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1 Everyday Disciplemaking Following Jesus as His Disciple… …Helping Others Follow Him, too! Dr. Tim Roehl Fit and Flourish [email protected] Based on Resources from Fit & Flourish, OnMission and Ignitediscipleship.org,

Everyday Disciplemaking · Labels don’t mean much to me, I’m looking for people who live like they really love God. 4. Don’t just tell me about your faith, show me your faith

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Page 1: Everyday Disciplemaking · Labels don’t mean much to me, I’m looking for people who live like they really love God. 4. Don’t just tell me about your faith, show me your faith

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Everyday Disciplemaking

Following Jesus as His Disciple…

…Helping Others Follow Him, too!

Dr. Tim Roehl Fit and Flourish

[email protected] Based on Resources from Fit & Flourish, OnMission and Ignitediscipleship.org,

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Table of Contents

Game Plan: Insights and Action Steps All on One Page…………………………….….…….2

I. Start with Your Heart a. Who Influenced Your Heart?........................................................................................4 b. Share God’s Heart…………………………………………………………………………………………………….5 c. Shift to Follow Jesus as His Missionary……………………………………………………………………..6 d. Like Paul, Span Generations (II Timothy 2:2)…………………………………………………………….8

II. Strategically Pray with Power a. The Holy Spirit and Spiritual authority ……………………………………………………………………..9 b. Surround Yourself in Prayer……………………………………………………………………………………..9 c. Prayer Strategies……………………………………………………………………………………………………..10

III. See with God’s Eyes a. Leverage Your Life……………………………………………………………………………………………………12 b. Study Your Mission Field………………………………………………………………………………………….14 c. Start with Those Around You……………………………………………………………………………………18 d. Four Soils………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...20

IV. Spiritual Discovery a. Stages of a Spiritual Journey……………………………………………………………………………………..21 b. Spiritual Conversations……………………………………………………………………………………………..22 c. Their Story, Your Story, God’s Story…………………………………………………………………………..26

V. Strengthening Disciples, Sharing Life a. Stronger with the Word……………………………………………………………………………………….……30 b. Stronger through Accountability………………………………………………………………………….…..35 c. Sharing Life in Groups……………………………………………………………………………………….…….…36

VI. Spread Good News! Multiply! a. Jesus’ Method…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..38 b. Simple J*I*T Coaching…………………………………………………………………………..……………….…38 c. Four Soils Discipling…to the 4th Generation!.................................................................39

VII. Starting Now…Coach Yourself to Action Steps………………………………………………...2

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Our Game Plan Action Steps, Insights and Prayer Priorities

The One Thing we will do first is…

Action Step When We’ll Begin Who Will Work On It When We’ll Complete It

Other Action Steps…

Action Step When We’ll Begin Who Will Work On It When We’ll Complete It

Key Insights God’s Giving Us Prayer Priorities

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Start with Your Heart

“Who Influenced Your Heart? Think about the person or persons who had the greatest influence in your life spiritually, especially in helping you choose to become a follower of Jesus. What were the qualities of their lives and their behaviors that made such a difference for you? What about those who hindered you? Those Who Helped Me Those Who Hindered Me

“We live in an 80/80/80/80/2/1 Reality” 80% of people have no faith home… 80% of churches are plateaued or in decline… 80% of unchurched people are at least somewhat interested in spiritual conversations and invitations with people they know and trust… 80% of Christians never invite anyone to attend church with them… 2% of Christians invite unchurched friends to church with them… 1% of all the financial giving in US churches goes to reach lost people around the world. What can we do about that? The key: “Numbers must become names” Who are the names of the people you pray and yearn to come to know Christ?

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Share God’s Heart for People Evangelism is “Good Newsing”!

The Passion of God—Redeem the lost! * Jeremiah 31:3 * Luke 4:43 * Luke 19:10 * John 3:16,17 * John 10:10 * I Tim. 1:15

God’s Purpose for His Church—Extend the Kingdom! Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Acts 20:24; Mark 1:37

How do you keep your heart filled with God’s love for lost people?

Sensitively Listen to the Hearts of People All Around You

“A Lost Person’s Top Ten List for Christians” In the church, we have been adept at answering questions few people are asking and covering up the Greatest News by using terms few can understand. What are the lost looking for from us as Christians? As I have attempted to listen to people who have not found Christ as Savior yet, their values come through loud and clear time and time again. Here are their “Top Ten”: 10. I don’t care how much you know until I know how much you care. 9. Have compassion on me, don’t just condemn me because my life’s a mess. 8. Ask “permission” to tell me about God, don’t just push Him on me. 7. Use words I can understand. 6. Have a sense of humor! I want Christianity that can be enjoyed, not endured. 5. Don’t tell me about your church. Labels don’t mean much to me, I’m looking for people who live like they really love God. 4. Don’t just tell me about your faith, show me your faith by serving others in love. 3. Find out about my world before you expect me to be interested in yours. 2. Tell me how God can make a difference in my daily life, not just in church on Sunday. If I’m going to be a Christian, I want it to work in real life. 1. Make Jesus real to me. Show me simply how to know Him from His Word, and chances are I’ll want to know Him, too. After all, I really do want to go to Heaven.

When we pay attention to what matters most in people’s lives, we find the key to their hearts. When we do, know how to best serve and share others with the Good News of Jesus. What have you heard from others? What might you add to this list?

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Shift Your Heart to Follow Jesus as His Missionary

Jesus has sent every believer as a missionary with the gospel together in community with other Christians to visibly and incarnationally display and proclaim who Jesus is to those in the culture around them. Every Christian is a missionary. Every neighborhood and workplace is a mission field.

Sent by JESUS (John 17:18; 20:21, Luke 9:2; Matt 28:19–20; Acts 1:8)

Jesus sent His disciples on a mission! The Church does not exist to bring other Christians in; the Church is sent out into the culture with the gospel! The missional Church defines itself in terms of its mission—being sent ones who take the gospel to and incarnate the within a specific cultural context. The essence of mission begins by looking outward.

