Focus on Reproduction, Mentor's Guide, MG12

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F O C U S O N R E P R O D U C T I O N

This week we examined the critical role that the follow-up of new converts plays in planting urban churches. After believers have joined themselves to Christ by faith, we must incorporate them into the body of believers, grounding them in the faith, and connecting them to the life of the body that they may grow in him. We also analyzed the importance of effective discipling to urban church planting, seeing the central role played both by the Christian community and the individual discipler. In our next and final lesson we will introduce the final “E” of urban church planting, Empowerment. We will turn our attention to the final letter in our PLANT acrostic, which stands for Transition. All that we do in preparing, launching, assembling, and nurturing these new congregations is for the purpose of change, to transition the church to independence and maturity. Our desire is to see healthy, reproducing churches in the city that become agents of change and freedom in their communities, in Jesus name. This is only be possible if the Spirit raises up qualified leaders whomGod can use to enable these new churches to thrive and reproduce. In the next lesson we will explore our role in working together with God to see such a generation of leaders raised up in the city.

Looking Forward to the Next Lesson

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