Encarnacao AllianceEncarnacao Alliance

Grass Roots Trainers TrainingGrass Roots Trainers TrainingDiscipleshipDiscipleship

Creating a discipling community?Creating a discipling community?Bryan JohnsonBryan Johnson

The Church is a discipling The Church is a discipling CommunityCommunity

The foundations of the The foundations of the Church are;Church are;

Jesus Christ is the chief Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone – Eph. 2v20cornerstone – Eph. 2v20

The other foundations The other foundations stones are;stones are;

Faith – Col. 2v5Faith – Col. 2v5 Hope – 1 Thess. 1v2,3Hope – 1 Thess. 1v2,3 Love – I Cor. 13v13Love – I Cor. 13v13

The ministry of The ministry of establishing the Church establishing the Church is done through and in is done through and in the grace of God – Eph the grace of God – Eph 2v8;2v8;

God’s grace is not only God’s grace is not only His unmerited favour His unmerited favour

But also His enabling But also His enabling powerpower

And His extravagant And His extravagant forgiving love.forgiving love.

Questions about discipleship?Questions about discipleship?

1. What is the aim of 1. What is the aim of discipleship?discipleship?

2. Who is an example of a 2. Who is an example of a discipler?discipler?

3. Who can disciple others?3. Who can disciple others?

4. How many disciples should 4. How many disciples should I disciple at once?I disciple at once?

5. What is the attitude of the 5. What is the attitude of the discipler?discipler?

6. How can we measure 6. How can we measure progress in disciple-progress in disciple-making?making?

7. Why is it important to 7. Why is it important to make disciples?make disciples?

8. What do we teach 8. What do we teach disciples?disciples?

9. How do we teach disciples?9. How do we teach disciples?

10. What do disciples do?10. What do disciples do?

1. What is the aim of discipleship?1. What is the aim of discipleship?

For disciples to become like Jesus Christ.For disciples to become like Jesus Christ. That the disciples will help extend the rule and reign That the disciples will help extend the rule and reign

of the Kingdom of God over all the earth.of the Kingdom of God over all the earth. To multiply the number of disciplined believers in To multiply the number of disciplined believers in

Jesus Christ in caring communities of disciples.Jesus Christ in caring communities of disciples. To fulfill the command of God when God created To fulfill the command of God when God created

mankind. Genesis 1 verse 28.mankind. Genesis 1 verse 28.

““God blessed them and said be fruitful andGod blessed them and said be fruitful and

multiply, fill the earth, and rule over it.”multiply, fill the earth, and rule over it.”

2. Who is an example of a discipler?2. Who is an example of a discipler?

Jesus Christ discipled 12 Galileans. Mark 3 Jesus Christ discipled 12 Galileans. Mark 3 verses 13 – 19. 11 were successful in their verses 13 – 19. 11 were successful in their ministry as disciples of Christ. 1 failed.ministry as disciples of Christ. 1 failed.

The Apostle Paul discipled Timothy, John The Apostle Paul discipled Timothy, John Mark, Silas, Lois, Eunice, Philemon, Apphia, Mark, Silas, Lois, Eunice, Philemon, Apphia,

Archippus, Artemas, Tychicus, Carpus, Archippus, Artemas, Tychicus, Carpus, Crescens, Titus, Zenas and many others. Crescens, Titus, Zenas and many others. Several of Paul’s disciples failed as well, they Several of Paul’s disciples failed as well, they were Hymenaeus, Philetus, Demas etc.were Hymenaeus, Philetus, Demas etc.

3. Who can disciple others?3. Who can disciple others?

Do I have to be perfect Do I have to be perfect before others?before others?

- No, not even the Apostle - No, not even the Apostle Paul was not perfect, see Paul was not perfect, see Phil. 3:12-14Phil. 3:12-14

- Grace is God’s enabling - Grace is God’s enabling power to do what he has power to do what he has called us to do for Him. See called us to do for Him. See James 4:6. We receive grace James 4:6. We receive grace and bestow grace. and bestow grace.

- Always be a humble - Always be a humble learner.learner.

Those who have a Those who have a learning attitude!learning attitude!

