Fit to Represent, Vision for Discipleship Seminar

F R IT TO EPRESENT Vision for Discipleship Seminar

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

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TRUTH

A Fighting Spirit

A Passion to Multiply

A Revolutionary Vision

A Life Shared in Common

A Compelling Testimony

A Believing Stance

A Disciplined Walk

The Urban Ministry Institute •

World Impact, Inc. a ministry of

© 2013. The Urban Ministry Institute. All Rights Reserved. Copying, redistribution and/or sale of these materials, or any unauthorized transmission, except as may be expressly permitted by the 1976 Copyright Act or in writing from the publisher is prohibited. Requests for permission should be addressed in writing to:

The Urban Ministry Institute 3701 East 13th Street Wichita, KS 67208

The Urban Ministry Institute is a ministry of World Impact, Inc.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bible, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved.

This book is dedicated to Joe Graham our fellow soldier and true warrior of the Lord –

whose vision for investing in the faithful and the teachable has not waned or decreased after nearly forty years on the mission field, who manages to keep the main thing the main thing, and has been willing to take all necessary steps and risks – however long and however hard – to bring more glory to the name of Christ. May his passion for discipling others be passed on through the many urban men he has counseled, trained, and empowered for so many years.

Table of Contents

About the Author

7

Fit to Represent: The Purpose of the Vision for Discipleship Seminar

9

Where Do We Go from Here? Identifying, Equipping, and Releasing Indigenous Leaders

13

Overview of Sessions

23

Introduction: General Principles in a Theology of Effective Discipleship

33

Sessions

45

A Zeal to Represent A Revolutionary Vision A Disciplined Walk A Life Shared in Common A Believing Stance A Fighting Spirit A Compelling Testimony A Passion to Multiply

Response Affirming Our Vision for Discipleship Take Your Stand

63

Appendix I: Bible and Theology

67

Appendix II: Discipleship and Structure

85

Appendix III: Culture and Leadership

119

For Further Study

145

About the Author

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis is the Director of . He The Urban Ministry Institute received a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Wheaton College, an M.A. in Systematic Theology from the Wheaton Graduate School, and holds a Ph.D. in Theology and Ethics from the University of Iowa School of Religion. Dr. Davis has taught as professor of religion and theology at a number of colleges and seminaries, including Wheaton College, St. Ambrose University, and the Houston Graduate School of Theology. Since 1975, he has served with World Impact, an interdenominational missions agency dedicated to evangelism, discipleship, and urban church planting among the inner cities of America. A frequent speaker at national conventions and conferences, Don also serves as World Impact’s Vice President of Church Resources. He is a Staley Lecturer and a member of the American Academy of Religion. Over the years Dr. Davis has authored numerous curricula, courses, and materials designed to equip pastors, church planters, and Christian workers for effective ministry in urban settings, including the , Capstone Curriculum The Urban Ministry Institute’s comprehensive sixteen-module seminary-level curriculum designed specifically for developing urban church leaders.

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Fit to Represent: The Purpose of the Vision for Discipleship Seminar An Overview of Why We Are Here Three years ago, World Impact acknowledged that as an organization it was on the verge of a spiritual explosion. During its celebration of its 40th anniversary, it affirmed both the peril of the current condition of America’s urban blighted neighborhoods, and the unbelievable promise we have to evangelize, disciple, and plant churches among the neediest and least-loved communities in America and the world. This recognition of the peril and the promise of the urban communities of the world called for a new focus, emphasis, and thrust into pioneer missions, all based on a single, simple plan: raise up a new generation of urban leaders who can effectively reach and transform America’s inner cities through dynamic church planting movements. During the month of October 2010, Dr. Keith Phillips, then president of World Impact, issued a challenge to our entire family of board members, executives, directors, staff, donors, and volunteers which highlighted and underscored the significance of this new focus on developing urban leaders. Suggesting the importance of this focus, he acknowledged that although the American Church did not believe that the inner cities were salvageable, God still wanted to win the city, to transform and bring revival to the city, and that he would do this by raising up from among city folk an army of indigenous leaders who could, under the Spirit’s direction, take the cities by storm. He called us to affirm the Holy Spirit’s work – he is calling indigenous Christian leaders from among the unreached urban communities, from among the neediest and most neglected neighborhoods to finish the Great Commission in our time. From the time of the issuance of that broad and exciting call to raise up an army of indigenous leaders, TUMI has sought to redouble its efforts to provide quality encouragement and challenge to select and charismatic (Spirit-gifted) leaders to join us in advancing the Kingdom in America’s cities. This Vision for Discipleship Seminar is the result of that innovation, our organizational response to the clarion call to mission affirmed three years ago. We gather here for this brief period to acknowledge your importance in this mission. Over the next months we intend to invite a select group of men and women to come and be exposed to the growing movement whose vision burns for urban evangelism, effective discipleship, church planting, and urban mission. You are here because we believe that you could be an officer, a front-line soldier in this mighty army that God is bringing together from New York to Los Angeles, from Seattle to Miami. Over the next few hours we will discuss, debate, dialogue, and engage

