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rhizocarp@executivemail.co.za

D I C P A L
DIPLOMA IN CHURCH PLANTING AND LEADERSHIP

Compiled by Pastor TI Phillips

1

CONTENTS
Introduction 1 2 The Church
The Church and Spiritual Gifts

3 4
5

Christian Leadership
Requirements of Christian Leadership The Personality of the Leader

8
9 11

3 4

Administration
Church Administration

14
15

Spiritual Character
Have a Testimony about Jesus The Sinners Place

17
18 20

5 6

Bible Study Tool Inductive Method

Book Studies

22
23

Disciple Making
Introduction to Disciple Making Your Role in Disciple Making

26
27 30

INTRODUCTION
Church Planting Training Institute (CPTI) was established in 2004 to prepare Gods people for the work of the ministry. It has been realized that only pastors and ministers receive formal biblical training though Bible colleges and seminaries, but the rest of the Church remain uninformed on the basic truths written in the Bible. They only receive information through the preacher, and unfortunately it is the kind that does not prepare them for the work God has called them for. It was also realized that there are some ministers of the word of God who do not have formal training. This church planting course was developed to give the saints some form of training that will enable them to understand what God has called them for, and that the Great Commission was not only meant for the great known evangelists, but for all believers who call upon the Name of the Lord. Modules are developed to give trainees useful biblical information on what the Church is, and skills in an effective way of evangelism. Trainees will understand what Matthew 28: 18-20 is all about. They will also learn on how to gather information through a research project that will help them in putting up a strategy for church planting program. Church planting program is very crucial in our country, especially that we have a huge shortage of churches. For as long as we see the majority of people being very far from the truth of the Gospel, it means that we have not done enough to spread the Gospel. Our country needs a program that will penetrate the deepest parts of our communities in spreading the Gospel and making disciples. We believe that a practical church planting program is the answer. May God bless you as you commit yourself in this program, and we pray that God may help you discover through your participation in this to discover your true purpose in life. Pastor TI Phillips Chairman

CHAPTER ONE

1. THE CHURCH AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS

1.1 Introduction

We have learned in Module 3 that the Church is a Spiritual entity. We believe that in the supernatural kingdom, angels and demons exist. The Church needs to use the spiritual divine power. There are two available to us prayer and spiritual gifts. Both prayer and spiritual gifts access Gods power on behalf of His people and His work. Both are necessary to accomplish ministry that is too difficult for human effort. The Lord has provided various kinds of gifts to His body to enable it to function properly. They involve special abilities for service which are given in varying combinations to each believer.

1.2

Facts About Spiritual Gifts

Most of them recorded in 1 Corinthians 12, these gifts have certain facts which stand out about them and their use: Every believer has at least one (1Co 12:7; 1Pe 4:10). They are given at the Spirits desire rather than our own desires (1Co 12:11). They are for the common good rather than individual benefit (1Co 12:7, 12-27; Ro 12:4-5). The gift(s) that we have is the Spirits work (1 Co 12:5). Our responsibility is simply to obey.

1.3 The Gifts of the Spirit (1Co 12)

a) Word of Wisdom Supernatural perspective to ascertain the divine means for accomplishing Gods will in given situations. Sense of divine direction. Being led by the Holy Spirit to act appropriately in a given set of circumstances.

b) Word of Knowledge Supernatural revelation of the divine will and plan. Divine insight or understanding of circumstances or a body of facts by revelation: that is, without assistance of any human resource but solely by divine aid. May also refer to knowledge of God or the things that belong to God, as related in the Word of God.

c) Faith Supernatural ability to believe God without doubt. Supernatural ability to meet adverse circumstances with trust in Gods Word.