To disciple others you only To disciple others you only need to be one step ahead of need to be one step ahead of your disciplesyour disciples

Be a person with the goal to Be a person with the goal to be like Christ, Phil. 3:13-14be like Christ, Phil. 3:13-14

Be a F.A.T. person, Be a F.A.T. person, Faithful, Available, and Faithful, Available, and Teachable. These qualities Teachable. These qualities are those that make a great are those that make a great teacher and disciple-maker.teacher and disciple-maker.

4. How many disciples should I 4. How many disciples should I disciple at once?disciple at once?

Jesus Christ was able to disciple 12 at once. He was doing Jesus Christ was able to disciple 12 at once. He was doing this full-time. His ability was greater than ours. A small this full-time. His ability was greater than ours. A small group/community is ideal for the process of discipleship.group/community is ideal for the process of discipleship.

Timothy seems to have discipled two to four disciples at a Timothy seems to have discipled two to four disciples at a time. His mobility probably limited the number he could time. His mobility probably limited the number he could disciple at any one time.disciple at any one time.

The Apostle Paul discipled two to eight at any one time. The Apostle Paul discipled two to eight at any one time. Paul understood the need to disciple groups.Paul understood the need to disciple groups.

5. What are the attitudes of the 5. What are the attitudes of the discipler?discipler?

1 Thessalonians 5 verses 11- 14.1 Thessalonians 5 verses 11- 14. “ “ Therefore Therefore encourage encourage one another, one another, build upbuild up one one

another, just as you are also doing. another, just as you are also doing. AppreciateAppreciate those who those who diligently labordiligently labor among you, and have among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and charge over you in the Lord and givegive you you instructioninstruction, and that you , and that you esteem them highlyesteem them highly inin love love because of their work. because of their work. Live in peaceLive in peace with one with one another. We urge you brethren, another. We urge you brethren, admonish theadmonish the unrulyunruly, encourage the fainthearted, , encourage the fainthearted, help the weakhelp the weak, , be patientbe patient with all men”. with all men”.

6. How can we measure progress in 6. How can we measure progress in disciple-making?disciple-making?

Disciple making produces outcomes in the lives ofDisciple making produces outcomes in the lives of the disciplesthe disciples. These are measured by the Apostle Paul . These are measured by the Apostle Paul as character qualities that will lead to the disciples as character qualities that will lead to the disciples becoming deacons and later elders in the Church. See becoming deacons and later elders in the Church. See I Tim 3:1-13 .I Tim 3:1-13 .

These qualities areThese qualities are; marriage fidelity, integrity, ; marriage fidelity, integrity, temperance, prudence, respect, hospitality, teachable, temperance, prudence, respect, hospitality, teachable, not a drunkard or a fighter, gentle, uncontentious, not a drunkard or a fighter, gentle, uncontentious, free from materialism, manages his household well, free from materialism, manages his household well, dignified, not conceited or proud, good reputation, dignified, not conceited or proud, good reputation, truthful in speech, a clear conscience, faithful truthful in speech, a clear conscience, faithful servants of Christ, generous, caring for people.servants of Christ, generous, caring for people.

7. Why is it important to make 7. Why is it important to make disciples?disciples?

To fulfill the command of Jesus Christ in Matt 28 To fulfill the command of Jesus Christ in Matt 28 verses 18-20.verses 18-20.

The disciples of Christ are the earthly agents the The disciples of Christ are the earthly agents the Holy Spirit uses to bring the will (kingdom) of Holy Spirit uses to bring the will (kingdom) of God on earth. Matt 6 verse 10.God on earth. Matt 6 verse 10.

The family of God – the Church needs disciplined The family of God – the Church needs disciplined leadership for the family to function properly.leadership for the family to function properly.

Disciplined leadership in all areas of human Disciplined leadership in all areas of human endeavor will be a blessing to mankind and bring endeavor will be a blessing to mankind and bring Christ’s rule in the hearts of mankind and over all Christ’s rule in the hearts of mankind and over all creation. Genesis 1:28.creation. Genesis 1:28.

