PGO AND MAKE DISCIPLES GROWING DISCIPLES PART 2 THE PROCESS OF MAKING DISCIPLES STUDY 16. READ: Acts 2:37-47 [ ] MEMORIZE: Acts 2:42

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1 PGO AND MAKE DISCIPLES GROWING DISCIPLES PART 2 THE PROCESS OF MAKING DISCIPLES STUDY 16 READ: Acts 2:37-47 [ ] MEMORIZE: Acts 2:42 1. The Engel Scale [continued] +0 Conversion +6 Growing in holiness and obedience +1 Evaluation of the decision to Christ as Lord. +3 Follow-up and nurture +7 Active in serving and witnessing +4 Joined into a fellowship +8 Becoming part of the disciple-making +5 Discipled in the basics of Christian life Process. +9 A God-centered lifestyle and worldview. 2. The stages of spiritual growth. 3. The need for discipling there is a need to progress to these various stages as indicated by the Engel scale otherwise they will never mature. 4.Discipling in the early church Early disciples filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit instructed and disciple their converts, they were baptized, added to the church, nurtured, instructed and disciple. They were also encouraged to serve witness, and win new converts to the kingdom (Acts 2:37-47)and finally to develop a vision not only for their community, but to the world. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit used persecution to spread the gospel. If we are to see the same rapid growth today, must return to the basic principles of discipling as in the early church. 5. Taking your part if we all did this, the church would grown and we would quickly fulfill the Great Commission. EXPLORE FURTHER STUDY Look at the second half of the Engel Scale and think about your journey with Jesus. a.) At the time of your conversion [if it was a clear event in your life], can you think of anyone who helped you to evaluate or understand what had taken place [+1], or provided follow up and nurture [+2]? What happened? b.) Think about the next steps of baptism [+3], joined into a fellowship of believers [+4], and disciple in the basics of the Christian life [+5]. When did the above 3 steps take place in your life [if at all], and how important were they in your growth as a Christian? Baptism [+3]: Fellowship [+4] Discipled [+5] c.) As a new or young Christian, was a good spiritual foundation established in your life at that time? Did someone disciple you or help you in this? What happened? 1

2 2. Look again at the second half of the Engel scale [0 to +9]. Where do you think you are on this scale right now? Are there parts of this process that are missing or weak? What can you do about this so as to keep moving on in your journey with Jesus? Make your own personal evaluation: Where I am now: Missing or weak parts: Steps I still need to take [or develop further]: 3. Look at how these important principles were at work in the early church (See Acts 2:37-47). Note the process that was taking place and write in these spaces below that part of the verse that illustrates the step being taken. -Conversion (v.38-41a) -Baptism (v.41) -Joined to fellowship of believers (v.41-42) -Instruction & discipling (v. 42) -Serving & witnessing (v ) -Reproduction [winning new converts] (v.47) b.) What does all this mean for you? What is God saying to you personally? [ ] MEMORIZE: ACTS 2:42 The central task of evangelism is not just to get decisions or win converts. It is to make disciples. Nothing short of making disciples fulfills the Great Commission. 2

3 GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES GROWING DISCIPLES PART 2 THE FOUR COMMITMENTS OF DICIPLESHIP STUDY 17 READ: Acts 2:40-47 [ ] MEMORIZE: Luke 6:46 The Marks of a disciple [surrendered to Christ, coming under His discipline and Lordship as a learner is fully committed to Christ in four key areas: 1. A disciple is committed to Christ as Lord. [close, intimate relationship with Him through times of prayer, worship, stillness in His presence and every part of life under His lordship, cooperating with the Holy Spirit and being obedient Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not the things that I say Luke 6:46]. 2. A disciple is committed to Christ s Body early believers professed their allegiance through baptism, joined the fellowship, added to their number, discipled into the church and committed themselves fully to relationships with other believers no such thing as solitary Christianity. 3. A disciple is committed to the Word John 8:31 If you continue in my words, they you are truly my disciples. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching (Acts 2:41-42) 4. A disciple is committed to Christ s mission in the world. A disciple obeys Jesus call to actively disciple others wherever that may be. 5. The wheel illustration A DISCIPLE is committed to [spokes= Christ as Lord, Body of Christ, Word of God, Christ s mission around CHRIST as the center] center with all spokes strong will result in a smooth wheel and remember only a disciple can make a disciple. EXPLORE FURTHER STUDY Think about the four commitments or marks of a disciple that we have looked at in this study. How clearly are each of these seen in the early church? (See Acts 2:40-47). How does each commitment show itself? 2. Look again at the wheel illustration. How balanced do you think you are in each of these four areas? Read again the four main points in the study and then make your personal evaluation of the strength of your own discipleship: [tick] Weak moderate strong 1. My commitment to Christ as Lord. / / 2. My commitment to the Body of Christ / / 3. My commitment to the Word of God. / / 4. My commitment to Christ s mission / / 3. Now write down in what ways you could deepen or strengthen your commitment in each of the above four areas. To deepen my commitment to Christ as Lord: 3

