Trailhead Discipleship Facilitators Training

Part 1: The Vision for Disciple Making

1. Personal Disciple-Making was Jesus’ “plan A” for reaching the world.

· He preached to many, he touched the lives of some, but he invested his life in training just 12 men.

· He modeled it, and then told those 12 men to multiply. Matt. 28:18-20

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

2. Personal Disciple-Making looks small, but has the potential to multiply exponentially.

· See multiplication Illustration.x

2 Timothy 2:2 ESV

and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

3. Personal Disciple-Making is a relational way for people to grow in Christ-like maturity.

· Relational – People feel heard, connected and cared for.

· Conversations can be tailored to their needs and questions.

4. Personal Disciple-Making is a way to empower others to take part in God’s mission.

· The average person can do it. (No special skills needed)

· In order for someone you are training to start reproducing Disciples, they just need…

o A solid commitment to Jesus as Lord.

o Walking in repentance.

o 1 Thess. 2:7-8

1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 NIV

Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

§ Care and love

§ Share the word of God

o Share your life - The space in their life to prioritize time with those they will invest in.

Part 2: Principles for Success in Disciple-Making

1. Make a clear invitation to go through Trailhead together.

· Luke 6:12-13

Luke 6:12–13 ESV

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:

· Prayerfully select who you will approach.

· Share with them the vision for discipleship and the commitment you are asking them to consider:

o 6 weeks of expedited spiritual growth.

o Weekly trailhead meeting.

o Assignments: Bible reading, Scripture memory, possible other assignments at your discretion.

· Give them a couple days to pray about it. Then ask them how God has led them.

2. Set a time and place for each weekly meeting.

· “Discipleship is more than a weekly meeting, but it is never less.” -Robby Gallaty

3. Spend extra time with them.

· Mark 3:14 “And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him…”

· Do what you can do, don’t stress about what you can’t do.

Examples:

Have them over for dinner.

· Bring them along to do chores with you.

· Invite them to tag along to events.

· Serve together.

· You want to model for them what it is to be a follower of Jesus in real life, not just while sitting at a table sipping a latte.

4. At the final meeting help them determine their next step in discipleship.

The Three E’s:

Establishing: Getting them the basics in sound doctrine, spiritual disciplines and character development.

Equipping: Giving them skills for personal ministry. Empowering them to lead with supervision.

Exporting: Sending them out to lead. Helping them with their Disciple Making Ministry.

Next steps:

More Establishing = Trailhead 1.0 and 2.0

Equipping = Discipleship Group

Exporting = Disciple Making Team, Leadership Coaching