Today, as billions of people are grappling with the realities of COVID-19, we all need to be pointed to the truth of Psalm 46:11, “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (NIV). There is really no better way to communicate this truth than through intentional disciple-making.
Disciple-making is simply helping others follow Jesus. This happens through loving relationships where disciples of Jesus journey together. Their goal is to intentionally grow into Christ-likeness in all areas of their lives. This happens in the normal course of life: when we gather in local communities, go to work, or meet to share a meal. But what if much or all of that stops because of social distancing? What are the implications for us as followers of Christ?
This challenging situation gives us some particular opportunities to strengthen how we follow Jesus and serve others. One of them has to do with the fact that millions of people around the world are spending more time at home than ever before. Governments in many nations encourage (and some even require) everyone to stay home. Much advice abounds: work remotely, study online, watch Netflix, and so forth. But wait, how might we utilize this reality for disciple-making? Imagine spouses having intentional conversations and serving each other. Imagine parents focusing on children and coming alongside them in their faith journey. To adapt Jesus’ command: Don’t go out, yet make disciples!
We can also connect for intentional disciple-making conversations even without being in person! We can do this either one on one or in small groups. Perhaps you have already been doing this in other ways, now consider shifting it online or even by phone. Maybe you haven’t done this before and now might be a good time to start! In the next newsletter we will explore this very specific opportunity to make disciples using calls instead of being in the same room. We will do this by sharing some stories and resources.
And, keep in mind that “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress”.
Prayerfully,
The WEA Decade of Disciple-Making Team
Disciple-Making Movements for Children by Jim Yost
“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. Proverbs 22:6 (KJB)
Whether we like it or not, our kids are going to grow up! And the adults in their lives will indeed influence them. For good - and for bad. So discipleship of children starts VERY YOUNG. It starts way before they believe. It begins with the attitudes and values modeled in front of them by all the adults around them - both in their homes and in their schools. Sometimes a home may have a healthy spiritual environment set by parents but then in the school environment something very different and conflicting may be demonstrated. Also, a school may have a strong environment where the character of children is built but then in their homes something very different is evident that nullifies the positive influence at the school.Discipleship is basically modeling a new behavior for someone who never knew the option was open to them. So you watch somebody else pray, and you begin to pray. You watch somebody else share their faith, and you begin to witness to other people. You watch somebody else have faith for the impossible, and you begin to believe and act without limits.
In the school we founded 14 years ago here in Papua, Love Papua School, discipleship is the theme from the very first grade. In every year of school the character of the children is built on values from the Bible. And they learn to practice their emerging faith immediately. By the time they graduate grade 6; they have a personal relationship with Jesus; they can do inductive Bible study; they can lead their parents to Jesus; and they can do outreach in the community.
Recently the elementary school went out to a rural village for "outreach". It wasn't the teachers leading the outreach, but rather the students were the ones who led! They went into schools and community centers playing games with kids that had spiritual lessons; they prayed with other children; they led Bible studies with other kids. In other words, children discipling other children. And when they do it themselves, their spiritual growth goes to a deeper level.
Let us know what you think as well as share stories, resources and opportunities at disciple-making@worldea.org.
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