Satellite sermons or Discipling pastors?

I recently visited a church that uses the satellite church model. They provide live worship and then stream in the sermon from their mother church. My overall take was pretty positive. The atmosphere was very friendly and the worship was great. The video sermon was beneficial and spiritually practical. Even though it was all good, I couldn't help but wonder why we are seeing this method spread across our country. Is this method growing because it's a great model or because we are not grooming new pastors/preachers?
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to this model. I'm simply wondering if this model was birthed out of necessity. Technology, which I lovingly embrace, has opened up many more ways to do "church" this method is just a foretaste of things to come. Live streaming has been made extremely accessible. If you own a camera, computer, and have Internet access you can stream services. Sounds easy and fun doesn't it? You know what is not so easy and sometimes a burden? Raising up a new pastor. Perhaps we should be discipling a new crop of pastors while or even instead of creating satellite churches. If no pastor can be raised then perhaps a streaming services is the way to go. But, most people would agree, a live pastor is much more beneficial to a community than a "streamed"pastor.


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Chain of Authority

Like many young men, during my teen and young adult years, I had a difficult time with authority. I constantly challenged and ignored the authority placed over my life. It's been a tough road, but over the years good leaders have shown me a healthy perception of the "Chain of Authority." I am thankful for these men and women for their generosity as they looked past my ignorance and saw a young man that just needed some good spiritual guidance.

There are two ways to view the "Chain" of authority. Both determine your successes and failures of life, family, and ministry.

View #1
The "Chain of Authority" ties me to a weight that will not let me do what I want to do.
This is how many up and coming leaders view authority. They are passionate and desire to make a difference. As the old proverb says, "passion without wisdom is a disaster in the making.". God places authority over our lives to lead us to wisdom. Sometimes that authority isn't pleasant, but it's always there for a purpose. When we get out of that authority without learning our lesson we get ahead of God and pass up some valuable lessons.

View #2
The "Chain of Authority" ties me to an anchor of wisdom.
When you are going through a storm your "self" can lie to you. Our passion can alter our vision and cause us to make serious mistakes. Its that "Chain" of authority that keeps us stable minded and open to wisdom beyond our own capability. That voice that comes from our own knowledge and understanding pales in comparison to the voice of experience and spiritual knowledge.

Choose to be anchored and seek wisdom!

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Do you really want to reduce Abortions?

I came across some amazing statistics regarding one of the hottest buttons in politics and religion – Abortion. 

We, as followers of Christ, will have the tendency to dismiss the following information and focus our attention on the government and lawmakers for legalizing the act of abortion.  When in reality, it’s our lack of cross-generational discipleship that is adding to and perhaps fueling this horrific reality. 

Women identifying themselves as Protestants obtain 37.4% of all abortions in the U.S.; Catholic women account for 31.3%, Jewish women account for 1.3%, and women with no religious affiliation obtain 23.7% of all abortions. 18% of all abortions are performed on women who identify themselves as "Born-again/Evangelical".

© Copyright 1998, The Alan Guttmacher Institute. (www.agi-usa.org)

These statistics suggest that women who are walking into abortion clinics have done so after they have walked out of our Churches.  Our own daughters and grand daughters, those that have been exposed to church and Christianity, are accounting for 55.4% of all abortions!  Our natural response to this information will be to dismiss the fact that these women are professing to be protestant or evangelical, but we can’t afford to dismiss what seems to be the truth.  After reading this information I was forced to ask myself, as a pastor, “WHY, why are our own daughters doing what we so vehemently stand against?” After some serious prayer and honest self assessment of my ministry I have come to face these facts of which may answer the question, “Why?”

1.    We are quicker to say NO than why not.

2.    We are quicker to judge than to help.

3.    When we are vehemently preaching/teaching about the wrongs of premarital sex we don’t consider whether or not there is a women in our pews that may be pregnant.

4.    The fear of being persecuted by the church for carrying a baby out of wedlock steers women into a socially acceptable solution.

5.    Our lack of compassion for those that feel they need to have an abortion pushes them towards that very act.

6.    We are always ready to talk seldom ready to listen.

Whatever the reasons, we are failing to communicate compassion and a willingness to help those that are struggling with responsibility of raising a child.  Changing the laws or winning the war on abortion does not change the fact that over 50% of abortions are attributed to our constituency.  Let’s wake up and start discipling those in our pews and classrooms.  Let’s start encouraging and providing avenues for discipleship in the home.  Let’s make a change in our Churches, homes, and families which will create change in our Country.

