Ripe for Harvest

406 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

The Dynamic Dozen Foundational Principles of the Nurture Phase Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

I. Nurture your young disciples on the Word of God from the start. Cultivate nurture as an ongoing lifestyle, not a program or activity.

A. See every activity as an opportunity to nurture spiritual maturity and Christian community.

B. Parenting begins at childbirth: shortly after birth, the baby needs feeding!

C. Don’t sling milk to a room of babies; breast and bottle feed each little one!

II. As a missionary-pastor-teacher, adopt the responsibility to initially shepherd your little flock: ensure pastoral care for each believer in your assembly.

A. Don’t postpone pastoral care until a pastor is called: you shepherd them.

B. As pastor, equip all of your members from the beginning to use their gifts to nurture others (e.g., cell group strategies).

III. As much as lies within you, ensure early that your assembled believers receive proper investment in all dimensions of church life.

A. Offer to each member opportunities for personal friendship, small group fellowship, congregational worship, life, and identity, and participation with other Christians outside your growing assembly.

B. Variety is the spice of life: dimensions protect against division and odd groupings.

Context Values/Vision

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter