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Strategy for Disciplemaking

In Matt 28:18-20, Jesus commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations. But who is a disciple? Previously, we looked at three prescriptive characteristics of a disciple: (1) abiding in God's word (2) bearing fruit and (3) loving one another. Now that we know the finished product, what is the strategy for making disciples?

ABIDING IN GOD'S WORD
  1. Motivation
    - Wisdom more than your enemies, teachers and the aged (Psa 119:97-100)
    - A righteous lifestyle (Psa 119:100-104)
    - Freedom from negative thoughts, habitual sins, etc (John 8:32) 
  2. Suggestions for their Personal Goals
    - Schedule personal devotion in God's word and prayer
    - Deeper study of God's word by characters, topics and/or books of the Bible 
  3. Your Teaching Methodologies
    - Share lessons learnt in personal devotions to demonstrate the relevance of God's word for today
    - Use "discovery method" in small groups to excite them with the joy of discovering truths for themselves and to build convictions that are solidly grounded upon God's word
BEARING FRUIT
  1. Motivation
    - Rescue their loved ones from the clutches of Satan (Eph 2:1-2) and from condemnation (Rev 20:15)
    - Obedience to Christ's last words (Matt 28:18-20) 
  2. Suggestions for their Personal Goals
    - List people whom they like to share Christ and set deadlines
    - Plan to improve skills in evangelism and discipleship
    - Think of potential members for their own discipleship group (new Christians in church, unbelievers at their place of work) 
  3. Your Teaching Methodologies
    - Encourage them to invite non-Christians to evangelistic meetings
    - Bring them out witnessing
    - Train them to initiate a conversation on Christ and to share their salvation testimonies
    - Provide resources (such as tracts, tapes, CDs, etc) which they can follow through with their friends 
LOVING ONE ANOTHER
  1. Motivation
    - This is the second great commandment given by Christ (Matt 22:39-40)
    - Edifying relationships with one another 
  2.  Suggestions for their Personal Goals
    - List tangible ways of expressing love to other believers and meeting their needs
    - Plan small group functions
  3. Your Teaching Methodologies: Modeling
    - Show concern for their needs and pray with and for them  
    - Plan socials and invite small group members.  
    - There is nothing like an intensive time together for modeling the Christian life and for developing friendships. 

© August 2007 by Alan S.L. Wong