Gift of Healing e) f) g) Refers to supernatural healing without human aid. Working of Miracles Supernatural power to intervene and counteract earthly and evil forces. A display of power giving the ability to go beyond the natural. Operates with faith to bring authority over sin, Satan, sickness, and the binding forces of this age. Prophecy It is the calling forth of words from the Spirit of God. Manifestation of the Spirit of God not of intellect. Divinely inspired and anointed proclamation. Discerning of Spirits Supernatural power to detect the realm of the spirits and their activities. Implies the power of spiritual insight supernatural revelation of plans and purposes of the enemy and his forces. h) i) Different Kinds of Tongues Supernatural utterance of language not known to the speaker it is the means of communication inspired by the Holy Spirit. Interpretation of Tongues Supernatural power to reveal the meaning of tongues. It is not an operation of the mind of man but of the Spirit. The interpreter does not understand the tongue he is interpreting.

1.4

Hindrances to Discovering Spiritual Gifts in a Church Today

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Doctrinal imbalance: some exclude certain ones; others over-emphasize some of the gifts. No biblical teaching about the gifts in a Church, nor a freedom to use them. Presenting the gifts as an end in themselves, rather than as a tool of ministry. Over-emphasis on some gifts (especially the gift of tongues) as a mark of spirituality rather than as ministry to others.

1.5

Understanding the Gift of Tongues

The gift of tongues is unique to the Church of Jesus Christ. It is the only gift that was never experienced before Acts 2, when the disciples received the Holy Spirit. The gift of tongues is mainly not really understood in many congregations. Some over-emphasize it as the only sign that shows the spirituality of a person, whilst others do not believe it to be utterance by the Spirit but a demonic sign. There is a lot of debate among theologians about the gift of tongues. For us to understand let us look in the function of this gift which is according to the Bible two-fold. a) Tongues for Personal Edification First, speaking in tongues is a private affair for self edification (1Co 14:2-4). Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift for communication with God in private worship (1Co 14:15). No need for interpretation if tongues are for personal edification.

b) Tongues for Public Exhortation Turning to the second function of tongues public exhortation 1 Corinthians 14 bases the gifts of the Spirit on the one sure foundation of love (verse 1). We must recognize that tongues can be a vital and valuable part of worship when placed in its proper setting for the edification of the body (1Co 14:12, 13). Even though there are those who are abusing this gift as an occasion for fleshly pride. Speaking in tongues only edifies public worship when it is interpreted (1 C0 14:5, 28). When there is no one to interpret then one must not speak in tongues. The spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet (1 Co 14:32). The basis of all gifts is love. All gifts must benefit the whole body of Christ, including the gift of tongues (1 Co 12:7). The overarching guideline is, Let all thing be done decently and in order (1 Co 14:40).

CHAPTER TWO

1. REQUIREMENTS OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

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1.1

Introduction

Church history reveals that at certain points in time the Holy Spirit spoke directly to people in crisis moments. In the hour of full surrender He released gifts and qualities that remain latent for a time. This raises some legitimate questions: If God provides the gifts, are there some people then who are born leaders? What about natural abilities? If a person has the gift of leadership, does this preclude special training? It appears that in the secular world, in both the political arena and the complex business world, people get to the top because they manifest a strong ego and forceful personality. This drive may cause us to believe that they are natural leaders.

1.2

Spiritual Leadership Requires More

Leadership is often mistakenly considered a product of ones natural abilities and personal traits, including his mental capacity, enthusiasm, and power to persuade. These forces at work can go a long way in leading people, but they have limitations. These are not the only, or even the main, ingredients for spiritual leadership. The main quality is that possessed by Jesus, which we discussed in the previous module: the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the determined objectives. It is best expressed in a person who is willing to serve others. Election, appointment, or simply holding a person important does not make him a leader. He can possess many fine qualities but still fail as a spiritual leader. Spiritual leadership serves others, God is constantly searching for men with this characteristic (cf. 2Chron 16:9). An urgent need today is for more Christians to become public servants who will be more concerned about the interests of others than their own.