Measurement of Effective Church Discipleship

During a recent conversation, the question was raised, “How we can accurately measure effective discipleship in the local church?”  A complex question indeed, but I feel that a measurement tool can be created and be relatively accurate.  The ultimate ruler is the example that Christ gave to us as He discipled ordinary people into true heroes of the faith.  Those disciples then replicated the model as the first century church changed the face of the world forever.  In order to truly measure contemporary discipleship, we have to study the model Christ taught the early church.  They did not strive to find success in programs or events.  They found success in relationships as they strategically trained, educated, equipped, and empowered.  They organized according to the needs within their community and worked to fulfill those needs as they continually led people to salvation and a life long journey with Christ. 

The following is a progressive list of what I look for in my own ministry, and the ministry of others, while evaluating discipleship efforts.  This list can be accomplished and found in a church of 30 or 3000 if it is indeed effectively discipling. 

A pastor/church that is effectively discipling should reflect the following in progression:

1.     The pastor is gaining trust as he develops relationships with his board and ministry leaders.

2.     The pastor decreases his daily responsibilities in routine church ministries as he delegates and trains his leaders.  This is to say he is able to concentrate more on the big picture as he equips others to focus on the details.

3.     The church body becomes more involved in personal outreach efforts.  Guests are now attending via personal invitations as well as random decisions to attend a service. 

4.     The number of salvations and assimilations are increasing yearly. 

5.     The church is now growing through new converts and not only through transitional growth.

6.     The pastor is recognizing leadership qualities within his church and is purposefully and personally active in developing those leaders.

7.     New leaders are being placed within the church as new ministries are being birthed or revitalized.

8.     New ministry efforts are being put into place as members are being trained and empowered.  Leaders are envisioning, developing, and running new ministries within the church.

9.     Members are accepting the call to ministry as well as embarking into fulltime ministry.

10. The pastor has a proven track record of reproducing three categories. 

a.     New converts are being assimilated into the congregation.

b.     New leaders are being trained for ministry.

c.      New ministers are being sent into the ministry.

I hope this causes us to think about our own ministries as well as encourages us to assist others in discipleship. 

Do You Really Understand Discipleship?

You can teach and preach on the topic of Discipleship, but unless you are producing new ministers than you can not possibly understand Discipleship. 
The word "Discipleship" has become a huge buzzword in church ministries this past decade.  People are trying to brand or trademark Discipleship as if they came up with the concept.  Unfortunately, our churches have so neglected Discipleship that it seems as if it really is a new concept.  Truthfully, Discipleship is nothing more than passionately pursuing Christ while passionately leading people to Christ.  The method you choose to Disciple can vary from small group ministries to having an open door policy at the church office.  The measure of whether your efforts are effective or not is the production of new ministers.  I'm not talking about new ministry leaders within your church.  That is not an effective measurement.  Convincing someone to volunteer in a class is not Discipleship.  I am talking about producing ministers that create new ministries within your church or branch off your church and start new ministries people that answer the call to become pastors, evangelists, worship pastors, and missionaries.  These are the people have truly been discipled.  Ask yourself this question - If you are truly being disicpled how could you not answer the call to ministry?  The rote response to this question is - Aren't we all called to ministry?  The answer to that is an absolute yes.  However, if Christ is our most precious example of Discipleship than why do we water down the fact that all His disciples were called into full time ministry?  Are we kidding ourselves when we say we are Discipling when we are not producing ministers?

Will power should not be the focus of a Fast.

It's January which means new years resolutions and fasting. Fasting at the beginning of the year as a congregation is becoming and has been a major part of the church life. If we are going to fast, let's try to make it the best experience possible. To do so, we must realize that "will power" has less to do with fasting than one would think. If we approach a fast with will power as the focal point we are relying on our own strength. Fasting is not about us, it's about focusing on God. Many fail to complete their fast because their will power runs dry and they have nothing else to rely upon. Their focus was on how long they could last without and not on how they could draw closer to God. If we approach fasting as a sacrifice to God we are making Him the focal point. After all, fasting is all about removing distractions so that we can hear some direction from God. Use your hunger and cravings for what you are fasting as reminders to pray and listen. Draw strength from God and you'll have a great experience as you fast in the New Year. Be blessed in 2011.