4 To strengthen my commitment to the Body of Christ: To deepen my commitment to the Word of God: To strengthen my commitment to Christ s mission: 4. a.) Now think about the next stage of Christ s call on your life. Are you obeying His command to go and make disciples? In what ways? Tick any of the areas below that you are actively involved in:- [ ] Witnessing; [ ] Evangelism; Helping a person grow in commitment to:- [ ] Christ as Lord; [ ] the Body of Christ [ ] the Word of God; [ ] Christ s mission in the world. b.) If you are not active in any of the above areas or only weakly involved, what do you think God might be saying to you? 5. Now think about your church! People may be very busy and involved in many things. Your church may even be regarded by others as a very successful church. a.) But what should be the end result of all this activity? In God s eyes, what is the mark of a truly successful church? (Matthew 12:18-20) b.) How clearly are your church s resources, programs, and hours of hard work being used for this primary purpose of making disciples? Make your own evaluation. [choose] [ ] Not at all; [ ] A few converts each month; [ ] Happening in a general sense; [ ] Is a high priority and is taking place. [ ] Don t know [If you don t know the answers to some of these questions, your week s project below is to go and ask you pastor or church leader]. c.) How many raw converts would you say are being brought into relationship with Christ each month through the members of your church, and what kind of intentional discipleship is taking place? [Tick any number of boxes] [ ] Hardly any converts; [ ] A few converts each month; [ ] Many converts each month; [ ] Not discipling of new converts; [ ] Some initial disicpling of new converts [for at least 4-6 weeks]; [ ] An ongoing intentional discipling of new Christians over many months. 4

5 6. Now a question for you personally! Remember, the church is made up of people like you! How much then are you taking part in helping people come to know Christ, and how active are you in the disicpling process???? PROJECT 11: If you are not sure about the answers to Questions 5 b.) and c.) above, ask your pastor or church leader for a few minutes to discuss this with them. Even if you think you know the details, you should still ask them these questions and see if your evaluation is the same as theirs. Present your report at your next group meeting with your answer to question 6 as well. To make disciples of others you must be a disciple yourself, for only disciples can make disciples. 5

6 GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES GROWING DISCIPLES PART 2 FOLLOW-UP AND NURTURE STUDY 18 READ: I Thessalonians 2:7-13 [ ] MEMORIZE: I Peter 2:2-3 Process: Process: Process: Evangelizing Result Establishing Result Empowering ( Convert ) ( Disciple ) ( Disciple Maker ) Witnessing Discipling Equipping Figure 5: The disciple-making process 1. The need for discipling. 2. Immediate follow-up of a new Christian. 3. Nurturing a new Christian a. Protection [from Satan in the form of: false teaching or cults, family and friends or temptations]-need to guard, guide, nurture, encourage and protect them. b. Fellowship sense of love and acceptance in a spiritually alive church and a nurture group. c. Spiritual food need for the Word of God and My First Steps to give them spiritual milk. d. Training Heb 5:11-14: To feed them and let them be spiritually mature, be disciples and be disciple makers. EXPLORE FURTHER STUDY a.) Is it enough to bring a person to Christ and then leave them there? What else is urgently needed according to the picture at the start of the study [Figure 5]? b.) What needs to happen to a new believer following conversion according to Colossians 2:6? 2. According to the Engel Scale what process [+1] is a person going through immediately after conversion? [See Page 9]. Why then is immediate follow up of a new believer so important? 3. What do you think are some of the most important things a new believer needs to know straight after conversion? Make your own list. The first things a new Christian needs to know: [In our next study we will confirm your answers to this question by listing the six most important things. When you have answered this question, you can have a look if you want to!] 6

7 4. Nurturing new Christians. From the study notes, what four things are needed to properly nurture a new Christian? Write them down. Why are each of these important for a new Christian s development? The four needs of a new Christian: a.) Protection. List some dangers of a new Christian is open to? [See for example, Galatians 4:8-9 and Colossians 2:7). 6. Fellowship: What kind of family environment is a new believer going to need in order to develop and grow strong and healthy? What do the following references suggest is needed???? I Thessalonians 2:10-12 Hebrews 10:24-25 How do you think you [or your church] could best provide this warmth and support for a new believer? Is that happening? 7. Spiritual food. What does a new Christian need in order to grow? (I Peter 2:2-3) What is spiritual milk and how can it best be provided? 8. Training: By proper training of a new Christian what should you as a disciple be aiming to do? (See for example Paul s aim in Colossians 1:28-29 and Hebrews 5:11-14) The spiritual temperature of the church in which a new believer finds himself will control to a certain extent the vitality of his life. Gary Kuhne 7

8 HOW TO USE MY FIRST STEPS SECTION 7 A TOOL TO HELP YOU DISCIPLE OTHERS STUDY 19 READ: I Thessalonians 2:7-13 [ ] MEMORIZE: Colossians 2: Checking the foundations first 5 studies makes sure that the gospel is understood What a new believer needs to know he or she receives upon salvation [ ] Received forgiveness; [ ] Have new spiritual life; [ ] Christ lives within; [ ] God is now Father ; [ ] They are now part of a new family; [ ] Satan s power is now broken. A new Christian needs to understand: [ ] Assurance of salvation; [ ] What Christ s Lordship means. Turn to section 2 and read intro [ ] Tick if done. Look through Studies 6 and 7 explain 6 things that happened moment one becomes a Christian. Look through studies 8 and 9 speaks of assurance of salvation and Christ s Lordship [ ] Tick if you have done this 3. What a new believer needs to be able to do: How to pray How to read and use the Bible; How to have time alone with God All cover studies How to deal with the past [the old life] How to develop Christ-like attitudes; How to resist Satan and temptation; How to tell others about Jesus [witness]. 4. Study 10: Prayer your spiritual breath Best way to teach on prayer is to show how to do it in various ways praise, adoration, petition, confession, intercession. and just talk to God. EXPLORE FURTHER STUDY My First Steps is a tool to help you disciple new Christians. The first 5 studies explain the basic message of Christianity and how to become a Christian. Why do you think these studies explaining the steps to Christ are important to a book designed for new Christians? 2. There are at least six things a new believer needs to know straight after conversion. These things happen in a person s life the moment he [she] surrenders to Christ as Savior and Lord. What are these 6 things? [They are covered in My First Steps studies 6-7. Write down what you think and then check ;your answers against the 6 things mentioned in My First Steps and tick those that are similar]. [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 8

