Disciple Maker s Leatherman - PDF Free Download

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Basic Story Set Basic Illustration Set Basic Audio Set

Introduction When Paul described his work of spreading the Good News, he spoke of himself as a skilled master builder (1 Corinthians 3.10). He was a craftsman, and the trade he specialized in was making disciples of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1.27-29). How do you become a craftsman? It takes time and learning in a real-world environment. You need to love and believe in your work. A craftsman does not have a job; he has a passion and a calling. It is helpful if you can apprentice yourself to someone who is already a skilled craftsman in your chosen trade. And it helps to stock your toolbox with tools that will help you get the job done. That s where this booklet comes in. It has some basic tools to get you started. If you take the time to learn these tools they will greatly help you in communicating the good news about Jesus and in making disciples for him. Think of these as a Disciple Maker s Leatherman a basic set of tools that you will find yourself using again and again. The following pages give you seven basic story guides and seven basic illustrations that you can use as you disciple others. Make sure you follow the as you pass these on to those you are discipling. A person is not a craftsman just because they have a lot of information about something. Nor do you become a craftsman merely by collecting tools. A craftsman is someone who is expertly skilled at doing something. The goal is not just to learn these tools but to learn how to use the tools effectively in your own personal ministry. Practice makes perfect. The more you use these tools the more you will become a skilled master builder. There are no shortcuts to becoming a craftsman! May the Lord Jesus encourage you and give you a passion for his work of making disciples. May he give you the endurance it takes to become a kingdom craftsman! Andrew Stroud New Creation Communities

[Story #1] The Four Soils Mark 4.1-20 Jesus tells this parable to explain the nature of the Kingdom of God (vs. 11). This parable is essential to understanding the rest of Jesus parables (vs. 13). The Four Soils parable shows us how Jesus saw himself (he was a sower) and what he understood his work to be (spreading the message of God s coming kingdom). This parable reveals Jesus identity and purpose and ours too! Read through the passage twice out loud together using a modern English Bible like the New Living Translation Retell the story in your own words (or have someone retell it) Create dialogue by asking the following questions: 1. What is the setting? Who is Jesus speaking to? Describe how it would look if you were shooting this as a scene for a movie. 2. Who does Jesus explain the parable to? (vs. 10-11) 3. Who is the sower? What does the seed represent? What do the different types of soil represent? 4. What do the soils have in common? What makes them different? 5. Why was the sower sowing seeds? What did he want to happen? 6. What do you like about this story? What questions do you have about it? 7. Why did Jesus tell this parable? What lessons did he expect his disciples to learn from it? Guide application by sharing the following: What do you learn about Jesus from this story? Do you know who you are and what your work is? Do you have the seed? (the message of Jesus and his kingdom) Who will you share the message with? (Remember, the soil was not revealed until seed had fallen on it!)

[Story #2] The Barren Fig Tree Luke 12.54 13.9 Jesus tells this parable to explain the need for repentance. Read through the passage twice out loud together using a modern English Bible like the New Living Translation Retell the story in your own words (or have someone retell it) Create dialogue by asking the following questions: 1. What is the setting? Who is Jesus speaking to? Describe how it would look if you were shooting this as a scene for a movie. 2. Jesus starts by talking about the weather and people on their way to court. What is he getting at? Hint: a) we re smart enough to see what s coming and take action, and b) there is a window of opportunity to make peace with our adversary 3. What warning does Jesus give his listeners? (vs. 3, 5) 4. Jesus tells the parable of a barren fig tree. Why did the owner plant the fig tree in his garden? 5. Who is represented in the man who owned the garden? Who is the gardener? Who is represented by the tree? What is the expected fruit that will prevent the tree from being destroyed? 6. What do you like about this story? What questions do you have about it? 7. Why did Jesus tell this parable? What did he expect his listeners to learn from it? Guide application by sharing the following: What do you learn about Jesus from this story? What does Jesus do for us? (give us opportunity to repent and plead for patience with the Father, vs. 13.8) What must we do for ourselves? See the coming danger (vs. 12.56), make peace with our adversary (vs. 12.58), and live the kind of life that God planted us on this earth to live (vs. 13.3, 5, 7). Who will you share this story with?