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Respect or Agree?

Awhile ago it seemed I lost the respect of one of my church couples. The situation caused them to leave the church and they have yet to return. During their departure they made sure to tell everyone who would listen they did not approve of my ministry style or my decisions. The whole scene caught me completely off guard. Up until this point they were faithfully attending the services and special events. They seemed to enjoy the church and my leadership. Everything was great until I made a decision of which they did not agree. After much thought and self inflicted anguish, I realized they never really respected or liked me, they simply liked the decisions I had been making. Once I veered from their approval, they made it very clear our relationship was superficial at best. So, was their disappointment aimed at me or my decision? After a few days of thought I came to the knowledge that yes, they were disappointed in me, but only because I was not what they wanted in a leader. They were looking for someone that would behave as they would and lead as they would. I, was clearly not that person.
It was a hard lesson, but I'm glad I learned it early on in ministry. Everyone will love you as long as you make the decisions they would. Your faithful and true supporters give you respect because they trust you to make the decisions that are healthy and wise. You can tell you have earned their respect when they support you after you have made a decision they do not agree with. That respect only comes with time and a proven track record. Until your track record deserves respect lead with open communication. This will help others see your approach to important decisions.
When building your leadership team, remember it is better to work with people that respect you rather than just agree with you.

Sculpting or Caring

Church leaders are constantly tempted to approach ministry with a sculpture’s eye.  Always looking for that imperfect piece to knock off or the area to modify.  Constantly seeking their idea of perfection.  Vision becomes blurred with preference and the input of others can be viewed as hostile and invasive.  This is a dangerous place to be and not at all a Biblical approach.  We have to remember that God gives vision and our ministry is only productive when we follow His will for that ministry.  Any given ministry is not mine, yours, or someone else’s.  It is God’s avenue of reaching the lost and discipling His followers through us, as vessels.  We do not own a church or ministry department.  Honestly, we don’t have enough self-created vision to keep any ministry successful long-term.

Personally, I got caught up in approaching ministry through a sculpture’s eye during a particularly frustrating season of my life.  Fortunately, for that ministry and I, God graciously spoke to me through some interest I had in bonsai trees.  I realized that though bonsai trees are works of art and beautiful to its artist and caregiver, they are of no real use.  They don’t provide shade, much fruit, wood for burning, or a place of rest.  But, take that same bonsai tree, plant it in fertile ground, and it will naturally grow the way God intended.  It will become a great resource to its environment.  Churches, outreaches, centers, and ministry departments operate in somewhat the same nature.  They will grow the way God intended if we spend more time caring for them than trying to sculpt them.  God will continue to give vision and creativity, allowing it to flourish and impact its environment.  I don’t have to worry about making it perfect if I am trying to keep it healthy.  God will provide the necessary workers, funds, and resources if I am willing to stick with His vision and purpose.

Through my lesson I have learned to often ask myself, “Am I sculpting or caring?”

Bravado or Confidence?

I heard a grown man admit a fault the other day that many would never dare to confess. When challenged about his resistance to pain he unashamedly said, "You know what, that's all I got."  Most men would of quickly offered up some excuse, blaming their lack of tolerance on some outside influence.  This man was confident in who he was and didn't need to fake through some pain to prove himself.  He understood the difference between confidence and bravado. 
Confidence is the ability to believe in your own talents, abilities, and resources. Bravado is foolishly believing you have more than what is really within you.  I see this all the time in ministry. In fact, I see it all too often.  Inexperienced ministry leaders carelessly throw about ideas and plans without a care to what is realistically attainable. They do so because of their bravado, or assumption that they have what it takes to get the job done. They also place an unfounded faith in God. By that I mean, they haven't prayed, fasted, or sought counsel before they embarked on their personal crusade. Their bravado often causes them to believe God is in it when He really is not. 
A confident minister relies on his education, training, relationship with God, and past experiences. It is the accumulation of a these factors that gives him confidence in himself and God. 
Bravado often leads ministers down a destructive path. It can cause you to ignore wise counsel, good information, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It drives you to fake your way through failure. 
Forget Bravado, get some good confidence!