1.3

The Ideal Blend

A leader who is a Christian blends both natural and spiritual qualities. His natural gifts are not self-induced, but granted by God. Therefore the Christian leader influences others not only by the power of own personality, but by a personality empowered by the Holy Spirit. Actually, there is no such thing as a self-made spiritual leader. Because spiritual leadership is a matter of superior qualities, it can never be self-generated. J. Oswald Sanders, in his classic book Spiritual Leadership respects the view that natural and spiritual leadership may have many points of similarity, but there are dissimilarities (as discussed in module 2):

Natural leadership

Spiritual Leadership

Self- confident Understand man Makes his own decisions Ambitious Develops his own methods Enjoy commanding others Motivated by personal considerations Independent

Confident in God Understands both God and man Seeks to find Gods will Servant Find and follows Gods methods Delight in obeying God Motivated by love for God and man God-dependent

Spiritual ends can be achieved only by spiritual men who use Spirit-directed means. That is why unspiritual people, no matter how marvelously gifted they may be with natural talents, cannot function effectively in leadership in Christian enterprises.

2. THE PERSONALITY OF THE LEADER

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A. Introduction
To perform many tasks adequately and to lead properly, the leader must be able to inspire the led. It is the leader who determines to a large measure the success or failure of any group or organization. How he views himself goes a long way in leading a group.

B. Do You Have It In You?

People in a group are quick to detect any lack of assurance, enthusiasm, or conviction in any communication by their leader. If the leader is deficient in these qualities, he will be unable to help his constituency to emerge out of doubt, confusion, or lack of confidence. The leader must have faith in himself and the goals which have been defined. Faith is a vital concept, not only in the realm of personal salvation, but for the good of any operating organization. The bible defines it in Hebrews 11:1 as a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is not just a hope that takes refuge in a person, but a conviction that such a thing will actually take place. The word substance conveys the idea of a title deed in the possession of a person. He is not awaiting ownership of property in heaven, but already has possessed it. This is the biblical emphasis. In the same way, a leader must have faith and believe that he will move the organization from point A to point B. He must be able to trust people and believe that they desire to be led. The greatest leaders have always had strong faith in themselves to lead. When failures occur and obstacles appear, refusing to admit defeat will often win the day. It takes a person with a strong and sanctified ego to overcome limitations. The fruit of strong faith is a serenity that rises above turmoil and provides balance when a leader must stand against many odds. These are essential for a successful leader. Without them, discouragement and despair can easily set in.

C.

Know Who You Are

Uniqueness and individuality are important qualities for a leader. They contribute toward knowing oneself. A leader can only know himself as he is seen and experienced by others. He cannot be autonomous, but is an inseparable part of the group to which he belongs. Because God has made us social creatures, we are incomplete individuals without group interaction (fellowship). But every person is an individual in a group, he is who he is, that is what made him a leader to others. 11

The leader must feel his uniqueness and be able to proceed from it. Under stress, the leader may temporarily confuse his identity. But this does not change his uniqueness and individuality. The leader must know himself and be a mature human being.

D. A Mark of Maturity
To be the most effective kind of a leader, one must possess emotional stability. Such stability can be measured only in a way a person copes with anxiety or conflict and the way he relates to or deals with others. Every human being experiences tension, frustration, and conflicts with other people. If he does not, he is either psychotic or withdrawing from the mainstream of life. A mark of maturity is the ability to handle conflict. This includes the ability to deal with realities as to what can and cannot be changed. Anxiety is the key to personality development because it provides a test for the ego. As they say: The stronger the wind, the mightier the oak becomes. The way an individual thinks of himself and others greatly determines how he will face tension. Immaturity also may be characterized in a number of ways. Leaders who evidence immaturity usually fail: - They have little tact in getting along with people. - They interfere with others affairs. - They constantly resist change because of underlying insecurities. - They blame others when things go wrong. - They struggle to be part of the team. - They take every criticism personally. - They criticize every idea that is not theirs. - They cannot go through personal vendetta to help the group achieve its goals and objectives.

E. Knowing Your Traits

Leaders need to be creative thinkers and innovators. To do this they must develop strong personality traits. A trait may be defined as a persons characteristic act, thought, or feeling that is inherited or acquired. It is a quality or ability that a person possesses. A good leader not only will become aware of his self-image, but will know his peculiar strengths and attempt to increase his effective use of them for the good of the group. Among the most important traits needed by a leader are intelligence, dependability, sociableness, loyalty, friendliness, and faithfulness. A good leader must have the added ability to look beyond himself and perceive the traits in others that are most essential for the good of the organization. Some traits which are common to all who are effective spiritual leaders are enthusiasm, trustworthiness, discipline, confidence, decisiveness, courage, humor, loyalty, and unselfishness.