Sent with the CROSS in Resurrection Power (1 Cor 1:18, Eph 2:16, Col 2:14, 1 Pet2:24, 2 Cor 5:17–24) Jesus came to earth to seek and to save that which was lost. He accomplished salvation through the cross and His resurrection. Without the cross and an empty grave, there is no salvation, no forgiveness and no hope. Because of His Cross and Resurrection , there is eternal, abundant life! The mission and message of Jesus flows from what He did for us on the cross and defeating death, hell and Satan forever.

Sent in COMMUNITY (Acts 2:42–47; 5:42; John 13:34–35; 1 John 3:16–17) Jesus loves the Church! He gave His life to redeem the Church! Fellowship and community together in Christ is important. Life is better in community. Yet the Church is not here on earth just to enjoy nurturing relationships with other Christians. Community exists for mission! Christians are to bring the gospel together to the culture. The Church exists for the sake of the world.

UP

Connecting with God

John 15:4-5

IN

Connecting with each other

John 13:34-35

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

OUT

Connecting with the Community

John 17:18

John 20:21

Embracing the Cross

Engaging the Culture

Experiencing Community

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Sent to every CULTURE John 1:14; Matt 20:28; Acts 17:22–34; Luke 5:29) George Peters notes, “If a man is to be reached, he must be reached within his own culture.” This principle is certainly applied when God became a man in the form of Jesus to come to earth and incarnate the gospel. As missionaries sent by Jesus, every Christian must learn to exegete their surrounding culture, uncovering the language, values, and ideas of the culture. Using this information, they take steps to reach people with the gospel message in the context of the surrounding culture.

Sent for the KING AND HIS KINGDOM (Matt 10:7; 25:34; Luke 4:43; Rev 11:15–17; Jer 10:7; John 18:36) The kingdom was central to Jesus’ message and mission. The Book of Acts end with Paul, under house arrest in Rome, “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Acts 28:31. Christians are sent to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom so that others may enter the kingdom.

Definition of a Disciple (Imitator) (Matthew 4:19)

“Come, follow me”: a disciple knows and follows Christ (head). “And I will make you”: a disciple is being changed by Christ (heart). “Fishers of men”: a disciple is committed to the mission of Christ (hands).

How Jesus Made Disciples

Jesus is intentional, relationall what He does…and has given us a

reproducible pattern we can do with His power and presence!

.

(Bob Logan)

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1. What are your insights and reflections? 2. Where is your church strong? 3. Where does your church need to focus?

Like Paul, Make Disciples that Span Generations! Jesus discipled Paul “…I received from the Lord …” (I Corinthians 11:23) Paul discipled Timothy “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses….” Timothy discipled others “Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people…” They discipled more! “…who will be able to pass them on to others.” (II Timothy 2:2) …and the cycle continues today through you and me!

How Jesus Made Disciples

Met Needs

Preached to the Crowds

Taught His Disciples

Trained His Disciples

Sent His Disciples

Crowds Gathered

Some Believed

Some Committed

Most were Faithful

Nu

mb

er o

f Dis

cip

les

Number of Disciples Steve Jones

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Strategically Pray with Power

Activate Spiritual Authority and Strategic Intercession Authority: Look at the “activating bookends of the Great Commission”: “All authority is given unto Me… I am with you always…” We must understand and activate the power of spiritual authority we have in Jesus! How will you do that in your ministry? What other examples of spiritual authority and strategic intercession come to mind? (Ephesians 6, Isaiah 54:17, I John 4:8; Matthew 16: 18,19; Jericho 6, Acts…)

Surround Yourself with Spheres of Intercessors Developing a prayer team that protects spiritual leaders is often dramatically undervalued. A good model to follow is Jesus’ 3-12-70-120 expanding spheres of people. What could your teams of intercessors look like?

Your “Inner Circle”—those who know you best, have the gift of intercession and are called to pray for you. You can tell them everything...your deepest needs and issues. The Inner Circle is typically three to five people. Communicate with them often...and consider them always “on call” for prayer no matter what time of day or night. Who are those in your “Inner Circle”?

Your “Twelve”—people who know you well and you trust to pray often for you. You can share with them almost everything...they will pray for you more than the project. These people need to be informed regularly. Who are your “Twelve”?

Your “Extended Community”—these are people who know you and will occasionally pray for you. They will be interested in general information and requests about your ministry. You will probably communicate with them every one to three months. Who should be on this list?

One of the essential priorities for leaders is to keep their intercessors informed, active and involved. What do you share with your prayer warriors? Here are three areas that inform intercessors: 1. “Numbers”—share specifics about your results.

2. “News”—what’s happening in your family and ministry? Tell stories of the people you are reaching.

3. “Needs”—share your personal and ministry needs. If they don’t know what you need, they can’t

pray for specific answers!

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What are “Lighthouses of Prayer?” A “Lighthouse of Prayer” is one or more believers praying consistently and specifically for the people in their circle of influence. Lighthouses can be:

One or more people praying for families in their neighborhood, apartment building, or dorm.

Teachers or students praying for their classroom or school

A worker or employer praying for the people of their company

“Lighthouses” are not a Bible study, a one-time event, or a program….it is a lifestyle of prayer evangelism!

Why are “Lighthouses” Important? The Holy Spirit increases our burden for lost people we know.

The Holy Spirit changes the “spiritual climate” in an area, leading people to be more sensitive to God.

The Lord helps your neighbors become more aware of His love.

The Lord opens doors to serve your neighbors and share the Good News of His salvation.

How Can We Become a Lighthouse of Prayer? Make a covenant with God to be a person of prayer!

Ask God to cleanse your life and home for His use.

Commit to “B*L*E*S*S” others in prayer. (see other side)

Demonstrate God’s love in practical ways as you can.

Share Jesus with others, invite them to know His love!

How To “B*L*E*S*S” Others in Prayer

Pray specifically and consistently for these key needs in people’s lives:

Body—their physical needs (health issues, addictions, etc.)

Labors—their work (workplace relationships, job needs)

Emotions—their “felt” needs for love, peace, faith, hope

Social—their relationships with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers.

Spiritual—God’s best for their lives—His forgiveness, peace, power and a home in Heaven.

You can “prayer walk (or drive)” your neighborhood, school, place of work… ask the Lord of the Harvest for the number of people He wants you to influence for His Kingdom…and ask Him for the faith to do it!