9 Why is it important for a new Christian to know these 6 things? [That s why follow-up and discipling are so important! How will they know otherwise?] 3. Christ s Lordship is covered in My First Steps in Study 9. Why do you think it is important to early introduce a new Christian to the subject of Christ s Lordship? (Luke 6:46) 4. There are some things a new Christian needs to learn to do. These are best taught by demonstration and example. List some of these things mentioned in My First Steps [Studies 10-20] A new convert needs to be shown how to:- [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 5. Example of prayer: If a new Christian you are discipling wants to learn from your example in prayer, what challenge will this bring to you? How did Jesus teach His disciples to pray? (See Mark 1:35-37, Luke 9:28-29, 10:21-23, and 11:1-4) Why is demonstrating how to pray very important? 6. Think of the other things a new Christian needs to learn by instruction and example. [Eg. Reading the Bible, Time alone with God, Fellowship, Witness]. As well as taking them through these studies in My First Steps, what challenge will it bring to you if you are to be an example and model to them of these things? PROJECT 12: Preparing to disciple a new Christian In this study we have begun to introduce you to My First Steps as a tool to help you nurture and disciple new Christians. The best way to learn is by doing. Do you know of any new Christians that you could nurture and disciple using My First Steps as a guide? Or it may be someone who has been a Christian for some time but never properly disciple. [Perhaps you could tell your church pastor of your willingness to do this, and he may suggest some you could approach]. 9

10 At this stage you need to do only 2 things:- 1. Pray about the right ones to disciple. Then approach the person [or persons] and ask them if they would be interested to work with you through My First Steps over a period of at least 15 weeks [20 weeks if you take them through the first 5 studies as well]. Show them the book and what it s all about. Then wait for their response. [In our next study we will tell you what to do next]. I approache the following people for discipling-[tick those who are interested]: [ ] [ ] [ ] 2. Pray about who could work with you as an assistant [If you plan to disciple in a small group], then explain to this person what you have in mind and to consider joining you to learn and support you. [This person would need to be an established and growing Christian]. Write down a couple of names of suitable people. I approached the following persons to assist:- [tick if person accepted] [ ] At your next group meeting report to your group your progress in this discipling exercise. In a discipling relationship I do not just teach another how to know what I know, I invite that person to become what I am. 10

11 HOW TO USE MY FIRST STEPS SECTION 7 HOW TO USE MY FIRST STEPS STUDY 20 READ: Hebrews 5:11-6:3 [ ] MEMORIZE: 2 Timothy 2:15 Study 11: The Bible Your Spiritual Food [ ] Quickly look through this study and scan through the questions [Tick when done]. 1. The new Christian needs to learn the importance of the Word of God and to begin reading it. 2. While taking the person through My First Steps, they won t need to know the reading guides yet. 3. But it is important to let them know their availability and how to use it. Study 12: Time Alone With God importance of daily building a daily routine-a time to meet alone with God. [ ] Read through this study and quickly scan the questions. 1. This is an exercise of not just knowing about it, but doing it. 2. Show by example and teach them especially Section 2 actually having a Quiet Time with them. 3. Learning from example and demonstration is a better learning experience than by listening and discussing. go through it with the other person or people together. Study 14: The Three Sides of Conversion a transition study in the book when we pause to think again about conversion and all that should take place to make it complete. [ ] Read through Study 14 in My First Steps and look quickly through the questions [Tick when done.] 1. Helps the new Christian to see the full picture of the conversion process. 2. Makes sure the new Christian understands all the parts of conversion process and is working through each part to make it complete. Study 15: Dealing with the Past This study is for the new Christian to look more closely at what repentance means as part of conversion. 1. Repentance must be complete if the new Christian is get victory over sin and grow strong in the Christian liufe. 2. If new converts do not deal with all in past life [often due to ignorance] but can be something else, they will bring harmful things from the past in that will block their spiritual development. 3. These unsurrendered areas give Satan legal ground and a foothold in their lives to keep them in bondage like a chain holding them back from making progress in their Christian lives. [ ] Look over Study 15 in My First Steps and notice the three areas mentioned that need to properly dealt with at the time of conversion [or soon after]. [ ] Now read through the questions and notice the check list in question 5. Then questions 6-7 giver suggestions on how to deal with these things [Tick when done] 4. This will bring up many areas, some that are not always clear cut. The old saying, If in doubt, throw it out. So that their repentance is real. Study The Holy Spirit Baptism, The Holy Spirit s Ministry, Spiritual Warfare 1. Same sequence in Jesus life baptism, Holy Spirit descends and leads, Spiritual Warfare in the wilderness. 11