[Story #3] Zacchaeus Luke 19.1-10 This is a story about repentance, salvation, and a changed life. Read through the passage twice out loud together using a modern English Bible like the New Living Translation Retell the story in your own words (or have someone retell it) Create dialogue by asking the following questions: 1. What is the setting? Who are the characters? Describe how it would look if you were shooting this as a scene for a movie. 2. What surprises you about this story? 3. Describe the crowd s attitude. How did it change? What was Jesus attitude? Zacchaeus attitude? 4. This is a story about one man s repentance and salvation. How did meeting Jesus change Zacchaeus? What does this teach you about the meaning of repentance? 5. If you had known Zacchaeus before and after his meeting with Jesus, what changes would you notice in him? 6. What was most important to Zacchaeus before he met Jesus? What was most important after? 7. When did Jesus say that salvation had come to Zacchaeus home? What precedes salvation? Guide application by sharing the following: What do you learn about Jesus from this story? Have you ever repented of your old way of life? Have you experienced a radical change by meeting Jesus? What are the old ways you need to repent of? How will you make it right and live differently in the future? Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost. How are you joining him in that mission? (Luke 11.23) Who will you share this story with?

[Story #4] Visible Faith Mark 2.1-12 This is a story about what true faith looks like and how it is rewarded by Jesus. Read through the passage twice out loud together using a modern English Bible like the New Living Translation Retell the story in your own words (or have someone retell it) Create dialogue by asking the following questions: 1. What is the setting of this story? Who are the characters? Describe the scene and what s going on. 2. What do you like about this story? What surprises you? 3. What is Jesus doing as the four men try to get the paralyzed man to him? (vs. 3) 4. How did Jesus react to his teaching being interrupted? 5. Whose faith did Jesus see? (vs. 5) 6. What does this teach you about faith? 7. Put yourself in the paralyzed man s place. What was he hoping for? When Jesus told him his sins were forgiven, how do you think he felt? 8. Why was Jesus accused of blaspheming? 9. What does Jesus have authority to do on earth? (vs. 10) Guide application by sharing the following: What do you learn about Jesus from this story? Based on this story, what does it mean to have faith? Believe that Jesus has the power to help you and do whatever it takes to get to him and receive his blessing. (Hebrews 11.6) Realize that God s greatest blessing is bringing us to himself, not meeting our earthly needs. Who do you know that needs to be brought to Jesus? Who will you share this story with?

[Story #5] The Call to Follow Luke 5.1-11 This is a story about how Jesus calls people to follow him. Read through the passage twice out loud together using a modern English Bible like the New Living Translation Retell the story in your own words (or have someone retell it) Create dialogue by asking the following questions: 1. Describe the scene. What would it look like if you were shooting this for a movie? What is the setting? Who are the characters? 2. What do you like about this story? What surprises you? 3. What had Simon and his partners been before Jesus asked to use his boat? What do you think he thought about Jesus request? 4. After he finished teaching the crowd, what did Jesus tell Simon to do? How did Simon respond? What do you think of his response to Jesus? 5. What does Simon call Jesus in vs. 5? What does he call him in vs. 8? Do you see any significance in this change? 6. When Simon saw the results of obeying Jesus, how did he respond? Does this surprise you? (vs. 8-11) 7. What do you learn from this story about how Jesus calls people to become his followers? What were some of Simon s qualities? What were some of his shortcomings? Guide application by sharing the following: What do you learn about Jesus from this story? Simon made his boat available to Jesus. How does Jesus want you to be available to him this week? What will you do to obey? Who will you share this story with?

[Story #6] The Lesson of the Loaves Mark 6.30-44 This is a story about how Jesus wants us to use what we have right now to help others. When we do this, we can trust him to bless and multiply our service so that it is enough to meet people s need. Read through the passage twice out loud together using a modern English Bible like the New Living Translation Retell the story in your own words (or have someone retell it) Create dialogue by asking the following questions: 1. What had been going on just before this story unfolds (vs. 30-32)? What is the setting for this story? Describe the scene. What would it look like if you were shooting this for a movie? Who are the characters? 2. Put yourself in the shoes of one of the disciples. You have been super busy and are now sailing away for some much needed rest. But as your boat nears the shore, you see a huge crowd waiting for you. What are you thinking? What are you feeling? 3. How does Jesus respond when he sees the crowd? (vs. 34) 4. Late in the afternoon, the disciples tell Jesus to send the crowds away so they can find food. Jesus says No, you feed them. How do the disciples answer this? 5. What does Jesus answer them? (vs. 38) 6. What happens next? How do Jesus and his disciples partner together to feed the people? Guide application by sharing the following: What do you learn about Jesus from this story? We tend to focus on what we don t have (vs. 37). Jesus wants us to use what we do have to help people. What do you have that Jesus wants you to use to help someone else? Don t worry about whether it is enough! Who will you share this story with?