Make Your Home a Lighthouse Of Prayer!

Praying the love of Jesus into our neighborhoods, workplaces schools and beyond…

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How Often Should I Be Praying? This is not a program…let God lead you as you pray. Most people seek to prayer walk their neighborhood

weekly and pray for their circle of influence daily. If you don’t…don’t be discouraged…and don’t give up…God is with you as you pray!

Seek to develop a lifestyle of prayer…you will be amazed at God’s answers to prayer…miracles are waiting!

How Will This Help Me Help Others Follow Jesus? Prayer—before we talk to people about God, we talk to God about people. Care—we demonstrate God’s love in practical ways to meet people’s needs Share—as we hear people’s stories, we share our own story…and the Story of Jesus so we can invite others to know Him!

Pray the Scriptures for Others! Identify two or three people whose salvation you feel led to pray for. Weekly pray for these people using these sample prayers.

Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. Romans 10:1

1. I pray, Lord, that you draw _____________________ to yourself. (John 6:44) 2. I pray that _____________________ will seek to know you. (Acts 17:27) 3. I pray that _____________________ will hear and believe the Word of God.

(1 Thessalonians 2:13) 4. I ask you to prevent Satan from blinding _____________________ to the truth.

(2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Timothy 2:25-26) 5. Holy Spirit, I ask you to convict _____________________ of his/her sin and his/her need for Christ’s

redemption. (John 16:7-11) 6. I ask you to send someone who will share the gospel with _____________________. (Matthew 9:37-38). 7. I also ask that you give me the opportunity, the courage, and the right words to share with

_____________________. (Ephesians 6:19-20; Colossians 4:3-6) 8. Lord, I pray that _____________________ will turn from his/her sin. (Acts 17:30-31;

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10) 9. Lord, I pray that _____________________ would put all his/her trust in Christ. (John 1:12; 5:24) 10. Lord, I pray that _____________________ will confess Christ as Lord of his/her life, that his/her faith would

take root and grow, and he/she would bear much fruit for your glory (Luke 8:15; Romans 10:9-10; Colossians 2:6-7).

Adapted from Search & Rescue. Neil Cole.

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See with God’s Eyes “Leverage Your Life”

Discovering Ways to Make a Difference for God in Your Daily Life II Corinthians 5:14-21

Pay Attention…Discern Where God’s at Work 1. How has God designed and equipped me already? My personality…spiritual gifts, talents, background…

2. What do you enjoy that could be leveraged redemptively? What energizes you? Interests, hobbies, skills… 3. What experiences have you had that the Lord could leverage redemptively? 4. What existing environments could you leverage more intentionally for redemptive relationships?

Work * Neighbors

Friendships/relationships * Other activities

Kids’ activities (if it applies) 5. What “divine encouragements” do you sense from the Lord to be used by Him…both inside and outside the

church?

What burdens you?

What are you passionate about?

What desires do you have to be used by the Lord?

What sense of calling do you have?

What doors of opportunity do you see?

Practical Application…Deploy Daily as God’s Missionary! 1. As you prayed through how you can leverage your life— through what you enjoy, experiences you’ve had,

environments you live in and divine encouragements from the Lord, what has the Lord called to your attention?

2. How can you be more specific and intentional where the Lord is leading you? Who…where…when…how?

Develop at least two specific and doable action steps you can implement in the next two weeks.

3. Who can you have join you in prayer? Who can check in with you for healthy accountability as you leverage your life as God’s missionary?

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“Living Sent: Developing a Missional Lifestyle” The “B*E*L*LS” Approach

Michael Frost, in his book “Exiles”, shares a simple but very effective approach to living a more intentional lifestyle, or “missional rhythm”, using the acronym “B*E*L*L*S”. Here’s an adaptation: “Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth. As You have sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:17-18, NIV) “I will bless you...and you will be a blessing...and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

(Genesis 12:2,3) “So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. (Romans 12:1-2, The Message)

Bless at least 3 people each week

This can be done many ways, but the key is to be intentional. “Blessing” could be an e-mail of affirmation or encouragement, mowing a neighbor’s lawn or babysitting for a single mom. It could be a small gift, an act of service, or acting as an agent of peace. Bless a person who is a believer. Bless a person who is not a professing Christian. As you’ve already been using the “B*L*E*S*S” strategy as you pray for people (see our section on intercession), you are now demonstrating God’s love in practical ways intentionally.

Eat with at least 3 other people each week

Eat with a person who is a believer. Eat with a person who is not a professing Christian. Leverage your meal times or coffee breaks for relational investment.

Listen to the promptings of God

Commit to specific times of solitude for active listening to God. Find the ways that you best connect to the Lord and hear His voice. Make it a part of your daily rhythm, especially in the “spaces” during your day. Give at least one hour each week for this activity.

Learn from the Gospels each week

Read the whole Bible…learn God’s story! Have regular rhythm of Bible study. However, take time to specifically read the Gospels in order to learn specifically from Jesus’ ways and words.

Share/Story

As we spend time with people, we will learn their stories. In their stories we will learn the keys to their hearts and discern how God is working in their lives. Wisely share your own story in ways that connects to their story. Weave in the Good News of God’s Story as the Spirit leads. Learn a simple, clear way to present the gospel so people can respond to the invitation of Jesus to follow Him. At the end of your day, reflect these two questions…make them a matter of prayer…share them with your accountability partners: In what ways did I cooperate with Jesus today? In what ways did I resist Jesus today?

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Study Your Mission Field

Statistical Insights What do demographic statistics tell you about your mission field in the following areas?

Ethnic diversity—What are the different ethnic groups represented? Who are the majority group or groups? Who are the minority groups? How many languages are spoken? How has the population changed over the past ten years in terms of numbers and ethnicity? What are the projections for the next ten years? Economic issues—What is the median income and income range in your area? How would your area be described in terms of income and lifestyles? Employment—What are the different kinds of employment in the area? Who are the major employers? What is the mixture of “white collar”, “blue collar” and “no collar” (information and technology) jobs in your area? What is the unemployment rate? How far do people drive to go to work? Educational—What are the different schools in the area? What is the average level of education? Entertainment—What kind of entertainment businesses are there? How many of them are harmful to healthy families and communities? Where and how do people spend their money? What kind of recreation facilities are in the area? “Environment”—How will ministry in this area be affected by local geography, politics and social attitudes? Family make up—How many are married? Single? What percentage of people fit into the different ages and stages of life (such as children, teens, young adults, senior citizens, etc)? How many single parent families are there? Churches—What kinds of churches or spiritual centers of other religions are in the area? What does that tell you?