12 [ ] Quickly look through these studies and tick when completed. 2. In the first 2 studies we see the importance of being part of the Body and Witnessing best shown by personal example show them how you can participate in church life together. 3. Let the new Christian see how you fulfill your part in all these areas listed on p. 84 of My First Steps. 4. Work with them through the steps of The simple plan [p.88] and show them how you are doing the same things yourself. EXPLORE FURTHER STUDY Time alone with God. This is covered in Study 12 of My First Steps. If you are taking another person through this study, what challenge will it have for your own life? As well as teaching his disciples through the importance of prayer through his words, how else did Jesus teach them? (See Mk 1:35-37, Luke 9:28-29) What value is there in actually demonstrating how to have a Quiet Time with those you are discipling? 2. The three sides of conversion: This is covered in Study 14 of My First Steps. What are the 3 sides of conversion mentioned in this study? The side: The side: The side: Why is it important to take a person through this summary study on the conversion process? 3. Dealing with the past. This is covered in Study 15 of My First Steps. Look at question 5 [the checklist] and question 6 [what to do about it]. Why is it important to get down to these specifics when discipling a new Christian? PROJECT 13: Continue working on the pro9ject from our last study [Study 19]. Try and find one [or several] new Christians who would be prepared to work through My First Steps with you. Or you may find some that have been Christians for some time but never properly disciple. How far have you gone with that project? Share your progress with your group. In the next two studies we will show you the next step in getting a discipleship group started. The heart of Jesus ministry was not in ministering to large crowds, but in the formation of a few disciples. 12

13 HOW TO USE MY FIRST STEPS 1. Preparation: Encourage your group [or individual] to work through the study and answer the questions as they best they can before you meet together. 2. How To Start: When you meet together, talk informally first [perhaps start with tea or coffee], then pray inviting the Spirit of Christ to lead you into all truth, and commence the study. 3. Play the DVD: that introduces the study. This DVD introduction is presented by Peter Malins and goes about 10 minutes. This will help to focus on the topic and get you started. 4. Read the Bible passage: asking different members of the group to read a couple verses each [to get participation]. 5. Check the Memory Verse: Invite any to quote the verse from memory to the group or get them to check each other in pairs. Then say it together as a whole group. Encourage them to cut out the verse from the back page of the book and review it regularly each day until it is memorized. 6. Read the introduction: Get different ones to read a paragraph or section at a time. You may occasionally give brief comments as you go, but hold off discussion till you get to the Questions. Reading through the introduction will help focus on the topic clearly. 7. Work through the questions: Ask 2 or 3 in turn to share their answers to each question. Add or clarify any points where needed. Get members to look up any reference and read them aloud before answering the questions. This helps to focus on what the Scriptures say rather than on one s own ideas. When you come to personal application questions, it is better to leave this open for anyone to answer. 8. Keep on track: Get the group to agree at the start any questions that are not directly on the topic of study will be dealt with after the main study is completed [or privately with the asker if it is not relevant to the whole group]. Try not to get side-tracked. If you do, pull the conversation back on quickly or you will not cover the essential areas. Try to plan your time so that you cover the study properly each week. 9. Allow time: towards the end of the session for more general questions. Also allow enough time to pray about the things you have been learning, and for each other. Encourage any members to pray simple sentence prayers of their own. As leader, you participate too. 10. Finish: Try to keep your total meeting time on each study to one and a half hours or less. Meeting in a home is more friendly and informal than in a church room, and consider starting or finishing your time with tea or coffee so the members can relax and share informally together. 13

14 MAKING DISCIPLES SECTION 8 PRINCIPLES OF DISCIPLING STUDY 21 READ: I Thessalonians 2:7-13 [ ] MEMORIZE: I Thessalonians 2:8 STORY: When Ian was a teenager, he and his friend were invited to meet with a married man named Harry with a young family for discipleship training. He taught and showed by example Quiet Time, Studying and Memorizing Scripture, Street Evangelism and helped them to discover their gifts. In short, Harry shared his life with them. This had a profound impact on Ian s life and call to ministry. 1. What is discipling? a. A process by which a more mature follower of Christ establishes a relationship with a new believer so as to share with this person the commitments, understanding, and basic skills necessary to help that person know and obey Jesus Christ as Lord. b. Biblical truth is important in this process, but a new Christian also needs an example to follow and a model to copy needing to see the Christian life demonstrated in a living way (I Cor 11:1). 2. The power of example: a. Something powerful seeing the Christian life lived out before you in this way the truths of the Scripture become alive and real. b. This is how Jesus did it not just formal instruction but modeled the Spirit-filled life before them, sharing his life with them in a very close way walked, talked, worked, ministered, relaxed, and shared life s experience with them. c. They could see how His relationship with His Father worked out in daily life, how He prayed, how He ministered, then He encouraged them to do the same. 3. Principles of discipling: a. Spiritual maturity: i. Your level of maturity? basic understanding of Biblical truth, close relationship with the Lord, a growing Christian. ii. Important not just teaching but being an example inviting another to follow your lead as you demonstrate how to live the Christian life. iii. Discipling will be a real challenge in your walk with God Your example? Quality of Spiritual life that you will transfer? Would you be happy for another believer to become just like you? b. Commitment: i. The strength of your commitment will be based upon the belief and obedience to Jesus departing command, the Great Commission go and make disciples. ii. Then, in obedience, I will find my life through the cross, for the purpose of making disciples. c. Relationship: i. Part of discipling is sharing life showing interest in their life [visit them in their home, inviting them to a meal, spending informal time with them. 14

