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

Planting Urban Churches Tending

Welcome to the Mentor’s Guide for Lesson 3, Planting Urban Churches: Tending . The overall focus of lesson three is the explanation and outline of the second main phase of church planting, Equipping , through the idea of follow-up , or incorporating new disciples into the Church. In this lesson we will argue forcefully that the local church is God’s means of bringing new Christians to maturity. Disciples are born and raised in the context of the local church, which itself is considered a household of God. In the materials that follow, we will provide the students with a clear outline of the central elements in the practice of following up new believers in Christ. In the second segment of the lesson we will go further in the development of new Christians by taking a fresh look at the practice of discipling growing believers. Again, we will consider these practices in the context of and how they relate to the local assembly of believers. We ought not define Christian discipleship as a characteristic of being alone, in isolation from the body of Christ. Discipleship is demonstrated in the everyday working out of loving relationships with others in the body of Christ. Here is a sampling of the abundant Scripture admonitions in the NT that are addressed to us in the context of the body, “one another,” “each other,” and so on. John 13.34-35 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. [35] By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

1 Page 99 Lesson Introduction

John 15.12 - This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

John 15.17 - These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Rom. 12.10 - Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Rom. 12.16 - Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. Rom. 13.8 - Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.