As you further review the demographic information, what are other insights you should note? Ask the Holy Spirit to point out what He wants you to focus on. After you review these initial demographic findings, what are your impressions about the kinds of churches and ministries are needed for people in your area?

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Spiritual Dynamics

As you “map” your mission field, exegete the culture (which some simply define as “the way we do things around here”) from two key perspectives: First, what are the good qualities of this culture that we can use as bridges for the Good News? Second, what are the qualities of this culture corrupted by sin that are barriers we must overcome? Here are some important issues for seeking discernment while doing your spiritual survey work. 1. Pray! Ask God to give you understanding of the strongholds of the enemy, the needs of the people, and the redemptive possibilities He has in mind. 2. Review the past. As you understand the history of your area, you can begin to discern the spiritual influences at work. What important events have taken place? Who were the pioneers of the area? What were their intentions and priorities for this area? What attitudes and behaviors have long been part of the culture? 3. Look at significant places. Pay attention to the houses, yards, decorations, signs, businesses and public spaces.

How well do people take care of things? Look for monuments, the layout of the area, statues, spiritual places…anything that might help you identify spiritual influences and idols.

4. Look for the seats of power. Get to know the government, business, education and religion centers. Who are

the key people in positions of power in the area? What are their attitudes toward the things of God? Some communities are highly resistant to God’s work. Others (sometimes even literally in a different part of a city or across a geographic boundary) are open and receptive to the Lord. Seek to discern the reasons for those attitudes.

5. What are the practices of the community? What are the main festivals or celebrations? What types of

activities do many people participate in? What brings people together? What divides them? Pay attention to sports and recreation leagues, community groups, niche groups, etc. These help us understand the values and priorities of the people in your mission field.

6. Learn about the spiritual problems you need to address. What kinds of influence are there from other

religions, cults or occultic groups? What holds people back from finding God? Find out what people believe in your area. Learn to listen for people’s longings…that’s where we are really hearing them on their heart level.

7. Listen to, link with and pray with your Kingdom partners. What other churches are in the area? What is the spiritual condition of other churches? How is the spiritual unity among pastors? What issues do they feel hinder the work of the Kingdom in their area? Find your team mates, ask for their blessing as you join God’s team in your area and pray with them!

Spiritual strongholds Redemptive gifts

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Check the S*o*I*L (Sphere of Influence Leaders) Key missional questions

What needs does Jesus want us to meet to bring more people to know Him?

What assets and relationships could the Lord use redemptively?

Who knows what we need to know?

What’s not being done in our area that we could do?

Who are the “persons of peace”?

What could be our Kingdom niche and unique contribution to His work in this area?

Spheres of Influence Leaders (S*o*I*L) 1. Education—school leaders. 2. Law Enforcement—police chief, sheriff, etc. 3. Government—mayor, city/county officials, city planners, etc. 4. Spiritual leaders—pastors and parachurch leaders…our Kingdom teammates. 5. Business leaders—Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, etc. 6. Social service agencies. 7. Media—publishers, radio/TV, etc. 8. Subcultures—leaders in niche groups like partiers, bikers, ethnic groups, etc. 9. Realtors and builders. 10. “Community organizations”— groups of people who meet because of a common interest such as Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, support groups, hobbies or other special interests. 11. Sports and recreation organizations.

12. The “Bishop”—the most influential spiritual leader of the area to learn from. 13. “Divine appointments”—watch for the people God sends to you! 14. “Niche” groups who may be unique to your area. Survey

1. How would you describe this area to a new person just moving in? What are our greatest strengths?

2. From your position as a leader of influence in this area, what do you see to be our biggest needs?

3. What are some ways a church that wants to be a servant to our area could partner with agencies like yours to help others?

4. What advice would you give me as a new spiritual leader in our community?

5. Who else would you recommend that I talk to that could help me learn more?

6. How can I pray for you or your family? How can we serve you?

7. Thank you for your time! May we keep you updated on our progress?

After you’ve done your “Check the S*O*I*L” interviews, bring your team together and pray about what you’ve learned. Glean the key issues from those conversations as indicators of how the Lord is leading you to engage your community redemptively.

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Strategy from an Acts 1:8 Perspective Beyond our initial Ministry Focus Group (see “Jerusalem”), the Lord wants us to pay attention to other opportunities He’s preparing. Using Acts 1:8 as a missional grid, prayerfully consider new possibilities to spread grace to new places. Who are the people your local church has the greatest potential to impact for Christ?

Jerusalem—People near us, and like us. They will come to our church as we will find ways to build redemptive bridges to them. Describe them… Judea—People like us, but not near us. They would come to our church, but are too far away. What kinds of ministries or another church could we start to reach them where they live? What possibilities and locations come to mind? Samaria—People near us, but not like us. They may not connect easily to our church, but we could start another ministry, service or church for them even though it’s close to our own church. What people groups or special opportunities might fit “Samaria” ministry? Ends of the earth—People not like us and not near us. Increasingly, ministry is blending local and global to become “glocal”. Consider how you can partner with missionaries in other parts of the world to plant churches and other missional initiatives. Work with your denomination’s global missions team to discover what opportunities might fit your church.

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Start with Those Around You…Your Network (Oikos) Relationships

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Identify your Oikos. List your natural circles of influence in each box below. Note: A natural circle of influence includes people who you are currently connected to relationally in areas of your life. Write the first names of unbelievers in each circle who know you by name. Total up the number of names: ________

Reference: Adapted from Steve Ogne, CRM Ministries.

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Spiritual Discovery An Intentional Leader + A Relational Environment + A Reproducible Process = An Infinite Number of Disciples.

