Making Fruitful Disciples - Freedom in Christ · 2018-05-11 · Making Fruitful Disciples Getting...

Freedom in Christ Ministries, PO Box 2842, Reading RG2 9RT Tel: 0118 321 8084 E-mail: [email protected]

www.ficm.org.uk

Making Fruitful Disciples

Getting Started With

The Freedom In Christ Approach

A five-week DVD-based course to equip you to help every Christian grow into a fruitful disciple.

Participant’s Guide

© FICM 2010 Making Fruitful Disciples

“Hello!” from Steve Goss

It’s great to have you on this course! It seems to me that for too long in the Western Church, we have tended to concentrate on making converts – simply bringing people into the kingdom – rather than on making disciples, people who are growing, maturing and bearing fruit. Where we have had an expectation of breakthrough, it’s often been in the context of people “having something done to them” and we have signally failed to help people understand the key truth that, in Christ, they already have everything they need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3, Ephesians 1:3). God places the responsibility for resolving personal and spiritual conflicts and moving on to maturity firmly in the hands of the individual. Because He is not a cruel God who demands that people do something that’s impossible, we can conclude that every single Christian in your church can become everything that God wants them to be. In this course we are first of all going to establish a foundation by looking at six key Biblical principles. Then we’ll look at practical ways to implement them using elements of what I call “The Freedom In Christ approach”. In no way am I saying, of course, that the approach to discipleship from Freedom In Christ Ministries is the only way that your church can see people’s lives changed. But I do recommend the Freedom In Christ approach as a kind, gentle and effective way to create an environment where every Christian can become a fruitful disciple. Remember, Freedom In Christ Ministries exists to support Christian leaders. If there is anything we can help you with once the course is over, please get in touch. And if you have a heart for helping other leaders get hold of the principles we will look at, we’d love to hear from you. Enjoy the course!


Contents

Session 1

Introduction

Principle 1: Disciples Know Jesus

Principle 2: Disciples Know Who They Are

Session 2

Principle 3: Disciples Take The Whole Of Reality Into Account

Freedom In Christ Discipleship Resources

Freedom In Christ For Young People

Session 3

Principle 4: Disciples Know Who Is Responsible For What

Using The Steps To Freedom In Christ

Session 4

Principle 5: Disciples Know The Secret Of Ongoing Transformation

Getting Started

Session 5

Principle 6: Disciples Are Unstoppable – Part A: Resolving Deeper Issues

Principle 6: Disciples Are Unstoppable – Part B: Resolving Corporate Issues


Introduction

Course Objectives

Understand the Biblical principles that we can use to help people become fruitful, mature disciples

Work out how practically to implement these principles effectively in our

situation We will look at six key Biblical principles for making fruitful disciples:

Disciples know Jesus

Disciples know who they are

Disciples take the whole of reality into account

Disciples know who is responsible for what

Disciples know the secret of ongoing transformation

Disciples are unstoppable We will then look at practical ways to implement them using the tools provided by Freedom In Christ Ministries:

The Freedom In Christ Discipleship Course Freedom In Christ For Young People

The Steps To Freedom In Christ

We will also look briefly at how the principles can be applied not only at the level of the individual Christian but at the corporate level of marriages, individual church fellowships and the one Church in an area.


Principle 1: Disciples Know Jesus

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT What would you say are the differences between a “convert” and a “disciple”? What do you understand the word “disciple” to mean? Jesus clearly wants disciples “to bear much fruit” (John 15:5). What do you think that fruit actually looks like in real life?

Discipleship In New Testament Times

Disciples were chosen Only the very best made the grade

Discipleship was about relationship “A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40)

Jesus’ Concept Of Discipleship Was Different

Whom He called

Focus of the calling Not what we do but what we’re like “The goal of our instruction is… love” (1 Timothy 1:5)


How they were recognised

Definition Of A Disciple

Someone who is learning to become more and more like Jesus in character.

Implications Our prime focus will be to help people connect with Jesus; to help them get rid of anything in the way of a genuine day-by-day relationship in which they really know Him.