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10 Fit to Represent: Vision for Discipleship Seminar ▪

the principles, ideas, and challenges associated with joining this national, rather, international force of workers who are banding together for pioneer mission in the name of the risen Jesus. The cities of America and the world will not be reached by organizations like World Impact, but rather, by the workers and laborers that the Holy Spirit raises up for the Gospel, men and women of God and of the Word, people of grace and the Spirit, those whom God has chosen to make a difference during these turbulent and dangerous times for the cities of the world. If you are present at the seminar, you must know that it is neither by accident nor circumstance that you are here. We believe in divine appointments, and trust that the brief time we spend together will be life-shaping and life-transforming for all of us. It was not by chance that we heard the call to raise up an army of urban leaders three years ago, nor was it an accident that we see the Lord working with such power and might in the prisons of America, and among the leaders we are training here and across the world. This is a special moment, a strategic season, a critical time. God Almighty is identifying select individuals whom he will form into a massive an army of servant-leaders who, after being equipped and trained for mission, will be released to transform their social networks, communities, and cities for Christ. You are here because we believe you can be a warrior in that army. This is your time to stand. Know that we have prayed for these seminars, and for you – for many months we have pined to God for you, and begged him that we, together, might join forces to see the name of Jesus lifted up in the cities, beginning in our own homes, neighborhoods, jobs, and churches. We are greedy – hungry for God to transform our lives, to grant us a new vision, with a high purpose to be trained warriors for Christ, to become servants of the Gospel and of the Kingdom, and to surrender all that we are and possess to be used by God to fulfill the Great Commission in the cities of America and the world. Listen prayerfully to everything we discuss, learn, and share. Open your heart and mind up to God to be healed, changed, and transformed. And, above all, make yourself unconditionally available to the Holy Spirit to let God do in and through you all that he has in store. We want to give you a vision, a vision for discipleship and for transformation, to advance the Kingdom for the glory of Christ. The outline that follows this greeting consists of the notes handed out for the 40th year celebration of World Impact in October 2010. As you read over these comments, notice the focus on raising up an army of urban leaders. That call, that challenge, is the reason we are hosting this seminar.

Welcome ▪ 11

Welcome to our time together. Our prayer is that God might richly bless us as we strategize and learn together how we can join our hearts and minds to be the tip of the spear of an entirely new urban movement to make Jesus king in all the earth, especially the city. We are glad you are here.

Listening to the Lord and to my fellow soldiers these next hours together,

Don Davis

Where Do We Go From Here? Identifying, Equipping, and Releasing Indigenous Leaders

Dr. Keith Phillips • World Impact 40th Anniversary Celebration • October 31, 2010

I. The Kingdom of God Is in a Spiritual Battle

A. Clearly felt in inner cities of America

B. We have the ammunition to fight the good fight of faith

1. Spirit of God, who gave us the Word, councils and creeds, and guides the Church today

2. Strategy, to launch indigenously-led church-plant movements

3. TUMI, to train the leaders God gives us

4. Partnerships (Prison Fellowship, Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, the Evangelical Free Church of America, Francis Chan)

5. A wise and dedicated Board

C. We need to fortify

1. The officers

2. The field commanders

3. The troops

D. Many challenges

1. Broken family

2. Culture of distrust and suspicion

3. Multi-cultural complexity

4. New trends

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E. The American Church does not believe that the inner city is salvageable

1. God wants to win the city through an army of indigenous leaders

2. The Holy Spirit is calling indigenous Christian leaders from among the unreached urban poor

II. City Team

A. Reaffirm our church-planting principles

B. PLANT Acrostic/10 Principles document

III. Where Do We Go from Here?

A. Variety of models and strategies

B. Invigorate our staff to be even more empowered in finding and raising up urban leaders.

C. Have our efforts (approaches) been effective in:

1. Recruiting and identifying indigenous leaders?

2. Equipping and empowering (releasing) them?

D.

evangelism Oikos

1. Relational network of friends and family

2. Look for someone who is both

a. Responsive to you

b. Influential

3. Leader of group of skaters; a patriarch of a family from Mexico; a child who has influence with her parents

E. Many helpful tools

Where Do We Go from Here? ▪ 15

IV. We Want to Raise up Indigenous Urban Leaders

A. Within World Impact

1. EVANGELISM

2. EQUIPPING

3. EMPOWERING

B. In conjunction with like-minded denominations, churches and organizations

C. Charismatic/gifted leaders outside of World Impact

V. World Impact Associates

A. Concept

1. Goal:

2. Definition:

3. Penetrate ethnic groups not traditionally targeted

4. Candidacy (criterion)

a. Competent in doctrine; biblical training (TUMI or other background)

b. Committed to, and able to communicate/teach PLANT, 10 Principles and World Impact Affirmation of Faith

c. In agreement with World Impact approach (principles, doctrine, spirituality)

d. Understands TUMI

5. Prepared to represent World Impact

6. Meet with RVP for assignments

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B. Structure

1. RVP can cease the relationship any time. No on-going expectation of indefinite relationship; for a period or season of time

2. Paid as an independent contractor (not employee). No benefits: no on-going obligation to pay the independent contractor (no financial commitment). No time cards Theological World Impact and Strategic Commitments, but implemented by their individual methods 3. Free to carry out the work consistent with

C.

offers World Impact

1. Resources (tool kit)

2. Personal input by RVP or designate

3. Funding

4. Licensing

D. Show structure (see pages 20-22)

VI. Each Region/City Develops Strategic Goals for the Next Year.

A. Goals to foster indigeneity

1. Potential indigenous leaders

2. Identified indigenous leaders being discipled

3. Healthy churches being planted

B. Submit 2011 plan to RVP by Dec 31

C. Evaluate strategic goals: accountability

You may download this outline and view the videos of Dr. Phillips at: www.tumi.org/ Indigenousleaders

