Mere Missions

T he C hurch : E quip • 163

God has given you are almost unbearable, the leader needs to have an inner Teflon coating (waterproof, frictionless, and nonstick). You have to see this in the apprentice and speak into it. It must be strengthened, for the enemy will challenge it, condemn it, and do all he can to crush it. An authentic spiritual Teflon in leaders, keeps them from “not shrinking back” from the task given them for Kingdom advancement and expansion. I’m not talking about a false or perfect coating for it is still the daily grace of God that is our sufficiency and His power that is perfected in our weakness (2 Cor. 12.9). d. Submission. I speak on this in the ROE section below. Mark/Target #2 – Engage in personal evangelism and spiritual warfare. The apprentice must know how to engage in evangelism that leads the hearer to a point of response, whether yah or nah. Engaging spiritual warfare through prayer will be foundational (Rom 1.16; Eph. 6.18). Mark/Target #3 – Follow up new Christian converts and disciple them. The apprentice must know how to lead a convert to be a disciple of Jesus. He/she must be skilled in doing this. They need to know how to baptize and teach what baptism signifies in the converts life. They need to be skilled in teaching the convert the commands of Jesus. The seven basic commands of Christ are a good place to start. It is interesting that the only non-character trait that is required of an elder is the ability to teach (2 Tim. 2.24). Mark/Target #4 – Do the work of a pastor, shepherding others and fulfilling pastoral responsibilities. The apprentice must have the necessary gifts, character, and skills to “shepherd the flock.” Mark/Target #5 – Understand and be committed to the principles of spiritual reproduction and church planting movements. There must be clear observation and communication from the apprentice that, “none should perish.” The apprentice must understand the