Principle 2: Disciples Know Who They Are

Before We Were Christians (Ephesians 2:1-3)

The original blueprint:

Physical life

Spiritual life

Significance: a God-given purpose (Genesis 1:28) Security: all needs provided for (Genesis 1:29ff)

Acceptance: a sense of identity and belonging to God and others (Genesis 2:18ff)

Consequence of the fall: Adam lost spiritual life

We were born separated from the life of God (Ephesians 4:18)

We naturally:

Followed the ways of this world

Followed the ways of the devil

Gratified the cravings of our flesh and followed its desires and thoughts

Note: Some Bible translations interpret the original word that literally means "flesh" or "meat" as "sinful nature" (though there's usually a footnote to explain what they have done). That's fine as long as we understand that it refers to all those old ways of thinking that are still programmed into our minds. Don't let this mislead you however. If we are Christians, our nature – who we are deep down inside – is no longer sinful. There are two places in the New Testament where the real word for "nature" (phusis) is used of us. Ephesians 2:3 says that we were once by nature "objects of wrath". 2 Peter 1:4 brings the contrast: it says we now share God's divine nature.

We were, “by nature, objects of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3)


After We Became Christians (Ephesians 2:4-10)

The issue is life (that’s what Adam lost and what Jesus came to give) "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10) "In the beginning was the Word....... In him was life, and that life was the light of men" (John 1:1-4) "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25)

Dramatic changes "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17) "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord." (Ephesians 5:8) "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves." (Colossians 1:13)

We are now saints (fundamentally holy) not sinners!

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Past, present and future sanctification

We are not trying to become children of God – we are children of God who

are becoming like Christ.

The basis for freedom and maturity is what has already been done for us through Jesus Christ

Our present situation

Spiritually alive: secure, significant, accepted Saints who sometimes sin, not sinners trying to be holy

We still battle every day with the world, the flesh and the devil but:

“Everyone born of God overcomes the world.” (1 John 5:4) “Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

(Galatians 5:16) “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

(James 4:7)


Implications One of our key roles in the discipling process is to encourage people to embrace the truth about who they now are.

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT Why do you think most Christians do not know who they now are? If you disagree, why? In what practical ways can you encourage those you are helping to understand that God sees them as His pure, holy children in whom He delights?


Principle 3: Disciples Take The Whole Of Reality Into Account

Being An Encourager “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” (Colossians 1:28-29 ESV)

We warn people by encouraging them away from sin and spiritual danger.

We teach people by encouraging them towards the truth and the One who is the Truth.

Key Issues At Different Stages Of Growth (1 John 2:12-14) This passage clearly describes three different stages of maturity that are crucial to understand if we want to create an environment in which people can grow into fruitful disciples.

“Children”

Knowing who we are in Christ and what we have in Christ Knowing what has already been done (2 Peter 1:3, Ephesians 1:3))

Three fundamental questions:

o Who do you say you are? o Who do people say you are? o Who does God say you are?

“Young men”

Overcoming the Evil One Understanding the battle for our minds Good teaching alone is not enough


“Footholds” Ephesians 4:26-27: “’In your anger do not sin’ : do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” 1 Corinthians 3:2: “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it” [literally: ‘not able to receive it’]. Blind us to the truth (compare the effect on unbelievers in 2 Corinthians 4:4)

“Fathers”

Know God in an intimate relationship Mature

Fruitful

Implications Recognise that people are at different levels Address the issues at each level by making sure you help people:

understand who they are in Christ resolve personal and spiritual conflicts to remove the enemy’s footholds

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT How does realising that Christians are at different stages help your understanding of how best to disciple them? What difference would there be in your approach to those at the “children” stage and those at the “young men” stage? What is your reaction to the idea that “footholds” of the enemy can prevent people from connecting with the truth? What is the effect of that in their growth as disciples? How can it be overcome?


Freedom In Christ Discipleship Resources

The Freedom In Christ Discipleship Course

Produced in the UK specifically for the UK Church

Used by 125,000+ people in 3,000+ churches

Freedom In Christ For Young People corresponds to the adult course and can be run alongside it

Contents

Optional Introduction (“Session 0”)

Bridge from Christian basics courses Explains why it is reasonable and credible to believe that the Bible is God’s

message to the people He created

13 teaching sessions plus The Steps To Freedom In Christ

Part A – Basic Truths (“children”) 1 – Where Did I Come From? 2 – Who Am I Now? 3 – The Power Of Believing The Truth

Part B – The World, The Flesh And The Devil (“young men”)