Where Do We Go from Here? ▪ 17

World Impact’s Ten Church Planting Principles

1. Jesus is Lord.

Matthew 9.37-38

2. Evangelize, Equip, and Empower unreached people to reach people. 1 Thessalonians 1.6-8

3. Be inclusive: whosoever will may come. Romans 10.12

4. Be culturally neutral: come just as you are. Colossians 3.11

5. Avoid a fortress mentality. Acts 1.8

6. Continue to evangelize to avoid stagnation. Romans 1.16-17

7. Cross ethnic, class, gender, and language barriers. 1 Corinthians 9.19-22

8. Respect the dominance of the receiving culture. Acts 15.23-29

9. Avoid dependence. Ephesians 4.11-16

10. Think reproducibility.

2 Timothy 2.2; Philippians 1.18

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World Impact’s PLANT Acrostic Updated August 13, 2010

Theological commitment: The Word of God as illumined by the Holy Spirit and expressed in the Great Tradition (e.g. Canon, Ecumenical Creeds and Councils) and World Impact’s Statement of Faith

Strategic commitment: Evangelicals empowering the urban poor to facilitate church-planting movements

Prepare: Be the Church 1 “Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns and the other prisoners were listening.”

1. Seek God’s leading to select an unchurched target area or population (which may include demographic and ethnographic studies). 2. Form a church-plant team, the initial church which community believers can join. 3. Select reproducible models to contextualize standard 2 church practices. 4. Initiate discussions about associations, denominations, or other affiliations.

1. Invite others (mature or new believers) to join the church. 2. Conduct evangelism to add to the existing church.

Launch: Expand the Church “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

1. Train others through cell groups or Bible studies to follow up and disciple new believers; to continue evangelism; and to identify and train emerging leaders. Focus on leaders for Transition (TUMI). 2. Assemble the groups where the Word is rightly preached, the sacraments are rightly administered, and discipline is rightly ordered. 3. Announce to the neighborhood the beginning of public worship. 1. Train others to serve and lead through individual and group discipleship. 3 2. Encourage believers to exercise their gifts in the church. 3. Assign responsibility to the faithful (deacons, elders, future pastors). 1. Commission faithful indigenous leaders to be deacons, elders, and pastors. 2. Commission the church to be part of a self-governing, self- supporting, and self-reproducing movement. 3. Join a denomination or association for fellowship, support, and joint-ministry activity. 4. Begin reproducing a new church.

Assemble: Establish the Church “Let us not give up meeting together.”

Nurture: Mature the Church “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.”

Transition: Release the Church “And what you have heard me say, entrust to reliable people who are qualified to teach others.”

Where Do We Go from Here? ▪ 19

1 Our identity is based on the guardianship and cross-cultural transference of the Great Tradition, which guards against heresy, sectarianism, syncretism, schism, and pragmatism. A church is birthed from an existing church (we have to BE the church before we can plant the church). We reproduce after our own kind. We do not start churches [out of nothing], but from other churches. ex nihilo We have an organic link from church to church back to Pentecost; to the Apostles; to Israel; to the Trinity. Community has been eternally existent; we are a part of that stream. OUR COMMON THEOLOGICAL AND STRATEGIC COMMITMENTS ARE FUNDAMENTAL (i.e. DNA), not merely methodological. As in families, parents birth children, raise them in their homes, and prepare them to be parents. Offspring bear our name and character. They share our biology and nurture. This intimacy is needed to create and sustain a church- planting movement. We do not distinguish the spirituality of training leaders from the spirituality of missionaries. New congregations will share our vision, doctrine, spiritual discipline, mission, and finances. There is no distinction between the new congregation and the sent team. The “P” of PLANT recognizes that the church exists as soon as the team is formed. Paul’s team WAS the church in Philippi before Lydia’s household joined them. Launch adds to the existing church. 2 This could be a mother-church, a cell-church, a simple church, or other form. We RETAIN OUR INTERDENOMINATIONAL IDENTITY while developing commonality to facilitate standardization and reproducibility. We will partner with traditions that do things differently than us. We will promote multiple types of church-plant movements. 3 Future church leaders observe and practice their developing skills in a church with real people, identities, and structure, under leadership that ensures consistent practices. Leaders must be developed in the context of community. COMMON COMMITMENTS (theological, strategic, standard Church practices) that facilitate training leaders will be replicated from one church to another. When an emerging leader learns how to serve communion at the mother church, he knows how to lead communion at the daughter church plant. The contextualization of the must be designed to make standard Church practices it easy to train leaders and export to new churches. Structures facilitate and enable innovation. Missionaries must understand that these churches might not meet their cultural needs (it will be Christ-centered, not me-centered) for the sake of leadership development and reproducibility. A church of this kind will train and send out church-plant leaders into the community. Pioneer teams can be launched in new neighborhoods simultaneously with the “mother” church. It must embrace and follow our Common Commitments so that leaders will be trained uniformly. ESTABLISH A WORLD IMPACT NETWORK OF CHURCHES, which shares our Common Commitments, allows for contextualization in culture, and dynamically standardizes practices to make reproduction easier and more efficient. This oversight, support, and resourcing facilitates the church’s protection and health.