[Story #7] The Ten Servants Luke 19.11-27 Jesus tells this story to explain that he has entrusted his servants with his business and that he expects us to work diligently to increase his holdings until he returns. It also shows us how he viewed himself: as a coming king who would be rejected by all but his servants. Read through the passage twice out loud together using a modern English Bible like the New Living Translation Retell the story in your own words (or have someone retell it) Create dialogue by asking the following questions: 1. What had been going on just before Jesus told this story? Why did Jesus tell this story? (vs. 11) 2. Why did the nobleman leave his homeland? What was the last thing he did before leaving? (vs. 12-13) 3. What did his people think of the idea of him being their king? 4. What is the first thing the king did upon his return? Does this surprise you? 5. What did the king expect of his servants? 6. How did he deal with those who rejected his rule? 7. Who is the nobleman/king? Who are the servants? Who are the people? What is the treasure that the king entrusted to his servants that he expects them to increase? Guide application by sharing the following: What do you learn about Jesus from this story? Are you one of the servants or one of the people who has rejected the coming king s rule? What has Jesus entrusted to you? What are you doing to increase what belongs to him? Who will you share this story with?

[Illustration #1] Personal Testimony One of the most effective tools you have to share Jesus with others is your own story of how you became one of his followers. This is your personal testimony. It is a testimony because you are pointing others towards Jesus. It is personal because it is the story of how the good news about Jesus changed you as a person! Read Acts 26.1-29. What can you learn from the way Paul shared his story that will help you share yours? Write out your story on a half sheet of paper no more. This will force you to keep it simple and to the point. Divide your story into 3 parts: 1. Your life before you belonged to Christ 2. How you became one of Jesus people 3. How Jesus has changed you as a person since you surrendered your life to him Practice sharing your story with a fellow disciple. Your goal is to share in 90 seconds or less. Use three chairs as you share. Sit in the first chair to share your life before Christ. Move to the second chair and share how you became one of Jesus people. Finally, move to the third chair and share how Jesus has changed you since you surrendered your life to him. List three people who need to hear your story. Pray every day for these people: 1. That the Lord will open their heart and mind to him 2. That he will give you the opportunity to share your story with them 3. That he will give you boldness to open your mouth and speak (Psalm 138.3, Ephesians 6.19) Commit to being accountable to a fellow disciple who will encourage and challenge you to share your story with the people on your list. Be ready to share it with those not on your list too! The Lord gives opportunities to those who have taken the time to prepare themselves. (2 Timothy 2.21)

[Illustration #2] Lord Jesus Christ Your testimony is important, but you also need to have a way of presenting the good news from Scripture. This is often called a gospel presentation. Review the illustration on the following page. Memorize and reflect on the main passages: 1 John 5.11-12 John 1.12-13 Acts 2.36-38 Listen to the audio lesson for this illustration and the audio lesson on baptism. Practice sharing the illustration with a fellow disciple. List three people who need to hear this illustration. Pray every day for these people: 1. That the Lord will open their heart and mind to the gospel 2. That he will give you the opportunity to share the illustration with them 3. That he will give you boldness to open your mouth and speak (Psalm 138.3, Ephesians 6.19) Commit to being accountable to a fellow disciple who will encourage and challenge you to share with those on your list. Remember! The Lord gives opportunities to those who have taken the time to prepare themselves. (2 Timothy 2.21)

Recognize and Respond The gospel includes the promise and plan of God for salvation, but ultimately it is about the person of Jesus. Read 1 John 5.11-12: God has taken the witness stand and given testimony. What did he say? 1. What: He has given us eternal life 2. Where: This life is in his Son 3. Who: Whoever has the Son has life. No Son, no life. Questions: Do you have the Son? How do you get the Son? It s important that we recognize and respond to who Jesus is so that we can be in a right relationship with him. Know for certain that God has made him both and this J whom you crucified. Acts 2.36 Title Luke 6.46 Recognize the Problem: Independence Proper Response: Submission Philippians 2.9-12 Name Matthew 1.21 John 1.12-13 Receive Believe = Sons of God! Title Mark 2.17 Recognize the Problem: Sin Proper Response: Surrender Luke 18.9-14 Know for certain that God has made him both and this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when [the people] heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, [Brothers], what shall we do? Peter said to them,, and each of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2.36-38 What 2 things need to be recognized? (Jesus is Lord and Christ) What 2 things represent the proper response? (repent, be baptized) What 2 things are the promised result? (forgiveness, Holy Spirit)