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Avoid networking blunders

Whether I am teaching or attending, I go to a lot of meetings, conferences, and seminars.  While there, I can’t help but notice how people go about networking, hobnobbing, shoulder-rubbing, or simply connecting with others.  Some do it with such ease it can spin your head.  Others hate it and avoid the whole scene entirely.  Then there are those that think they have fantastic networking talents only to leave a trail of burnt bridges.  I’m no networking guru, but I have learned a few things via reading and observation.  There are three rules that I consistently remind myself, and those working along side me, to adhere to without question. 

1.  Do not assume you know your targeted partner.
This can be the initial killer to a potential relationship.  Think back in your own life and try to recall how many times a foot was squarely placed in your mouth because you inadvertently offended someone.  Personally, I have done it numerous times only to think the words, “Man, I wish I had known before I said something!”  In our world of instant information people form opinions on a plethora of topics and any one topic can be a relationship land-mine.  Unless you have done your homework, stick to topics that pertain to the relationship you are seeking.  Do not fool yourself into thinking you have found a new friend.  Friendship may come, but not at the first meeting. 

2.  Always remember who is on the other side of the conversation.
We have all seen that “guy” get shot down with a sharp correction because he got too comfortable too quickly.  If you always remain “in your place” you never have to be put in your place.  That can seem counterproductive in regards to networking, but you should always remember - you need this new relationship, they may not.  They are the source you are the needy.  Also, do not try to offer advise to whom are seeking advise.  It can be offensive to someone that is generously allowing you their valuable time. 

 3. Stay within your expertise.
Want to be labeled an idiot?  Then simply talk about a subject of which you have no knowledge, while in the midst of experts.  I continually see people unknowingly embarrass themselves as they drone on and on with a false confidence.   Do not be afraid to admit your ignorance about a subject.  Anyone who thinks they know everything has fallen prey to their own foolish thoughts.  People find it refreshing to assist an eager yet respectful up and comer.  If they do not respect your honesty then you may not want to network with that individual anyway. 

Of course, there are many more nuances to discuss about successfully networking with others, these are just three rules that have served me well.  Follow them with intent and keep yourself from damaging a relationship before it develops.  Go network and build on your calling as you help others build on theirs. 

God Bless,
Paul LaRose

Grace is Gracious even when unrecognized

Like most people, I like to consider myself a gracious person.  Recently my "graciousness" came under some significant pressure.  Nobody drove me to lose my temper.  Nor did anyone go behind my back or try to take advantage of me.  I simply realized that some of the grace I was extending was going unrecognized.  At first, I got a little annoyed and asked myself, "Don't they realize what I am doing for them?"  I started to allow a bad attitude to arise within my thoughts and body language.  I could of easily digressed from there, but thankfully the Holy Spirit gave me one of those very timely spiritual "checks."  I prayed that I would have the strength to persevere and not let my personal feelings ruin something wonderful. 
You see, the whole matter revolves around my desire to disciple up and coming leaders.  I often give people projects and other opportunities.  This process affords them room to grow and develop their ministry skills.  However, this particular occasion was a little more personal than most.  I was giving away an opportunity that honestly, I wanted to accomplish.  I suppose that was why I started to get irritated.  I asked God to help me think this one through.  There was no doubt in my mind that I was doing the right thing by giving the opportunity away, but my fallen nature was being selfish.  I did not like that "I" was not being recognized for what "I" was giving away.  As I was thinking and praying I quickly realized that grace is gracious even when unrecognized.  True grace does not care if it is recognized and applauded.  It does not withhold itself until it receives something in return.  It is offered because grace is simply - gracious.  There can be no better example than the  grace Christ gave as He said, "Forgive them for they don't know what  they are doing."  He was extending an Amazing amount of Grace and forgiveness even though all of humanity was ignorant of what was really occurring.  So I pray and I pray often, "Lord help me to be gracious."  I'll keep discipling and giving away opportunity to young leaders because that is what He called me to do.  As I continue, I pray I do it with grace.
Take a moment to ask yourself if you need the same spiritual check the Holy Spirit graciously gave to me.  God Bless and be sure to Disciple the up and coming. 
- Paul LaRose

