I extended an invitation to Paul and Peggy Schlieker to contribute an article on disciple making. They are a special couple with a kindred spirit as our ministry here at The Disciple Makers.  Their heart and commitment to making disciples is an encouragement to me as they clearly see that you just can’t make disciples in a crowd.  In a day when everything seems to be “driven” by something in eh church, it’s refreshing to see what Paul calls, Kingdom-Driven Discipleship.  Enjoy the article and be sure to leave a comment for Paul and Peggy.

Andy

Disciple-making: A Relational Ministry

Many overestimate the lasting impact of events and underestimate the power of relationships. As a result, contemporary Christianity is often a mile wide and an inch deep. Jesus’ ministry was relationship-driven, not event-driven. His focus was people, not programs or classes. Jesus knew that drawing a crowd and making disciples was not the same thing. While large group events can attract, instruct and inspire, they cannot fully transform. Transformation requires relationships. Jesus called plain “fishermen” to spend time with him and then transformed them into fishers of men. If God can change the lives of these ordinary non-theologians, he can produce disciple-makers today.

A mature follower of Jesus obeys, loves and bears fruit (John 8:31; 13:35; 15:8). These and other verses describe the outcome of disciple-making more than the process. In the Olympics we see athletes with flawless physiques. What we don’t see are the years of personal commitment and training required to produce their world-class ability. While a mental picture of what a mature disciple looks like is needed, equally important are the components that produce such a disciple.

Jesus is the perfect model His approach to disciple-making involved two basic elements: time and practice. First, Jesus called his disciples to spend time with him in a variety of life settings. Second, he expected them to practice a godly lifestyle. This kingdom lifestyle was clearly taught and visibly modeled for them every day. Jesus showed his followers how to love God, neighbors and enemies. They grew spiritually through their daily commitment to stay with him and obey his teaching.

Developing a new skill always requires training. To run a marathon, your preparation might begin by attending a class or listening to an experienced runner. A training video may introduce you to various techniques that will help you endure 26 miles, 385 yards. But seminars and videos are not enough. Can you get in shape by watching a workout video? Training for a marathon calls for hours of running. Likewise, spiritual development requires practice. We learn by doing. Habits are formed by discipline, commitment and effort. No one becomes like Jesus by merely thinking about him.

Jesus sees what we can become and wants to enlarge the way we see ourselves. The original disciples certainly realized that the words, “I will make you fishers of men,” were Christ’s agenda. The simple phrase fishers of men significantly shaped the mental picture they had of themselves and their future. Ask Jesus to help you see yourself as a disciple-maker.

Paul and Peggy Schlieker

Paul and Peggy Schlieker have a heart to provide easy to use, practical Bible study lessons that can be used in a variety of settings – both inside and outside of the church building. They teach and disciple seekers, new believers and seasoned followers. Their simple approach is, “if you can read it – you can lead it.”

www.bible-study-lesson-plans.com