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World Impact Strategies

June 2013

The following passage is an excerpt from a document written by Rev. Don Allsman, vice president of World Impact, describing World Impact’s current strategies to advance the Gospel in the three ministry areas known as “hubs.” Each ministry hub will marshal its efforts, resources, prayers, and actions to use these strategies to help our organization identify, equip, and release a new generation of indigenous leaders who will plant and pastor churches among the lost in each area. These ministry strategies reveal our commitment to urban leadership and the urban church, and will be the center of our shared ministry focus for the months and years ahead. Notice the focus on indigeneity, i.e., our unqualified confidence that the cities of America and the world can only be won through the divine calling and empowerment of thousands of qualified spiritual laborers who will engage in pioneer mission to win the lost and transform America’s neediest communities. This is our vision and mission today. Current Strategies Ends will be reported in terms of our current strategies that contribute to our vision. The vision and strategies may change in future years (as it has in the past), but our current vision is to “find, equip, and release” indigenous leaders (“indigeneity”) through eight strategies: 1. Planting churches through World Impact (CP): WI staff attempting to establish self-governing, self-supporting, self-reproducing urban churches that will become independent of WI oversight but affiliated with an association or denomination. 2. Training/coaching/partnering with others (Partner): WI staff assisting urban Christians, urban ministries, or denominations to plant churches or start ministries that promote healthy of urban congregations. 3. Developing or leading urban church associations (UCA): WI staff establishing or nurturing UCAs that provide structure for urban pastors to share resources and encourage each other, leading to healthier urban churches, and providing a place to find indigenous leaders for further partnership. 4. Resourcing World Impact Associates (WIA): WI staff equipping emerging urban church planters to become more effective.

Where Do We Go from Here? ▪ 21

5. Hosting retreats or events (Events): WI allocating staff and resources host events that find, equip, or release indigenous leaders; where evangelism takes place, urban churches are edified, or other strategies are developed (e.g. partnerships are found; UCAs emerge; WIAs are found). 6. Developing TUMI satellites (TUMI sites): WI staff helping ministries train their urban leaders to be more effective in understanding, defending, and articulating the Great Tradition of the faith. For the nine WI TUMI sites, WI staff recruits and trains students at their satellite. 7. Producing resources for urban churches (TUMI Resources): TUMI staff developing additional resources to meet the felt-needs of urban churches and urban missionaries so that local churches in theology, worship, discipleship, and witness. 8. Launching SIAFU chapters (the SIAFU Network): WI staff encouraging the establishment of SIAFU chapters that create a place of friendship and support, edifies urban congregations, and facilitates incorporation of former inmates into the local church.

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World Impact Strategy

Recipient

Results

How many church plant teams are officially chartered by WI, including each team’s target area/group and their projected end date

Urban communities (a church is the agent of God’s Kingdom, bringing freedom, justice, and wholeness)

CP

How many WI staff are currently training, coaching, or partnering, including the goals of the partnership and the target end date

Urban and leaders denominations who receive resourcing from WI staff

Partner

How many UCAs are developing or nurtured by WI staff, including the area they serve and the target end date

Urban

and their pastors

UCA

congregations

How many WI Associates are engaged, including where they are serving and their target end date

Urban church planters

WIA

What events have been held by WI in the last 12 months, including the results of each; what is being scheduled in the next 12 months, including the goals for each 1. How many contacts have been made by WI staff to establish new sites in the last 12 months, including how many have applied and approved. 2. Of WI’s nine TUMI sites, how many students are served. How many new TUMI resources have been published in the last 12 months, including the goals of each; what is planned for the next 12 months.

Urban

and believers

their churches

Events

Urban churches

TUMI SItes

Urban

and believers

TUMI Resources

their churches

How many contacts have been made by WI staff to encourage the establishment of SIAFU chapters, including how many have applied and been approved.

Urban

and believers

former inmates

SIAFU

Overview of Sessions

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TRUTH

A Fighting Spirit

A Passion to Multiply

A Revolutionary Vision

A Life Shared in Common

A Compelling Testimony

A Believing Stance

A Disciplined Walk

Fit to Represent: The Vision for Discipleship Seminar Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

Repentance and faith for conversion in Christ Ambassadorship: agent of God’s Kingdom Brokeness and vulnerability Lowliness and humility before God Adopting the lifestyle of a servant of Jesus

1 Cor. 2.9-16

A Revolutionary Vision Viewing everything through the Story of God

Communion with God

Ingestion of the Word

Sharing the Good News with the lost

Worship and praise

Penetrating our

for Christ oikos Using your spiritual gifts for evangelism in the Church

1 Tim. 4.7-16

Personal holiness

2 Tim. 2.1-2

Corporate practice of the disciplines

A Disciplined Walk

A Passion to Multiply Evangelizing & Discipling Through the Church

Conserving fruit through incorporation: baptism and catechism Giving life-on-life investment: “With him” principle

Filling, walking in, and being led by the Holy Spirit

Tithes and offerings: Financial stewardship

Spiritual Formation

Leadership as representation

A Zeal To Represent Christ and His Kingdom

Multiplying laborers

Giving to ministry and missions

Marriage and Family

A Life Shared in Common

Incorporation into the Church: Catechism and Baptism Active membership in local church Godly friendships and relationships Using spiritual gifts in service to body members

A Compelling Testimony

Living a witnessing lifestyle

Luke 10.16

Maintaining a solid God-honoring reputation among outsiders Holding a vital testimony at home, work, and in the neighborhood Doing justice and loving mercy in one’s circle of life Responsible citizenship to the state and world-at-large

