Large doesn't work!
Large never works (at least I never saw it work) in the disciple-making process. Furthermore, Jesus never discipled that way. There are events that are intended to peak the curiosity of the not-yet-reached and there are events or programs geared to show Christ followers how to live for Jesus. But discipleship never works (the way Jesus taught) in large settings.
When we meet "one on one" it always resulted in huge kingdom impact. Jesus started with a few and He invested His life in the few and the few invested in the few and all (who will be honest) do see the results of Christ-followers reaching another not-yet-reached for Jesus - and on and on.
So I do think it is silly to only "bring" people to church when we ought to be "more importantly" (I'm not saying either/or) bringing people to Jesus!
Discipleship "one on one" begins before a person comes to Christ. It continues with them finding Christ and throughout their lives in "one on one" settings. Discipleship is not successful until your new Christ-follower also disciples someone to Jesus and with Jesus and then continuing in others as every new Christ follower does the same. It really looks like the movement Jesus started over 2,000 years ago. And, as we disciple we lead them to Jesus -to love Him supremely and to Obey the mission of the Great Commission (which covers all issues of obedience) every moment of our lives and then we enfold into the Christ family "community."
Is it happening in America? Of course it is! Are there many churches thinking they are a disciple-making movement when they are not making disciples -of course there are. We must open our eyes and see that Jesus taught us a better way -one we have predominatly left with the influence of Constantine and many others up to 2006.
I love the Church -but I want to shake her up and wake her up to realize her potential for the harvest and renewed awareness of our need to obey the Great Commission. (And, not just corporately and in the church) through her ministries and programs. Disciple-making is personally everyone's responsibility and doing it the Jesus way always works best.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and even shots with loaded guns! My vest is on and I'm ready to be slapped around.
posted by Bob Carder @ 2:43 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
I couldn't agree with you much more. I say "much more", because I would like for you to further amplify what you meant with the reference to Constantine and his influence.
I'll get to that in a separate blogpost hopefully soon. Thanks Slatts.
I guess Peter broke the " Large doesn't work" rule on the day of pentecost when 3000 were added to the kingdom after he addressed the crowd.
Beau - You are right -with the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the power of Pentecost Peter broke all the rules (or God did). I love your comments -they make me want to go back in time and be present for His most exciting day.
Don't you wish it was happening today in America? True Christ followers making other Christ followers in mass.
Don't you wish we could make disciples this way?
But the point is -while we see large gatherings/harvesting the truth is Jesus shows us that the supreme example of making disciples is the way He did it. Large crowds never came to Jesus in full surrender in His ministry Instead Jesus spent time one on one mostly and in a small group. It was the small group who changed the world with the Holy Spirit with the help of the Holy Spirit and the same is true today.
Smaller is still better when it comes to disciples making disciples! Because this is true anyone can do it! Not everyone can pastor a mega-church but wveryone can do what Jesus did!
Thanks for your comments -you nailed it.
Thanks for sharing -you bless me!
I think you are right on there Bob. One on one is the most effective way to build relationships leading the way to Christ, but with God nothing shall be impossible!
Yeah Beau - All of this is so very true. I'm the last person who wants to put God in a box.
We will never find a box large enough to do so!
Post a Comment
<< Home