts 5:42 | House to house |
Acts 8:3 | House to house |
Acts 10:22 | Cornelius' house |
Acts 12:12 | Mary's house |
Acts 16:32 | Jailer's house |
Acts 16:40 | Lydia's house |
Acts 18:7 | Titius Justus's house |
Acts 20:20 | House to house |
Romans 16:5 | Priscilla & Aquila's house |
1 Corinthians 16:19 | Priscilla & Aquila's house |
Colossians 4:15 | Nympha's house |
Philemon 1:2 | Philemon's house |
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
— Mark 1:16-20
Have you ever wondered how the church got started? In the beginning nobody was a professional. Surprised? Good thing God had a plan that didn't require professionals. GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE. He did it to start the first movement of the church. And He does it today.
The first church sent ordinary people around the world to tell others about Jesus. It sent ordinary people to stand before governors and generals and rulers and kings. It sent ordinary people to heal the sick, feed the hungry, raise the dead, and teach all of God’s commands to everyone in the world.
The first church sent ordinary people to change the world. And they did.
Our dream is to do what Jesus said — to help ordinary people around the world use small tools to make a big impact in God’s kingdom!
Jesus’ final instructions to His followers were simple. He said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
— Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus’ command was simple — MAKE DISCIPLES.
His instructions on how to do that were simple:
- Make disciples wherever you’re going.
- Make disciples by baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Make disciples by teaching them to obey all He commanded.
So what are the steps to make a disciple?
- We make disciples all the time — wherever we’re going and as we go.
- When someone decides to follow Jesus — they should be baptized.
- As they grow — we should teach every disciple how to obey everything that Jesus commanded. Since one of the things He commanded is to make disciples, that means that every disciple who follows Jesus needs to learn how to make disciples too.
lll
FAITHFULNESS
Jesus said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. ... From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
— Luke 12:42-43,48
To equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
— Ephesians 4:12-13
Jesus said, "As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built."
— Luke 6:47-48
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
— James 1:22-25
3-LEGGED STOOL
UNHEALTHY
[UNFAITHFUL]
HEALTHY
[FAITHFUL > MATURITY]
FAITHFULNESS is a much better measure of spiritual MATURITY than KNOWLEDGE and TRAINING. As we multiply disciples, let’s make sure we’re measuring the right things. If we obey and share what we hear with others, we are faithful. If we hear but we refuse to obey and share, we are unfaithful.
There are two ideas that have caused a number of problems in the church, today:
- The first is the idea that someone’s spiritual maturity is connected to how much they know about God’s Word. They act as if ORTHODOXY or "RIGHT BELIEF" — is a good measure of someone’s faith.
- The second is the idea that someone’s ability to lead requires a "FULL TRAINING" before they begin in ministry. They act as if COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE — is a good measure of someone’s ability to serve.
The problem with the first idea — relying on ORTHODOXY or "RIGHT BELIEF" is that Satan, himself, knows more scripture than any human.
God’s Word says — You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder.
A better measure of someone’s spiritual maturity is ORTHOPRAXY or "RIGHT PRACTICE". We should be much more concerned with FAITHFULNESS in OBEYING and SHARING than measuring maturity based only on what we know.
Theopraxy goes a step further. It addresses the motive behind the practice and the source of the ability to live out that practice. The motive is to follow God, and He is the source of the power to do so.
THEOPRAXY — literally "GOD-PRACTICE" — is a lifestyle that seeks to know Christ, to imitate Him, to seek God’s Kingdom, and to view everything in life from God’s perspective. It requires a desire to live in total concord with and submission to His will, ways, purposes, character, nature, desires, and thoughts. It is doing God’s work, in God’s way, in God’s timing, by God’s enablement.
The problem with the second idea — that someone must be fully trained before they lead is that no one is ever fully trained. Jesus modeled sending out young leaders who still had many things to learn to do some of the most important work in the Kingdom.
God’s Word says — Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them complete power over all demons and diseases. Then he sent them to tell about God’s kingdom and to heal the sick.
These men were sent before Peter shared his belief that Jesus was Savior — something we’d consider a first step of faith. And even after being sent Jesus rebuked Peter multiple times for mistakes and Peter would still later deny Jesus, completely. Other followers argued over who was the greatest and what role each would play in God’s future Kingdom. They all still had a lot to learn but Jesus put them to work sharing what they already knew.
FAITHFULNESS — more than KNOWLEDGE — is something that can start as soon someone begins to follow Jesus. MATURITY is time-dependent, but FAITHFULNESS can be demonstrated at any and every point in a disciple’s life. KNOWLEDGE is worthless without practice, without applying it to one’s life. FAITHFULNESS results in MATURITY because Jesus invests more in those that are faithful in what He gave them like the Parable of Talents. Path to maturing is being faithful by OBEYING what the lord has shown us and SHARING with others.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
— Ephesians 4:1
I
IMMEDIATE
R
RADICAL
C
COSTLY
O
OBEDIENCE
BEING A DISCIPLE WORTH REPRODUCING
We need to be disciples worth reproducing. When we think about that, the first Bible character that comes to our mind is Abraham. We think that makes sense, the man to whom the promise was given that his offspring would be as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore or the number of stars in the heavens. It's interesting that on two occasions God tells us why he chose Abraham. On both occasions, he says that he chose Abraham because Abraham obeyed God.
Obedience is the flip-side of love, that it's the natural expression of love. If the great commandment is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, then the natural outcome of that kind of love will be immediate, radical, costly obedience, and we see this pattern in Abraham's life.
We're first introduced to Abram as he was first called in Genesis 11. Some of the later verses, it talks about how he was with his father. They moved from Ur of the Chaldeans. We don't know why they set out to go to Canaan and got as far as Heron and they stopped. They settled there and they stayed there until Abraham's father died. Then in Genesis 12, God calls Abram, and he calls him to leave his family, his country, and his father's household, and to go to a land that God will show him. So Abram is being called to leave the comforts and conveniences of city life to go wander around living in tents in the wilderness, to leave the security of his stable you know safe location to go out again and wander in a place where there is no security. It's not comfortable. It's not convenient. But Abram obeys … immediate, radical, costly obedience.
We see the same thing again in Genesis 17. This is where Abraham's name is changed to Abraham. It's when God gives him the sign of the covenant which is circumcision. Now apart from the obvious physical sacrifice involved in this, there's also a serious security risk. We see later in Genesis where his great-grandchildren wipe out an entire tribe of people when all the men are circumcised on the same day. because they're not able to defend themselves while they're healing. But in Genesis 17, we're told on the very day that God commanded him, Abraham circumcised himself and his son Ishmael and every male born in his household, and every male bought with his money … and then it repeats it for emphasis "on the very day God said to him" … immediate, radical, costly obedience.
We see the same thing in Genesis 21. By this time Isaac has been born, the son of the promise, and Ishmael, Hagar's son, right, is the son of the bondwoman, is mocking Isaac. So, Sarah, Isaac's mother, becomes upset and she tells Abraham to send away Hagar and Ishmael. Scripture tells us the matter troubled Abraham greatly, because of his son. But God said to him, listen to the voice of your wife Sarah. It's through Isaac that your seed will be named. I'll care for Ishmael. I'll also make him a mighty nation, but you need to send them away. So we're told that Abraham rose early the next morning, gave them food, and a flask of water, and sent them away … immediate, radical, costly obedience.
We see the same thing in Genesis 22. God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. We cannot imagine this. We can think of so many possible responses Abraham could have had. He could have said, "Yes Lord, if you allow me to bring back Ishmael", or "Yes Lord, as soon as you give me another son to replace Isaac", or "Yes Lord, if Sarah agrees". But he didn't say any of these things. Instead, we're told again he rose early the next morning saddled his donkey loaded it with firewood and took his son Isaac and set out for the mountain where God told him he was to do this. Now we know that at the last moment God stopped him and provided a substitute sacrifice, the ram caught in the thicket. But Abraham didn't know that. He was willing to obey with immediate, radical, costly obedience. This son for whom he had waited a hundred years, his entire life, and all the promises of God were wrapped up in the life of this boy, yet he was willing to sacrifice him at God's command.
God told us twice, I chose Abraham because he obeys me. It’s because Abraham loved God.
IMMEDIATE • RADICAL • COSTLY OBEDIENCE — an expression of our loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Discipleship means following Christ. Every disciple should be in the process of maturing, but the focus is the journey, not the destination. The destination is to be fully conformed to the image of Christ. This will not fully occur until we meet Him in face-to-face in glory. The journey involves us daily growing in our expression of immediate, radical, costly obedience. The journey involves us becoming increasingly faithful and effective in passing on to others what we are learning along the way, not just in head-knowledge, but in life application. The journey involves becoming more practiced at learning more of the character and nature and will of God through learning to interpret and apply Scripture, in prayer, in relating with the Body of Christ, and through persecution and suffering. The journey implies following Christ and influencing and blessing others day-by-day wherever we are along the way.
Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
— Ephesians 4:13-14
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
— 1 Peter 2:2-3
WORD
PRAYER
BODY LIFE
SHARING
HARD TIMES
SELF-FEEDING refers to items that must be evident in our lives if we are to become disciples worth reproducing. As followers of Jesus, we should be PRODUCERS and not merely CONSUMERS.
In our broken world, people have rejected God’s plan, and many spend their energy living out just part of God’s perfect equation. They learn but they don’t share. They are are filled up but they never pour out. They consume but they don’t produce.
FIVE MAJOR WAYS THROUGH WHICH GOD GROWS US SPIRITUALLY:
- WORD: Every disciple needs to be equipped to learn, interpret and apply Scripture. Over thousands of years and through many different authors, God spoke His word into the hearts of faithful men who captured and shared what they heard. The Scriptures teach us God’s story, His plans, His heart, His ways. If a disciple is not a reader, then he/she needs to be equipped to do this with an oral methodology, perhaps starting with listening to an audio-version of the Bible. The tools listed below complement one another in helping equip disciples in a range of skills needed to be competent in interpreting and applying the Bible. If you haven't already, check them out!
S.O.A.P.S. Bible Reading - PRAYER: Prayer is critical for our relationship with God. It is through prayer that we both listen to Him and speak to Him. Prayer enables us to know Him more intimately and to understand His heart, His will, and His ways. Prayer helps us minister to others, to teach them, and to witness to them. The tools listed below can help disciples grow in their personal prayer life and in ministering to and with others. They can help us develop a habit of living in an attitude of prayer and to constantly see the world from a spiritual perspective rather than merely the visible physical situation. They can also increase our capacity for prayer.