15 ii. Being open and honest with them about your life and encouraging them to be open and honest with their life. d. Spiritual Formation: i. This is at the heart of discipleship. ii. Establishing a close relationship is for the primary purpose of helping to influence and encourage a person to grow deeper in Christ. iii. To Help them to grow in their commitment to Christ as Lord, to the Body of Christ, to the Word of God and to Christ s mission in the world. e. Concentrate on a few: i. Perhaps in eagerness you want to make as many disciples as possible the opposite is true! ii. It is better to work with a few at a time to produce quality disciples NOTE: Jesus poured three years of His life into 12 men, 3 of which [Peter, James and John] formed an inner circle where He shared even more closely (Mk 9:2; 14:32-34). iii. If Jesus concentrated on 12 at one time, you will probably need to disciple a lot less! iv. Every new believer needs to be disciple, every new Christian needs someone to establish this kind of discipling relationship with them. Are you willing to be that kind of person for others? EXPLORE FURTHER STUDY Think about the illustration at the start of the study. What was Harry able to achieve in our lives as a result of this close discipling relationship, that he would not have achieved if he just remained our youth leader? What principles of discipling can you see in this story? 2. Now think back over your own development as a Christian. Did you have any form of follow-up or nurture to help you get established in your Christian life? Did anyone disciple you? Write down your own experience. From your own experience what do you think God might be saying to you about how you can help influence other younger Christians to develop in their Christian lives? Can you think of any newer Christians that you could take through My First Steps and enter into a discipling relationship with? Write their names down. 15

16 3. As well as teaching his converts, what else did the apostle Paul do? (See I Thessalonians 2:17-13). What important parts of discipling can you see illustrated in this passage? Why do you think it is important to take the time to share informally in the lives of those you are discipling as well as teaching them? (I Thessalonians 2:8). What will this help achieve? Suggest some ways you could use to develop a close relationship with those you are discipling? 4. Why do you think a measure of spiritual maturity is an important requirement for discipling? Does this mean that before you can disciple another you have to be a perfect model of the Christian life first? What does it mean? (See Phillippians 3:12-16) 5. If you are a parent with young children, where should your discipling begin? (See Deut 6:5-9) How can you do this? Suggest ways. 6. Why do you think Jesus concentrated His life on a few [his disciples] rather than spreading His energy over many [the crowds]? What did this achieve? 7. Now evaluate your own life. Are you so busy with many things [even church-related activities] that you cannot concentrate your energies on discipling a few [or just one] at a time? What do you think Jesus model of ministry might be saying to you about how to be more effective in your ministry? [ ] Don t forget to learn this week s memory verse (I Thessalonians 2:8). Discipling is the transfer of life, not just the passing on of information. 16

17 MAKING DISCIPLES SECTION 8 WHAT IS MENTORING STUDY 22 READ: Acts 9:26-27, 11:19-26 [ ] MEMORIZE: I Corinthians 11:1 John had been a Christian for eight years. He was married with a young family and had a good job. He had never been discipled as a new Christian but had still grown spiritually by bits and pieces he had picked up as a result of church attendance, joining a home group, and his own reading of the Scriptures. But nothing much seemed to be happening in his Christian life now, and John was beginning to wonder if he had missed something that might have helped him develop more quickly into a strong and effective Christian. Even after 8 years he felt his foundation understanding and experience of the Christian life was weak and incomplete. He felt a deep longing to be able to do more for God, but where should he begin? What should he do differently to what he was now doing? Was there anyone who could help him in his quest to know and serve God better? John maybe had many needs but most of all, he needed a mentor one to help fillin the gaps and build into his life those essentials that could help him grow to spiritual maturity (See I Thess 3:10) show a deeper prayer life, how to study the Scriptures, how to know God more intimately, living the Spirit-filled life beyond just knowing doctrine applying it and obeying it. I. The influence of others a. God uses significant people who have imput into our lives when we needed it to shape us. b. Christian leader can identify 3-10 people who had an important influence in their Christian development c. Many Christians hunger to grow in Christ and need one to show them the way and help them develop into strong followers of Jesus not just new Christians but also older followers desiring one to be model or mentor to disciple because they missed it in their earlier years. II. So what is mentoring? a. The mentor [the more experienced person] sees the potential in the mentoree [the less experienced person]. b. They have a close relationship in which the more mature person shares specific things needed [wisdom, knowledge, insights, values, experience, skills] to help the less experienced person grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ. c. If the Mentoree is willing to accept and use what is being shared, a transfer of power takes place or empowerment this is the heart of mentoring. III. Barnabas a Biblical example a. After Saul was converted, Barnabas saw his potential and drew him into the Christian fellowship and stood by him (Acts 11:19-26). b. Barnabas taught and encouraged Saul in those early days and helped him become establish in His Christian life. c. Barnabas as the mature disciple was commissioned to go to Antioch to establish new believers in the faith, found Saul and drew him to work alongside him so Paul could develop his gifts of ministry working side by side with Barnabas. 17