[Illustration #3] The Call to Follow We are not only called to become Christ s people by believing the good news and responding in repentance and baptism, we are called to live as his people. We are called to follow him! Review the illustration on the following page. Memorize and reflect on the main passages: Luke 4.5-7 Luke 11.21-23 Matthew 4.18-20 Listen to the audio lesson for this illustration. Practice sharing the illustration with a fellow disciple. List three people who need to hear this illustration. Pray every day for these people: 1. That the Lord will open their heart and mind to his purposes 2. That he will give you the opportunity to share illustration with them 3. That he will give you boldness to open your mouth and speak (Psalm 138.3, Ephesians 6.19) Commit to being accountable to a fellow disciple who will encourage and challenge you to share with those on your list. Remember! The Lord gives opportunities to those who have taken the time to prepare themselves. (2 Timothy 2.21)

A person s is the framework of their ideas and beliefs, the lens through which they perceive reality and the world around them. Everyone has a worldview including God! As followers of Christ, we want our worldview to change so that we begin to see the world as God does and begin to value the things he values. As this happens we will begin to live the kind of life he wants us to live! (Luke 4.5-7) The first thing we need to understand is that this world is divided into two realms: the Kingdoms of the World and the Kingdom of God. Each realm has a ruler, and everyone on earth belongs to one or the other of these realms. (Luke 11.21-23) Not only is the world divided, the two kingdoms and their rulers are at war. And we re all in the middle of it, whether we realize it or not. Strong Man = Satan Stronger Man = Jesus Spoils = Souls of men Who is on the offensive? What is the stronger man doing? (Matthew 4.18-20) Describe the scene. Where was Jesus and what was he doing? Where were Peter and Andrew and what were they doing? Just like in the picture at right, Jesus is a man in motion. This means we have a window of opportunity. What did Jesus mean when he called to them, Follow me! 1. Spend time with Jesus 2. Learn from Jesus 3. Become like Jesus Jesus has called us to a life of action, not just a head nod. He wants us to begin spending time with him, so that we can learn from him, so that we can become like him.

[Illustration #4] The Wheel Disciples of Jesus are called to an active faith that grows and matures. The Wheel Illustration gives us a clear picture of how we can grow strong through practicing a few basic spiritual disciplines. Review the illustration on the following page. Practice sharing the illustration with a fellow disciple. List three people who need to hear this illustration. Pray every day for these people: 1. That the Lord will open their heart and mind to their need to mature in the faith 2. That he will give you the opportunity to share illustration with them 3. That he will give you boldness to open your mouth and speak (Psalm 138.3, Ephesians 6.19) Commit to being accountable to a fellow disciple who will encourage and challenge you to share with those on your list. Remember! The Lord gives opportunities to those who have taken the time to prepare themselves. (2 Timothy 2.21)

illustration highlights basic principles that help us move forward in our lives as disciples while staying centered on the Lord Jesus himself. This is what really matters! The Navigators 1. Christ is at the center of our identity. We are who we are because of who he is (Matthew 10.24-25a)! Christ is also the center of our focus. We aim to please him by becoming like him. (2 Corinthians 5.17 and Galatians 2.20) 2. We are called to demonstrate our love and devotion to Christ by obeying him first and always. (John 14.21 and Romans 12.1) 3. This first spoke is foundational because it is through the Word of God that we come to understand who he is and who he calls us to be. (2 Timothy 3.16 and Joshua 1.8) 4. This second spoke reminds us that we are called to talk to God and trust him to work in our lives and the world around us. The vertical spokes help us develop a Christcentered relationship with God. (John 15.8 and Philippians 4.6-7) 5. This spoke highlights how we are to be committed to our fellow believers. (1 Thessalonian 5.10-11 and Hebrews 10.24-25) 6. This spoke reminds us that we are ambassadors for Christ. We are to point people to him by our words and actions. The horizontal spokes help us develop a Christcentered relationship with other people. (Matthew 4.19 and Romans 1.16)

[Illustration #5] 3 Measures of Devotion This illustration shows us how to pursue greatness in God s sight. In just 3 verses we help people begin to understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus (the ), what it means to love God (the great with your life ( ). ), and what it means to do something Review the illustration on the following page. Memorize and reflect on the main passages: John 13.13 John 14.21 Matthew 5.19 Practice sharing the illustration with a fellow disciple. List three people who need to hear this illustration. Pray every day for these people: 1. That the Lord will open their heart and mind to their need to mature in the faith 2. That he will give you the opportunity to share the illustration with them 3. That he will give you boldness to open your mouth and speak (Psalm 138.3, Ephesians 6.19) Commit to being accountable to a fellow disciple who will encourage and challenge you to share with those on your list. Remember! The Lord gives opportunities to those who have taken the time to prepare themselves. (2 Timothy 2.21)