Prayer Wheel • Prayer Walk - BODY LIFE: God designed His Body so that we need each other. Each of us has particular strengths and particular weaknesses. We are to submit to one another and serve one another. The life of a disciple does not only involve one’s relationship with God, but also one’s relationships with others. Discipleship is not merely individual but also corporate in nature. The tools listed below can help us spur one another on to love and good works in an environment of loving dual accountability to obey and share with others what God tells us.
3/3 Group • Accountability Group - SHARING: Sharing helps us know it even better, as it goes from head to heart and hands. The spiritual economy differs from the earthly economy in that the spiritual economy is based on giving away what one has. God reveals more of Himself to us when we are faithful in sharing with others what we already know of Him. He gives more insight and revelation to those who are faithful in sharing with others what they already understand. He speaks to us more clearly when we obey what He has already spoken to us. The tools listed below can help us to share with others.
My Story • God's Story - HARD TIMES: God uses persecution and suffering for our good in many ways. He uses it to refine our character and develop godly traits in us. He uses it to strengthen and purify our faith. He uses it to equip us for ministry to others who are suffering. He also uses it to glorify Himself through our willingness to sacrifice and risk for His sake. God promises that if we are seeking to live fully for Him in this world, we will be persecuted. If disciples are taught to expect persecution and suffering for the sake of the Kingdom, then they are far less likely to be confused, bitter, angry, resentful, discouraged, or depressed when they face it. We need to prepare disciples from the beginning of their new life to expect suffering and to respond well to it, trusting God as a faithful Creator in doing what is right. Suffering for the Kingdom is preparing us and refining us for our eternal reign with Christ in eternity.
Jesus said, "As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built."
— Luke 6:47-48
Jesus said, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
— Luke 12:48
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
— James 1:22-25
BREATHE IN
In the Kingdom, we breathe IN when we HEAR from God through:
- HIS WORD — the Bible
- PRAYER — our conversations with Him
- HIS BODY — the church, other followers of Jesus
- HIS WORKS — the events, experiences and sometimes even the persecutions and sufferings He allows His children to go through
BREATHE OUT
In the Kingdom we breathe OUT when we ACT on what we hear from God. We breathe OUT when we OBEY.
- OBEY
- TRAIN
- SHARE
Sometimes breathing OUT to OBEY means changing our thoughts, our words or our actions to bring them into alignment with Jesus and His will. Sometimes breathing OUT to OBEY means sharing what Jesus has shared with us — giving away what He gave us — so that others can be blessed just as God is blessing us.
SPIRITUAL BREATHING is HEARING and OBEYING God ... all day, every day. We breathe in. We breathe out. Life.
The good news for every follower of Jesus is that when we breathe IN and HEAR from God and when we breathe OUT and OBEY what we hear and SHARE with others what we’ve heard — God will speak even more clearly.
For a follower of Jesus — this breathing IN and breathing OUT is critical. It’s our very life.
3-LEGGED STOOL:
KNOWLEDGE (IN) • OBEDIENCE (OUT) • SHARING (OUT)
Jesus said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
— John 13:15
Paul said, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
— 1 Corinthians 11:1
Ducklings actually illustrate an important principle about disciple making. If you want to see God’s family grow far and grow in faithfulness, then think of disciple-making like ducklings — become a FOLLOWER and a LEADER at exactly the same time.
No matter where you are in the world, it always looks the same. A Mother Duck leads and her ducklings follow — one by one — all in a row. The Mother Duck leads. The little ducks follow. But if you look even closer, you’ll see something else is happening, too.
Each little duckling is actually playing two roles — at exactly the same time:
- Each little duckling is a FOLLOWER, because it’s following the Mother Duck or another duckling that’s walking right in front of it.
- And, at exactly the same time, each little duckling is a LEADER, because it’s leading the duckling (or ducklings) that’s walking right behind it.
So is the duckling a follower or a leader? It’s both.
And that’s why ducks "out for a walk" have everything to do with making disciples. God wants His family to grow far - and so He expects every follower to be a leader, every believer to be a sharer, and every disciple to be a disciple maker — at exactly the same time.
One of the traps we fall into, as disciples and disciple-makers, is the false belief that we have to know everything, or even just a lot of things, before we share anything. But that’s not how discipleship works.
Disciples are like ducklings. To be a leader, they don’t have to know everything. They just have to be one step ahead. God wants His family to grow in faithfulness — and so He expects every leader to be a follower, every sharer to be a believer, and every disciple-maker to be a disciple — at exactly the same time, too.
Another trap we fall into, as disciples and disciple-makers, is the false belief that someone, somewhere knows everything and if we just find and follow them, then we’re set. But that’s not how discipleship works, either.
In God’s Kingdom, there’s only one "Mother Duck" that all of us follow — and that’s JESUS CHRIST.
No missionary. No pastor. No seminary professor. Only Jesus deserves the full measure of our faith. The rest of us are "in process." There will always be someone closer to Jesus that we can follow. And there will always be someone further away that we can lead. But no matter our position, our eyes — and our hearts — should always be fully fixed on Jesus.
EVERY LEADER A FOLLOWER
In the Bible, Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament and started many of the first churches, didn’t just write — "Follow me." He wrote, "Follow me, as I follow Christ." Paul knew what ducklings everywhere know and what every disciple should know, too — every leader in God’s Kingdom has to be a follower — and all of us follow Jesus.
EVERY FOLLOWER A LEADER
In the Bible, Paul also wrote: "What you have heard from me…share with faithful men, who will be able to teach others, too." Paul knew what ducklings everywhere know and what every disciple should know, too. Every follower in God’s Kingdom has to be a leader — and all of us should lead like Jesus, laying down our lives for others.
EVERY DISCIPLE A DISCIPLE-MAKER
In the Great Commission, Jesus said, "make disciples of all nations." He is talking to every disciples because the command is coextensive with the promise. Jesus promises — "I (Christ) am with you always, to the very end of the age." That promise is given to every believer. If that promise is to every believer then the command is also to every believer — all of His followers.
EVERY DISCIPLE NEEDS TO MULTIPLY
If we are living out the Great Commandment then we will be making reproducing disciples because part of the disciple-making process is "teaching them to obey everything I (Christ) have commanded" and the Great Commission itself is one of those commands. Hence, every believer should by definition be involved in making reproducing disciples. It is a short step from this toward starting reproducing spiritual communities (churches) because several of the other commands demand a spiritual community to carry out. Reproducing disciples will result in reproducing churches as a matter of obedience.
BECOME A DISCIPLE WORTH MULTIPLYING
Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands. ... Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. ... Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching."
— John 14:15-24
This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
— 1 John 5:2-4
LOVE MEANS OBEDIENCE
Somehow the word obedience has come to have a negative connotation. That’s just not true in the Bible.
In the Bible, OBEDIENCE is the flip-side of LOVE. OBEDIENCE is the expression of LOVE. In other words, it’s not some onerous duty that we have. It’s just the overflow of our gratitude for all that the Lord has done for us, and so is the idea of obedience.
We can sing all the worship songs ever written and proclaim to all that we love Christ, but these songs and statements are meaningless and hypocritical if we are not obedient to Him in every area of life. Our feelings do not define our love. Our words do not define our love. It is our motives, our actions, our obedience to Christ that defines our love for Christ.
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
— Matthew 4:4
Jesus said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. ... The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life."
— John 6:51,63
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
— Hebrews 4:12
S
SCRIPTURE
Write out one or more verses that are particularly meaningful to you, today.
O
OBSERVATION
Rewrite those verses or key points in your own words to better understand.
A
APPLICATION
Think about what it means to obey these commands in your own life.
P
PRAYER
Write out a prayer telling God what you’ve learned and how you plan to obey.
S
SHARE
Ask God who He wants you to share with about what you’ve learned or applied.
S.O.A.P.S. BIBLE READING is a simple way to learn and remember an effective Bible study method that any follower of Jesus can use.
As a follower of Jesus, we should be reading Scripture daily. A good guideline is to read through a minimum of 25-30 chapters in the Bible each week. Keeping a daily journal using the S.O.A.P.S. Bible Reading format will help you understand, obey and share even more.
Here’s an example of S.O.A.P.S. at work:
S: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)
O: As a human, I’m limited in what I know and what I know how to do. God is not limited in any way. He sees and knows EVERYTHING. He can do ANYTHING.
A: Since God knows everything and His ways are best, I’ll have much more success in life if I follow Him instead of relying on my own way of doing things.
P: Lord, I don’t know how to live a good life that pleases You and helps others. My ways lead to mistakes. My thoughts lead to hurt. Please teach me Your ways and Your thoughts, instead. Let your Holy Spirit guide me as I follow You.
S: I will share these verses and this application with my friend, Steve, who is going through a difficult time and needs direction for important decisions he’s facing.
Jesus said, "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'"
— Matthew 6:9-13
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
— Luke 18:1
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
PRAYER HAND is a simple guide through Jesus' prayer using your hand to learn how to talk with God.
- RELATIONSHIP (Palm): As the palm is the foundation for our fingers and thumb, time alone with God is the foundation for our personal relationship with him. (v9a)
- WORSHIP (Thumb): Our thumb reminds us that we must worship God before we ask for anything. Worship God with praise and thanksgiving. (v9b)
- SURRENDER (First Finger): Next we surrender our lives, plans, family, finances, work, future, everything. (v10)
- ASK (Middle Finger): Then we ask God to meet our needs. (v11)
- FORGIVE (Fourth Finger): Now we ask God to forgive our sins, and we must forgive others. (v12)
- PROTECT (Little Finger): Then we ask protection. (v13a)
- WORSHIP (Thumb Again): And we end just as we began — we worship Almighty God — (v13b)
PRAYER WHEEL is a simple tool for practicing prayer that you can use by yourself and share with any follower of Jesus. In just 12 simple steps — 5 minutes each — this Prayer Wheel guides you through twelve ways the Bible teaches us to pray. At the end, you’ll have prayed for an hour.
- PRAISE: Start your prayer hour by praising the Lord. Praise Him for things that are on your mind right now. Praise Him for one special thing He has done in your life in the past week. Praise Him for His goodness to your family.
- WAIT: Spend time waiting on the Lord. Be silent and let Him pull together reflections for you.