Church, Marriage & Family

Public Life and Vocation

Submissive to pastors and elders in authority

Acts 2.42-47

1 Pet. 3.15-16

A Believing Stance

A Fighting Spirit

Hunger for God’s Word

Overview of Sessions ▪ 25

Spiritual Warfare

Defending the Apostolic Faith

Armed with a mind to suffer

Understanding of the doctrine of Jesus Christ

Identity as a soldier of Christ

Narrative theology of the Kingdom

Awareness of the enemy’s schemes

Eph. 6.10-18

Col. 2.6-10

The Nicene Creed: apostolic tradition

Courage to engage the fight

Grounded in the basics of the faith

Putting on the whole armor of God

Rightly dividing the Word of truth

Prevailing intercessory prayer

Overview of Sessions ▪ 27

Fit to Represent: Vision for Discipleship Seminar At-a-Glance Outline

“Let’s Give Jesus Christ Our Best and All”

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A Fighting Spirit

A Passion to Multiply

A Revolutionary Vision

A Life Shared in Common

A Compelling Testimony

A Believing Stance

A Disciplined Walk

I. A Zeal to Represent – Represents Jesus and the Kingdom in Everything

LET’S

L

A.

above all else as an ambassador of Jesus Christ and his

Lives Kingdom 2 Cor. 5.18-21; John 20.21; Acts 26.16-18; Mal. 2.7

E

B.

to declare and display Jesus as Lord of all everywhere in Eager everything 2 Cor. 4.3-5; Acts 2.36; 5.31; Rom. 14.7-9; 1 Cor. 8.5-6; Phil. 2.8-11

T

C.

seriously his/her responsibility to defend Jesus’ reputation Takes Phil. 2.21; Gal. 1.10; James 4.4; 2 Cor. 5.9-11; Acts 4.19; 5.29

S

D.

to represent kingdom values in all affairs, no matter what

Strives the cost 2 Tim. 2.3-10; Acts 20.22-24; 2 Tim. 3.15

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II. A Revolutionary Vision – Interprets Everything through the Story and the Mind of Christ

GIVE

G

A.

his/her whole heart to take on Christ’s yoke, and to learn Gives and become like him Matt.11.28-30; John 14.21-24; Acts 3.22-23; Luke 10.39-42; 1 John 2.6

I

B.

with God’s people in the Story of the Scriptures

Identifies 1 Cor. 10.1-11; Heb. 11.32-40

V

C.

everything as it relates to God, his purposes, and his people

Views 2 Cor. 10.3-5; Isa. 55.8-11; 1 Cor. 2.9-16; Eph. 4.20-24

E

D.

drinks, and sleeps the story of God in Christ (master the Eats, Bible Story) 2 Tim. 3.15-17; John 8.31-32; Matt. 4.4, cf. Deut. 8.1-3; Matt. 28.19-20

III. A Disciplined Walk – Practices Fervently and Regularly the Personal and Corporate Disciplines

JESUS

J

A.

is crowned Lord in living sacrifice every day Jesus Rom. 12.1-2; Phil. 2.5-11; Luke 9.23; Rom. 6.1-11; Col. 3.1-4

E

B.

God’s presence daily in the fellowship of the Word Experiences and prayer Isa. 50.4; 57.15-19; 1 John 5.5-10; Exod. 4.11-12; John 10.1-6; Ps. 5.1-3 Spirit’s John 14.16-18; Eph. 5.18; Rom. 5.5; 14.17; 15.13; Gal. 5.15-23; Acts 9.31; 1 Thess. 5.19-21 Uses spiritual vitality 1 Tim. 4.7-9; 1 Cor. 9.24-27; 2 Cor. 6.4; 11.27; Col. 3.5; 2 Tim. 2.22; 1 Pet. 2.11 filling is actively sought, his leadings are promptly obeyed personal discipline of body, mind, and soul to sustain

S

C.

U

D.

S

E.

disciplines are practiced with other followers of Jesus

Spiritual faithfully Heb. 3.12-13; 10.24-25; John 13.34-35

Overview of Sessions ▪ 29

IV. A Life Shared in Common – Fleshes out Jesus’ Love in Marriage, Family, Church, and Friendships

CHRIST

C

A.

for his wife as Christ loves the Church

Cares Eph. 5.22-33; 1 Pet. 3.7; Col. 3.19

H

B.

father and mother, and kin in the Lord Honors Eph. 6.1-3; Prov. 1.8; 6.21; 23.22; 30.11,17; 1 Tim. 5.8,16

R

C.

children in the Lord’s nurture and admonition Raises Gen. 18.19; Ps. 71.17-18; Prov. 19.18; 22.6,15; 29.17; Eph. 6.4; Col. 3.21; Heb. 12.7-10

I

D.

as proud member of the people of God within a local church

Identifies Rom. 12.3-8; 1 Cor. 12.12-27; 1 Pet. 4.10-11; 1 Pet. 2.8-9

S

E.

up for his/her brothers, sisters, and friends with unfailing Stands loyalty: SIAFU John 13.34-35; 1 John 3.14-16; 4.7-8; John 13.13-17; Matt. 20.25-28; 2 Tim. 2.2; 1 Cor. 13.1-8 every opportunity to give to, build up, and bless generously Takes God’s people Gal. 5.1-13; 1 Pet. 2.4-5; Rom. 15.1-2; 1 Cor. 8.10-13

T

F.

V. A Believing Stance – Learns, Masters, and Defends the Apostolic Faith

OUR

O

A.

by the Word of the Lord, not on how things look, feel,

Operates or what others think

Ps. 1; John 8.31-32; 2 Pet. 1.20-21; 1 Pet. 1.22-25; James 1.22-25; 2 Tim. 3.16-17; Heb. 11.6; Rom. 10.17; 2 Cor. 5.7; 2 Tim. 2.15; 2 Cor. 10.3-5; 4.17-18; John 8.44 Unwilling truth 2 Cor. 4.13-18; Prov. 18.21; Rom. 3.3-4; 2 John 8-11; Gal. 1.7-10; Col. 2.6-10; 2 Cor. 5.18-21; John 20.21 Ready 1 Cor. 15.1-8; 2 Tim. 2.15; Jude 3-4; 1 John 1.1-4; 2 Cor. 10.3-6; 1 Pet. 3.14-16 to stand for or speak anything that compromises God’s and willing to defend the apostolic faith (the Nicene Creed)

U

B.