Many people claim to be loyal, but how can you find a trustworthy man? You can t even trust your own heart to accurately assess your devotion! There are 31,173 verses in the Bible tells us that: All of them come from God All of them are useful for man You have the rest of your life to master those +30k verses! But what if I told you that in just three verses I could show you 1) what it means to be a disciple, 2) how to truly love God, and 3) how to do something great with your life would you want to know what those three verses were? John 13.13 Teacher Lord = disciple John 14.21 1 Word Obey = love God Matthew 5.19 2 Obey Teach 3 = great In the verses above, not only do we learn about being a disciple, loving God, and doing something great with our lives, we also find. They are: 3 Measures of Devotion 3 Roles of a Disciple 1. Get the Word ---------------- Learner 2. Obey the Word ---------------- Follower 3. Teach the Word ---------------- Teacher How much time and energy are you investing in these three areas of the Word, and the Word? the Word, Share this illustration early in your time with a prospective disciple and then follow it up by talking with him/her about starting a daily Quiet Time (use illustration below), which will help them start focusing on step one above, getting the word.

[Illustration #6] The Hand The Hand illustration helps new disciples learn how to get a strong grip on the Bible and explains why it s so important to learn how to accurately handle the Word of God (2 Timothy 2.15). Review the illustration on the following page. Listen to the audio lesson for this illustration. Practice sharing the illustration with a fellow disciple. List three people who need to hear this illustration. Pray every day for these people: 1. That the Lord will open their heart and mind to their need to mature in the faith 2. That he will give you the opportunity to share illustration with them 3. That he will give you boldness to open your mouth and speak (Psalm 138.3, Ephesians 6.19) Commit to being accountable to a fellow disciple who will encourage and challenge you to share with those on your list. Remember! The Lord gives opportunities to those who have taken the time to prepare themselves. (2 Timothy 2.21)

illustration shows new disciples how to get a strong grip on the Bible and motivates them to learn how to accurately handle the Word of God (2 Timothy 2.15). Read Deuteronomy 17.19 Hear Hebrews 13.7 Study Acts 17.11 Memorize Psalm 119.9-11 Meditate Joshua 1.8 Obey James 1.21-22 The Navigators Ephesians 6.17 God s Word is our weapon for offense and defense Song of Solomon 3.8 Those who will stand closest to the King are swordsmen who are: Trained (wielders of the sword) Experienced (expert in war) Armed (each man has his sword at his side) Alert (guarding against the terrors of the night) 1. The four fingers are ways we can God s Word 2. The thumb shows how we to God s Word. Meditation is reflecting on God s Word so that we gain understanding of God s Word so that we can obey God s Word and share it with others. 3. The palm is where everything leads and what connects it all together. to his Word is what God wants from his people.

[Illustration #7] The Cornerstone The Cornerstone illustration helps someone get started in having a Quiet Time a daily time of listening to God and talking with him. Review the illustration on the following page. Memorize and reflect on the main passages: Exodus 34.2 Ephesians 2.19-20 Practice sharing the illustration with a fellow disciple. List three people who need to hear this illustration. Pray every day for these people: 1. That the Lord will open their heart and mind to their need to mature in the faith 2. That he will give you the opportunity to share illustration with them 3. That he will give you boldness to open your mouth and speak (Psalm 138.3, Ephesians 6.19) Commit to being accountable to a fellow disciple who will encourage and challenge you to share with those on your list. Remember! The Lord gives opportunities to those who have taken the time to prepare themselves. (2 Timothy 2.21)

Quiet Time = Meeting with God (Exodus 34.1-2) What three things was Moses told to do in order to meet with God? 1. Be ready ------------------------ (commitment and plan) 2. Come up ----------------------- (effort and solitude) 3. Present himself --------------- (listen and learn) Importance of 1st person contact with God: Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses servant. Joshua 1.1 Joshua <-----> Moses <-----> Lord Joshua <-----> Lord Ephesians 2.19-20 Daily Reading Plan Jesus Gospels OT 2 chapters NT 1 chapter Gospel 1 story Prophets OT Apostles NT It is important to read through all 66 books of the Bible in a balanced way. Each book gives us a unique perspective on who Jesus is and what God s plan is. We want a 360 perspective! We do not want to become biased because we have an over-emphasis on a particular book or section. (Psalm 119.160)

Basic Audio Set Below are foundational audio messages* on discipleship and disciple making that you should become familiar with and use as you disciple others: 1. Dawson Trotman Testimony 2. Born to Reproduce 3. Many Aspire Few Attain 4. How to have an Impact on an Area 5. Follow the Rabbi 6. Five Laws of Disciplemaking 7. Advancing the Gospel * These audio files can be found at www.newcreationcommunities.org

Disciple Maker s Leatherman 2014 Andrew Stroud www.newcreationcommunities.org