Stages of a Disciple’s Journey Spiritually dead (unbelief)

Spiritually seeking (curious) Spiritually born (alive in Christ!) Spiritual infant (ignorance, dependant, hungry) Spiritual child (growing, but plagued by self-centeredness)

Spiritual young adult (Fully surrendered, serving, God-centeredness, other-centeredness) Spiritual parent (intentionality, reproducibility, strategy)

Spiritual grandparent (discipling disciples who make disciples!)

Moving Disciples Forward

Spiritually Dead: relate, listen for longings, share your story, share the gospel

Spiritually seeking: share life, answer questions, share Jesus Spiritual infant: share your life, share new truth, share new habits

Spiritual child: connect to God, connect to small group, connect to God’s purpose Spiritual young adult: equip for ministry, provide ministry opportunities, release to do ministry Spiritual parent: explain discipleship process, release to disciple another with your help,

release to disciple others! Spiritual grandparents: coach and multiply disciplemakers and church planters

Starting Spiritual Conversations A significant tool in discipling people is spiritual conversations. Jesus engaged in spiritual conversations.

In almost every case, He began with a question related to the interest and issues of the person to whom he was speaking.

Every person has a story – a unique story of their life history, including their spiritual journey. To understand their journey, you need to know where they have been, where they are and where they are going. By understanding their story, you can be prepared to share your story in a way that they can relate to – and ultimately tell God’s story of grace and forgiveness.

Asking good questions – and really listening to their answers can build a bridge to sharing about your faith. You can take almost any element of a conversation and utilize it to turn the conversation toward spiritual matters. (Note: That's what Jesus did with the woman at the well in John 4). There’s almost no limit to the ways this can be done. With a little planning and practice, almost anyone can master this.

Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit and Others… Look for people in a life transition Look for people in pain Look for people who have had spiritual movement in their lives Look for low hanging fruit (AKA) people the Holy Spirit leads you to Don’t use a gimmick Don’t follow a script Don’t try to teach them, or debate them. Don’t do all the talking Remember all conversation can become spiritual conversation

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Start Where They Are: What People Need is…“A Good Listening To”

Seven Benefits of Great Listening (Why Listening is Important) 1. People know they are respected and valued when they are listened to. 2. Great listening treats people like adults…and enhances adult learning. 3. Great listeners “hold up a mirror” so the leader can see themselves in the light of the questions they’re

answering. 4. Great listening helps provide us with accurate information…and helps us move beyond assumptions. 5. Great listening builds credibility by demonstrating empathy. 6. Great listening creates the focus and clarity of self-awareness. 7. Great listening creates ownership and personal responsibility.

Seven Essentials for Excellent Listening (How To Listen More Effectively) 1. “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” (Steven Covey) 2. “He who talks most listens least.” (Steve Ogne) As a coach, seek to listen at least 75% of the time. 3. Start with the other person’s “world”—their context and frame of reference. See through their eyes. Feel

with their hearts. Walk in their shoes. 4. Pay attention to how you listen Communication is 7% words, 35% tone, 58% body language.

Listen beyond words for tone of voice and body language…and be conscious of yours. Use appropriate eye contact, gestures and words to show you are listening well.

5. Beware of “autobiographical responses”: interpreting and advising from your own experience. 6. Don’t be afraid of silence. A “pregnant pause” can give birth to great insights! 7. Listen for “aha” or “uh-oh” moments—they are turning points of discovery. Action Point: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a listener?

Ask Great Questions

What Do Questions Do for the Person We are Listening To?

1. They value the person. 2. They engage and involve the person. 3. They center the discussion on the person’s world. 4. They release the person’s best reflections and insights.

What Do Questions Do For Us? 1. They help us shut up and listen. (W*A*I*T—Why Am I Talking?) 2. They empower us with information. 3. They take pressure off us. 4. They focus the conversation in a significant direction.

The Practice of Asking Great Questions

Great questions are: 1. Comprehensive and holistic…they value the person personally, not just what they do.. 2. Concise and understandable. 3. Open-ended, not closed. A closed question is anything that can be answered “yes” or “no”. Closed

questions also limit the possible responses, usually including the word “or”. 4. Lead to clarity and discovery. Ask for the “light bulb” of discovery. 5. Creates opportunities to “paint a picture” 6. Constructive—doesn’t manipulate or humiliate, but elevate 7. Great questions are led by the Holy Spirit, our Counselor. Action Point: Practice your listening and asking skills with each other. Debrief your experience.

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Situational Strategic Spiritual Questions Here are a few illustrations: Business – Those in the marketplace commonly ask each other, “How’s your year going?” Rather than give a

standard reply, why not answer with something like this: “Well, financially, okay; family-wise, pretty well; and spiritually, things are great. Which one do you want to talk about?”

Relocations – When someone moves into a new home, it’s natural to discuss whether they’ve found good places to shop, dine out, or get their car repaired, and whether they’ve found a good church. Even if they tell you that they weren’t looking, it’s a natural lead-in to talking about faith-related topics.

Hobbies and Spare Time – When you talk to someone about your hobbies and spare time, it’s easy to include some ministry-related activity that you enjoy. For example, if you work with the sound system at your church, you could say, “Well, on the weekends I like mountain biking and working with sound equipment.” The automatic response of many people will be to ask for details. Similar approaches could be used in almost any area.

Music – If you listen to the lyrics of songs, you’ll discover many songs raise spiritual issues, even if it might have been written or performed by a non-believer. Talking about the lyrics can lead into talking about the answers you’ve found to the important questions they raise.

Sports – There are incredible opportunities to talk about many well-known athletes that are Christians. If you follow sports, it’s pretty easy to refer to a recent game or event and tell friends about a particular athlete on the team who’s a believer. This will often expand into a wider discussion about what that means.

Shared Struggles – When you find you have areas of difficulty in common with someone, it’s the most natural thing in the world to tell that person how you’ve been helped by wisdom from the Bible, caring Christian friends, or prayer. This can be effective whether it’s a major crisis or relatively minor problem. It could be a lack of communication in your marriage, questions about disciplining your children, or a need to manage food, time or finances.

Causes – Many people are committed to a particular cause (homelessness, breast cancer, political

movements, human rights, school reform, etc.) which often are consistent with the Kingdom of God, even though they may be supporting that cause for an entirely different motivation. Showing interest in or knowledge of causes may lead to an opportunity to discuss your spiritual motivation for your cause.