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CHAPTER THREE

1.

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
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1.1

Introduction

We have learned in the previous module that administration is a spiritual gift that needs to be cherished by the given and the Church. Like other gifts, the gift of administration is for the benefit of the body of Christ and need to be exercised in order to bring order and provide discipline in the Church. People with this gift need to be recognized and given opportunity to administer the activities of the body of Christ.

1.2

The Need for Administrators

The problem of todays Church is that ministers do not want to appoint administrators as they think that this is not a spiritual gift. They say administration kills the spirituality of the Church. Some ministers resort to trying and do administration themselves, by so doing, they do not realize that their ministry work suffers. We must say, there are ministers who are very good administrators, but also acknowledge that most of them are really worse administrators. The early Church in the book of Acts kept records of new converts, membership numbers, healing records, records of activities, etc. If the Church today needs to know how God is working through them, they need to keep such records. Then we must conclude that a Secretary (or secretaries) is needed for this task in any ministry. Paul was able to keep record of activities throughout his ministry whilst ministering, we may wonder how (Acts 13 and on), but we find that he had a secretary called Luke, who was with Paul always and recorded these things. When there was a problem in the Jerusalem Church about the distribution of offering, the apostles realized that they cannot minister and at the same time collect and distribute offering. They instructed the Church to appoint people with wisdom and full of the Holy Spirit for the task of collecting and distribute offering to widows, and they committed themselves only to the work of the ministry. Pastors and evangelists today are involving themselves in financial administration of the Church, not to ensure proper administration, but mostly to see that their share is safe. A Church needs such people today, who are trustworthy, wise, and full of the Holy Spirit; who will collect and distribute the offering, and give report to the ministers. We may call them treasurers if we want. There are other administrators needed by the Church depending on the actual need of the particular church and the gifts available. Like coordinators, youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, etc. In conclusion, every growing Church, either in numbers or spiritually, does so because its minister is able to recognize the gifts available and utilize them accordingly, including the gift of administration. A Church of Jesus Christ needs men and women who are gifted in administration, to ensure that there is a much needed order in the Church.

1.3

Qualifications of Administrators
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Because it is a gift of the Spirit, it is clear that the administrator must be a person full of the Holy Spirit. Acts 6:1-4 adds that an administrator must have divine wisdom and be a trustworthy person. In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, there is a list of qualification for deacons who were actually responsible for the administration in the Church. They must be able to communicate matters, not necessarily have educational background, because we believe that God can use any person, educated or not.

1.4

Conclusion

Administration is not less spiritual, it is not something less important in a Church, it is a gift of the Holy Spirit needed by any Church that needs to grow in all aspects. Pastors and ministers need to recognize this gift and utilize it whether in themselves or in others. Ministry is never a one man show. A minister like all the others is one part of the body of Christ; he has just been entrusted with a bigger responsibility to lead the ministry for which he is called. To do this he must use the gifts in other members, and concentrate in ministering the word.

1.5

Assignment

Draw the organogram of the leadership structure for your newly planted Church, including the fivefold ministry, and the administration; and specify the reasons why it should be as such, and how it will benefit the spiritual and physical growth of the Church.

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CHAPTER FOUR

1.

HAVE A TESTIMONY ABOUT JESUS

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1.1

A Testimony What Is It?

To have something to talk about from Jesus. To have witnessed something about Him. To have evidence about your experience with Jesus. To have conviction in your heart about what Jesus did for you, and be ready to testify to others about it.

1.2

Who Has a Testimony?

The Bible says in 1 John 5:10 He who believes in the Son of God has testimony in himself, Everyone who believes in Jesus has a testimony in himself about Jesus. It is impossible to have Jesus in you and not have something to say about Him. You cant walk with Him and not experience His power in your life. Everyone who knows Him has a testimony.