8. What do we teach our disciples?8. What do we teach our disciples?

The Great Commission gives us a clue?The Great Commission gives us a clue?““Teach them to observe all that I commanded” Matthew Teach them to observe all that I commanded” Matthew

28:2028:20What did Jesus command – search the scripturesWhat did Jesus command – search the scriptures- Love God, love one another: 2 great commandsLove God, love one another: 2 great commands- Preach the gospel of the Kingdom of GodPreach the gospel of the Kingdom of God- Go to all nations and peoples, baptize, heal the sick, Go to all nations and peoples, baptize, heal the sick,

cast out demons, exercise authority in Christ’s name.cast out demons, exercise authority in Christ’s name.- Make disciples of all converts ready to be taught.Make disciples of all converts ready to be taught.- Expect signs and wonders to accompany this Expect signs and wonders to accompany this

ministry.ministry.

How do we teach disciples?How do we teach disciples?The context?The context?

In joy-filled small groups building strong loving and In joy-filled small groups building strong loving and caring relationshipscaring relationships

By building a joy-filled community that invites the By building a joy-filled community that invites the presence of God into its midstpresence of God into its midst

In an oral and interactive styleIn an oral and interactive style

By being an example through our livesBy being an example through our lives

In informal settings, and while ministering In informal settings, and while ministering

What do disciples do?What do disciples do?

Obey the commands of the MasterObey the commands of the Master Cooperate in unity with their leader and his Cooperate in unity with their leader and his

team seeking to grow in Christteam seeking to grow in Christ Observe closely the ministry style and attitude Observe closely the ministry style and attitude

of the leader seeking to implement that styleof the leader seeking to implement that style Minister in the power of the Holy Spirit out of Minister in the power of the Holy Spirit out of

a servant heart with compassion for peoplea servant heart with compassion for people Allow the leader to critique their ministry and Allow the leader to critique their ministry and

take notice of their helpful suggestions take notice of their helpful suggestions Seek to develop as a disciplined leader Seek to develop as a disciplined leader

The discipleship methods of The discipleship methods of Jesus Jesus

Selected men willing to Selected men willing to leave all and follow himleave all and follow him

Expected them to obey His Expected them to obey His commandscommands

Developed faith in their Developed faith in their heartshearts

Taught them the gospel of Taught them the gospel of the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God

Taught them to prayTaught them to pray Taught them to suffer with Taught them to suffer with

grace and humilitygrace and humility Spent time in informal Spent time in informal

settings telling them storiessettings telling them stories

Encouraged them to Encouraged them to minister at the earliest minister at the earliest opportunityopportunity

Evaluated their successes Evaluated their successes and failures, and encouraged and failures, and encouraged them to keep growing strong them to keep growing strong in the Lordin the Lord

Prayed all the time for them Prayed all the time for them to be protected from the to be protected from the enemyenemy

Taught the that the power of Taught the that the power of the Holy Spirit would the Holy Spirit would dramatically change their dramatically change their liveslives

What was the result?What was the result? 25% of the Mediterranean world were Christians by 25% of the Mediterranean world were Christians by

300AD and part of an urban house based movement.300AD and part of an urban house based movement. Thousands of Christians had suffered and died as Thousands of Christians had suffered and died as

martyrs, but the Church still grewmartyrs, but the Church still grew Thousand of Christians found that the Holy Spirit Thousand of Christians found that the Holy Spirit

was the greatest person and power they had ever was the greatest person and power they had ever encountered and they gave their total allegiance to encountered and they gave their total allegiance to Him.Him.

Disciples were made in all Mediterranean nations and Disciples were made in all Mediterranean nations and many of those disciples understood that they were many of those disciples understood that they were disciples because they made disciples and multiplied disciples because they made disciples and multiplied the Church and the influence of the Kingdom of God the Church and the influence of the Kingdom of God bringing dramatic social reforms in many cultures bringing dramatic social reforms in many cultures and nations.and nations.

Jesus implemented a unique strategy Jesus implemented a unique strategy for world evangelizationfor world evangelization

Preach the gospel of the KingdomPreach the gospel of the Kingdom Make disciples that would make disciples and Make disciples that would make disciples and

multiply the preaching of the kingdom of God multiply the preaching of the kingdom of God to all creation and form them into joy-filled, to all creation and form them into joy-filled, caring, informal communities.caring, informal communities.