R

C.

30 Fit to Represent: Vision for Discipleship Seminar ▪

VI. A Fighting Spirit – Fights the Good Fight as a Soldier of Jesus Christ

BEST

A. to fight God’s enemies (i.e., world, flesh, and the devil) Boldness in Christ’s strength 1 John 2.15-17; Gal. 5.15-23; 1 Pet. 2.11; Rom. 7.14-25; John 8.44; 1 Pet. 5.7-8; Eph. 6.10-18; 2 Cor. 10.3-5; 11.13-15 Exercises Heb. 11.6; Rom. 1.17; 2 Chron. 20.20; Ps. 62.8; Isa. 7.9; Mark 9.23; 11.22-24; Rom. 4.18-25; 1 John 5.4; 4.4; Rev. 12.11; Rom. 8.35-39 Shrinks however difficult 2 Cor. 11.22-33; 2 Tim. 3.12; Acts 14.21-22; Heb. 12.1-3; 1 Pet. 2.21-25; Gal. 6.7-9 Takes tongue, purity, money, and attitude) Gal. 5.22-23; 1 Thess. 4.1-7; 1 Cor. 6.15-20; Eph. 4.25-32; 1 Cor. 6.9-12; 2 Cor. 7.1; Col. 3.5-11 faith that overcomes in daily spiritual warfare back from no challenge or opportunity God provides, seriously the need for self-control in all areas (e.g., of the to be a person of excellence and principle Acknowledged (i.e., a person of conscience and conviction that does not yield to impulses or intimidation) Prov. 20.6; Dan. 3.18; 6.10; Ps. 15.1-5; Matt. 7.24-27; Acts 4.19-20; 5.29; Gal. 1.10 Neighbor strangers, prisoners, the weak, and poor) Luke 4.18; James 1.29; 2 Cor. 8.9; James 2.14-16; Matt. 25.31-46; Isa. 58.5-12; Prov. 24.11-12; 1 John 3.16-18 love is shown on behalf of the vulnerable (e.g., moderation and integrity in all things before Demonstrates outsiders (i.e., work, neighborhood, associations, etc.). Ps. 90.2; Matt. 5.39-42; Luke 6.29-35; Phil. 4.5; 1 Cor. 6.7; 7.29-31; Titus 3.2; Heb. 13.5-6; Matt. 10.16; Eph. 5.15-17; Col. 4.5; 1 Cor. 5.12-13; 1 Thess. 4.12; 1 Tim. 3.7; 1 Pet. 3.14-17 VII. A Compelling Testimony – Maintains Godly Reputation in All Public and Private Affairs A. A B. N C. D B B. E C. S D. T

AND

Overview of Sessions ▪ 31

VIII. A Passion to Multiply – Offers All S/He Is and Has to Multiply Disciples in Significant Numbers among Those Who Do Not Know Jesus

ALL

A

A.

shares his/her testimony with those in his/her

Aggressively

oikos

to win the lost to Christ Ps. 119.46; 1 Pet. 3.15; Dan. 3.16-18; Amos 7.14-17; Rom. 1.15-17; Luke 21.14-15; Col. 4.6; 2 Tim. 2.24-26; John 1.40-51; Acts 10.24- 33; 16.30-34; Rom. 9.1-3 Lays the Lord Matt. 28.19-20; 2 Tim. 2.2; John 21.15-17; Acts 14.22-23; 20.28; Rom. 15.14; Eph. 4.11-15; 1 Thess. 2.5-12; Phil. 1.25-26 Links missions locally and around the world (wherever Jesus is not known) Acts 1.8; Mark 16.15; Gal. 2.6-10; Rom. 15.15-21; 1 Cor. 9.18-23; Acts 20.18-35 aside personal weekly time and effort to disciple others in up with other brothers/sisters and churches to support

L

B.

L

C.

Introduction

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TRUTH

A Fighting Spirit

A Passion to Multiply

A Revolutionary Vision

A Life Shared in Common

A Compelling Testimony

A Believing Stance

A Disciplined Walk

Introduction: General Principles in a Theology of Effective Discipleship

I. The Commission, the Kingdom, and the Church of Jesus Christ

A. Discipleship

the Great Commission, Matt. 28.18-20; Mark 16.15- Obeys

16; Luke 24.46-49; Acts 1.8; John 20.21.

1. The authority of Jesus Christ

2. The mandate to go

a. Into all nations

b. To make disciples

c. To baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

3. The directive: to teach to obey everything Christ taught

B. Discipleship

the Kingdom of God, Matt. 6.33; Mark 1.14-15; Advances

Rev. 11.15; Rom. 14.17.