This list could go on and on. Just take the topics that you frequently talk with people about and, like the examples above, figure out creative ways to ease into conversations about your faith and your grace story.

Asking Spiritual Questions Asking questions is a great way to redirect conversations toward spiritual things. Asking questions can directly introduce God, Jesus, faith or the gospel into your conversation. Instead of waiting for opportunities, by asking an appropriate question, you create them. The way it works is simple. You straightforwardly raise a spiritual topic and then see if the person is interested in talking about it. While you don’t force anyone to discuss matters of faith, you do open wide the doorway to doing so. Here are a few questions and conversation starters:

“I’m curious, do you ever think about spiritual matters?” Genuinely ask: “How’s it going today? How’s it really going? “What’s your spiritual background? Were you taught a particular religious perspective as you grew up?” “Tell me about your spiritual journey…” "If God could do a miracle in your life this week, what would it be?"

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It’s amazing how such simple questions can begin a process that ultimately revolutionizes the life of the other person. Don’t let the simplicity of these questions cause you to discount their usefulness. They can literally open doorways into eternity.

Spiritual tension Have you without knowing it removed the discipleship tension from others? Spiritual conversations can be used to create discipleship tension. This can be is a great tool to stimulate spiritual intrigue for the new disciple. If their spiritual tension or question is handled well they may be open to investigate answers found the Scriptures. The critical step for healthy spiritual conversations is to resist the temptation to provide answers for the other person. The key to good spiritual conversations is to show them how to engage in finding the answer in the Scriptures for themselves.

Action: How you were trained to provide Biblical answers vs. asking questions?

For most of us to improve our conversations we are going to have to learn to stop answering people’s questions. As long as we keep answering people’s questions, people will not be driven to the Scriptures to find the answers for themselves. Most Christians today are taught to engage in conversations that include apologetics. This is a codeword for a theological argument. (Used by permission Copyright Dan Girder)

Finding a Person of Peace Luke 9 &10

“And if a man of peace is there your peace will rest upon him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house (oikos), eating and drinking what they give you…do not keep moving from house to house.” (Luke 10:6-7) As Jesus sent the 12 out in pairs, He implied that the advance of the Kingdom of God moving forward centered on them finding a “person of peace”. This was a receptive person with whom they were to continue to develop a discipling relationship. Look for people who are: 1. RESPONSIVE: they are interested in the gospel. 2. RELATIONAL INFLUENCE: they are well connected and quickly refer Christ to others in their pocket of people (oikos) The next step was to get to know their network of relationships. This cultivation of the “person of peace” was a central tenet for Jesus’ design for churches to be launched. Jesus gave instructions to stay in the home of the person of peace. They were to remain at that house and not go from house to house. He also reminded them if they did not find the “person of peace” and they were not received well, that they were not to take the rejection with them. They were to “shake the dust off of their feet as a testimony against that place”. 3. REPUTATION: they are persons of well-known character (good or bad) Examples: Matthew (Mt 9) Lydia (Acts 16) Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8) Cornelius (Acts 10) Woman at the well (John 4) Gerasene Demoniac (Mark 5)

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The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations Mary Schaller & John Crilly (www.qplace.com)

Like learning a musical instrument or improving at a sport, it doesn't happen overnight. It takes practice to get better. Pray for, encourage and learn with others! Getting Ready: The Art of Noticing: Noticing those around me and paying close attention to what God might be doing in

their lives. The Art of Praying: Praying for those I meet in my day-to-day life and asking God to show me what he

wants me to do to bless them. The Art of Listening: Listening with genuine care, interest, and empathy as I interact with others without

editorializing or offering my own unsolicited opinions. Getting Started: The Art of Asking Questions: Asking Questions that arise from genuine curiosity, drawing others out with

great questions, seeking to understand more than to be understood. The Art of Loving: Loving others authentically because I personally know God's love and see them with his

eyes. The Art of Welcoming: Welcoming people by valuing their presence so that they feel that they belong. Keeping it Going: The Art of Facilitating: Facilitating good discussions in a group setting so that every person feels honored

and respected, even when they believe differently from me. The Art of Serving Together: Serving together, gathering people to serve and know God and each other

better through service. The Art of Sharing: Sharing my own story, learning others' stories, and expressing God's story of forgiveness

through Jesus in a way that is respectful and meaningful.

Action Steps: How can you practice more of these ways of relating to and conversing with people?

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Learn Their Story…Connect it to Your Story As you learn the stories and find the key to people’s hearts, you will find common ground to share your story about how God has worked in your life. Learn to share your story wisely and well…concise, clear, and compelling! What Life Was Like Before I Met Jesus

Describing a theme is often helpful (i.e. “I lived with a lot of fear…”)

See how you can connect your story to the story of a person you are having a spiritual conversation with)

How I Met Jesus What were the circumstances that God orchestrated? Make sure to share the Good News in a simple, clear way:

God loves us and wants a personal relationship with us.

Our sin separated us from God, and our efforts can’t bridge that gap.

Christ died for us to forgive our sins and build a bridge back to God.

When we turn from our sins, turn to Christ and put our faith in Him, we become part of God’s family. How Jesus is Changing My Life

Share what has helped you grow in your relationship with Jesus.

Share the changes Jesus is making in your life.

Share the areas you are still growing in and trusting Jesus about.

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Telling God’s Story (Gideon Bible)

God loves you -

John 3:16 (NIV): For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8 (NIV): But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

All are sinners -

Romans 3:23 (NIV): for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:10 (NIV): As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one

God's remedy for sin -

Romans 6:23 (NIV): For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 1:12 (NIV): Yet to all who receive Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God--

1 Corinthians (NIV): For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures,

All may be saved now -

Revelations 3:20 (NIV): Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.

Romans 10:13 (NIV): for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." What must I do to be saved?

Pray the following in earnest:

"I confess to God that I am a sinner, and believing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins on the cross and was raised for my justification, I do now receive and confess Him as my personal Savior."