- CONFESS: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything in your life that might be displeasing to Him. Ask Him to point out attitudes that are wrong, as well as specific acts for which you have not yet made a prayer of confession. Now confess that to the Lord so that you might be cleansed.
- READ THE WORD: Spend time reading in the Psalms, in the prophets, and passages on prayer located in the New Testament.
- PETITION: Make requests on behalf of yourself.
- INTERCESSION: Make requests on behalf of others.
- PRAY THE WORD: Pray specific passages. Scriptural prayers as well as a number of psalms lend themselves well to this purpose.
- THANK: Give thanks to the Lord for the things in your life, on behalf of your family, and on behalf of your church.
- SING: Sing songs of praise or worship or another hymn or spiritual song.
- MEDITATE: Ask the Lord to speak to you. Have a pen and paper ready to record impressions He gives you.
- LISTEN: Spend time merging the things you have read, things you have prayed and things you have sung and see how the Lord brings them all together to speak to you.
- PRAISE: Praise the Lord for the time you have had to spend with Him and the impressions He has given you. Praise Him for His glorious attributes.
Jesus said, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message"
— John 17:20
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and His brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." At once they left their nets and followed Him. When He had gone a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and His brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.
— Mark 1:16-20
eg. Name | ☐ Believer | ☐ Unbeliever | Unknown |
1. | ☐ Believer | ☐ Unbeliever | ☐ Unknown |
2. | ☐ Believer | ☐ Unbeliever | ☐ Unknown |
3. | ☐ Believer | ☐ Unbeliever | ☐ Unknown |
4. | ☐ Believer | ☐ Unbeliever | ☐ Unknown |
5. | ☐ Believer | ☐ Unbeliever | ☐ Unknown |
LIST OF 100 is a simple tool to help you be more responsible for your relationships. God has already given us the relationships we need to "Go and make disciples." These are our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and classmates — people we’ve known all our lives or maybe just met. Being good stewards of the people God has already put in our lives is a great first step in multiplying disciples. And it can start with the simple step of making a list.
Make a List — write down the names of 100 people that you know (family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and classmates) who need to hear about Jesus. Pray and invite 5 people to take the next step in their spiritual journey every week. The people on your List of 100 should be ones you know how to contact and you have an ongoing or long-term connection with.
For unbelievers or unknown status, share 'My Story' / 'God's Story' or invite them to be part of a C.H.A.T. group or a 3/3 group. If you find they are a believer or they become a believer then challenge them to start a 3/3 group and offer to coach them.
For believers, challenge them to start a 3/3 group and offer to coach them. Encourage them to start a C.H.A.T. group as well. Have them fill out a List of 100 and follow up with those listed on it.
EVANGELISTIC PRAYER FOR THE LOST
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
— Romans 10:1
List two or three individuals who need the Lord’s salvation. Write down the names of all those identified on the card so that you can pray for each of the lost souls weekly. Keep this card in your Bible as a bookmark for your daily reading so that each time you open your Bible you are reminded to pray for these people.
- Bring ________ to recognize and understand his/her emptiness and purposelessness in life. Bring ________ to the end of himself/herself so that ________ will turn to You.
- Cause ________ to hunger and thirst for more in life.
- Bring ________ to understand the truth of his/her condition without Christ and to understand what Christ has done for his/her salvation.
- Bring conviction of sin. Allow the consequences of his/her sin to cause ________ to desire a different life. Let ________ become fed up with his/her life as it is.
- Jesus, reveal the Father to ________.
- Father, exalt Jesus in ________ eyes.
- Father, draw ________ to Yourself and Your Son Jesus.
- Guide and create circumstances that create a need, then show Your love through meeting needs through me or others of Your people.
- Bring godly people into his/her life that will influence ________ for Christ.
- Prepare circumstances in his/her relationships where a Christian (me if You choose) will have the opportunity to forgive ________ and thus reveal something of Your mercy.
- Open ________ ears to hear Your call.
- Allow ________ to see the unity and love of Your people in a way that ________ is convinced that Jesus must be sent from You. Convince ________ that Jesus is indeed the Savior of the world.
- Protect ________ life to receive the planting of Your Word.
- Protect ________ from Satan's attempts to blind ________ and steal away the Word that has been sown.
- Reduce the cares of the world around ________ that could choke the seed planted.
- Raise up intercessors in behalf of ________. Guide my praying for ________.
- Reveal to me the time and the way for me to share a witness about You and tell ________ about the good news of salvation.
- Bring ________ under the hearing and influence of Your Word through teaching or preaching. Create in ________ an openness to listen.
- Create opportunities for ________ to hear a witness for Christ from several different trusted sources. Use the timing and diversity of these witnesses to convince ________ that You are the Author behind them all.
- Cause ________ to recognize his need for a Savior.
- Lord, do whatever it takes to cause ________ to seek after You. Break the hardness of his/her heart toward You.
- Lord, I pray that You draw ________ to Yourself.
— John 6:44 - I pray that ________ hear and believe the Word of God for what it really is.
— 1 Thessalonians 2:13 - I pray that ________ seek to know You.
— Acts 17:27 - I ask you, Lord, to prevent Satan from blinding ________ to the truth.
— 2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Timothy 2:25-26 - Holy Spirit, I ask You to convict ________ of his/her sin and need for Christ’s redemption.
— John 16:7-14 - I ask that You send someone who will share the gospel with ________.
— Matthew 9:37-38 - I also ask that You give me or ________ the opportunity, the courage and the right words to share with ________.
— Colossians 4:3-6 - Lord, I pray that ________ turn from his/her sin and follow Christ.
— Acts 17:30-31, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Lord, I pray that ________ would put all of his/her trust in Christ.
— John 1:12, 5:24 - Lord, I pray that ________ confess Christ as Lord, take root and grow in faith and bear fruit for Your glory.
— Romans 10:9-10, Colossians 2:6-7, Luke 8:15
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
— Hebrews 12:1-2
BOUNDED SET
CENTERED SET
- BOUNDED SET:
- This type of set is STATIC — it’s all about BOUNDARY — INSIDE or OUTSIDE.
- Christians are those who affirm right beliefs and practice right behaviors; and those who don't aren't.
- The attractional church is a bounded set.
- That is, it is a set of people clearly marked off from those who do not belong to it. Churches thus mark themselves in a variety of ways. Have a church membership roll is an obvious one.
- This mechanism determines who's 'in' and who's 'out'.
- CENTERED SET:
- This type of set is DYNAMIC — it’s all about MOVEMENT — DIRECTION and MAGNITUDE.
- Christians are those moving 'toward' Jesus, rather than 'away' from Him.
- The missional-incarnational church is a centered set.
- This means that rather than drawing a border to determine who belongs and who doesn't, a centered set is defined by it's core values, and people are not seen as 'in' or 'out', but as 'closer' or 'further' away from the center. In that sense, there is no 'in' or 'out' because there is no 'circle'. Though some people are 'close' to the center and others 'far' from it, everyone is potentially part of the community in it's broadest sense.
- Direction determines if you’re 'in' the set. Magnitude determines the passion with which you’re either pursuing Christ or you are pursuing something else.
Put our focus less on whether someone is 'inside' or 'outside' of faith in Jesus; and more on whether someone is moving 'toward' or 'away' from Jesus. On where someone’s arrow is pointing, as it were. Approaching faith in Jesus this way opens us up to the prospect of profound connection with just about anyone.
Every time when we contact with someone, if they are pointed away from Him, help them to turn towards Christ. But if they are pointed toward Christ, help them to increase their faithfulness, increase their passion for Christ, increase the magnitude of their love for Him. This is a good guide how we can be relating to any person that's in our network of relationships and beyond.
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with Him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
— Mark 5:18-20
Jesus said, "You are witnesses of these things."
— Luke 24:48
Jesus said, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
— Acts 1:8
BEFORE CHRIST
[1 minute]
- What your life was like before Christ.
ENCOUNTER CHRIST
[1 minute]
- How you encountered Christ or Why you chose to follow Christ.
AFTER CHRIST
[1 minute]
- What your life is like after Christ.
As followers of Jesus, we are "witnesses" to "testifying" about the impact Jesus has had on our lives.
MY STORY — Your story of your relationship with God is called your Testimony. Everybody has a story. Sharing your Testimony is a chance to practice yours.
3 BASIC KINDS OF TESTIMONIES
There are endless ways to shape your story, but here are some ways that we’ve seen work well:
- A SIMPLE STATEMENT — You can share a simple statement about why you chose to follow Jesus. This works well for a brand new believer.
- BEFORE AND AFTER — You can share your “before” and “after” story — what your life was like before you knew Jesus and what your life your life is like now. Simple and powerful.
- WITH AND WITHOUT — You can share your “with” and “without” story — what your life is like “with Jesus” and what it would be like “without Him”. This version of your story works well if you came to faith at a young age.
3 PARTS TO SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY
When sharing your story, it’s helpful to think of it as part of a three-part process:
- THEIR STORY — Ask the person you are talking with to share about their spiritual journey.
- MY STORY — Then share your Testimony shaped around their experience.
- GOD'S STORY — Finally share God’s story in a way that connects with their world-view, values and priorities.
Your Testimony doesn’t have to be lengthy or share too many details to be impactful. In fact, keeping your story to around 3-minutes will leave time for questions and deeper conversation. If you’re worried about how to get started — keep it simple. God can use your story to change lives, but remember — you’re the one who gets to tell it.
Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."
— Mark 16:15
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.
— Romans 1:16a
Jesus believed in His followers so much, He trusted them to tell His story. Then He sent them around the world to do it. Now, He’s sending us. There’s no one best way to tell "God’s Story" — The Gospel, because the best way will depend on who you’re sharing with. Every disciple should learn to tell God’s Story in a way that’s true to scripture and connects with the audience they’re sharing with.
3 CIRCLES Gospel Sharing
- GOD'S DESIGN: We see beauty, purpose and evidence of design around us. The Bible tells us that God originally planned a world that worked perfectly — where everything and everyone fit together in harmony. God made each of us with a purpose — to worship Him and walk with Him.
God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.
— Genesis 1:31
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
— Psalm 19:1
- SIN: Life doesn't work when we ignore God and His original design for our lives. We selfishly insist on doing things our own way. The Bible calls this sin. We all sin and distort the original design. The consequence of our sin is separation from God — in this life and for all eternity.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
— Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death
— Romans 6:23a
- BROKENNESS: Sin leads to a place of brokenness. We see this all around us and in our own lives as well. When we realize LIFE is not working, we begin to look for a way out. We tend to go in many directions trying different things to figure it out on our own. Brokenness leads to a place of realizing a need for something greater.