4 – The World’s View Of Truth 5 – Our Daily Choice 6 – Demolishing Strongholds 7 – The Battle For Our Minds

Part C – Breaking The Hold Of The Past 8 – Handling Emotions Well 9 – Forgiving From The Heart

Ministry Component: The Steps To Freedom In Christ Part D – Growing As Disciples (“fathers”) 10 – Walking In Freedom Every Day 11 – Relating To Others 12 – Where Are You Heading? 13 – Staying On The Right Path


Format

Either: DVD with video presentations

Powerfully reinforced by testimonies Optional Pause For Thought questions

Or: present it yourself – comprehensive notes with PowerPoint slides

How Can It Be Used? Systematic preaching with small group follow-up Mid-week meeting In small groups (which seems the most effective way)

Characteristics

Does not require “experts” Gentle and kind Balance between Word and Spirit

Components Of The Course Leaders’ Material: DVD Set

- four DVDs (corresponding to each section of the course) - contains powerful testimonies - DVDs stop automatically for Pause For Thoughts (optional)

Steps To Freedom In Christ DVD Leader’s Guide including CD with PowerPoint presentations

- required by anyone leading the course including small group leaders - talks written out in full - additional information - timing plans


Participants’ Material: Participant’s Guide

- comprehensive notes - helpful information - Pause For Thoughts

Postcards of Biblical Truth (optional)

- one for each of the first three sessions Steps To Freedom In Christ book Discipleship Series books (optional)

- each one corresponds to a section of the course - help people take the message deeper - good to recommend to participants or have available for sale (pack of

ten of each available for churches at significant discount)

Publicising Your Course Customisable posters Customisable invitations Note: if you use the Discipleship Course, please take a moment to register (free of charge) on our website. You’ll receive access to a section of our website with hints and tips from other users, useful downloads and other helpful material.

Equipping Your Team

Three key events:

Making Fruitful Disciples This one-day event will equip you to help every Christian in your church grow to maturity and bear fruit that will last. First we’ll establish a foundation of six key Biblical principles. Then we’ll look at practical ways to implement them using The Steps To Freedom In Christ and The Freedom In Christ Discipleship Course (including Freedom In Christ For Young People). In short it will equip you with everything you need to get up and running. (Corresponds to this DVD course) Helping Others Find Freedom In Christ This one-day event will give you confidence to lead others through The Steps To Freedom In Christ. You will find it helpful whether you are planning to lead personal freedom appointments or a “Steps Away Day” as part of the Freedom In Christ Discipleship Course or Freedom In Christ For Young People. It is ideal for those who


have themselves been through the basic Freedom In Christ discipleship teaching and now wish to help others as part of a team in their church. Led by experienced practitioners, this event is crammed with hints, tips and practical experience and gives plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions. Also available as a DVD training package (see below). Helping Others With Deeper Issues This is an interactive two day workshop designed to equip those who are helping people with deeper issues in their church. You will discover why every Christian - no matter how badly "messed up" - can find their freedom and become a fruitful disciple as you encourage them to choose truth and to resolve their spiritual and personal conflicts. You will learn how to help those struggling with, for example, abuse, addiction and Dissociative Identity Disorder and see why every Christian can become a genuinely fruitful disciple. The event is ideal for church teams.

In-House Training:

Making Fruitful Disciples DVD – A 5-session training DVD to equip your team. Gives an overview of the Biblical principles behind FIC's approach and shows how to get started with both adult and young people's courses and practical ways to implement them. (£29.99)

Helping Others Find Freedom In Christ DVD – a 6-session DVD to train

your team. It has one overriding objective: to give people confidence to use The Steps To Freedom In Christ, either on an Away Day or in leading a personal ‘freedom appointment’. (£29.99)


Freedom In Christ For Young People

Structure Same as adult course Can run alongside each other

Launch Evening Part A – Key Truths 1 – Who Was I? 2 – Who Am I Now? 3 – Choosing To Believe The Truth Part B – What Are We Up Against? 4 – Worldview 5 – Big Choices 6 – Demolishing Strongholds 7 – Spiritual Reality Part C – Freedom From The Past 8 – Handling Our Emotions 9 – Forgiveness Ministry Component: The Steps To Freedom In Christ Part D – Growing As Christians 10 – Truth = Freedom 11 – Loving Others 12 – Where Are You Going? 13 – Keeping Going

Age-appropriate content for 11-14 and 15-18 age ranges

Versions of The Steps To Freedom In Christ for young people


Each Session Three sections in The Leader’s Guide:

The core (for youth leaders) 11-14 session plan 15-18 session plan

Variety of activities 10 mins or so of video broken into segments Very flexible – can mix and match between age ranges to suit your group NB: Leaders cannot simply turn up and play the DVD!