1.3

Why Is the Testimony Important?

A personal testimony about Jesus, will overcome resistance to the gospel. Not everyone is a preacher on teacher, but everyone who has had a personal experience about Jesus can testify about Him to those close to him. Your experience with the Lord gives you the courage to remain faithful and enough confidence to testify about Him to the world.

1.4

The Benefits of Having Testimony About the Lord

a) Your testimony about Jesus brings conviction about the power of the resurrected Jesus and His gospel. People will see Jesus in you, instead of them hearing about Him from you. People always believe what they see, more than what they hear. Your testimony will convince the world that the gospel of Jesus is so powerful that it changes lives. If He did it to you, He can do it to them. b) Your testimony about Jesus will overcome all fear of rejection because of the gospel. Irrespective what people say about you and your life, you know one thing, that you were a down casted sinner yesterday, but by the grace of God revealed through Jesus, you were saved and your life changed (John 9:25). You know in your heart that you did not have the capability of drawing through that challenge you faced, but He held you by His hand and pulled you through. It was not by your own strength and wisdom, and you know it. If it was not for Him, you would not be where you are. So why fear?

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c) Your testimony makes you grow in the Lord. Those who remain stagnant, not moving forward with the Lord, is for the fact that they do not know Him, they have no personal experience with Jesus, they do not know what He did for them. But if you know what He did for you, convinced that it is by His power, and you are ready and prepared to share it, you will grow in your understanding about Him, in your love for Him, and in His grace. This is because you know Him, He is with you always, and you have seen the beauty of His glory in your life. You always want to experience more. d) Finally your testimony about Jesus overcomes the enemy (devil). If you are ready to testify about what the Lord has done for you, you will overcome Satan (Rev 12:11). Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego knew their God, and they were not going to bow down to king Nebuchadnezzars statue. They had a testimony about their God (Dan 3:16-18). When you face difficulties, just remember what God did for you in the past, it will give you strength to face the future. Tell the enemy: I know that my redeemer lives, if He made me pull through last year, even this is not too hard for Him. Always hit the devil, about the testimony of your mouth about Jesus.

1.5

Have A Testimony

If you want to convince the world about how powerful your Jesus is, if you want them to know that He lives, let them see Him in your life. If you say Jesus saves and changes lives, let others see the change in your own life. Paul says in Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. He knows this by his personal experience with Jesus. If you want to face the devil and win, recall all the past battles, and remind the enemy how powerful your Jesus is. Through tough times, through steep stretches, through bitterness, through hell on earth, through rejection, through pain and sorrow, just look back on what He has done for you to now, remember how He pulled you through it all, gather all the evidence of your experience with Him. Have a testimony. No matter what may come your way, your testimony about your Lord will pull you through.

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2.
2.1 Introduction

THE SINNERS PLACE

The hardest thing for anyone is to take the sinners place. So hard in fact that many never take it at all, while others, having once been brought there, do not care to come there again. None are by nature fond of the sinners place. Yet if we do not come there, we cannot really know Christ or taste the sweetness of Gods forgiving grace. If we avoid it, we might as well say we have no sin and so deceive ourselves.

2.2

Taking the Sinners Pace

The sinners pace is where we accept without excuse that we are sinners. We may admit only one sin such as jealousy or pride; we may be convicted of something that seems small, but in so doing we have come again to the sinners place though we may have been Christians for many years. When we take the sinners place, we admit the truth about ourselves the whole truth. The sinners place is where we take the blame. We stop excusing ourselves and we admit to being responsible of our wrong doing, instead of blaming others. Indeed things would be different in a church if members met regularly there at the sinners place. This is the place David took as, when Nathan challenged him, he bowed his head saying, I have sinned. Here the publican prayed, God be merciful to me a sinner. Here Peter fell at the feet of Jesus saying, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man. In this place a prodigal son confessed Father, I have sinned and am no more worthy Paul often knelt in the sinners place (Romans 7). If we have not come here, we have not yet begun with God (2Sa 12:13; Ps 51:4; Job 40:4; Isa 6:5; Lk 18:13; Lk 5:8; Lk 15:18).