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator
— Romans 1:25a
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
— Proverbs 14:12
- GOSPEL: At this point we need a remedy — some good news. Because of His love, God did not leave us in our brokenness. Jesus, God in human flesh, came to us and lived perfectly according to God's design. Jesus came to rescue us — to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. He took our sin and shame to the cross, paying the penalty of our sin by His death. Jesus was then raised from the dead — to provide the only way for us to be rescued and restored to a relationship with God.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son
— John 3:16a
Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
— Colossians 2:14
- REPENT & BELIEVE: Simply hearing this Good News is not enough. We must admit our sinful brokenness and stop trusting in ourselves. We don't have the power to escape this brokenness on our own. We need to be rescued. We must ask God to forgive us — turning from sin to trust only in Jesus. This is what it means to repent and believe. Believing — we receive new life through Jesus and God turns our lives in a new direction.
"Repent and believe the good news!"
— Mark 1:15b
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
— Ephesians 2:8-9
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
— Romans 10:9
- RECOVER & PURSUE: When God restores our relationship to Him, we begin to discover meaning and purpose in a broken world. Now we can pursue God's Design in all areas of our lives. Even when we fall, we understand God's pathway to be restored — this same Good News of Jesus. God's Spirit empowers us to pursue His Design and assures us of His presence in this life and for all eternity.
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.
— Philippians 2:13
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
— Ephesians 2:10
- BELIEVE: Now that you have heard this Good News, God wants you to respond to Him. You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Prayer is talking with God. It is your heart talking to God's heart. Pray the following prayer right now and Christ will forgive you and come into your life, as He promised.
Lord Jesus, I'm sorry and I need You. Please forgive me for all I have done wrong. Please come into my life and begin to lead me. I pray this as sincerely as I know how. In Jesus' name. Amen.
If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
— Romans 10:9
For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
— Romans 10:13
- FOLLOW: Receiving Jesus is just the beginning of a wonder new relationship with Christ. The journey of following Jesus is a lifelong process. As we begin our new journey, the Bible teaches us how to pursue God. He has a design for healthy relationships.
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
— John 20:31
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
— Matthew 6:33
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him
— Colossians 2:6
ZÚME VIDEO TRAINING VIDEO 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
MOBILE APPS:
Adam & Eve:God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it."
— Genesis 1:28
Noah: God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth."
— Genesis 9:1
Abraham: The Lord had said to Abram, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. ... your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful."
— Genesis 12:1-3,17:5-6
Jacob: God blessed him ... and God said to him, "I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number."
— Genesis 35:9,11
Jesus said, "You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!"
— John 4:35-36
Jesus said, "While every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ... I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ... This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. ... You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."
— John 15:2,5,8,16
In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
— Colossians 1:6
When someone chooses to follow Jesus, how do you help them move down the right path? Start by vision casting the GREATEST BLESSING that they can experience as a follower of Jesus.
- It is a BLESSING to follow Jesus.
S.O.A.P.S. • Prayer Wheel • Accountability Group - It is a GREAT BLESSING to lead others to follow Jesus.
My Story • God's Story • List of 100 • Prayer Walk • Stoplight - It is a GREATER BLESSING to start a new spiritual family.
3/3 Group • Healthy Church - It is the GREATEST BLESSING to equip others to start new spiritual families.
M.A.W.L. • Four Fields • Generation Map • Coaching Checklist
Jesus said, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."
— Matthew 10:8
Jesus himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
— Acts 20:35b
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."
— Luke 16:10
God shows us in His KINGDOM ECONOMY we’re rewarded not by what we get — but by what we give away.
FREELY RECEIVE • FREELY GIVE
When we are faithful to OBEY and SHARE what the Lord has shared with us, then He promises to share even more. Jesus said, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much."
This is the path to deeper insights, greater intimacy and living the abundant life God created us to live. This is the way we can walk in the good works God has already planned for us to do.
In the economy of the Kingdom, we profit by what we give away. When we are faithful to obey and pass on what the Lord communicates to us, He will communicate with us more clearly and fully. This is the path to deeper insights, greater intimacy with God, and living the abundant life He intends for us. This is the way we can walk in those good works that God has planned beforehand for us to do.
DUAL ACCOUNTABILITY:
- Accountability to OBEY and PASS ON to others what the Lord reveals to us.
- Accountability to DO and TEACH it.
- Accountability to PRACTICE and SHARE it with others.
This means the most loving thing we can do for one another within the Body of Christ (the church) is to practice dual accountability. Living by the Kingdom economy is a major part of being a disciple.
- We are FOLLOWERS and LEADERS.
- We are LEARNERS and TEACHERS.
- We are BLESSED to be a BLESSING.
3 LEGGED STOOL: KNOWLEDGE (IN) • OBEDIENCE (OUT) • SHARING (OUT)
This is how we can best steward God's leadership. This process should begin as soon as we enter the Kingdom. We must not wait until we are "mature" to begin to minister in this way. Instead, we become mature by ministering in this way. We breathe IN and HEAR from God. We breathe OUT and OBEY what we hear and SHARE with others.
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
— Luke 10:2
Jesus said, “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.”
— Luke 10:5-6
PERSON OF PEACE
Luke 10:
v4 — does not waste time
v5 — opens his door to you
v6 — receives your blessing and shows interest
v7 — opens his house to you / hospitable
v7-8 — offers to sustain you in some way
Matthew 10:
v13 — he is worthy
v13 — has influence in his home
v14 — receives you
v14 — hears your words
THE SENT ONE
Luke 10:
v2 — prays for laborers
v3 — goes with danger all around
v4 — leaves behind bags
v5 — gives greeting
v6 — if favorable response, gives blessing
v7 — fellowships with them
v9 — asks God for healing where needed
v9 — minister to them
v9 — proclaims the words of the Kingdom
v10-11 — if no response, announces protest, then leaves
Matthew 10:
v5-6 — goes where God sends
v7 — proclaims words of the Kingdom
v8 — asks God for healing where needed
v11 — inquires / searches / identifies
v11 — spends time with the candidate
v12 — gives greeting
v13 — if favorable response, gives blessing
v14 — if no response, announces protest, then leaves
A PERSON OF PEACE can help rapidly reproduce disciple-making even in a place where followers of Jesus are few and far between. When you want to make disciples in a place where not many — or maybe even any — exist, then looking for a Person of Peace might be the most important thing you do.
- A PERSON OF PEACE IS:
- Someone who is OPEN to hearing Your Story, God’s Story and the Good News of Jesus.
- Someone who is HOSPITABLE and WELCOMES you into their home or their workplace or to join events with family and friends.
- Someone who KNOWS OTHERS (or is KNOWN BY OTHERS) and who is excited to draw together a small group or even a crowd.
- Someone who is FAITHFUL and SHARES what they learn with others — even after you’re gone.
- THREE SIMPLE WAYS TO IDENTIFY A PERSON OF PEACE:
- ASK FOR RECOMMENDATIONS from people in the community — "Who's someone that's trusted here? Is there someone in this place who thinks of others before themselves?"
- OFFER TO PRAY for someone you meet while prayer walking or in your daily rhythms.
- INTRODUCE SPIRITUAL IDEAS into every conversation to see if God is working in a person's life.
No matter how we find them, remember Jesus said a Person of Peace is someone we should be spending most of our disciple-making time with.
"You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean." ... When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject." ... Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
— Acts 17:20,32,34
PERSON OF PEACE SEARCH
BLESSING
- Neighbor question?
- Who needs prayer?
- Miracle question?
- Peace question?
- Healing question?
- Pray immediately
THEIR STORY
- Far or near God?
- Spiritual background?
- Jesus' story?
- Relationship with Jesus?
MY STORY
- Before & after Christ
- There was a time when I ...
- Would you like to have the same?
GOD'S STORY
- 3 Circles
- How about I show you anyway?
- Would you like to accept Jesus?
FOLLOW-UP
- 3/3 Group
- Seekers Series
- Disciple Series
STOPLIGHT is a helpful way to think about the four responses as a stoplight with its red, yellow and green lights. As you begin to share the gospel regularly with friends, family and strangers, there are several predictable responses you will receive to your efforts. While it is helpful to understand the four main responses to a gospel presentation, what is more helpful is to know how we can respond to those responses. If we get out into the harvest and share the gospel abundantly, some will reject the message, some will be curious to learn more and some will repent and believe — Jesus said that the harvest was plentiful after all.
- GUIDELINES:
- Two by two
- Pray for workers
- Do not take anything
- Give greetings and blessing of peace
- Eat and drink whatever they provide
- Do not move from house to house
- Pray for healing
- Proclaim the words
-
BLESSING:
Knock on neighbor's door and offer a blessing of peace prayer.Questions:
- NEIGHBOR — Hey there, we are here to get to know our neighbors today by blessing and praying for people. How can I pray for you today?
RED LIGHT:
- That’s awesome that you are doing so good and don’t need any of God’s help.
- Do you know anyone nearby who needs prayer?
YELLOW LIGHT:
- MIRACLE — If God could do a miracle on you or your life today, what would that be?
- PEACE — Is there one thing that God could bring more peace to you, your life, your family or your house?
- HEALING — Is there anything that you need healing from God?
GREEN LIGHT:
- Ask a few specific questions about their prayer requests and pray for them immediately.
-
THEIR STORY:
Ask the person you are talking with to share about their spiritual journey.Questions:
- Tell me are you far or near to God? Why do you feel that way?
- Tell me your spiritual background?
- Tell me your Jesus’ story? How did you get saved?
- Is there a moment in time you started your relationship with Jesus?
-
MY STORY:
Share 'My Story' and shape your testimony around their experience with a theme (love/joy/hope/...).Question:
- There was a time when I ...
Follow-up Question:
- Would you like to experience the same kind of ________ (love/joy/hope/...) I have in Jesus?
-
GOD’S STORY:
Share 'God’s Story' in a way that connects with their world-view, values and priorities. Give an invitation to believe in Jesus.Questions:
- How about I show you anyway?
- Do you have a pen and paper that I can draw a simple diagram?
- Would it be okay if I draw this in your home?
Follow-up Questions:
- Which circle/stage are you in now?
- Which circle/stage would you like to be?
