Making Disciples

Introduction

Welcome:

Good morning everyone, it’s a joy to see you all here.

Purpose of Meetings:

The purpose of these gatherings is to develop servant-leaders, unify our team in vision, mission and the culture of House of Bethany, and strengthen our fellowship.

Reminder: The vision and mission of House of Bethany is to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship God, walk together, and win hearts to Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. In short, worship God, walk together, and win hearts. This vision/mission is why we exist, what we’re here to accomplish, who we are and where we are going as a church.

Topic Introduction:

Today, we are going to explore our third value in House of Bethany: Making Disciples.

Main Passage:

Matthew 28:19 AMP: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words].”

Transitional Prayer:

In Jesus name, Amen!

Body

Story:

The story about Samir and him pastoring Hybrid now.

Application:

Making disciples is about the student now becoming the teacher. They are mature in Christ to lead others. We make disciples so that those disciples can make disciples.

Transitional Sentence:

3 methods on how to make disciples

Points

First method: Invitation

Explanation:

Extend an invitation in whom you see the potential to be discipled.

Illustration:

Luke 5:8–11 NLT

When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Application:

We learn 4 principles for inviting people into discipleship from the example of Jesus:

1. Jesus went to the disciples instead of the disciples coming to him.

It’s often people in antiquity choose their rabbi but Jesus did the opposite, he chose his disciples.

How much more impactful would it be if the leader saw potential in someone, approached them, and communicated how they are gifted and needed in God's kingdom.

Dave Ferguson in his book Hero Maker would call this the ‘ICNU strategy.’ We can call out greatness in another person through a simple conversation, that helps create a yes environment. All you do is say, “I see [blank] in you.” You fill in the blank with the appropriate affirmation. “I see this ability in you,” “I see this gift in you,” and “I see God at work in you when you . . .”

2. Jesus saw Peter’s humility to learn and grow.

It’s vital when we invite people into discipleship, we look for characteristics such as humility to learn and grow.

3. Jesus was committed to Peter’s whole process.

As leaders we should be committed to the whole journey of developing leaders.

‌4. Jesus called Peter to a specific role and responsibility.

As leaders, when we invite people into discipleship, we must be clear on what the role/responsibility is and give it to them.

Make sure to have consistent meetings after giving the role/responsibility. We do this for 2 purposes: (1) to grow in relationship (2) to use responsibility or service as a means for discipleship (to be like Christ).

Second method: Apprenticeship

Explanation:

The model of training Jesus exemplified in scripture is called apprenticeship. This is when someone learns a trade by working under a certified expert. In other words, we are training people to grow in Christlikeness and in service. We may not all be called to serve in the same way but we are all called to grow in Christlikeness.

Illustration:

Ephesians 2:10 NLT

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Romans 8:29 NLT

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Application:

At house of Bethany, we have a 5 step process for apprenticeship (Inspired by the book Hero-Maker by Dave Ferguson):

I do. You watch. We talk

I do. You help. We talk

You do. I help. We talk

You do. I watch. We talk

You do. Someone else watches.

Third method: Mobilize

Explanation:

The measurement of success is when the student becomes the teacher and has the authority to do what the teacher does. We believe when individuals have been invited and given responsibility, trained through apprenticeship, they are now empowered and mobilized to lead.

Illustration:

Luke 9:1–2 NLT

One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Luke 10:1 NLT

The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.

Application:

We do this through appointing or activating the leadership gift.

The mentor/leader lay hands and pray for the newly appointed disciple. This act signifies that we acknowledge the gift and empower them by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

Summary:

3 methods on how to make disciples:

Invitation

Apprenticeship

Mobilize

So what:

Colossians 1:28–29 NLT

So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

The purpose for making disciples is not only to make heaven crowded but it’s to present disciples mature in their relationship with Christ.

Call to Action:

Pray about who God is calling you to disciple for Jesus

Invite them

Apprentice them

Mobilize them.

Interactive Questions:

Invitation: Who in your life is God prompting you to invite into a relationship with Him, and how can you take the first step to reach out to them this week?

Apprenticeship: What skills, lessons, or experiences has God given you that you can pass on to someone who is growing in their faith?

Mobilization: How can you help someone you’re discipling step out and take action in their faith, whether it’s serving, sharing the Gospel, or leading others?

Transitional Prayer:

In Jesus name, Amen