1. The Kingdom of God = the reign and rule of God in the midst of his universe

a. The universe is at war, 1 John 3.8; Gen. 3.15; Rev. 12.9ff.

b. Jesus of Nazareth is God’s answer to the rebellion of the cosmos, John 1.1-18.

c. The recovery of the spheres: God’s intent to bring the universe back under his domain and control, Matt. 12.25-30

2. The kingdom of darkness, Col. 1.13-14; Eph. 6.12

a. Our mortal enemy: Satan, the Adversary, the devil, Eph. 6.11-18

35

36 Fit to Represent: Vision for Discipleship Seminar ▪

b. His chief means of operation

(1) Lying and deception, John 8.44

(2) Blame and accusation, Rev. 12.9

(3) Pride and selfishness, Isa. 14.12-20

c. His agents: the rulers of this darkness, Eph. 2.1-5

C. Discipleship

the Church of Jesus Christ, Matt. 16.18; Builds Up

Eph. 1.22-23; 1 Tim. 3.15

1. The Body of Christ: the visible manifestation of the living Christ in the world today, Eph. 1.15-23

2. The revelation of God’s Wisdom in the world, Eph. 3.8-12

Eph 3.8-12 – To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearch- able riches of Christ, and to make all people see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in him.

3. The army of agent of God to proclaim reconciliation throughout the earth, 2 Cor. 5.18-21

D. Discipleship

to the authority and commands of Christ Responds

1. To totally surrender to Christ, Luke 14.27-33

2. To bear spiritual fruit that remains, John 15.8

3. To love one another, John 13.34-35

Introduction ▪ 37

4. To continue in the Word of Christ, John 8.31-33

5. To go and make disciples of all nations, Matt. 28.18-20

II. The Role of the Disciple: Model, Mentor, and Friend

(Who the discipler ) Model is

A. The Responsibility to be a

1. “Typos” – type, pattern, example

a. John 15.8

b. John 13.34-35

c. Luke 14.26-27

d. Luke 14.33

e. Luke 9.23

f. John 12.24-25

g. John 8.31-32

h. John 15.12

i. 1 Timothy 4.9-16

j. Matthew 28.19-20

2. Primary misconceptions about being a model

a. Becoming like you as the goal

b. Inability to allow for difference

c. You cannot personally reproduce yourself in another

38 Fit to Represent: Vision for Discipleship Seminar ▪

3. Christlikeness as the goal of the Christian life, Rom. 8.29; 2 Cor. 3.17-18; 1 John 3.1-3; Phil. 2.5-11; 1 Cor. 11.1; 1 Pet. 2.21ff.

4. Imitation – good, bad, or ugly?

Mentor

B. The Responsibility to be a

(What the discipler

)

does

1. The modern example: coach

2. Primary misconceptions

a. Being a task master: accountability alone (pretending to be the Holy Spirit in another’s life)

b. Low expectations – non-interference as the goal

c. Inability to balance encouragement and challenge

3. Tasks, skills, and “playing your position”

4. Excellence derived from continuous application (faithfulness): The primary standard for stewarding God’s mysteries

Friend

C. The Responsibility to be a

(How the discipler

)

relates

1. “Yoke fellow” (Phil. 4.3) – the discipler as fellow stranger and alien

2. Primary misconceptions

a. Friends must be indirect in their teaching

b. Friends do not interfere

c. Friendship precludes admonition and accountability

3. Becoming an elder brother or sister, John 1.12-13

a. Mutuality as the goal of all discipleship

b. Soul friendship: walking together in mutual agreement and desire

Introduction ▪ 39

c. Both giving and receiving: the reciprocation in all healthy discipling relationships

4. Nurturing a godly friendship

a. Aristotle’s three kinds of friendship

(1) friends: a person who is a friend because they bring Utility some kind of advantage to your situation

(2) friends: a person who is a friend as long as you enjoy Pleasure their company and share common interests

(3) friend: a person who is committed to the same purposes Soul and heart as you, as if you had a single soul

b. The importance of dialogue: open communication

c. The importance of honesty: revealing one’s heart

d. The importance of mutuality: two-way street

5. The special nature of friendship

a. Sharpening one another, Prov.27.27

b. Sticks closer than a brother, Prov. 18.24

c. Loves at all times, Prov.17.17

d. Whose wounds are faithful, Prov. 27.6

III. The Whys and the Whats of Discipling in the Church

A. Why disciple in the Church?

– his desire is to locus of God’s concern in the world

1. The church is the

form a new humanity in the Church

40 Fit to Represent: Vision for Discipleship Seminar ▪

2. The Church is the agent of God in his mission to reconcile the world to himself

, the revelation of himself to a fallen body of Christ

3. The Church is the

generation

4. Reasons why making disciples in and through the Church makes good sense

a. Discipling is the Church: discipleship that is legitimate in reinforces commitment to the people of God

the Church: discipleship should occur through

b. Discipling is

under the legitimate authority of church leaders

c. Discipling is the Church: when discipleship works, local for assemblies grow in depth and in number!

B. What are some biblical examples of discipling?

1. Moses and Joshua, Num. 27.15-20, cf. Josh. 1.1-2

2. Elijah and Elisha, 1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 2

3. David and his “mighty men,” 1 Chron. 12

4. Naomi and Ruth, Ruth 1

5. Jesus and the Twelve, Mark 3.14

6. Barnabas with Paul, cf. Acts 9; 15; 11.22-26

7. Paul and Timothy (and his band), Acts 20.4; cf. Phil. 2.20-22

8. Aquila and Priscilla with Apollos, Acts 18.24-28

of discipling in the Church? nature

C. What is the

1. Personal example and pace-setting, 1 Cor. 11.1

2. Intercession and prevailing prayer, Eph. 1.15-23

Introduction ▪ 41

3. Personal contact and association (“to be with him,” Mark 3.14)

4. Personal representatives, Phil. 2.19-23

5. Personal correspondence (the Epistles), Gal. 1.1-4

6. Personal delegation and oversight of ministry, Acts 15.36, 41

IV. The Role of the Word of God in Effective Discipling in the Church

A. As the final authority regarding all matters of faith and practice, Isa. 8.20; 2 Pet. 1.20-21; 1 Pet. 1.22-25

1. Final authority about what we believe

2. Final authority about who we are

3. Final authority concerning how we ought to live

The Principle of Correspondence: We are to act as if the Word of God is true in everything it asserts, declares, and affirms, regardless of how things appear or seem.