Assurance as a believer:

Romans 10:9 (NIV): That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved

John 5:24 (NIV): "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life

1 John 5:13 (NIV): I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

John 20:31 (NIV): But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name.

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Illustrations from Scripture Salvation is:

“to be saved—set free and made whole” Ephesians 2:8,9

“a gift to be received” Romans 6:23

“a debt paid in full” I John 1:9

“being born into God’s family” John 1:12, 3:1-7; Titus 3:5

“being transferred from death to life, from darkness to light” Colossians 1:13

Sins are garbage bagged and thrown out Job 14:17

forgiveness as far as the east is from the west Psalm 103:12

Adopted Romans 8:12-14

Living Water John 4

Lost…and then found! Luke 15

A new heart Ezekiel 36:26

Washed clean Ezekiel 36:25; Titus 3:5 What are some other “pictures from Scripture” we can use to illustrate salvation?

“Do vs. Done”

The difference between religion and Christianity is: Religion is spelled “D-O.” In consists of trying to do enough good things to somehow please God, earn His forgiveness and gain entrance into heaven. So, people DO many things to try to earn salvation by their own self-effort. The problem is, we can never know when we’ve done enough. Even worse, the Bible makes it clear that we can never do enough: Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The “D-O” plan will never get us peace with God. Christianity, however, is spelled “D-O-N-E.” In other words, what we can never DO for ourselves, Jesus has DONE for us. He lived the perfect life we can never live. He died on the cross to pay for our wrongdoings. Because He loves us, He offers us His gift of forgiveness and eternal life as He leads our lives. Romans 6:23 says: “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ…” But…it’s not enough to know the difference, we have to humbly receive what Jesus has done for us. We do that by turning from our own way, asking Jesus to forgive us and lead our lives. Response: Does this make sense to you? What do you think? Would you like to receive what Christ has done for you?

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Strengthening Disciples, Sharing Life

“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy

Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

As we disciple people to follow Jesus, don’t make things complicated! Instead of a classroom or course approach which emphasis acquiring knowledge from a master teacher, make all of life a classroom! Make obedience and promises the basis for growing as a disciple of Jesus.

Trust the power of the Holy Spirit

Authority in the living truth of God’s Word

God’s availability in prayer

The sharing of joys and burdens of being God’s family

The joy of salvation

The privilege of sharing life in Jesus with others

Generosity from God and for God Learn from stories…the Bible is full of stories. History is HIS story! Especially learn from the stories of Jesus in the Gospels! Good Stories to Use with Explorers Woman weeping at Jesus feet Luke 7:36-50 Whom does God accept? Luke 18:9-17 Two Lost Sons Luke 15:11-32 Love Others Luke 10:25-37 A hole in the roof Luke 5:17-26 A hard road Matthew 16:21-26 Samaritan Women John 4:1-42 Who does Jesus call? Luke 5:27-32 Forgiveness Matt 18:21-35 Great Bible websites Great Discipling Apps Great Bible apps www.biblegateway.com Share Your Faith You Version www.blueletterbible.org Jesus Film Olive Tree www.e-sword.net Daily Prayer My Bible Small Circle Bible Gateway There’s many great resources online! Explore and make use of what serves you best!

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Key Disciplemaking Principles:

1. Understand the basics of what is a disciple. 2. Understand the biblical model for life transformation. 3. Have a process to help people on their spiritual journey. 4. Build in a disciple making "engine" that makes disciples who make disciples.

Promise and Obedience Missional Communities Serving and Sharing Discipling Strategies Life Together Jesus and Others

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Discovery Bible Study (can be done with individuals or a group)

1. Start with a Person of Peace (Luke 10:6) 2. Seek to lead a person/family/group to discover God and His salvation. 3. The Scripture is the authority. Lead a simple inductive Bible Study each week. * Group Interaction

The Discovery Bible Study Meeting--Connecting Relationally Ask: What are you thankful for this week? (prayer) Ask: What needs do you or others have? (intercession) Ask: How can we help meet the needs expressed? (ministry) *Accountability

Ask: With whom did you share last week’s lesson? (evangelism) Ask: How did you apply what you learned last week? (obedience) * Bible Study

The Discovery Bible Study Process 1st Pass: Read the Scripture Text

What did you like most about this passage?

What did you find difficult or confusing in this passage? 2nd Pass: Read the Passage Again

What does this passage teach us about God?

What does this teach us about ourselves? 3rd Pass: Ask someone to retell the story or passage.

If this is true, how would we have to obey? What does God want you to do about it? (DO)

Who can you share what you just learned with? (WHO) For pre-believers you can start with Creation and work through Bible to Christ, focusing on the attributes of God. For new believers you will start with commands of Christ and the promises of God. Focus on the Scripture, not human opinion…trust the Holy Spirit!

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S.O.A.P. Bible Study You’ll need three items (Bible, Pen & Journal) to S.O.A.P. each day!

For more information on this concept or to see examples of journal entries, visit www.LifeJournal.cc.

S - Scripture Open your Bible to your reading for the day. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.

O - Observation What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you.

A - Application Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.

P - Prayer This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or even a prayer for a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

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Live Out God’s “One Anothers”

1. Romans 12:10 Devoted, honor

2. Romans 12:16 Live in harmony

3. Romans 14:13 Do not judge convictions

4. Romans 15:7 Accept

5. Romans 15:14 Instruct

6. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Agree (united in mind & thought)

7. Galatians 5:13 Serve

8. Ephesians 4:2 Patient, bear with

9. Ephesians 4:32 Kind, compassionate

10. Ephesians 5:19 Worship together

11. Ephesians 5:21 Submit

12. Colossians 3:13 Forgive

13. Colossians 3:16 Teach & admonish (accountability)

14. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Encourage, build up

15. Hebrews 10:24 Spur (push) towards love & good deeds

16. James 4:11 Do not slander (no gossip!)

17. 1 Peter 1:22 Love deeply

18. 1 Peter 4:9 Hospitality

19. 1 Peter 5:5 Humility

20. 1 John 1:7 Fellowship

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Develop Healthy Accountability

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

These questions are to be asked of one another in a disciple making group. They are to stimulate conversations of character and confession of sin in a safe environment that values honesty, vulnerability, confidentiality, and grace. Choose someone you can trust and will keep confidences. These questions can be asked in a small group if you trust the group or with just one other person. Connecting to God (UP) How well did you hear from God this week by regularly spending time in the Bible and praying? If not,

how can you better do this in the coming days? How have you experienced God in your life this week?