Components Leader’s Guide including DVD Youth Guide (in 11-14 and 15-18 versions) – includes teaching material and Steps To Freedom In Christ Postcards for each of first three sessions (in 11-14 and 15-18 versions) Note: if you use the Freedom In Christ For Young People, please take a moment to register (free of charge) on our website. You’ll receive access to a section of our website with hints and tips from other users, useful downloads and other helpful material.


Recommended Resources Summary Freedom In Christ has a large number of resources. Please ask for our catalogue or look at our on-line shop to see the whole range. Here we have selected the ones that churches using this approach are most likely to need.

Discipleship Course Starter Pack (Course Leader’s Guide with Presentation CD, 20 Participant’s Guides, Discipleship Course DVD Set, 20 Steps To Freedom In Christ books, Steps To Freedom DVD, 60 Biblical Truth Postcards (20 x 3 varieties), 50 customisable A4 invitations, 3 customisable A3 posters, one of each of the four Discipleship Series books) – gives you everything you need to run a course for 20 people. Buy additional workbooks, Steps books and postcards as required. £229 (save £60).

FIC For Young People Starter Pack (Leader’s Guide including DVD, ten

workbooks and ten of each of the postcards needed for the first three sessions). Everything you need for up to 10 people - the best way for most to get started. £59 (save £9.48). Available in 11-14 and 15-18 versions.

Discipleship Series by Steve Goss. Four slim, straightforward books that

present the material in the Discipleship Course in a different way. Ideal for course leaders and for participants who want to take the message deeper. £5.99 each or £19.95 for four. Church pack: ten of each book (40 in total) for £175.

Walking In Freedom by Neil Anderson (recommended for use after people

have been through The Steps To Freedom). £9.99

Discipleship Counseling by Neil Anderson – a detailed explanation of the theology and practice behind The Steps To Freedom In Christ. £19.99

Experiencing Christ Together by Neil Anderson – a process to break the

enemy’s grip on your marriage and establish Christ at the centre. £11.99

Extreme Church Makeover by Neil Anderson – outlines the ‘Setting Your Church Free’ process for church leadership teams. £17.99

The Freedom Fellowship - if you are serving others using the Freedom in

Christ approach, you will benefit from joining the Freedom Fellowship, our prime way of keeping in touch and supporting you. Membership costs £25 a year. Members receive: a binder with core documents; immediate access to new and updated resources; access to a special section of our website with guidelines on setting up and running your freedom ministry, standard documents to tailor for your own use, hints on best practice, a forum where you can ask questions and read answers to questions.


Principle 4: Disciples Know Who Is Responsible For What

How far are you responsible for the outcome in the lives of those you are helping?

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT How would you approach helping Frances get out of her rut?

Where Do You Draw The Line? (James 5:13-16) God has ordained that some things are our responsibility and some things are His responsibility. He will not do for me – or the person we are helping – what He requires us to do. Working out who is responsible for what in someone’s growth to maturity is key, especially when someone is stuck or struggling.

They need to take the initiative to pray They need to repent

They need to assume responsibility for their own walk with the God

They need to confess the truth

No one else can do those things for them! Our role as disciples making disciples is to connect them to Jesus.


What if there is a demonic issue?

Relatively easily resolvable The affected person needs to choose to believe and act on the truth

A truth encounter rather than a power encounter

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)


Summary Of Responsibilities

The individual

Pray and believe the truth to find freedom (James 5) Submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7)

Renounce lies and choose truth (Ephesians 4:17-32)

Take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Put on the armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)

God

Guides the freedom seeker into all truth (John 16:13)

Convicts of sin that needs to be dealt with (John 16:8)

Gives wisdom when asked (James 1:5)

Forgives and purifies as they confess (1 John 1:9)

Resolves completely the effects of the past (Luke 4:18-19)

Those helping

NOT called to “fix” someone else’s problems

NOT called to be their saviour

NOT called to a power encounter with the enemy

Called simply to encourage the disciple we are helping in complete dependence upon Jesus

“You alone can do it but you can’t do it alone”


Implications Understand that the outcome in the life of those we are encouraging is not our responsibility. Understand that those we are helping have already been given everything they need and that the missing ingredient is their response in repentance and faith.