Teach, baptize, command, observe, obey, cast Teach, baptize, command, observe, obey, cast out demons, perform signs and wonders, heal out demons, perform signs and wonders, heal the sick, and prepare them for the return of the sick, and prepare them for the return of Christ by ensuring that every nation, tribe and Christ by ensuring that every nation, tribe and tongue hears the gospel before Christ shall tongue hears the gospel before Christ shall returnreturn

The eschatological implications of The eschatological implications of making disciplesmaking disciples

The disciples of Christ shall also be the Bride of The disciples of Christ shall also be the Bride of Christ on His return. Rev 21:2Christ on His return. Rev 21:2

The disciples of Christ are His Body on earth until He The disciples of Christ are His Body on earth until He returns. Romans 12:4returns. Romans 12:4

The disciples of Christ will be drawn from very tribe, The disciples of Christ will be drawn from very tribe, tongue, race and nation by the time Christ returns. tongue, race and nation by the time Christ returns. Matt 24:14Matt 24:14

We will all live with Him in an Heavenly city for We will all live with Him in an Heavenly city for eternity after His return. Rev 21.eternity after His return. Rev 21.

This city will be located in a new heaven and a new This city will be located in a new heaven and a new earth. Rev 21:1-2earth. Rev 21:1-2

Disciples of Christ are His Body on Disciples of Christ are His Body on earthearth

The Apostle Paul taught that the Body of The Apostle Paul taught that the Body of Christ was;Christ was;

a) Diverse, many members with many giftsa) Diverse, many members with many gifts

b) Many parts making a wholeb) Many parts making a whole

c) Stronger the more often they met in joy-c) Stronger the more often they met in joy-

filled community filled community

d) Responsible to minister to one anotherd) Responsible to minister to one another

Community life is most effective in Community life is most effective in small groups small groups

The Immanence of GodThe Immanence of God is expressed in small is expressed in small

caring groups.caring groups. These small groups These small groups

facilitate friendship, facilitate friendship, relationship building, relationship building, community life, loving community life, loving care for one another and care for one another and a sense of God’s a sense of God’s nearness.nearness.

Key elements in this Key elements in this process are;process are;

Intimate sharing of life Intimate sharing of life related eventsrelated events

Each ministering what Each ministering what God has spoken to them God has spoken to them

Ministering to one Ministering to one anotheranother

Practical care for one Practical care for one anotheranother

Small groups build community lifeSmall groups build community life

Too often Christians are Too often Christians are program focussed and program focussed and program our Bible program our Bible Study groups where the Study groups where the Bible is the focusBible is the focus

People touching God’s People touching God’s presence needs to be the presence needs to be the focus of small groups focus of small groups that build a strong that build a strong loving, caring, joy-filled loving, caring, joy-filled community lifecommunity life

People attend meetings People attend meetings and observe a program and observe a program but still do not make but still do not make friendsfriends

Small groups must Small groups must develop a family develop a family atmosphere where atmosphere where people are ministered to people are ministered to and built up in their and built up in their faith through friendship, faith through friendship, and personal ministry.and personal ministry.

Communities are stronger social Communities are stronger social units than individualsunits than individuals

Western society has Western society has proven the destructive proven the destructive and costly nature of and costly nature of individualismindividualism

God has put the solitary God has put the solitary in families so they may in families so they may be strong, caring for one be strong, caring for one anotheranother

The variety of gifts in a The variety of gifts in a community makes community makes possible a variety of possible a variety of ministriesministries

Loving caring Loving caring communities are communities are attractive to the isolated attractive to the isolated and uncared forand uncared for

Human development Human development needs immediate family needs immediate family and a wider extended and a wider extended family for all round family for all round healthhealth

God bestows His God bestows His blessing/joy on caring blessing/joy on caring communities communities

Discipleship is the foundation for Discipleship is the foundation for leadership in caring communitiesleadership in caring communities

Every community is Every community is strong when it has strong when it has disciplined leadershipdisciplined leadership

The qualities of The qualities of discipleship make for discipleship make for excellent community excellent community lifelife

Communities based on Communities based on Jesus Christ’s example Jesus Christ’s example of leadership are strong of leadership are strong and cohesiveand cohesive