18 d. He then grew to be the great apostle Paul thank God for Barnabas. e. How many Sauls are there in the church today just waiting for a Barnabas to come alongside and mentor them. IV. Different kinds of mentoring a. There are eight types of mentoring. b. Picture, on one end is the more intensive mentoring styles. INTENSIVE: i. A discipler mainly works to help establish a person in the basics of following Christ. ii. Spiritual guide provides direction, insights, resources and ideas that help a person develop towards spiritual maturity. iii. Coach provides encouragement, motivation and training needed to meet a particular task or challenge [e.g. ministry leader, music director, team leader, etc. c. Center of Scale less intensive or occasional forms of mentoring. OCCASIONAL: i. Counselor gives guidance, help, and advice when needed. ii. Teacher gives Biblical or practical knowledge. iii. Sponsor gives guidance and support to those with an organization to help find their place and develop their potential. d. PASSIVE: --because they do not make any deliberate attempt to be mentors i. Contemporary Models people we admire and who influence us [perhaps without them even knowing it] youth leader, pastor, musician, speaker or Christian of some kind whose life and ministry skills we admire and desire to copy. ii. Historical models people we may read about in biographies great Christians of the past whose life and faith still influence us. Figure 6. Types of Mentoring / INTENSIVE / OCCASIONAL PASSIVE / ~ ~ ~~~~~~~ / ~~~~~~~~~~~~ / ~~~~~~~~ / Discipler, Spiritual Coach Counselor Teacher Sponsor/ Models: Contemporary/ Guide Historical more deliberate less deliberate -> V. Empowerment: a. Many different kinds of relationships have the potential for empowering a person who desires to learn and grow. b. Perhaps you have experienced the same. c. Now the challenge comes as you have received, so be willing to give! d. As God blesses you, be a blessing to others. e. Are you willing to release God s power to others by being a mentor and make a difference in their lives through that mentoring relationship? EXPLORE FURTHER STUDY 22 18

19 1. Think about the story of John at the start of the study. What did John miss as a new Christian that could have really helped him? How could this have helped him then and how could it still help him now? 2. What are the important parts in a mentoring relationship? [See Point 2 in the study]. Why are each of these parts important? 3. Think about the example of Barnabas and Saul. In this relationship, who was the mentor and who was the mentoree? -Barnabas, the more experienced Christian, was the. -Saul, the younger Christian in training, was the. Acts 9:26-27 Acts 11: What principles of mentoring can you see in Paul s relationship with the new believers in Thessalonica? (See I Thess. 2:10-13 and 3:10) 5. a.) Look at each of the different kinds of mentoring types mentioned in the study [See Figure 6]. Tick those that have influenced your Christian life in important ways, then after each one write in the name of the key person[s] who influenced you in that way. [ ] Discipler: [ ] Spiritual Guide: [ ] Coach: [ ] Counselor: [ ] Teacher: [ ] Sponsor: [ ] Contemporary model: [ ] Historical model: b.) Which of these mentors would have influenced your Christian life the most? Why? c.)what kind of mentoring is discipling? What are the special marks of this kind of mentoring? 6. As a result of all that we have looked at on the subject of discipling [Study 21] and mentoring [this study], what do you think God is saying to you personally? There can be no greater joy than helping another person follow Jesus more closely 19

20 MAKING DISCIPLES SECTION 8 HOW TO BEGIN DISCIPLING STUDY 23 READ: John 3:1-17 [ ] MEMORIZE 2 Timothy 2:2 What is God saying to through these last two studies about the importance of discipling and mentoring. Remember that God s purpose is to bless you so that you might be a blessing to others. Here are some suggestions to help you get started. 1) Pray about it a). Jesus spent all night in prayer before He chose His disciples (Lk 6:12-13) b) So you should likewise pray about what part you are to play in discipling and who you are going to disciple. 2) Select Carefully a) You will find more people who need discipling than you can manage on your own. b) Discipling takes time to build relationships, you should with only one or a few at a time. c) Look for certain qualities: i) Attraction between the person and you. ii) A hunger to know more of Christ. iii) Responsive and eager to learn. iv) A teachable spirit. v) Willing to be committed. vi) Faithful and dependable. vii) Willing to be accountable. d) You could waste your time and be disappointed if you choose people not suitable or ready for the commitment that discipleship requires. e) Important to get support from your pastor and be accountable to a mature Christian, or one who can be your mentor or spiritual guide. f) Spend time before your potential disciples first before inviting them to enter in a discipling relationship with you. Tell them what the relationship will mean and the time involved and wait to see which ones respond positively. 3) Be a servant a) Be careful to avoid feelings of superiority in your discipling role. b) It is Christ s call that this person responds to and they are His disciple, not yours. c) Look ways to show this servant s attitude towards them. 4) Spend time together a) Let your disciples enter into your life to see how your Christian commitment works in practice. b) Effectiveness will increase when you take time to build good relationships of friendship with them. c) Take time to do things together and have a planned study program that you might work through. 5) Keep the focus on spiritual formation a) Work through a planned discipling program together [like My First Steps or Come Follow Me ]. 20

