Picturing Theology

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P i c t u r i n g T h e o l o g y

Discerning the Call: The Profile of a Cross-Cultural Urban Church Planter Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

Commission

Character

Community

Competence

Responds in the power of the Spirit with excellence in carrying out their appointed tasks and ministry

Recognizes the call of God and replies with prompt obedience to his lordship and leading 2 Tim. 1.6-14; 1 Tim. 4.14; Acts 1.8; Matt. 28.18-20 The Authority of God: God’s leader acts on God’s recognized call and authority, acknowledged by the saints and God’s leaders A clear call from God Authentic testimony before God and others Deep sense of personal conviction based on Scripture Personal burden for a particular task or people Confirmation by leaders and the body

Reflects the character of Christ in their personal convictions, conduct, and lifestyle

Regards multiplying disciples in the body of Christ as the primary role of ministry

Definition

Key Scripture

John 15.4-5; 2 Tim. 2.2; 1 Cor. 4.2; Gal. 5.16-23

Eph. 4.9-15; 1 Cor. 12.1-27

2 Tim. 2.15; 3.16-17; Rom. 15.14; 1 Cor. 12

The Growth of the Church: God’s leader uses all of his or her resources to equip and empower the body of Christ for his/ her goal and task Genuine love for and desire to serve God’s people Disciples faithful individuals Facilitates growth in small groups Pastors and equips believers in the congregation Nurtures associations and networks among Christians and churches Advances new movements among God’s people locally Exalts tasks and activities above equipping the saints and developing Christian community Embrace God’s Church Learn leadership’s contexts Equip concentrically

The Humility of Christ: God’s leader demonstrates the mind and lifestyle of Christ in his or her actions and relationships

The Power of the Spirit: God’s leader operates in the gifting and anointing of the Holy Spirit

Critical Concept

Endowments and gifts from the Spirit Sound discipling from an able mentor Skill in the spiritual disciplines Ability in the Word Able to evangelize, follow up, and disciple new converts Strategic in the use of resources and people to accomplish God’s task Functions on natural gifting and personal ingenuity rather than on the Spirit’s leading and gifting Discover the Spirit’s gifts Receive excellent training Hone your performance

Passion for Christlikeness Radical life style for the Kingdom Serious pursuit of holiness Discipline in the personal life Fulfills role-relationships as bondslave of Jesus Christ Provides an attractive model for others in their conduct, speech, and lifestyle (the fruit of the Spirit) Substitutes ministry activity and/or hard work and industry for godliness and Christlikeness Abide in Christ Discipline for godliness Pursue holiness in all

Central Elements

Operates on the basis of personality or position rather than on God’s

Satanic Strategy to Abort

appointed call and ongoing authority

Identify God’s call Discover your burden Be confirmed by leaders

Key Steps

Powerful Christlike example provided for others to follow

Deep confidence in God arising from God’s call

Multiplying disciples in the Church

Dynamic working of the Holy Spirit

Results