2.3

Avoiding the Sinners Place

Often we avoid this place because we will not call sin, sin. We talk of shortcomings, failures, weaknesses, frailties, faults, disabilities, properties; anything but sin. A rose by any other name is just as sweet, and sin by any other name is just as evil to God. Sin in another name is still sin, and calling it something else needing neither repentance nor forgiveness is to avoid the sinners place. We refuse to see sin as sin. We have our positions and programs to maintain. Ike Naaman, we are busy winning our laurels, while we cover our leprosy. We address meetings, chair committees, take on jobs, give money to this and that in fact do anything except confess ourselves spiritual lepers who need to wash and be clean.

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With our doctrines neatly tied up, we are evangelical experts with a keen sense of theological smell. We love to correct but not to be corrected. Like Pharisees, we keep ourselves out of the sinners place by putting others in. We are like a small boy who, when sent from the table to wash his hands, returned with a big smile and the astonishing remark, Well, Theyve had such a wash this time theyll never need to be washed again. We are by faith sons of God and the citizens of heaven. But we are still sinners as well. Grace will never lead us to sin, but it will ever convict us of it, and sin thus revealed will always lead us back to grace. Beneath our spiritual phraseology and church reputation we are but poor sinners, who need to be cleansed every day in the blood of Jesus.

2.4

Finding Grace in the Sinners Pace

Is it not strange that the place we sinners avoid is the very one the sinless Savior took? There on the same level a sinner met Him that day. Peace and paradise came to him as he took the sinners place and found Jesus there. He who insists he is right will be pronounced wrong, while he who admits he is wrong will be declared right. Here and here alone is the pace of true peace. Here we cast away our pretense, and admit what we really are. This is where the church needs to come again and again. It is the place of truth and grace and freedom the sinners place. When were you last there? In fact, are you there now?

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CHAPTER FIVE

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1.

BOOK STUDIES
Introduction

1.1

Most Bible scholars agree that the Bible has one common theme although they debate hoe exactly to state it. Each book of the Bible develops that common theme by contributing something unique. A good example of this is seen in the Gospels. Four Gospel writers each wrote about the life of Jesus Christ. There are many similarities in the Gospels, and also many differences. Each is written from a unique perspective. Matthew presents Christ as the Jewish Messiah (royal). Mark presents Christ as the Servant (humble). Luke presents Christ as the Son of Man (human). John presents Christ as the Son of God (divine). Each of these portraits of Christ is true, and yet, each is different. Each Gospel describes an important aspect of His person or character better than the others. The four gospels work together to fully describe the Lord. In the same way, all 66 books of the Bible work together to present the full message that God has for us. One book describes His love, another His patience, another His wrath. One book emphasizes the lost condition of fallen man, while another describes our glorious salvation through Christs atonement.

1.2

Why Do a Book Study

Since all 66 books work together to present Gods message to us, we need to carefully examine each book if we want to accurately understand its contribution to that message. When we understand the theme of each book, we know where to turn to quickly find answers to a particular problem. Does someone struggle with legalism? Turn to Galatians. Do we doubt our salvation? Read Romans. Each book has a special emphasis and message.

1.3

How to Do a Book Study

A book study uses the same steps of the inductive method that we have been learning. Normally, a book study will require a bit of time to do it right. A book study consist of five stages: i) Read the Book Several Times Many of the books of the Bible are simply short letters or messages. They were intended to be read from beginning to end without interruption. The best way to study them is to read them several times until you begin to notice the theme and repeated or stressed ideas. ii) Study the Setting of the Book