21 b) Try to establish growth habits in your disciples in areas as: prayer, studying God s Word, daily devotional life, commitment to the Body of Christ, Christ s Lordship over personal, family and vocational life, witnessing etc. c) Be an example and don t try to give them the impression you have it all together let them know your own struggles, failures and that you are still a disciple [learner] too. 6) Remember your goal a) Your goal is not for another to follow you, but Jesus and become more like Him. b) John the Baptist said He must become greater; I must become the less. (John 3:30). i) This must be your attitude also. ii) Not to make them dependent on you, but Christ and to know and follow Him more closely. c) This is your true goal. 7) Encourage areas of gifting a) As well as discipling, recognize your disciple is unique and has special areas of gifting different from yours. b) So don t press them into your mold THEY ARE NOT!!! c) Recognize your limitations and don t be afraid to let your disciples know your limitations and weaknesses. d) Unlike Jesus, you are not perfect and complete as a discipler. e) Open them to wider ministries within the Body of Christ and let other people to have imput into their lives. f) Be ready to release them to grow and develop far beyond where you might be able to take them. 8) Know when to release your disciple a) The length of time should be agreed upon at the start of the discipling relationship maybe 6 months, a year, or longer or shorter than that. b) More important question is What are the signs that this new believer is now becoming a disciple? Study 17 i) Commitment to: Christ as Lord, the Body of Christ, the Word of God and to Christ s mission in the world. ii) When you see these 4 commitments know that they are beginning to run the race as a disciple. iii) At this point, you can release them to go on without you. iv) Your relationship is no longer a discipler, but as a prayer-partner, or a mentor of a less deliberate kind. 9) Think of a relay race a) Discipler is like a runner in a relay race. b) Run your lap, have another runner run beside you encouraging him to get up to your speed, then pass the baton securely in his hand and release him from staying with you. c) He must now run his own part of the race until he is ready to pass the baton to someone else. d) Then you can look around and see if you can find someone else who has not yet begun to run the race, but who is eager to try. e) Come alongside this person and begin the process again encouraging him or her to run the race of discipleship also. 21

22 EXPLORE FURTHER STUDY As a result of all that we have looked at over the past few studies on the subject of discipling, what is your feeling? Tick the response that most closely fits you. [ ] I feel that I need someone to mentor me; [ ] I feel the call to be a mentor for others; [ ] I feel an interest in the discipling area; [ ] I feel my gifts are in another area of the disciple-making process; [ ] I feel something else. Now explain why you ticked the above response. 2.From Jesus example, what is the first and most important step before beginning to disciple others? (See Luke 6:12-13) Why is this important? 3a.) Before you begin discipling others, you should choose carefully looking for certain qualities. What qualities did Paul tell Timothy to look for in the ones he discipled? (See 2 Tim. 2:2). Why do you think these qualities are important? b.) Look at the list of these qualities in the study notes [under point 2]. Why do you think each of these qualities are important in the ones you disciple? c.)can you think of any that have these right qualities and would be eager to be discipled? Write their names down Would you be prepared to disciple them? 4a.) What are the four key commitments that you should you encourage your disciples to develop? [See Study 17}. How can you help them to do this? Commitment 1: Commitment 2: Commitment 3: Commitment 4: b.) As well as teaching by instruction, example is also very important. What can you learn from the way Jesus taught His disciples in John 13:1-17? c.)look at the ways of teaching by example below and tick any that you could use with those you are discipling:- 22

23 [ ] Share a Quiet time together once a week. Show your disciples how to do this by doing it together. Then keep checking to see that they are developing this into a daily commitment as a growth habit. [ ] Encourage your disciples to be committed to the Body of Christ by attending services and home groups together and showing how you relate to other Christians, how you minister, and how you serve. Encourage to take part in these events with you. [ ] Invite your disciples into your home to see how you are working out Christ s Lordship in this area of family relationships. Share with them Christian books that have helped you [e.g Christian biographies] and encourage them to read the same. Talk about T.V. and video and how to control what you watch as a Christian, how you can train and disciple your children [if you are a parent]; how you apply the principle of stewardship of your money [tithing, giving to others]. [ ] Share how you go witnessing and where possible, let your disciples go with you when you are relating in friendship evangelism with a non-christian friend. Then encourage your disciples to identify people in your own network of contacts and to become committed to Christ s mission in the world by reaching out to others and witnessing as a way of life. 5.What else do you think God has been saying to you through this study? As a Christian you are like a runner in a relay race. How well you are running your lap? And when are you going to pass on your baton to another. 23

24 TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH SECTION 9 THE TASK REMAINING STUDY 24 READ: Romans 10:5-15 [ ] MEMORIZE: Romans 10:14-15 Commentary: The process of churches simply reaching those around them would account for only one third of the people in the world. Two-thirds are not only unchurched, but living in places around the world where there are no Christians to share Christ with them in their own language or culture thus never hearing about Christ. 1) The Challenge of unreached peoples. a) 38% or 2.4 billion are still unreached with the gospel. b) What will we do to rise to the challenge or are we going to ignore it. 2) Make disciples of all nations. a) Nations are not just countries but ethnic units or people groups Greek word ethnos. b) Within any country can be several people groups with various languages [i.e. Papua New Guinea had over 700 distinct languages and tribal groups. 3) How many unreached people are there? a) How far have we come? There are 24,000 ethnic or people groups in the world, 58% have been reached, 10,000 have not. b) A people group is considered reached if the gospel has been effectively shared with that group so that there are enough converts to form a strong enough body of Christians who can evangelize their own people without help from the outside, cross-cultural missionaries. c) A group can be considered unreached is there is no church, or the church is to weak or small to evangelize its own people and needs other Christians from outside that culture and language to come in to plant churches and to help them grow. 4) From every tribe and language a) Large task and Jesus said that He would not return until the task is done (Matt 24:14). b) Think of it, when we fall down before the throne of god there will an enormous crowd of redeemed representatives from every tribe, language, people and nations (Rev 5:9; 7:9). c) God alone knows the minimum, but Jesus made it clear that He would not return till some from every people group have had a chance to hear and respond to the message of salvation. d) That is why Peter stated living holy and obedient would speed up Jesus return (2 Pet 3:11-12). 5) Can it be done? a) D L. Moody stated, It ought to be done, it can be done; it must be done; it will be done. b) The Joshua Project has been raised up to provide the info on the unfinished task, and to join Christians together to reach these unreached people groups for Christ [ c) God has a goal to reach all, but He won t do it without His church and works in partnership till completed and He is waiting for you! 6) Right on your doorstep? 24

