What Is Your Disciple-Making Mission? Would you mind pressing the pause button long enough to write down an answer to the title’s question? For what did God place you on earth? To whom has God sent you? What is your purpose? For what has He prepared you? For what has He…
I ask this question with full intention for it be applied in two directions. First, what are you personally doing that is contributing to disciple-making? Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” applies to you and me as well as to the church as a whole. A corollary question…
All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the…
Is it acceptable for all Christians to believe what they want to believe? Of course not. Paul addressed many incorrect beliefs and practices in his letters. Syncretism (mixing of differing beliefs and practices) was alive in biblical days as it is today. This is a place where creeds can be…
What is the Jesus model? What was Paul saying in 2 Timothy 2:2 (CSB)? Was Paul asking Timothy to talk like him or like Jesus? What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Yes and no. Paul…
My Sunday School class had a great lesson yesterday focusing on the James 2:17-26. We examined scripture to clear up confusion about faith and works. Paul is clear in Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB): For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from…
Confession is admission of sin or wrongdoing. I like the way Renovare defines confession: Sharing our deepest weaknesses and failures with God and trusted others, so that we may enter into God’s grace and mercy and experience his ready forgiveness and healing. Benefits Sin can destroy relationships and drive a…
In this three-part series, I have introduced and explained the value of a discipleship planning team. In Part 1, I suggested scaling the planning team down or up to your church size. I also shared six key planning team focus areas: community relations, first impressions, new members, group connections, serving together,…
A conversation expects listening and talking. It is sending and receiving ideas and thoughts. Even two people talking (without listening) is not conversation. How do we talk and listen to God? How do we help those we disciple to join together these two sides of a conversation with God? LISTENING…
My friend, Bob Mayfield, this week posted a practical post entitled How to Start a D-Group. I want to encourage you to read the entire post. Here are the first two sections: Why D-Groups? Disciples are best made in a community of close relationships. Jesus had Peter, James, and John.…
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.
