4Gen

If I asked you, “What is the Great Commission,” I imagine you would start by saying, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” And there is so much truth in that. Making disciples of all nations is the mission disciples of Jesus are commanded to live out. Yet, it’s not where the commission of Jesus begins, nor is it the foundation. The foundation of the Great Commission is given before Jesus tells us to “make disciples.”

All groups, especially disciple making groups, should be intentional and lead people toward obedience. If a disciple hears God’s voice and obeys, then the group’s setting and format should lead people to do exactly that.

Let’s face it, many pastors and church leaders are a bottleneck for their church’s growth. Everyone has to come to them for next steps, advice, counsel, church info and even baptism.

For those involved in making disciple makers, getting to multiple generations is a huge prayer and goal. We want the Gospel of Jesus to spread to all people. We crave for it to move well beyond us. This is a worthwhile goal and vision because it is one that Paul shares with us in 2 Timothy 2:2.

It’s amazing the places you can learn truths about disciple making when you are aware enough to pay attention. I was reminded of a disciple making truth recently when I was watching my 15 year old son workout.

For many, getting to clarity on defining a disciple will take year, maybe a lifetime, to fully clarify. I want to encourage you to remain on that path. Study, pray, fast, read, seek God’s face. What does a disciple look like specifically in the context God has given you.

This tool will work for you whether you are a pastor, ministry leader or a lay person simply trying to make disciples in your workplace or neighborhood. It helps you identify people in your sphere of influence who are ready to be invited into a next step or to ultimately say “Yes” to Jesus.

Use the three circles as a great tool to share the Gospel with someone in only two minutes or less.

Let’s imagine you’re new to disciple making and have just started walking with a new believer. You want to model for them your own prayer life and quiet time with Jesus. You want them to see it in action so that they can grow. But starting where you are might be a challenge. Five minutes of prayer might be a real stretch for them, while you’re used to an hour or more of quiet time daily.

When I disciple someone, I usually start with a framework called “PLUMPO.” Yes, it has a funny name, but it’s simple enough to remember easily. New disciples especially need simple tools to be able to remember so that they aren’t discouraged right out of the gate.

John 9 gives us a great framework for how to share our stories effectively with people who need Jesus.