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT If God has given each one of us everything we need to live a life that pleases Him (see 2 Peter 1:3, Ephesians 1:3, Colossians 2:10), why do many Christians struggle to do that? What practically can you do to help someone who is struggling to connect with the truth and live it out? What might they hope you can do for them but in fact need to do themselves?


Using The Steps to Freedom in Christ

The Steps To Freedom In Christ A structured process of repentance between the “freedom seeker” and God based on James 4:7: “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” The tool needed at the “Young Men” level to help people resolve their personal and spiritual conflicts through repentance and submission to God, in order to remove the footholds of the enemy Use between Sessions 9 and 10 of the FIC course

How It Works The one seeking freedom takes responsibility . . .

Asks the Holy Spirit to highlight issues across seven areas of their life

Submits to God through repentance Resists the devil who has no choice but to flee from them

A kind, gentle and straightforward process A “truth encounter” rather than a “power encounter”

Contents

Step 1 False guidance, the occult, idols Step 2 Deception Step 3 Unforgiveness Step 4 Rebellion Step 5 Pride & self-sufficiency Step 6 Habitual sin (including sexual sin) Step 7 Issues from previous generations


There Are Two Approaches To Using The Steps:

EITHER In a group on an “Away Day” OR individual “freedom appointments” (the ideal)

The Away Day

Still between the individual and God – people not asked to share in front of others

Some individual appointments will still be required Often incorporates Session 9 (Forgiveness) Either lead it yourself (there is a PowerPoint presentation to use in the back of

the Leader’s Guide) or use The Steps To Freedom In Christ DVD with Steve Goss (pauses automatically in the right places)

An individual “freedom appointment”

The ideal

People tend to go much deeper when they are confessing to God in front of someone else

Does not take as long to build a team as you might think


An Individual “Freedom Appointment” Typically three people in attendance

Freedom Seeker Encourager Prayer Partner

Encourager qualifications

Has had own personal appointment Knows that it’s Jesus who sets people free Dependent on Holy Spirit Good grasp of truth

Freedom In Christ can usually arrange for up to two leaders from a church to

experience a personal appointment with a view to going back and leading others through – contact us for details.

Prayer Partner

Prays for the Freedom Seeker and the Encourager Shares insights with the Encourager in the breaks Listens for lies the Freedom Seeker may believe Learns how to become an Encourager

Practicalities

Freedom Seeker

Must have covered the main teaching Must have returned a ‘Confidential Personal Inventory’

Prepares Freedom Seeker Background information for Encourager But not so that they can “work out” the issues

Signs a Statement of Understanding (the only record kept of the appointment) The process runs under the auspices of your church Important to have a formal record of the event The Statement of Understanding is the only piece of paper kept from the

appointment It makes clear the basis of the appointment:

o Confidentiality o Not professional counsellors o Intervention and reporting o Medication o Voluntary participation


Under 18s

The principles are the same Parent/guardian must give permission Ensure your church’s child protection policies are up-to-date and that you

know how they work National Steps Weekend – look out for details

General

Use people of the same gender and ensure compatibility and empathy Start early – it can take a long time (typically 3 to 5 hours) Church location preferred

The Freedom Fellowship

Our way of keeping in touch with those using the approach

Contains key documents and practical information on running The Steps To Freedom In Christ

Available to download from Freedom Fellowship section of our website


Spotting Lies The Steps To Freedom is a “truth encounter” and helps uncover lies that people have been believing so that they can go on to renew their minds. Lies come out all through the appointment but surface particularly during Step 3 where people are encouraged to use the formula:

“I choose to forgive _______ (name the person) for _______ (what they did or failed to do), which made me feel _______ (verbally tell the Lord every hurt and pain He brings to your mind)” (Steps To Freedom In Christ, page 39)

Note what is said after “which made me feel” – these are possible lies. Some possible lies in these two examples (taken from real appointments) are underlined: “I forgive my father for saying I was a failure and would never amount to anything, which made me feel useless, worthless and a failure.” “I forgive those girls at school for the way they didn’t allow me to be part of their group which made me feel excluded.” Note that not everything that comes after “which made me feel” is a stronghold – look for words and phrases that are repeated in a number of forgiveness statements or other parts of the appointment. Note too that things that were not lies at the time (eg “excluded” in the last example above) can still function as lies in the present, for example if the person who made the last statement still has a tendency to feel excluded even when they are not.