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There are a number of important factors that we will call the setting of the book. You may find some of this information in the book itself or in notes in your Bible. As you start your study, look for the following setting facts: - Author - Recipients - Date - Literary Style iii) Study the Content of the Book There are two main considerations in a book study. The first is the theme and the second is how that theme is developed. In other words, the author wanted to communicate a specific idea to us, and he did so in a particular way. Both are important. - The theme of the book Now that you know many facts about the book, study the content of the book. The book will have one major theme. - The development of the theme The content of the book will work together to communicate the theme of the book to the recipients (and to us). As you study, note how the writer accomplishes the task. What kind of attitude does he express (authority, gentleness, love, anger, etc.)? What kind of language does he use clear, sarcastic, eloquent, persuasive, etc.? Does he focus on the mind or emotions? How? Why do you think he uses those approaches? iv) Chart the Development of the Theme of the Book One helpful technique in a book study is to make a chart of the major themes, characters, places, etc. that are discussed in the book. Often a study Bible will include such charts. However, you can also make your own. In fact, your study will be much profitable if you make your own chart before you consult other sources. These charts need not be elaborate they are meant to help you see the overall nature of the book.

The Book of Acts

You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) Chapters: 1-7 8-12 13-28 Paces: Jerusalem Judea & The Ends of the Earth Samaria Ministry Jews Jew & Gentiles to: Gentile Key Peter Peter Paul People: John Phillip Barnabas Stephen Saul/Paul Silas Barnabas Key Ascension Eunuch (13-14) 1st (15-18) 2nd (19-20) 3rd (21-28) Events: Pentecost Cornelius Missionary Missionary Missionary Paul Goes Journey Journey Journey to Rome Principles: Growth Persecution Missions v) Apply the Theme of the Book to Your Situation Theme:

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At this point, you should have a good understanding of what the book says from your observation. You should also have determined the theme and its development that is what the book means (interpretation). The final step is to think about what you should do (application). As in the previous lessons, this involves examining your own life and situation to see what similarities exist between it and the original context of the book. Questions you might want to ask yourself to help this process include: - What in my life resembles the situation in the book? - What in my life resembles the author of the book? - How would I have addressed the situation? - What particularly spoke to my heart as I read the book?

1.4

Assignment

Follow the above five stages in studying any two of the four Gospels in the Bible. Write a summary of your study for each including the following: 1) The setting of the book (author, recipient and date) 2) The theme of the book and the verses that support it 3) The theme development chart as per example (please develop your own)

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CHAPTER SIX

1.

INTRODUCTION TO DISCIPLE MAKING

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1.1

Introduction

Disciple making is essential to church planting and is the responsibility of the local church. Churches reproduce because disciples reproduce themselves in the lives of others through disciple making. In the process of raising children, it is not our desire to raise children who will be perpetually dependent and immature. In the process of disciple making we assist our brothers and sisters in Christ to grow to full spiritual maturity, partnering with God in the process of mutual edification and sanctification. Though disciple making is the task of the local church, it may be accomplished in a variety of ways.

1.2

The Biblical Foundation

Disciple making was at the heart of Jesus ministry while He was on earth. The Gospels give a clear description of how Jesus chose certain people to follow Him, trained them, and released them to carry on His mission. The Bible calls these people disciples, which means learners, followers, or apprentices. In the Great Commission Jesus reveals that disciple making is at the center of His purpose for His Church until His return (Mat 28:18-20).

1.3

The Definition of Disciple and Disciple Making

A. A Disciple - A disciple can be defined as one who has placed his faith in Christ and, through baptism, has identified himself as a follower of Christ and as a member of Christs church. - As a member of Christs covenant community, he has pledged submission to Christ and is striving to live a life of obedience to the whole will of Christ. - The disciples growth in obedience is a lifetime process. The disciple serves others (Mt 20:2528). - He has a supreme love for Christ (Lk 14:25-27). - People will know that he is a disciple of Christ by his love for others (Jn 13:34-35). - His life will bear the fruit of the spirit (Jn 15:8). B. Disciple Making - Disciple making can be defined as the process by which the church, depending on the authority and presence of Christ, takes the initiative To lead people to faith in and submission to Christ. To incorporate them into Christ and His covenant community, the Church, through baptism. To lead them into a life of obedience to the whole will of Christ. - Leading people to faith in and submission to Christ we often refer to as evangelism, which you have studied earlier.