From what you have learned this past week, how can you better obey God?

How were you grateful this week?

Connecting to Each Other (IN) How did your life reflect verbal integrity this week?

How did you express a forgiving attitude toward others this week?

How did you show God’s love to a brother or sister in Christ this past week?

Connecting to the Community (OUT) How did you pray for pre-Christian friends this week?

How did you show the love of Christ to a pre-Christian this week?

How were you able to have a missional conversation this past week?

Adapted from Search & Rescue. Neil Cole.

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Key characteristics of a Disciple Making Missional Community

Checking In (encouragement and accountability questions) The triangle becomes the basis for this: Up, In, Out (Connecting with God, Connecting with Each Other, Connecting with the Community).

Caring (sharing, prayer, meeting needs of each other)

Discovery (discussing the Bible, asking the “so what?” and “now what?” questions so we obey the scriptures. Checking how we are living out previous “now what” discoveries)

Serving (living out our faith in the community by serving together)

Skills (learning how to have spiritual conversations and start “discovery groups” with pre-Christians; plan of salvation; follow up plans; stories of hope; telling “my story;” finding persons of peace, etc.)

Multiplication (each member or couple strives to form their own disciple making group modeled after this one beginning with a “person of peace”)

Suggestion: To not overload people, the main group could meet every two weeks, with the multiplied group meeting in the off weeks. Each member or couple stays in the main group and meets with their group, striving to do the same multiplication with their group. A group could be with just one other individual.

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Disciplemaker’s Monthly Report

Personal: 1. How are you doing? 2. How can we assist and pray for you? 3. What problems or issues are you facing?

Progress:

Which of the following activities were you involved in this month?

1. Establishing new contacts which could lead to meaningful relationships. 2. Blessing your community through acts of love and service. 3. Sharing the gospel with unbelievers. 4. Discipling believers. 5. Training others in disciple-making ministry. 6. Coaching others in disciple-making ministry. 7. Providing administrative services which facilitate discipleship multiplication. 8. Other activities.

New contacts: List names and comments. Recurring contacts: List names and comments. These are follow up contacts you feel are developing into an

ongoing relationship. Significant conversations: List names and comments. These include conversations that move beyond sports

or the weather to serious life issues. Opportunities to share the gospel: List names and comments. New people being disciples: List names and comments. Disciples in process: List names and comments. Disciples being made by your disciples: List names and comments. Baptisms this month: List names and comments. New Faith Communities formed: List locations and comments. These include any regular gathering where

Christian community is practiced. What are your discipleship plans for the coming month?

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Spread Good News…Multiply Disciples!

Simple “Just in Time” Coaching

Listen…Care…Celebrate—personal and ministry updates…where is God working?

Goal—(Purpose) What are we going to focus on today? What result would you like to get from our visit today?

Reality—(Picture) What’s really going on? Where is God at work? What’s working? What’s not? In what ways

have you addressed this issue? What have you been learning? What else helps us? “Great Commandment Listening” (from Mark 12:29-31) Listen for what is going on in the: “heart” (spirit)—What have you been hearing from the Lord? What does your heart say? “soul” (emotions)—What have you been feeling about this? “mind” (reason)—What are the facts? What is the most reasonable way to look at this? “strength” (physical)—How is your health? How much time, energy and resources will you need? “others as yourself” (other’s views)—What would your spouse say about this? Other leaders and friends? If they were in your shoes, what would they say?

Options—(What are our possibilities) Develop a list of ideas. Challenge obstacles by asking, “What if we

overcame that?” Keep asking, “What else?” “In what ways could we…”

Will—(What will you do? What action steps will we take? What is your game plan?) Set “S*M*A*R*T goals—

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound” What do you choose to do? Where does this fit into the big picture, our master plan? When will you begin? When will you complete this? Who else needs to know? Who else will you need? (Think about God’s team) Wrapping up… What was most helpful to you from our visit today? When will we have our next coaching visit? Let’s pray!

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Understanding the “Stuck in Corners” While there are any number of reasons why you could get “stuck in the corner” and unable to move to the next Field, to get unstuck you need the Holy Spirit to get you out of our “stuckness.” Below are the most likely reasons you might get stuck in a field.

Field Connect – Coffee Cup

People get stuck if all they do is relational things, like having coffee together lots and lots of times, but never finding a way in the Spirit to move to the next Field and sow the Gospel. When the relational bond of trust is there, ask if you can tell them a Story of Hope, your testimony, or if they are interested in learning more about Jesus. This moves you into the Field Rescue.

Field Rescue – Question Mark

People get stuck if all you do is answer the questions and doubts of the skeptic. While helping with the questions people ask is a respectful thing in a Gospel sowing relationship, there comes a time when you may need to point out that there is no end to an infinity of questions. Instead, asking questions needs to be a beginning of faith…trust…decision.

Field Equip – Church Building

This stuckness is probably the most obvious. You get stuck in the corner in this Field if all you are doing is playing church, exercising religious forms with no comprehension of the biblical functions of the church. This is the Field where spiritual growth needs to be happening and inviting people to learn disciple making skills, which moves them into the next field.

Field Launch – First Aid

You are stuck in this Field if all you are doing is nurturing…fixing, preparing, teaching, learning, training…getting things perfect, building an organization…but never stepping out into Field Connect.

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Promises for Seed Sowers

I Corinthians 15:58 Matthew 4:18,19

Isaiah 41:10 Isaiah 43:1-5

John 15:5,7 John 16:5

Acts 18:9,10 Psalm 91:11 Psalm 121:8 Luke 21:15 Psalm 118:6 Hebrews 13:5,6 Psalm 32:8 Psalm 37:4,5 Psalm 126:5,6 Acts 1:8 Galatians 6:9 Isaiah 40:29-31 Daniel 11:32 II Chronicles 15:7 Romans 8:28, 31-39 Deut. 33:25-27 Psalm 84:11 Romans 10:13-15 Isaiah 52:7

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