PAUSE FOR THOUGHT What possible lies are the people who made the following statements believing? “I forgive my church for not supporting me when my marriage broke up which made me feel isolated and unimportant.” “I forgive my mother for not standing up for me when my father abused me which made me feel abandoned.” If the things said were in fact true at the time, how could they still function as lies now in the present? Look at the list of typical lies below and find as many Bible verses as you can that state what is actually true. Lies Truth Unloved Abandoned Rejected Inadequate Hopeless Stupid Ugly


Principle 5: Disciples Know The Secret Of Ongoing Transformation

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT We all want to be transformed so that we become like Jesus. Think about the people you are discipling or may disciple in the future – if you could name just one key thing that would enable them to be transformed, what would it be?

Freedom And Maturity Are Not The Same Thing

Freedom

Freedom is the ability to make a genuine choice to follow Christ without the domination of sin and Satan.

It is the right of every Christian (Romans 6-8; Colossians 1, 2) and can be obtained relatively quickly.

Maturity

Maturity is a process of growth that takes time and involves renewing the mind, healing damaged emotions and exercising daily our choice to follow Christ (2 Peter 1).

Uncovering Satan’s Schemes

The key to standing firm is recognising lies and dealing with them Transformation comes through the renewing of minds (Romans 12:2)


Stronghold-Busting A structured approach to helping people renew their minds It takes about 6 weeks (i.e. 40 days) to form or break a habit One of the key things that freedom seekers take from the appointment Worth spending time ensuring they understand it well

1. Determine the lie. What effect has it had in your life?

2. Find as many Bible verses as you can that state the truth and write them down 3. Write a prayer/declaration (“I renounce the lie that… I announce the truth that...”) 4. Read the Bible verses and say the prayer/declaration every day for 40 days

Taking A Long-Term View (Philippians 3:13b – 15a)

Encourage the disciple to: Do the teaching again Join a nurture group Keep taking responsibility for their life Consider making themselves voluntarily accountable to someone else if they

have a particularly difficult issue


Sample Stronghold-Buster The lie: that overeating brings lasting comfort. The effect in my life are: loss of self-control, feeling guilty, putting on weight. Proverbs 25:28: Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Galatians 5:16: So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Galatians 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Psalm 63:4-5:I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 119:76: May your unfailing love be my comfort. Lord, I renounce the lie that overeating brings lasting comfort. I announce the truth that you are the God of all comfort and that your unfailing love is my only legitimate and real comfort. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not have to gratify the desires of the flesh. Whenever I feel in need of comfort, instead of turning to foods I choose to praise you and be satisfied as with the richest of foods. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in self-control. Amen.


PAUSE FOR THOUGHT If transformation comes from renewing the mind, what implications does that have for the way you approach making disciples? How can you encourage people to renew their mind and to stick at it when it feels like a waste of time? Pick a typical lie that people might believe about themselves and put a sample Stronghold-Buster together for it:

The lie: Possible effects in your life:

Truth: Prayer / Declaration:


Getting Started

It’s Fine To Start Small And Grow

Critical Success Factors

Get the commitment of main leaders Build a team and plan carefully Start small and let it grow Leaders go through the teaching and an individual Steps

appointment before trying to teach it

Emphasise The Need To Make This A Way Of Life

Support From Freedom In Christ Freedom In Christ’s role is to enable, resource and support church leaders – we will do whatever we can to help. Our calling is to support church leaders in terms of :

Personal freedom Training Advice and guidance

For further information see www.ficm.org.uk

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT Spend some time together planning how practically you will implement the course in your own situation.