The urban poor need to The urban poor need to develop a strong develop a strong community life, to break community life, to break strongholds/vices in strongholds/vices in their lives, for their their lives, for their communities to function communities to function and prosperand prosper

The needs of the whole The needs of the whole community are more community are more important than the important than the agenda of individualsagenda of individuals

Encarnacao Trainers need to train Encarnacao Trainers need to train and make disciples in this contextand make disciples in this context

Trainers must train Trainers must train trainees or disciples in trainees or disciples in the context of the context of smallsmall group communitiesgroup communities

The training method The training method needs to be a reflection needs to be a reflection of the goal of the of the goal of the trainingtraining

It is easier to reproduce It is easier to reproduce things you have things you have experiencedexperienced

The experience of The experience of trainees in a small group trainees in a small group community must be community must be such that the trainees such that the trainees will want to, and know will want to, and know how to reproduce ithow to reproduce it

Quality community life Quality community life is essential to the is essential to the training of workers training of workers among the urban poor. among the urban poor.

How do Trainers develop this How do Trainers develop this community life?community life?

1. By using the small interactive groups of 6-15 in the 1. By using the small interactive groups of 6-15 in the training sessions that;training sessions that;

a) always start with greetings and the sharing the life a) always start with greetings and the sharing the life experiences of the last week by group membersexperiences of the last week by group members

b) include everyone in the sharing time – this develops b) include everyone in the sharing time – this develops everyone’s oral communication skillseveryone’s oral communication skills

c) respond to needs shared with prayer and ministry and c) respond to needs shared with prayer and ministry and practical help if possiblepractical help if possible

d) include a game or fun activity to help build relationship and d) include a game or fun activity to help build relationship and assist each member to get to know the others in the groupassist each member to get to know the others in the group

e) use the customary way of creating a relaxed atmosphere of e) use the customary way of creating a relaxed atmosphere of acceptance and friendshipacceptance and friendship

f) accept each persons contribution with warmth and f) accept each persons contribution with warmth and commendationcommendation

g) move on to worship after each one is sensing g) move on to worship after each one is sensing acceptance and warmth in the groupacceptance and warmth in the group

h) deliver the teaching session in an interactive h) deliver the teaching session in an interactive manner allowing opportunity for participants to share manner allowing opportunity for participants to share their experience of the topic. Adult learning should their experience of the topic. Adult learning should build on experiences of the participants and not build on experiences of the participants and not assume that they know nothing of the topic.assume that they know nothing of the topic.

i) Don’t preach a sermon. Focus on one topic and the i) Don’t preach a sermon. Focus on one topic and the kingdom values that can be integrated into our kingdom values that can be integrated into our lifestyle through the grace of God. Get everyone to lifestyle through the grace of God. Get everyone to share their life experience.share their life experience.

j) Utilise the experience of those in the group to share j) Utilise the experience of those in the group to share the learning experience. This builds a team style of the learning experience. This builds a team style of learning and community life learning and community life

k) Start to delegate responsibilities for components of k) Start to delegate responsibilities for components of the group meeting times to others as soon as you the group meeting times to others as soon as you observe their readiness to do so. Encourage this as observe their readiness to do so. Encourage this as much as possible and always commend people for much as possible and always commend people for their good work. Do not take people for granted.their good work. Do not take people for granted.

l) Treat others as you would want to be treated yourselfl) Treat others as you would want to be treated yourself

2. By initiating community based business activities 2. By initiating community based business activities based around a group of 6-25 people that;based around a group of 6-25 people that;

a) Develops the creative talents of the groupa) Develops the creative talents of the group b) Produces artifacts that are valued by the b) Produces artifacts that are valued by the

communitycommunity c) Use local materialsc) Use local materials d) Creates wealth in the community by providing an d) Creates wealth in the community by providing an

above average return for their labour.above average return for their labour. e) Involves the group meeting together several times e) Involves the group meeting together several times

per week so they can start work with prayer and per week so they can start work with prayer and worship and have a meal together, and show caring worship and have a meal together, and show caring love to one another and learn to live by kingdom love to one another and learn to live by kingdom valuesvalues

Remember the goal!Remember the goal!