25 a) Not all unreached groups are overseas, some are on your doorstep i.e. ethnic and social groups in cities and in the isolated countryside. b) Some have been hidden because either the church has not known them or not wanted to look for them. c) Don t wait for them to come to you many barriers Go to them! And make disciples of them. d) It was these unreached people groups that Paul was so burdened (Rom 10;14-15) how about you?...you burdened?...you really care? e) If care, are you eager to obey Jesus command by going into your world and make disciples of all nations. f) Are we willing to take this message to the ends of the earth. EXPLORE FURTHER STUDY If every Christian took an active part in the disciple-making process by reaching out to people around them, how much of the world could be reached for Christ this way? [choose] [ ] the whole world; [ ] over two-thirds of the world; [ ] about half the world; [ ] about one-third of the world; [ ] less than one quarter Why do you think only one-third of non-christians can be reached this way? 2. Look at the following diagram which shows the proportions of reached and unreached peoples in the world:- REACHED PEOPLE / UNREACHED PEOPLE INDIVIDUALS 3.9 BILLION 2.4 BILLION 62% 38% WORLD MISSION 76,000 9,000 FORCE WORKERS WORKERS 89% 11% PEOPLE GROUPS 14,000 10,000 GROUPS GROUPS 58% 42% Figure 7. Reached and unreached peoples From this diagram, of the 6.3 billion individuals in the world, how many are still considered unreached? individuals. And of the 24,000 groups in the world, how many are still unreached? groups. What percentage of the World Mission Force is working with these unreached peoples? [or 9,000 workers]. Where are the majority (89%) of missionaries working? 25

26 [In other words, for every one missionary working with unreached peoples there are nine working among peoples who already have an established church]. What do you think about this imbalance? 3. It was the unreached peoples of the world that the apostle Paul was so burdened about. What was his burden? (See Rom. 10:14-15) How do you feel as you read these words of Rom 10:14-15? [tick] [ ] a real burden; [ ] a longing that all people hear; [ ] a desire to be a part of going and telling; [ ] satisfied that others are doing that; [ ] only concerned with my local ministry; [ ] not really concerned; [ ] some other feeling: 4. a.) In Matthew 24:14 Jesus has told us that He will not return until something is done first. What is it? b.) Revelation 7:9 (and also 5:9) says that when we finally get to heaven, in that enormous crowd there will be many people from every,,, and. c.)can the task of reaching every people group on earth be done? What do the above references tell us? d.)what do you think the apostle Peter meant when he said that by living holy and godly lives we can actually speed up the day of God s coming (See 2 Peter 3:11-12). How is that possible? 5. What has God been saying to you through this study? How can you and your church be part of reaching unreached peoples? Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel hell, I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell. C.T. STUDD 26

27 TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH SECTION 9 HOW FAR HAVE WE COME? STUDY 25 READ: Matt. 16:13-19 [ ] MEMORIZE: Matt. 16:18 COMMENT: It is important to see the big picture of the people needed to be evangelized; but also important to see the big picture of the growth of the church throughout history and how far the church has come since the Great Commission was given to the present. 1) The amazing growth of Christianity look at the picture. ( 360 ) ( 220 ) ( 69 ) ( 27 ) ( 21 ) ( 11 ) ( 7 ) / / / / / / / / > AD A.D Figure 8. Non-Christians per Christian At the time of the early church [A.D.100] for everyone Christian there were 360 non-christians. By A.D there was 27:1. But within the space of 100 years it has droped below 7:1 showing the amazing growth of Christianity. Jesus said, I will build my Church. (Matt 16:18) and the historical record is showing just that. 2) The last amazing century a) God is ouring out His Spirit across the nations in increasing meaure! As a result, church growth is faster now than in any time in history three examples. i) In Africa: (1) In 1900 there were 8 million Christians [8% of the population]. (2) million Christians [57% of the population]. (3) million Christians [61% of the population]. (4) In 1992 alone, 6 million became Christian- 17,000 per day! (5) 26 countries in sub-sahara or black Africa the majority are Christians. (6) Africa first continent to become majority Christian within a single century! ii) In South America: (1) Protestant churches have been growing 3x the rate of population growth. (2) million [Protestant Christians] (3) million; (4) million (5) million. (6) More became Christians [25 million] than in the previous 50 years. (7) The church grows by around 10,000 every day or 3.5 million per year. (8) Most spectacular is the Pentecostal churches, making up 75%-largest denomination is AOG and one in Brazil with 6 million members. (9) One church alone [the Brazil for Christ Church] seats 25,000 people! iii) In China: (1) Missionaries forced to leave in with less than 1 million Protestant Christians. 27