Principle 6: Disciples Are Unstoppable

Freedom In Christ’s Main Convictions:

Every Christian needs to understand who they are in Christ and claim their freedom in Christ

No Christian is so badly messed up or in circumstances so difficult that they cannot become a fruitful disciple

Part A: Resolving Deeper Issues

Traumatic Experiences And Memories

Remind the hurting person that: They are not a product of their past but of Christ's work on the cross The issue is not so much the experience or memory itself but the lie it

predisposed them to believe They can re-process their painful memories from the perspective of who they

are in Christ

Our purpose as the Church His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:10-11)

Our anointing as the Church of Christ: He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1)

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT How possible do you think it is for someone with major issues to become a genuinely fruitful disciple of Jesus? How can you best help them?


Part B: Resolving Corporate Issues

Giving Ground To Satan Corporately (Ephesians 4:25-27, Joshua 7-8)

A whole group is affected by the actions of one member, especially if that person is a leader

The actions of individuals cannot be separated from the actions of the group Unresolved sin from our spiritual predecessors can continue to give the enemy

a foothold if we do not resolve it

Marriage is a corporate body established by God

Setting Your Marriage Free A process for couples

To make a good marriage better To resolve spiritual issues

Look out for our regular retreats only for couples in leadership. Come for your own marriage

and to learn how to take it back to your church. Drop us an e-mail if you would like to be put on our waiting list.

The Church is a corporate body established by God

Our purpose “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Setting Your Ministry Free A process for leadership teams You ask Jesus to write you a letter:

Encouragement Corporate sin Schemes of the enemy

Ask for details of how we can facilitate a retreat for church leadership teams providing that every person has been through our discipleship teaching and a personal Steps To Freedom

appointment.


The Critical Importance Of Unity

The Church worldwide 0 – 1900: Grew to 2.5% of the population 1900 – 1970: Grew to 5% of the population 1970 – 2000: Grew to 11.2% of the population Source: Lausanne Statistical Task Force

Jesus’ prayer for us (John 17:20-23)

Spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Our Response “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) Is there anything in your ministry more important than working for unity? What can you do to contribute to real heart-unity among leaders in your area?


Summary Disciples know Jesus Disciples know who they are Disciples take the whole of reality into account Disciples know who is responsible for what Disciples know the secret of ongoing transformation Disciples are unstoppable

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT Read John 17:20-23 and Psalm 133. What do you think would be the effects in your area of genuine heart-to-heart unity across the Body of Christ? What contribution can you make to bringing that about?


Become a Friend Of Freedom In Christ Have you seen lives transformed through the Freedom In Christ approach? Would you like to be involved in making the impact even greater? If you are excited about the effect this teaching can have on individuals, churches and communities, you can be involved in making that impact even greater. We’d love to have you in the team! Freedom In Christ Ministries exists to equip the Church worldwide to make fruitful disciples. We rely heavily for financial support on people who have understood how important it is to give leaders the tools that will enable them to help people become fruitful disciples, not just converts. Friends of Freedom In Christ commit to giving a regular monthly sum to us. In return, we keep you fully up-to-date with what we are doing and how your money is being used. Typically your support will be used to:

help us equip UK church leaders help people overseas establish national Freedom In Christ offices translate our material into other languages partner with other organisations worldwide to equip leaders develop further training and equipping resources

Please complete the form below or sign up via our website at www.ficm.org.uk.

Two Other Ideas We have been really blessed by some groups who, at the end of a Freedom In Christ course in their church, have appreciated it so much that they have wanted to take an offering and send us the proceeds. Would your church consider supporting Freedom In Christ Ministries? There is a PowerPoint presentation you can download from our website that can be used to explain how we would use that support. Please complete this form and send to: Freedom In Christ Ministries, PO Box 2842, READING RG2 9RT

Title: _________ First Name: ________________________ Surname: _________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Postcode: ______________________________ Phone: ______________________________ E-mail: ________________________________________________

I enclose a one-off gift of £___________ I have set up a standing order for: £100 £50 £20 £_____ per month to: Account Name: Freedom In Christ Ministries Sort Code: 60-17-21 Account number: 54191653 GIFT AID (please complete if you pay UK tax)*. I am a UK taxpayer and wish Freedom In Christ Ministries to treat all donations I make as Gift Aid Donations. Signature: _________________________________________________ Date:_____________________________ *Please note that you must pay an amount of income or capital gains tax equal to or greater than the tax we reclaim on your donations. Please remember to inform us of any change in your tax status. Freedom In Christ Ministries is a registered charity no. 1082555.

Making Fruitful Disciples - Freedom in Christ · 2018-05-11 · Making Fruitful Disciples Getting...

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