As we have been talking about discipleship the last few weeks, I would like to ask the question, “What is our ultimate goal in discipleship and the ministry in general?” Especially as a missionary, what am I hoping to accomplish while on the mission field? I have seen on many missionary’s prayer cards that their goals are, Win People, Disciple Them, and Establish Churches. While those things are all true, and are part of the process, I think that there is one element that is often missing in our mission’s work.
The last time when I wrote about “How to Help People Grow”, we talked about helping people grow to maturity by applying the Word of God in their lives, but I think there is an ultimate goal beyond that; which is our main purpose in the ministry. While we want to help each person grow, and take them as far as possible, our ministry will not endure if we do not train leaders, and on top of that, leaders of leaders. When we talk about training leaders, most people will start with discipleship, but they have no idea where to go from there. This process is by no means an easy one, and I don’t consider myself and expert, but I believe there is a process that can help us find those who have potential and can become the leaders that we are seeking.
There are two illustrations that come to mind to help explain this process:
The Sieve:
Here in Bolivia, when someone is building with brick and cement, they have a process that they use to prepare the material they use. They have a wire mesh secured in a frame that sets at a 45 degree angle and they shovel the sand against it. As the coarse sand hits the mesh, the smaller particles go through and the rocks and larger particles bounce off. This way the finished product is the fine sand that they use to mix in the cement. In the same way we must have a filtering process to separate out those who have potential to become our leaders.
The Funnel:
There is also the illustration of the funnel where the top is larger and as you go through the funnel it gets smaller and comes out more focused or concentrated. This is great example of how we try to get as many people as possibly into the funnel or process and little by little the ones that remain are the ones that are more focused and have potential to become our leaders.
So, what are the filters or funnel that we use in this process? Well, the process can be likened to a game of tenis. When you play tenis, you hit the ball to the other person and they try and hit it back to you. That is what makes the game fun. If you were to hit the ball, and the other person made no attempt to return it, after a few tries, you would give up and look for someone that really wanted to play. That is much of what this process looks like. As you give the person you are discipling small challenges, or instruction, you see if they respond. If they don’t respond after a few attempts then you probably need to move on to someone else. On the other hand if the person responds, maybe even after a little encouragement, then you give that person another challenge or instruction. As long as they continue to respond you continue to take them farther. The more they grow the more responsibility and expectation you put on them until they become the leader that the Lord wants. While we should never give up on someone, and we know the Lord can change anyone, if we spend all of our time on people that are not interested, then we could be wasting our time. When you begin to work with people, you will realize that each one is different and will need help in different areas, but here are a few “filters” or markers to show that they are progressing.
Salvation:
This one seems obvious but we shouldn’t take it for granted. We want to make sure that they have a clear testimony and understanding of salvation and show fruit of that salvation in their lives. This can be seen principally by the way they respond to the Word of God and the hunger they have for the things of God.
Interest:
Going along with what I just mentioned, the person should show interest in the things of God. They should show initiative and making decisions and wanting to serve in some capacity. If you have to constantly beg them, or force them, then when you are not there, they will not continue.
Faithfulness:
One to the most important things to look for in a person’s life, as you disciple them is faithfulness. Not because they are obligated but because they want to. At first they might not always come through, but they should be growing in faithfulness. They should be faithfully reading their Bible, coming to church and they should be on time when they come.
Knowledge:
Another thing that is important is their knowledge of the Word of God. Their devotional time becomes more than just a routine. It becomes a vital part of their lives. As they begin to learn to apply the Word they will grow and mature more each time.
Dedication:
Their dedication can be seen through their priorities and sacrifice. The more they grow and become a leader they will be more focused on the things of God, and serving Him, and they will be more willing to sacrifice other things to be able to have a part in the Lord’s work.
As you challenge them to learn, change, serve, and grow, and they take that next step, you will see them develop more and more into a leader that can do great things for the Lord. Not only will they be leaders, but they will also help train others to be leaders also. What are some of the challenges or ideas that you have had in this process of training leaders? I would love to hear from you.