- Would you like to accept Jesus today?
-
FOLLOW-UP:
Ask for the next step and setup follow-up meeting.Questions:
- When can we come back and share more to you?
- Would you like us to come back and share more to learn about Jesus?
- Would you like to be trained and do the Great Commission to make disciples?
Follow-up Meetings:
- FOUR RESPONSES TO THE GOSPEL:
- RED LIGHT is when the person you are trying to connect with simply says no. They may say it with a door closed in your face. They may yell at you. Most often they politely let you know that they aren't interested in where the conversation is going. Of the hundreds of doors I have knocked on to offer prayer and look for opportunities to share the gospel, I have never been yelled at, never been beaten up and, as of yet, I've never been stabbed. Most red lights have been pretty gentle. They have been red, but they have been civil.
- YELLOW LIGHT is when you begin to share with someone who is interested. Something you've said or done has struck a chord. They recognize some need they have but they just aren't sure or they're just not ready to jump into giving Jesus lordship over their lives. They often welcome prayer and are encouraged by scripture and if you ask, they'll be more than willing to have you stop back by again. They haven't said yes to Jesus, but they haven't said no either.
- GREEN LIGHT is when God leads you to someone who He has prepared to hear the gospel. In John 6:44, Jesus tells his disciples that no one comes to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. This person has been drawn by God to Jesus and when you share the gospel with them, they say yes.
- CHRISTIAN is the final person you'll run into as you share the gospel. They are already a Christian and are trusting in Jesus for their salvation.
- FOUR WAYS WE CAN RESPOND:
- RED LIGHT: So the person you are talking with makes it known that they really aren't interested in hearing about the good news of Jesus. They shut the conversation down. They close the door. Move on. Say a prayer of blessing as you leave, and move on. The God prepared person is out there and so we keep moving, keep proclaiming, keep offering prayers, keep searching for the person who God is calling to Jesus. If this is a person from your relational network (family, friend, neighbor or co-worker), then you begin to pray every day for them and you wait for the Holy Spirit to move. As much as you might want to "shake the dust from your shoes", God has placed you in their lives for a reason and your only response can be patient, persevering love and prayer.
- YELLOW LIGHT: Most of the people you interact with will most likely exhibit yellow light responses. They won't say no. They have some interest - perhaps in the message, perhaps just in you. And so if you've ministered to someone in prayer and in sharing the gospel, ask if you can stop back by their house in a week to visit some more. You may ask them if they would be willing to get their friends and family together to discover what the Bible has to say about living a life of purpose, peace and joy. I rarely ask anyone to come to church. Most won't. But many are open to studying the Bible in their own homes. Start a discovery Bible study using a series of stories that leads them from Creation to Christ or perhaps helps them discover Jesus in the scriptures. Most of our new far from God friends have not rejected Jesus. They’ve rejected an idea they have created in their minds about what a Christian is. Most of us would reject that idea too! By taking them to the stories of Jesus we allow them to discover Jesus for themselves. Discovery Bible Study allows you to do this and is a great way to respond to our yellow light friends.
- GREEN LIGHT: Sometimes we'll begin sharing and discover that the person is immediately ready to put their faith in Jesus. It's as if they've been waiting for someone to share with them! If you have the privilege and joy to be used by God to help someone step into a new life in Christ, your job is to immediately begin to train them to be a disciple of Jesus. First train them how to share with their friends and family. Then set a regular time to begin to walk with them through a short term discipleship plan. If they are ready, baptize them immediately like we see in scripture. It is your job to help them become a disciple who has the tools to grow into maturity and to help others do the same.
- CHRISTIAN: When you find yourself sharing with someone who is a Christian, take them to Matthew 28:18-20 to cast vision for disciple making and then invite them into the harvest. First train them how to share with their friends and family. Then set a regular time to begin to walk with them through a short term discipleship plan so that they will be able to walk those they lead to faith through the same plan.
MOBILE APPS:
SEED SOWER
Petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
— 1 Timothy 2:1-4
PRAYER WALK is a simple way to obey God’s command to pray for others. And it’s just what it sounds like — praying to God while walking around. Instead of closing our eyes and bowing our heads, we keep our eyes open to the needs we see around us and bow our hearts to ask humbly for God to intervene.
You can prayer walk in small groups of two or three or you can prayer walk by yourself. If you go in a group, try having everyone pray out loud — a conversation with God about what everyone is seeing and the needs that God brings to their hearts. If you go by yourself, try praying silently when alone and out loud when you pray with someone you meet along the way.
- FOUR WAYS TO GUIDE YOUR PRAYER:
- OBSERVATION: What do you see?
- RESEARCH: What do you know?
- REVELATION: Holy Spirit may nudge your heart or reveal a vision to mind.
- SCRIPTURE: Holy Spirit may bring a Scripture to mind.
- OBSERVATION: What do you see?
- FIVE AREAS OF INFLUENCE ON WHICH TO FOCUS PRAYER:
- GOVERNMENT: Courthouses, commission buildings or law enforcement offices.
Pray for the area’s protection, for justice and for godly wisdom for its leaders.
- COMMERCIAL: Financial districts or shopping area. Pray for righteous investments and good stewardship of resources.
Pray for economic justice and opportunity and for generous and godly givers who put people before profits.
- EDUCATION: Schools, administration buildings, vocational training centers, community colleges or universities.
Pray for righteous educators to teach God’s truth and protect the minds of their students. Pray that God would intervene in every effort to promote lies or confusion. Pray that these places would send out wise citizens who have a heart to serve and lead.
- COMMUNICATION: Radio stations, TV stations, media or newspaper publishers.
Pray for God’s Story and the testimony of His followers to be spread throughout the city and around the world. Pray that His message is delivered through His medium to His multitudes and that God’s people everywhere will see God’s work.
- SPIRITUAL: church, mosques or temples.
Pray that every spiritual seeker would find peace and comfort in Jesus and not be distracted or confused by any false religion.
- GOVERNMENT: Courthouses, commission buildings or law enforcement offices.
- SEVEN THEMES ON WHICH TO FOCUS PRAYER:
- Concerning CHRIST: Proclaim Him afresh to be the one Mediator and the ransom for all. Name Him Lord of the neighborhood and of the lives you see.
- Concerning LEADERS: Pray for people responsible in any position of authority — for teachers, police, administrators and parents.
- Concerning PEACE: Cry out for the godliness and holiness of God’s people to increase into substantial peace. Pray for new churches to be established.
- Concerning TRUTH: Declare openly the bedrock reality that there is one God. Pray that the eyes of minds would cease to be blinded by Satan so that they could come to a knowledge of the truth.
- Concerning GOSPEL: Praise God for His heart’s desire that all people be saved. Ask that heaven would designate this year as a "proper time" for the testimony of Christ to be given afresh with simple power. Name specific people.
- Concerning BLESSING OF GOD: Thanksgivings are to be made on behalf of all people. Give God the explicit thanks He deserves for the goodness He constantly bestows on the homes you pass by. Ask God to bring forth an enduring spiritual awakening.
- Concerning CHURCH: Ask for healing in relationships, that there be no wrath or dissension among God’s people. Ask that God would make His people, men and women alike, expressive in worship with the substance of radiant, relational holiness. Ask that our worship would be adorned with the confirming power of saints doing good in our communities.
- FIVE WAYS TO PRAY FOR PEOPLE YOU MEET — B.L.E.S.S. PRAYER PATTERN:
- BODY: Health — protection, strength, healing.
- LABOR: Job — finances, security, guidance.
- EMOTIONAL: Morale — joy, peace, comfort.
- SOCIAL: Relationships — patience, kindness, love.
- SPIRITUAL: Salvation — faith, hope, grace.
- BODY: Health — protection, strength, healing.
As you walk and pray, be alert for opportunities and listen for promptings by God’s Spirit to pray for individuals and groups you meet along the way. You can say, “We’re praying for this community, is there anything in particular we can pray for you about?” Or say, “I’m praying for this area. Do you know anything in particular we should pray for?” After listening to their response you can ask about their own needs. If they share, pray for them right away. If the Lord leads, you may pray about other needs as well.
- If the person is not a Christian, your prayer may open the door to a spiritual conversation and an opportunity to share your story and God’s story. You can invite them to be a part of a Bible study or even host one in their home.
- If the person is a Christian you can invite them to join your prayer walk or train them how they can prayer walk and use simple steps like praying for areas of influence or the B.L.E.S.S. Prayer to grow God’s family even more.
MOBILE APPS:
EYES TO SEE WHERE THE KINGDOM ISN'T
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
— Revelation 7:9-10
Jesus said this is how you should pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
— Matthew 6:10
Every disciple needs to be equipped to see where the Kingdom isn’t. There are places all around us where God’s will is not being done on earth as it is in heaven. There are giant gaps where brokenness, pain, persecution, suffering and even death are a part of normal, everyday life. Those gaps are what we are to work on closing in our labors for the Kingdom while we are on this earth.
God has favorites — THE LAST, THE LEAST, and THE LOST. The Bible repeatedly teaches about how people treat widows, orphans, and aliens. God is highlighting the need to care for those who need the most care. We need to be concerned for where the gospel is least accessible.
Who are the people who need the good news of the Kingdom more than anyone else? Where are those people?
God loves the humble and gives grace to them. This concern for the last, the least, and the lost is to develop awareness of where the Kingdom is growing and where it is not. We need to look for opportunities to enter new places and new people groups to meet the greatest needs so that God's Will will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
— Ephesians 2:14-18
BIFOCAL LENSES RELATIONAL STEWARDSHIP
We need to see the gaps between God’s will being done perfectly on earth and the situation that currently exists. This needs to occur in two spheres. Thus, we need to equip every disciple to view the world through two sets of lenses.
- ONGOING RELATIONSHIPS — LIST OF 100:
- People with whom we interact on a regular basis — friends, family, coworkers, classmates, and possibly neighbors.
- This is how the gospel travels the fastest.
- These people are placed in our lives by God, and we need to steward those relationships well with love and patience and persistence.
- WORLD BEYOND — PERSON OF PEACE:
- People outside our ongoing relationships or contacts — every tribe, tongue, people and nation.
- This is how the gospel travels farthest.
- With these people, we need to particularly seek out and invest in those who are faithful. Remember that faithfulness is demonstrated by obedience to what God reveals and by sharing it with others.
