We had well over 3,000 people attend our Easter weekend services this year. There is no way I can minister to all those needs. People may logically realize that and respond: 'Well, you have 8 other pastors to lean on." But that can't be true either. We'll never have enough staff to reach out to all the needs present in our church, much less in our city. If we hope to multiply the Gospel the way Christ intends, it will require not just a pastor or a church staff but the entire body of Christ 'built up in love as each part does its work.'
What that means, in essence, is that church leaders are intended by God not to plan events so much, but to equip people. Leaders do not exist to provide services but to show people how to do ministry.
Join us in the journey. We need you and God needs you.
And be blessed.
4 comments:
The Easter serfvice was one that touched my heart and opened my eyes to how I have been living my life. I know now that I need to make some changes in my life as well as in my home, thanks for the wonderful message from KFA
Right on! I facilitate teaching John Maxwell's "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leasership" where I work and most of the laws deal with team leadership and utilizing the strengths of the team to accomplish "the mission" whether it is leading souls to Christ through the church and growing the spiritual lives of believers or in the business world accomplishing various business/monetary goals.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ...
Making Disciples
Jesus' command for all believers is to make disciples. It is not optional.
MATTHEW 28:19-20 NKJ
19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Like Raising Children
Making disciples is much like assuming the responsibilities of being a parent:
Until they learn to feed themselves, you make sure they are fed.
You teach them how to feed themselves as soon as possible.
If they get into trouble, you help them -- even if it is inconvenient, because they are your top priority.
You train them to do what they need to do.
You teach them what you know.
You help protect them from danger.
Mostly, you must spend time with them because people learn best by example.
Your goal is to eventually reproduce yourself -- another believer who can also stand on their own and reproduce.
Who?
1) Pray for God's direction.
2) Who do you have opportunity to help?
3) Find a way to hook up with them.
Disciples are those God is entrusting to you, that He may train them though you.
How?
1) Pray for God's direction.
2) Love them till they ask you why. (Romans 13:9)
3) Take someone with you.
4) Lead by example -- not by command.
5) Keep Jesus central.
Training has not been accomplished until the desired action is being practiced.
LUKE 6:40 NKJ
40 "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
Although we cannot remove the inevitable human influence, we must strive to make disciples of Jesus, and not just followers of ourselves. Train them to trust in, rely on, and follow Jesus Christ.
Made Disciples
JOHN 4:1 NKJ
1 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John
ACTS 14:21 NKJ
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,
Let Jesus Build The Church
MATTHEW 16:18 NKJ
18 "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Beware of not seeing the trees (disciples) for seeing the forest (church). Jesus said He would build the church, but He told us to make disciples.
How do you plant a forest? You don't. You plant one tree at a time. Those trees then reproduce other trees and a forest develops.
Disciples cannot be mass-produced. Be faithful to help whoever God has given you opportunity to disciple, and Jesus will build His church.
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