1.4

Gods Call to Make Disciples

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A. To Prepare the Bride of Christ - Gods great goal in history is to glorify Christ by making Him head over everything. - We also see that Christ will be presented with a bride, made holy and blameless, who will be his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way (Eph 1:23). - Thus, the Church is an essential part of gods eternal plan. - All that god is doing now is designed to create this holy community, a people for this special purposeto be truly one with Him and each other, to be participants in the very life that characterizes the trinity. The unveiling of the church, and her presentation to her husband, Christ, is the final, climactic event recorded in Revelation. - Throughout eternity the perfected Bride and the Godhead will delight in and rejoice in one another. - The church will finally bring to God the glory He deserves, reflecting His holy character and worshipping Him in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:23). - In summary, Christs command to make disciples is His call to take part in the creation of Gods holy community, a perfect and holy bride set apart for Christ. B. To Make The Bride Worthy Of the Bridegroom - All that we are and all that we do must be evaluated in light of Gods calling to take part in the creation of Gods holy community, the church. - Our success in disciple making is measured by how well we are preparing a bride worthy of Christ. - Are the things we are doing now preparing a bride who is worthy of Christ? - Consider these questions: Are we equipping people to grow in union with God? Are we equipping people to grow deeper in their faith and hope in Christ? Are we equipping people to minister effectively to others? Are we equipping people to be Christs ambassadors?

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How Disciple Making Contributes to Church Planting

Disciple making lies at very heart of church planting. Your success in establishing new churches will depend not just on winning new converts to Christ, but in making true disciples who obey Him more and more faithfully. The planting of churches is in reality the establishing of communities of disciples where none had existed before. The initial phase of church planting involves leading people to faith in and submission to Christ. It must always be remembered that conversion for conversions sake is never the goal. Conversion must be understood as simply the first step in a lifelong process. Disciple making leads these new converts to an ever deepening understanding of Christs will for them and builds them up in such a way that they obey more and more fully. Another vital aspect of enabling your new converts to obey Christ is equipping them for ministry. Disciple making includes enabling your converts to fruitfully serve others, employing the spiritual gifts God has given them.

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Thus, disciple making leads to the rapid multiplication of co-workers in the ministry.

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Beginning With the End in Mind

As you put together a comprehensive disciple making plan for your church planting efforts, you need to work through three critical steps: Understand your disciple making goal. Understand the present spiritual condition of your people. Develop a plan how to help your people grow from where they are now toward your disciple making goal. Your concern here is to identify what your disciple making goal is and to allow that goal to shape what you are doing now. God is the one who determines the goal. Our responsibility is to clearly understand what God is calling us to be and do and then to respond in faith and obedience. With regard to disciple making, your goal is lives of obedience to the whole will of Christ. Your beginning point is the present spiritual condition of the people you are discipling. Finally, you must develop a strategy how you are going to help your people grow from where they are now towards the goal of obedience to the whole will of Christ.

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YOUR ROLE IN DISCIPLE MAKING

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Keys to Successful Disciple Making 2.1 Grow Spiritually

Develop spiritual discernment. Learn what produces spiritual maturity. Develop spiritual influence.

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Develop Christ-like Love for Your Disciples

a) What Does It Mean to Love your Disciples? To love one another means to desire one another. You long for true fellowship with one another (Heb 10:24-25). You want to spend time with one another (Php 4:1; 1Th 2:17-18) To love one another means to rejoice in one another (1Th 2:19-20; 3:9; 2Co 7:14-16). b) How This Love Manifests Itself in Your Life The Bible is filled with descriptions of how this love should manifest itself in your life. When this kind of love is present, it will profoundly affect what you do, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. You are commanded to love all men. You are to express this kind of love to everyone with whom God brings you in contact to the degree you can. c) Some Practical Suggestions for Demonstrating Love for Your Disciples Spend time with them, to rejoice in them and show that you are of one heart and mind with them. Pray together. Study together. Be creative. Be available. Seek suggestions and support from other Christians.

2.3

Focus on the Spiritual Needs of People, Not on Programs

Keep things simple. Enable them to keep their proper priorities. Be patient with them. Teach and show the truth as is.

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