Opening our eyes to see where the Kingdom isn’t and reaching out through people we know and people we don’t know, yet, is how disciples multiply and God’s Kingdom grows far and fast.
ZÚME VIDEO Romans 15:14-33 Romans 10:14-17
KINGDOM OF GOD
KINGDOM OF GOD (KINGDOM OF HEAVEN) or βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ (Basileia tou Theou) in the original Greek language — means REIGN OF GOD or KINGSHIP OF GOD — the Kingdom is GOD'S REIGN THROUGH GOD'S PEOPLE OVER GOD'S PLACE.
In a broader sense, the kingdom of God is the rule of an eternal sovereign God over all the universe. It represents the reign and the sovereignty of God.
In a narrower sense, the kingdom of God is a spiritual rule over the hearts and lives of those who willingly submit to God’s authority. It represents the heart of man.
The kingdom of God is already here now (in part) in the lives and hearts of the redeemed, as well as in perfection and fullness in the future.
GOD'S REIGN:
The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.
— Psalms 103:19
The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.
— Zechariah 14:9
In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.
— Daniel 2:44
How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.
— Daniel 4:3
He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
— Daniel 7:14
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever."
— Revelation 11:15
GOD'S PEOPLE:
Jesus said, "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"
— Mark 1:15
Jesus said, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ... Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit."
— John 3:3,5
Jesus said, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one."
— Matthew 13:37-38
Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit."
— Matthew 21:43
GOD'S PLACE:
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."
— John 18:36
Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed."
— Luke 17:20
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but (a matter) of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
— Romans 14:17
ALREADY BUT NOT-YET:
From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
— Matthew 4:17
Jesus said, "But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."
— Luke 11:20
Jesus said, "Nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst."
— Luke 17:21
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
— Colossians 1:13-14
Jesus said, "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.'"
— Matthew 25:34
Jesus said, "For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God. ... For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
— Luke 22:16,18
ETERNAL LIFE
ETERNAL LIFE is TO KNOW GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST — means being in the presence of the eternal God. It begins the moment a person exercises his faith in Christ during his life time and it extends into eternity.
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
— John 17:1-4
Jesus said, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them."
— John 3:36
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
— 1 John 5:11–12
Jesus said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
— Mark 16:15-16
PACE MATTERS because where we all spend our eternity is determined in the short time we call "life".
God’s Word tells us that God is patient with us — not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to turn around and follow Him. God gives us more time because He knows we only have a short time to do all He’s called us to do and to reach all He’s called us to reach.
To follow Jesus more closely, we have to pursue His people more quickly. We can’t just take our time. We have to increase our pace.
ELEPHANTS
Only fertile four times a year
Only one baby per pregnancy
22-month gestation period
Sexual maturity: 18 years
Maximum growth potential in 3 years: from 2 to 3
RABBITS
Almost continually fertile
Average of seven babies per pregnancy
1-month gestation period
Sexual maturity: 4 months
Maximum growth potential in 3 years: from 2 to 476 million
A Church Planting Movement by definition requires rapid multiplication. Rapid multiplication can be illustrated by rabbits; slow multiplication can be illustrated by elephants.
Although the church is larger in size and is a greater proportion of world population than ever before, we are still failing to keep up with the rate of population growth. This means there are more lost people alive today than ever before. This status quo is not acceptable.
This is one reason that making disciples who multiply is so important. The percentage of disciples who actually multiply on a regular basis is extremely important.
New disciple every | 60 months | 18 months | 12 months | 6 months | 4 months |
Disciples in 10 years | 4 | 64 | 1,024 | 1 million | 1 billion |
To illustrate, let’s look at an example of a ten-year period. Let’s say that you start with one disciple who reproduces a new disciple once every 18 months. The new disciples do the same. In ten years, you would have 64 disciples. If instead, that one disciple and the new disciples reproduce every 4 months, then in ten years you would have over a billion disciples.
In other words, over a period of ten years, changing the average reproduction rate from 18 months to 4 months does not mean the result is four-and-a-half times faster. It is over 15 million times faster.
This is possible because of the fact that the first thing a new disciple should do is share with others what he or she is learning. That means they can lead someone else to Christ as soon as they come to faith. This pattern can continue all through the maturation process if the disciples continue in patterns of dual accountability for obeying and sharing what they learn.
PACE OF MULTIPLICATION MATTERS
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, He called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles.
— Luke 6:12-13
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." — John 20:21
MODERN DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGY
JESUS' DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGY
Today — we see lead pastors/ministers who are part of a church service movement that emphasizes Sunday or weekend gatherings. These gatherings do not create the outcome (at the end of the funnel) of disciple making movements. Jesus-style disciple making model — we see Jesus created a disciple making movement that, over time, witnessed many disciples who went out and made disciples.
DISCIPLESHIP FUNNEL — Focus on the FEW, not the MANY
- Jesus had THREE that were with him even more often. — Matthew 17:1, Mark 5:37, 14:33, Luke 8:51
- He called TWELVE ordinary people to disciple more deeply and sent them out two by two. — Matthew 10:1, Mark 3:13-15, 6:7, Luke 9:1-2
- He appointed SEVENTY-TWO others and sent them out two by two. — Luke 10:1, 17
- He had more than FVE HUNDRED disciples. — 1 Corinthians 15:6
- He had more than THREE THOUSAND next generation disciples. — Acts 2:41-47
ADDITION
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
13,000
14,000
15,000
16,000
17,000
18,000
19,000
20,000
21,000
22,000
23,000
24,000
25,000
26,000
27,000
28,000
29,000
30,000
31,000
32,000
33,000
34,000
YEAR
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
MULTIPLICATION
1
2
4
8
16
32
64
128
256
512
1,024
2,048
4,096
8,192
16,384
32,768
65,536
131,072
262,144
524,288
1,048,576
2,097,152
4,194,304
8,388,608
16,777,216
33,554,432
67,108,864
134,217,728
268,435,456
536,870,912
1,073,741,824
2,147,483,648
4,294,967,296
8,589,934,592
Imagine we try to get 10 people and each starts a church of 100 people every year — which is already impossible to do. That is 1,000 people a year. In ten years, that would be 10,000 people. In thirty four years, that would be 34,000 people — which is still less than the Bay Area population 7,000,000.
If we started with just one Christian and that person made one disciple and then the following year they each went out to make one disciple and continued that pattern. That the whole world would have access to the gospel in just thirty four years! Each line is a year, and the number is the number of disciples in the scenario we described.
8,589,934,592 is greater than the world's population 7,700,000,000 (2019). That is the POWER OF EXPONENTIAL growth. God’s plan for discipleship in His kingdom is not by addition, but by multiplication — new disciples make more disciples. The multiplication of disciples will result in exponential growth of God's Kingdom.
We need to build into the DNA of every local church around the world the DNA of disciple making multiplication strategy. If we will follow the disciple making multiplication principles by putting them into practice, we can reach the whole world in one generation.
The process of multiplying disciples and simple churches is NON-SEQUENTIAL.
When people think about disciples multiplying, they often think of it as a step-by-step process. Something like:
- Prayer
- Preparation
- Sharing God’s good news
- Building disciples
- Building churches
- Developing leaders
- Reproduction
When we think this way, kingdom growth seems to be an easy-to-follow, linear and sequential process. One problem is that’s not how it always works. A bigger problem is that’s not how it often works best! If we want to see the kingdom of God grow rapidly we need to expect and even encourage non-sequential growth.
This process of disciple-making is non-sequential. Many people tend to think of it as a linear and sequential process: prayer, pre-evangelism, evangelism, discipleship, church formation, leadership development, and reproduction. That is not necessarily how it works.
Imagine a timeline with five points on it:
- B — Birth
- 1 — The first time someone hears and understands the gospel
- † — When someone chooses to follow Christ
- M — When they begin to multiply [apply what they learn and pass it on to others]
- D — Death
In this scenario, the length of a spiritual generation is essentially the time from point 1 to point M. If we practice following up new believers with something like the Greatest Blessing approach we looked at previously, we can change this to look more like the following:
In this scenario, the length of a spiritual generation is still the time from point 1 to point M. You will note that the time is significantly reduced. This can make a tremendous difference over multiple generations as that effect is multiplied.
It is possible to have a scenario in which people are practicing multiplication before they commit to Christ. For example, say you find someone who is interested in spiritual matters but is not ready to give their life to Christ. They are, however, open to gathering some of their friends and family to study the Bible. You can show them how to do that and how to train others to do the same. It could be that they have reproducing groups and leaders being equipped before the first person chooses to follow Christ. This means we can disciple people into salvation rather than viewing discipleship as something that can happen only after someone chooses to follow Christ. That might be represented by this timeline:
In this scenario, over time (after several generations) the length of a spiritual generation can begin to approach the time from point 1 to point M. In some situations, where people are unable or unready to hear the gospel immediately, it is still possible to achieve a similar effect through teaching multiplicative patterns as they apply to other issues such as community development. Then, when the opportunity presents itself, the network can be exposed to the gospel. That might look like the following:
In a sense then, the biggest issue in multiplying disciples is quickly discovering who is good soil. Who will be a person who is faithful to apply what they learn and pass it on to others? Such people are worth focusing time, energy, and effort into developing. Those are people with whom you need to establish mentoring relationships. When you are working among people outside your existing network of relationships, it is imperative that you filter for this type of individual. Such people are critical for the extension of the Kingdom into new geographic areas and population segments and relational networks.
Jesus said, "where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."
— Matthew 18:20
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
— 2 Timothy 3:16-17
LOOK BACK
[1/3 of the time]
CARE WORSHIP
High: What are you thankful for?
Low: What are you struggling with?
CHECK-UP
Share the experience of your action:
— Obey • Train • Share
VISION
Great Commandment:
— Matthew 22:37-40
Great Commission:
— Matthew 28:18-20 • Acts 1:8
LOOK UP
[1/3 of the time]
PRAY
Pray briefly and ask God to teach you.
READ
Read this passage and paraphrase.
DISCUSS
Like: What did you like about this passage?
Difficult: What did you find difficult about this passage?
God: What does this passage teach about God?
People: What does this passage teach about people?
LOOK FORWARD
[1/3 of the time]
ACTION
Obey: How will you obey this passage? (Tangible Action)
Train: Who will you train with this passage?
Share: With whom will you share
— 'My Story' or 'God’s Story' ?
PRACTICE
Practice your committed action.
PRAY
Pray for everyone individually.