A joy-filled community of disciples with evidence of A joy-filled community of disciples with evidence of quality caring community life among the urban poorquality caring community life among the urban poor

Disciples who are becoming like Christ in their Disciples who are becoming like Christ in their servant lifestyleservant lifestyle

A redemptive community that reproduces itself A redemptive community that reproduces itself through the ministry of its disciples in creating through the ministry of its disciples in creating quality, caring, multiplying urban poor communitiesquality, caring, multiplying urban poor communities

The extension of the kingdom of God on earth among The extension of the kingdom of God on earth among the urban poor as an example of Christ’s love for the the urban poor as an example of Christ’s love for the poorpoor

Acknowledgements:Acknowledgements: Boice J. M, 1996, Foundations of God’s city - Christians in a crumbling culture. IVP, Downers Boice J. M, 1996, Foundations of God’s city - Christians in a crumbling culture. IVP, Downers

Grove. pp279Grove. pp279 Danker W.J, 1971, Profit for the Lord. W.B.Eerdmans, Grand Rapids. pp183Danker W.J, 1971, Profit for the Lord. W.B.Eerdmans, Grand Rapids. pp183 Dawn Marva,1992, Truly the Community - Romans 12 and how to be the Church. Dawn Marva,1992, Truly the Community - Romans 12 and how to be the Church.

W.B.Eerdmans, Grand Rapids. pp303W.B.Eerdmans, Grand Rapids. pp303 Delph Ed, 2005, Church @ Community. Creation House, Lake Mary. pp355Delph Ed, 2005, Church @ Community. Creation House, Lake Mary. pp355 Drew C, 2000, Public Faith. Navpress, Colorado Springs. pp150Drew C, 2000, Public Faith. Navpress, Colorado Springs. pp150 Grigg V, ____, Companion to the poor, MARC, Monrovia. pp_______ Grigg V, ____, Companion to the poor, MARC, Monrovia. pp_______ Longnecker R.N, Editor, 1996, Patterns of discipleship in the New Testament. W.B.Eerdmans, Longnecker R.N, Editor, 1996, Patterns of discipleship in the New Testament. W.B.Eerdmans,

Grand Rapids. pp308Grand Rapids. pp308 Mallinson J, 1998, Mentoring to develop disciples/leaders, Openbook, West Chatswood. pp206 Mallinson J, 1998, Mentoring to develop disciples/leaders, Openbook, West Chatswood. pp206 Mathieson Don. Ed, 2001, Faith at Work. Castle, Auckland. pp193Mathieson Don. Ed, 2001, Faith at Work. Castle, Auckland. pp193 Myers Bryant. L, 2003, Walking with the poor. Orbis, Maryknoll. pp279Myers Bryant. L, 2003, Walking with the poor. Orbis, Maryknoll. pp279 Neighbour R, 2000, Where do we go from here, Touch, Houston. pp389Neighbour R, 2000, Where do we go from here, Touch, Houston. pp389 Pilch John J, 1999, The Cultural Dictionary of the Bible, Liturgical. pp209Pilch John J, 1999, The Cultural Dictionary of the Bible, Liturgical. pp209 Pilch J, & Malina B.J, 1993, Handbook of Biblical Social Values, Hendrickson, Peabody. pp223 Pilch J, & Malina B.J, 1993, Handbook of Biblical Social Values, Hendrickson, Peabody. pp223 Scazzero P, 2003, The emotionally healthy Church – A strategy for discipleship that actually Scazzero P, 2003, The emotionally healthy Church – A strategy for discipleship that actually

changes lives. Zondervan, Grand Rapids. pp223changes lives. Zondervan, Grand Rapids. pp223 Scott W, 1980, Bring forth justice. W. B. Eerdmans, Grand Rapids. pp318Scott W, 1980, Bring forth justice. W. B. Eerdmans, Grand Rapids. pp318 Wilkins M. J, 1997, In His image. Navpress, Colorado Springs. pp223Wilkins M. J, 1997, In His image. Navpress, Colorado Springs. pp223 Willard D, 2002, Renovation of the heart. Navpress, Colorado Springs. pp269Willard D, 2002, Renovation of the heart. Navpress, Colorado Springs. pp269 Wright C, 1983, Living as the people of God. IVP, Leicester. pp224Wright C, 1983, Living as the people of God. IVP, Leicester. pp224