Why Discipleship Works.

READ MATTHEW 9:35-10:4

Jesus ministered in circles.

Big (crowds)

Medium (12 disciples)

Small (Peter, James, & John)

He did not need to minister this way.

Rabbi taking on a protege’.

READ MATTHEW 28:18-20

Jesus left 11 Jewish men responsible to carry out the mission.

I have one goal this morning. I want to convince you that discipleship works.

Every decision the church makes ought to be bathed in the idea of discipleship. Otherwise, our efforts can easily become counter-productive.

I was 26 years old (8 years in the ministry) before someone defined discipleship for me.

Two important words in theology:

Evangelism - Good News.

Disciples - A disciplined follower of a master.

We need both. Only evangelism is a mob with little depth. Only discipleship is people with lots of knowledge but little effect.

READ 2 TIMOTHY 2:2

Timothy had been a disciple of Paul for many years. (Acts 16 and 2 Timothy 1:3-7)

Paul was nearing the end of his ministry.

Timothy was the pastor of the church at Ephesus.

Paul’s goal was to become a spiritual great-grandfather.

Good discipleship is how we grow the church numerically and in Spirit at the same time.

When something is mandated by God, it cannot fail.

Paul (Jake), Timothy (Layne), Faithful Men (Cole), Others Also (Joel and Nathaniel).

Men, this is our responsibility. To the ladies, teenagers, and children.

Who do we disciple?

Faithful - Not a Christian today and an atheist tomorrow.

Available - You cannot lead if you aren’t around.

Teachable - Psalm 51:8.

How do you disciple?

Teach what you know.

Find tools… (The Strand, Navigator Wheel, etc)

Get started yesterday and build community.

Circles are meant to expand.

This community is hungry for men and women who disciple well.