B. As the main content of the discipling curricula, John 8.31-32

1. We are who God says we . are

2. We have what God says we . have

3. We can do all God says we can . do

. will be

4. We will be what God says we

C. As the central instrument in preparing the disciple for the work of the ministry, 2 Tim. 3.16-17

42 Fit to Represent: Vision for Discipleship Seminar ▪

2 Timothy 3.14-17 – But as for you, continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(gaining the perspective of God) DOCTRINE

1. As profitable for

(identifying misbeliefs and falsehoods of REPROOF

2. As profitable for

the enemy)

(replacing lies with the sure Word CORRECTION

3. As profitable for

of God)

4. As profitable for INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS (establishing solid habit patterns of truth-speaking and truth-living)

D. Means of ingesting the Word of God: teaching your disciple to become a person of the Word of God

1.

the Word taught Hearing

2.

the Word regularly Reading

3. (rightly dividing) the Word of truth Studying

4.

the Word together Memorizing

5. how to meditate on the Word Learning

6. the Word of God with boldness and effectiveness Speaking

E. Special application of the Word: affirmation, application, and appropriation

1. : learning to bring your self-talk in line with what the Affirmation Word of God says

Introduction ▪ 43

2. : learning to set goals to walk in step with the Word of God Application

3. : claiming the promises of God in prayer and praise Appropriation

Sessions

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TRUTH

A Fighting Spirit

A Passion to Multiply

A Revolutionary Vision

A Life Shared in Common

A Compelling Testimony

A Believing Stance

A Disciplined Walk

Sessions ▪ 47

a

n

d

TRUTH

A Fighting Spirit

A Passion to Multiply

A Revolutionary Vision

A Life Shared in Common

A Compelling Testimony

A Believing Stance

A Disciplined Walk

I. A Zeal to Represent – Represents Jesus and the Kingdom in Everything

L

A.

above all else as an ambassador of Jesus Christ and his

Lives Kingdom 2 Cor. 5.18-21; John 20.21; Acts 26.16-18; Mal. 2.7

E

B.

to declare and display Jesus as Lord of all everywhere in Eager everything 2 Cor. 4.3-5; Acts 2.36; 5.31; Rom. 14.7-9; 1 Cor. 8.5-6; Phil. 2.8-11

T

C.

seriously his/her responsibility to defend Jesus’ reputation Takes Phil. 2.21; Gal. 1.10; James 4.4; 2 Cor. 5.9-11; Acts 4.19; 5.29

S

D.

to represent kingdom values in all affairs, no matter what

Strives the cost 2 Tim. 2.3-10; Acts 20.22-24; 2 Tim. 3.15

LET’S

48 Fit to Represent: Vision for Discipleship Seminar ▪

Session Questions and Agenda

1. What does it mean to say that a disciple has a zeal to represent Christ and his Kingdom ?

2. Why is a

critical for discipleship? zeal to represent Christ and his Kingdom

3. What is its biblical basis and central characteristics?

4. How do these flesh themselves out in the lives of disciples of Jesus?

5. What peculiar challenges will urban men or women face as they strive to represent Christ in everything ?

6. List out the key issues and implications associated for urban disciples of Jesus.

7. Describe your current walk in terms of your . What zeal to represent Christ specific counseling and prayer do you need to flesh out this element of discipleship?

8. Share your response and commitment.

Sessions ▪ 49

a

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TRUTH

A Fighting Spirit

A Passion to Multiply

A Revolutionary Vision

A Life Shared in Common

A Compelling Testimony

A Believing Stance

A Disciplined Walk

II. A Revolutionary Vision – Interprets Everything through the Story and the Mind of Christ

G

A.

his/her whole heart to take on Christ’s yoke, and to learn Gives and become like him Matt.11.28-30; John 14.21-24; Acts 3.22-23; Luke 10.39-42; 1 John 2.6

I

B.

with God’s people in the Story of the Scriptures

Identifies 1 Cor. 10.1-11; Heb. 11.32-40

V

C.

everything as it relates to God, his purposes, and his Views people 2 Cor. 10.3-5; Isa. 55.8-11; 1 Cor. 2.9-16; Eph. 4.20-24 Eats, Bible Story) 2 Tim. 3.15-17; John 8.31-32; Matt. 4.4, cf. Deut. 8.1-3; Matt. 28.19-20 drinks, and sleeps the story of God in Christ (master the

E

D.

GIVE

50 Fit to Represent: Vision for Discipleship Seminar ▪

Session Questions and Agenda

1. What does it mean to say that a disciple has

? a revolutionary vision

2. Why is a

critical for discipleship? revolutionary vision

3. What is its biblical basis and central characteristics?

4. How do these flesh themselves out in the lives of disciples of Jesus?

5. What peculiar challenges will urban men or women face as they strive to reflect a of the world everything? revolutionary vision

6. List out the key issues and implications associated for urban disciples of Jesus.

7. Describe your current walk in terms of a ? What specific revolutionary vision counseling and prayer do you need to flesh out this element of discipleship?

8. Share your response and commitment.