START. When does discipleship begin? In the Great Commission Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples….” Going is the first step. A few may come to us but most are waiting for us to go. I remember a night it was pouring but we went visiting for our Sunday School…
Watch this short Francis Chan clip about discipleship. How Not to Make Disciples Chan asks some serious questions. Why do we believe that mental/verbal discipleship is enough? What does Jesus expect? How will we be judged? For more ideas about moving toward obedience, check out these blog posts: Support for…
What is a spiritual discipline? It is a tool, method, or process which deepens your relationship with God. A spiritual discipline can practiced one-time, occasional, or repeated. Journaling will usually fall into the repeated or occasional practice. There are a couple major categories of journaling: (1) life journaling and (2)…
In Matthew 4:19 (ESV), Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” He did not say, “Follow me, and on your own you will become fishers of men.” He did not say, “Follow me, and study hard to become fishers of men.” He did not say,…
I had a discussion with a church leader yesterday. It centered around how to get started in disciple-making. He had reviewed some good materials and was thinking about next steps in his context. Where is the starting line for disciple-making. Consider these ideas: PRAY. You don’t have to pray about…
Are you coming to the BACE Disciple Leader Gathering at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary on April 14-15, 2016? I plan to be there and hope you will be too! Be sure to register soon. FEATURED PRESENTATIONS What is a Disciple? – Featuring Robby Gallaty, Replicate Ministries, Pastor, Long Hollow Baptist Church,…
Something I have noticed over the years is how essential spiritual practices can turn into quick, shallow routines. Has your time with God become more practice or habit than a fresh, growing relationship? What can you do to turn that around? Which of the following have you tried? Which do…
Where are you headed and how will you get there? Have you prayed? Our Lord has promised to be with us, and He is “able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20, ESV). You don’t have to ask what to do. Making disciples…
I read an article by Thom Rainer entitled 6 Characteristics of Disciple-Making Churches on Outreach Magazine In the article, Dr. Rainer listed six common expectations of churches who are effective in making disciples. In these churches, members are expected to… attend an entry point class, attend an open group Bible…
Disciple-making efforts matter. What are you doing to help disciples make progress? How are you helping them to mutliply? Think 2 Timothy 2:2. Are fewer and fewer involved in your disciple-making strategy as you go farther along? Then the strategy may be too complicated. You may have too many steps…
Two encounters are critical. First, the leader encounters God in His Word and is changed. Second, the leader guides the group to have a life-changing encounter.