The process is simple • The curriculum is the Bible • The teacher is the Holy Spirit • The priority is obedience • The result is multiplication
A simple meeting format — 3/3 GROUP — divides the time together into three parts so that we can practice obeying what Jesus has commanded.
- LOOK BACK: ACCOUNTABILITY — Preparing & Equipping
The first third of the group’s time is spent looking back at what’s happened since they've been together. - LOOK UP: KNOWLEDGE — Teaching & Rebuking
The middle third of the group’s time is spent Looking Up for God’s wisdom and direction through scripture, discussion and prayer. - LOOK FORWARD: OBEDIENCE — Correcting & Training
The final third of the group’s time is spent Looking Forward to how they can each apply and obey what they’ve learned.
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
— Matthew 28:18-20
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
— Romans 6:3-4
BAPTISM or βαπτίζω (Baptizó) in the original Greek language — means a drenching or submerging — like when you dye a cloth and it soaks in the color and comes out transformed. Baptism is a picture of our new life, soaked in the image of Jesus, transformed in obedience to God. It is a picture of our death to sin — just as Jesus died for our sins; a burial of our old way of life — just as Jesus was buried; a rebirth to a new life in Christ — just as Jesus was resurrected and lives today.
- Find some standing water, deep enough to allow the new disciple to be submerged.
- Let the disciple hold one of your hands with theirs and support their back with the other.
- Ask the following questions to make sure they understand their decision:
- (Name of person to be baptized)
- "Do you believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him as your personal Savior?"
- "Are you willing to obey and follow Jesus for the rest of your life as your King, even in suffering, persecution and death?"
- If they answer "Yes" or "I do" to all above, then say:
- "Because you’ve professed your faith in the Lord Jesus, I hereby baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
- Help them lower into the water, submerge completely and raise them back up.
Scriptures | Who got baptized? | Who baptized? | When? |
Acts 2:37-41 | About 3,000 people | Peter & other apostles | Immediately |
Acts 8:5-13 | Simon the sorcerer, the Samaritans | Philip | Immediately |
Acts 8:36-38 | The Ethiopian eunuch | Philip | Immediately |
Acts 9:10-19 | Saul (Paul) | Ananias | Immediately |
Acts 10:47-48 | Cornelius & his relatives, friends | Peter or believers from Joppa | Immediately |
Acts 16:13-15 | Lydia & her household | (Paul) or Silas or Timothy | Immediately |
Acts 16:27-34 | The jailer & his household | (Paul) or Silas | Immediately |
Acts 18:5-8 | Crispus & his household, the Corinthians | Paul | Immediately |
Acts 19:1-5 | Twelve disciples of John the Baptist | Paul | Immediately |
Matthew 3:13-17 | Jesus | John the Baptist | Immediately | 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 | Crispus, Gaius, household of Stephanas | Paul |
John 4:1-2 | No one | Jesus |
Jesus said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
— John 6:51
HOLY COMMUNION or THE LORD'S SUPPER is a way to celebrate our intimate connection and ongoing relationship with Jesus.
- When you gather as followers of Jesus, spend time in quiet meditation, silently considering and confessing your sins. When you are ready, have someone read this passage from scripture:
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."
— 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 - Pass out bread you have set aside for your group, and eat. Continue the reading:
In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."
— 1 Corinthians 11:25 - Share the juice or wine you have set aside for your group, and drink. Finish the reading:
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
— 1 Corinthians 11:26 - Celebrate in prayer or singing. You have shared in The Lord’s Supper. You are His, and He is yours!
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
— Acts 2:41-47
ELEMENTS OF A HEALTHY CHURCH: As a church what do we do?
- WORSHIP (v47) — John 4:19-26, Ephesians 5:19-20
- WORD (v42) — John 6:51-63, Matthew 4:4, Hebrews 4:12
- PRAYER (v42) — Matthew 6:5-15
- FELLOWSHIP (v42,44,46) — Philippians 2:1-8, Hebrews 10:23-25
- EVANGELISM (v41,46) — Romans 10:14-17, Luke 24:48
- GIVING (v45) — 2 Corinthians 9, Mark 12:41-44, Malachi 3:10
- BAPTISM (v41) — Acts 8:26-40, Romans 6:3-4, Matthew 28:19
- COMMUNION (v42,46) — Luke 22:7-20, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
- LEADERS (v42) — Acts 6:1-7, Hebrews 13:17
If your group has committed to be a church, make the dotted line circle solid. If you regularly practice each of the above elements then draw a picture of the elements inside your circle. If you do not do the element or you wait for an outsider to come do it, then draw the element outside the circle.
So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
— Romans 14:12
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
— Hebrews 10:23-25
Every follower of Jesus will be held accountable, so every follower of Jesus should practice accountability with others. Jesus shared many stories of accountability and told us many truths of how we will be held responsible for what we do and say. So accountability groups are a natural expression of brothers and sisters walking together in truth and love.
C.H.A.T. ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP is made up of two or three people of the same gender — men with men, women with women — who meet once a week to discuss a set of questions that help reveal areas where things are going right and other areas that need correction. They can even meet by phone if they’re unable to meet face-to-face. Everyone in the group needs to understand that what is shared is confidential.
- CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: We are motivated by sharing struggles in mutual accountability. Start the time together by going over the Accountability Questions with one another (45-60 minutes).
- HEAR THE WORD: We grow spiritually as we read Scripture in context and in community. Continue the time by discussing what the Lord has impressed on you from your weekly Scripture reading. Your group should read 25-30 chapters per week. Many people find it helpful to read aloud. If someone doesn’t finish the reading in a given week then the entire group takes the same assignment for the following week.
- ACT ON IT: We serve as we apply the truths of Scripture to living in love towards others day by day. Live out what the Lord impressed on you in the reading to apply it to your life and pass the truths on to others (5-10 minutes).
- TELL OTHERS: We pray for those who need the Lord and reach out to them as we have opportunity. Close in a time of prayer. Pray for one another. Part of this time should be praying for the lost friends, family, and acquaintances for whom the group has been praying throughout the week (5-10 minutes). We acknowledge God in prayer and through our obedience. In your time of prayer, do not forget to praise and thank the Lord for who He is and what He is doing in and through you as a group and as individuals. Remember too, your obedience ("Act on it") to the Lord is in itself worship! (5 minutes).
ZÚME VIDEO 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 Hebrews 10:19-25
QUESTIONS LIST 1
- How have your insights from last week’s reading shaped the way you think and live?
- Who did you pass your insights from last week on to and how was it received?
- How have you seen God at work?
- Have you been a testimony this week to the greatness of Jesus Christ with both your words and actions?
- Have you been exposed to sexually alluring material or allowed your mind to entertain inappropriate sexual thoughts?
- Have you acknowledged God’s ownership in your use of money?
- Have you coveted anything?
- Have you hurt someone’s reputation or feelings by your words?
- Have you been dishonest in word or action or exaggerated?
- Have you given into an addictive (or lazy or undisciplined) behavior?
- Have you been a slave to clothing, friends, work, or possessions?
- Have you failed to forgive someone?
- What worries or anxieties are you facing?
- Have you complained or grumbled?
- Have you maintained a thankful heart?
- Have you been honoring, understanding and generous in your important relationships?
- What temptations in thought, word, or action have you faced and how did you respond?
- How have you taken opportunities to serve or bless others, especially believers?
- Have you seen specific answers to prayer?
- Did you complete the reading for the week?
- Close with prayer regarding what was shared.
QUESTIONS LIST 2
- Pray that we will become like Jesus.
- How are you doing? How is your prayer life?
- Do you have any sin to confess? (Relational, Sexual, Financial, Pride, Integrity, Submission to Authority, etc.)
- Did you obey what God told you last time? Share details.
- Did you pray for the “Unbelievers” on your relationship list this week? Did you have the chance to share with any of them? Share details.
- Did you memorize a new verse this week? Quote it.
- Did you read at least 25 chapters in the Bible this week?
- What did God say to you this week from the Word?
- What are you going to specifically do about it?
- Did you meet with your 3/3 group this week? How did it go?
- Did you model or assist someone in starting a new 3/3 group this week? Share details.
- Do you see anything hindering my walk with Christ?
- Did you have the opportunity to share the gospel this week? Share details.
- Practice 1-3 minute testimonies and the gospel right now.
- Who can you invite to the group next week? If the group is four or more, multiply it.
- Close with prayer regarding what was shared.
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
— 2 Timothy 2:2
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
— Philippians 3:17
M.A.W.L. TRAINING CYCLE helps disciples go from one to many and turns a mission into a movement. This is used for maturing disciples through four distinct steps of spiritual growth. The steps include: MODEL, ASSIST, WATCH and LEAVE.
As believers increase in their competence in these areas, it is important to help them understand the phases of the training cycle so they know when and how to transition from modeling, to assisting, to watching, to leaving as they initiate work with new believers or new churches. This is a natural process by which they can help others grow into maturity as well, both individually and corporately.
M
MODEL
A
ASSIST
W
WATCH
L
LEAVE
- MODEL — when a child sees someone riding a bicycle, that is the MODEL phase:
Modeling is simply providing an example of a practice or tool. It is the briefest part of the training cycle. It usually only needs to be done once. It is simply creating an awareness that a practice or a tool exists and giving a general idea of what it looks like. Modeling repeatedly is not an effective way to equip someone. They need to be allowed to try the skill themselves.
- ASSIST — when a parent is holding onto the bicycle while a child is learning to keep his balance, that is the ASSIST phase:
Assisting is allowing the disciple to practice the skill. This takes longer than the modeling phase. It requires "hand-holding" on the part of the coach. The coach needs to be directive and take an active role in coaching the disciple. This phase does not last until the disciple is fully competent, but merely until they understand the basics of the skill. If this phase is continued too long, then the disciple will develop a dependence on the coach and never advance to full competence. The end of the assist phase should be marked by the disciple starting to model for others.
- WATCH — when a parent is observing a child ride a bicycle and ensuring they have adequate skills & knowledge to ride unsupervised, this is the WATCH phase:
Watching is the longest phase. It involves more indirect contact with the disciple. It seeks to develop full competence in all facets of a skill. It may be ten times or more as long as the first two phases combined. As the disciple progresses in skill, the contact with the coach may become less regular and more ad hoc. In this phase the disciple gradually takes more responsibility and initiative in the performance of the skill. Typically in disciple making the mark of the end of this phase is when the disciple has passed on the skill successfully to the fourth generation through those whom he or she is coaching.
- LEAVE — when a parent releases a child to ride their bicycle completely unsupervised, that is the LEAVE phase:
Leaving is a sort of graduation when the disciple becomes a peer of the coach. Periodic contact and peer coaching may continue to take place if the disciple and coach are in the same network.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
— Matthew 6:19-21
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
— 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
NEED BASED GIVING
DISCIPLINE GIVING
[TITHE]
SACRIFICIAL GIVING
ADVENTUROUS GIVING
Scriptures | Why give? | Whom do we give? | How frequent? | Types of giving? |
Deuteronomy 16:16-17 | Discipline | |||
Deuteronomy 26:10-13 | Discipline | |||
Malachi 3:6-12 | Adventurous | |||
Matthew 25:31-40 | Need Based | |||
Mark 12:41-44 | Sacrificial | |||
Acts 2:44-47 | Need Based | |||
Romans 12:1-2 | Sacrificial | |||
2 Corinthians 8:1-15 | Need Based | |||
2 Corinthians 9:1-15 | Need Based |
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
— Matthew 5:10-12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
— 2 Timothy 3:12
Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.
— Acts 14:22
Enduring through PERSECUTION & SUFFERING is one of the principle ingredients of every disciple multiplication movement. It takes spirit led endurance to both start and sustain a movement. The bible promises that in this world we will have troubles and that those that want to live a Godly life will be persecuted.
God intends good to come through the persecution and suffering that we experience for his sake. There are all kinds of benefits listed in Scripture. Peter, Paul, James, the author of Hebrews — all list godly character traits that are gained through suffering or persecution. Peter talks about how God is glorified when we suffer well for his sake. Paul, in 2 Corinthians, talks about how we are equipped for ministry to others who are suffering through what we suffer. We’re told there are benefits for our faith. We’re taught to rely on God alone. Our faith is strengthened, our faith is purified, our faith is proven, our faith is tested, all of these things are benefits from persecution and suffering. Those are God’s intentions for the persecution and suffering. Now the enemy, he also has a purpose for persecution and suffering. His purpose is to silence us. If we are silent, he has no need for persecution and, in fact, if we are silent, we are achieving the enemy’s purposes.
But God has good purposes for us, so how can we prepare people and why should we prepare people. Well … if someone doesn’t know that this is normal and that God works good from it, they can be more prone to be discouraged, or bitter, or angry, or frightened, or hopeless, or depressed whenever they suffer for doing what’s right. They think something’s wrong. But if they know that God intends this for their good for his glory, they’re far less likely to have these negative reactions. In fact, they can seek to maximize these benefits that God is trying to work in and through their lives. So that’s why it’s important.
Now how can we do that? Baptism, it’s a great time for us to highlight the fact that: we are ready to suffer, we are ready to be rejected by people, we are ready to face financial setbacks, and if necessary to die for the Lord. Baptism would be a great time to remind people of that and to even ask them to make a pledge that they’re ready to do this before we baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
One way or another we need to equip and prepare people to suffer for their faith and to do it willingly, gladly, knowing that the cost is nothing in comparison with what God has given us and with what God has promised us. These momentary light afflictions are working for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all compare you know so we need to not look at the the temporary situation but at the eternal realities and glory and reward that await us.
Jesus instructed His followers that they should be continuously starting new spiritual families, growing them to be more like Jesus, and helping them learn how to start new spiritual families.
Paul’s pattern in planting churches was an average of six months or less per church network in the Model and Assist stages, and then he would spend years even decades in the Watch stage, and then eventually he would leave and tell them he would not return and charge them to be obedient to what he trained them to do.
PART OF TWO CHURCHES — Every disciple should be involved in two churches:
- HOME CHURCH: Your primary spiritual community.
- NEW CHURCH: Group that you are personally investing in the Training Cycle.
Imagine a simple church of four families. This basic church is who these families do life with - the brothers and sisters who encourage them in love and good works. Now imagine each of the four couples work to start a new spiritual family. They’re not participating in the same way they do with their own small group family, but they are helping to MODEL and ASSIST as a new spiritual family gets started and grows. Out of one simple church four new churches start at the exact same time. This is an example of how fast God can grow His family. This is how the church can increase its pace.
All of these simple churches are just like the cells in a growing body and they connect together and network into a city or regional church. The churches are related. They share the same spiritual DNA. They are all connected out of the same first multiplying family. And now — with some guidance — they come together as a larger body to do even more.
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
— 2 Timothy 2:2
FOUR GENERATIONS of Disciple Making:
Paul is writing to Timothy, his disciple and apostolic delegate to the churches, to be faithful in preaching the gospel and entrusting its message to reliable people who will continue spreading it to others. In the first century church, it makes sense how the gospel spread so quickly through networks of people! Four streams of four generations in three years are called a disciple-making movement.
GENERATION MAP is another simple tool to help leaders in a movement understand the growth around them. It helps show fruitful churches, which therefore deserve continued investment and attention.
ELEMENTS OF A GROUP:
Key information about the maturity of a group can be recorded with five simple fields (drawn similar to the four fields pattern).
- Number of seekers in group
- Number of baptized believers in group
- Number in accountability relationships
- Functioning as a church (Y/N)
- Number who have started another group
Each church is labeled with a leader’s name, the location, and the date of their formation. Each church also has information related to the five aspects of the Four Fields Diagram. The upper left quadrant indicates how many non-Christians are in the group. (It could consist entirely of seekers and not be a church yet.) The upper right quadrant indicates how many (baptized) believers are in the group. The lower right quadrant indicates how many of the participants are in Accountability Groups. The lower left quadrant indicates whether or not the group is functioning as a church or not. The center portion indicates how many of the participants in the group have been instrumental in starting next-generation churches.
This generation mapping information is helpful on several levels. For one thing, the process of discovering this information helps assure that proper mentoring and coaching is taking place at each level. Secondly, it provides clues as to strengths and weaknesses both of individual spiritual families and in extended networks. Patterns of strengths and weaknesses are often revealed by such an assessment.
TRACKING TOOLS:
Jesus said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
— Mark 4:26-29
The four fields diagnostic chart is a simple tool to be used by a leadership cell to reflect on the status of current efforts and the Kingdom activity around them.
Jesus often pulled the disciples back, away from ministry to quieter places to review how the work was going. This simple tool is to help you and the co-leaders with you to follow this pattern of Jesus and to address all parts of your stewardship.
Use the tool in peer mentoring to review activity, people, and groups by categorizing them into the different fields, and asking each other core questions to surface points of action and next steps.
FOUR FIELDS DIAGNOSTIC DIAGRAM:
- EMPTY FIELD — GO
- New Areas or People Groups
- Ask the question: Where or with whom (what people groups) are you planning to extend the Kingdom?
- Eyes to See
- Find the Lost: List of 100 • Person of Peace
- Train the Saved: Greatest Blessing • 411
- SEEDING FIELD — GOSPEL
- Gospel Shared and New Baptisms
- Ask the question: Where or with whom are you sharing the good news of the Kingdom? How are you doing that?
- My Story • God's Story • Prayer Walk • Stoplight
- GROWING FIELD — GROW
- New Groups Formed or People Trained
- Ask the question: How are you equipping people and growing them spiritually, individually and in their natural networks?
- S.O.A.P.S. • Prayer Wheel • Accountability Group • 3/3 Group
- HARVESTING FIELD — GATHER
- New Churches Formed
- Ask the question: How are new spiritual families (simple churches) being formed?
- M.A.W.L. • Healthy Church
- MULTIPLYING — GENERATIONS
- Leaders Training and Generations Added
- Ask the question: With whom, how and when are you filtering for faithful people, equipping and holding them accountable for reproduction?
- M.A.W.L. • Four Fields • Generation Map • Coaching Checklist • Iron on Iron • Fivefold Ministry
THREE MONTH PLAN is designed to help you identify specific action steps post discipleship training.
- I will share My Story (Testimony) and God’s Story (Gospel) with the following individuals:
- I will invite the following people to begin an Accountability Group with me:
- I will challenge the following people to begin their own Accountability Groups and train them how to do it:
- I will invite the following people to begin a 3/3 Group with me:
- I will challenge the following people to begin their own 3/3 Groups and train them how to do it:
- I will invite the following people to participate in a 3/3 Hope or Discover Group:
- I will invite the following people to participate in Prayer Walk with me:
- I will Prayer Walk once every (days / weeks / months):
- I will equip the following people to share their Story and God’s Story and make a List of 100 of the people in their relational network:
- I will challenge the following people to use the Prayer Wheel tool on a periodic basis:
- I will use the Prayer Wheel tool once every (days / weeks / months):
- I will invite the following people to be part of a Leadership Cell that I will lead:
- I will encourage the following people to go through this discipleship training course:
- Other commitments:
COACHING CHECKLIST is a powerful tool you can use to quickly assess your own strengths and vulnerabilities when it comes to making disciples who multiply. It’s also a powerful tool you can use to help others — and others can use to help you. Use the following steps to take this quick self-assessment.
STEP 1: Read through the Disciple Training Tools in the far left column of the Checklist.
STEP 2: Mark each one of the Training Tools, using the following method:
- If you’re unfamiliar or don’t understand the Tool — check the BLACK column.
- If you’re somewhat familiar but still not sure about the Tool — check the RED column.
- If you understand and can train the basics on the Tool — check the YELLOW column.
- If you feel confident and can effectively train the Tool — check the GREEN column.
DISCIPLE
- UNAWARE
- You’re unfamiliar or don’t understand the Tool.
- [Plan]: Coach decides.
- UNSKILLED
- You’re somewhat familiar but still not sure about the Tool.
- [Plan]: Coach & Disciple discuss, Coach decides.
- COMPETENT
- You understand and can train the basics on the Tool.
- [Plan]: Coach & Disciple discuss, Disciple decides.
- SKILLED
- You feel confident and can effectively train the Tool.
- [Plan]: Disciple decides.
COACH
- MODEL
- Model and make sure of understanding.
- [Role]: Coach gives direction and information.
- ASSIST
- Assist them until they have the basics.
- [Role]: Coach gives direction and support.
- WATCH
- Watch out for consistent competence.
- [Role]: Coach gives support and encouragement.
- LEAVE
- Leave them and find others to develop.
- [Role]: Coach receives updates.
TRAINING BOOKMARK
DISCIPLE-MAKING FLOWCHART