Key Ingredient to Authentic Discipleship - Invitations

Recently one of the young men I’ve been discipling asked me a question that got me thinking. He asked, “Why are you investing in us? I’ve calculated your investment in time and resources and realize you’re not getting back near what you’re investing.” At first I didn’t understand his question. I asked for clarity and soon discovered that he couldn’t understand why I was actively looking for time to spend with these future ministers. What really confused him was the amount of invitations I offered to talk and work together. I’ve discovered that the average pastor waits for a young minister or church leader to come to him with a need at which time he then becomes active in their life. This particular young minister was accustomed to mentors coming to him only when they needed something by his previous pastor. The fact that I was approaching him with a simple opportunity to spend time together or to address his needs was so foreign that he didn’t know how to react. He thought that I had some underlying reason for being active in his life, as though I was buttering him up for a future request. I’ve discovered that one of the most important things I do as a pastor/disciple maker is to invite others to spend time with me. Not for anything important, just time to talk and interact. It’s during these times that relationships are strengthened and trust is built. The more invitations I extend the more these young ministers trust me. The more time we spend together the more I can invest in them. As I invest in them I earn their loyalty and friendship. They no longer look at me as the pastor behind the pulpit and in the office. They begin looking at me as the pastor in their life. It is at this point that I become more than their pastor, I have become their spiritual leader and mentor.

Our titles as pastor can change in a single season, but our titles as spiritual leaders and friends can last a lifetime. I encourage you to Disciple by invitation. After all, Christ invited the Disciples to follow Him. That invitation was the first of many more to come. He invited His Disciples to share life with Him. Let us also invite others to share life in ministry together.

God Bless

Paul LaRose

Sheltering or Discipling

The term “sheltering” as used when describing the parenting skills of others is not easily defined, but the general public defines it more or less like this...
Withdrawing your child from society in an effort to keep them naive to the dangers and realities of the world in which they live.
The general feeling is that parents who shelter their children cross the line between protecting them and handicapping their ability to function in society. The fact is, that line does exist and if parents are not careful they can cross that line. Sheltering your child from danger is by no means a bad thing, neither is sheltering them from harmful information. So how is this line between protecting and handicapping defined?
People who overly "shelter" their kids fear they will fail because of knowledge. Wise parents protect and give them knowledge so they do not fail. How does this translate in everyday life? Opportunities to strengthen your child’s decision making skills, core values, morals, and ability to withstand peer pressure are presented each day they venture out into society. Think of it as building up their immune system. No matter how hard we try to protect them, our children will come across bad information, be exposed to concepts too soon, hear things they should not, and be asked to do things that are harmful to their future. It is inevitable. However, all is not lost. These circumstances can lead into a time of discipling them about the wrongs and rights of life. When our children catch a cold we don’t ignore it, nor do we withhold information that could help them through the sickness. Why then do we ignore harmful information that enters our children’s minds? We should contain it, explain it, and educate through discipleship to protect them from any future incidents.
The line between protecting and overly “sheltering” is defined by our ability or intentionality to disciple. If we do not educate our children we only postpone possible dangers. If we take the opportunities to disciple them we eliminate those same dangers. Is this to suggest that our children will not go through struggles? Absolutely not, but it does equip them with the right tools to navigate successfully through society. Tools are always more valuable than naivety or ignorance. The romantic idea of raising children to be naive and innocent is more likely a fantasy. If our children will play any part in society they will be exposed to dangers and their innocent minds will be assaulted. It is our job as parents to equip them with tools as we disciple them as problems and opportunities arise. We might not be able to protect them from everything, but we can equip them for anything.
God Bless,
Pastor Paul LaRose

Core Values of a Disciple

“Discipleship is more than an important program in the church. It is the great priority found in the Great Commission. It is the ultimate proof of effective ministry and genuine church growth. It is the will of God and the desire of Jesus. It is the foundation of a stable faith and the means of rich and rewarding relationships with God and man.”

As we continue exploring the essentials of effective discipleship, we will take a look at a disciple’s core values. But first, what are Core Values?

The core values are those values we hold which form the foundation on which we perform, work, and conduct ourselves. We have an entire universe of values, but some of them are so primary, so important to us that through out the changes in church structure, society, government, politics, and technology they are STILL the core values we will abide by. In an ever-changing world, core values are constant.

The core values of a disciple
• Evangelism (sharing the Good News of Jesus)
• Discipleship (becoming transformed by His Truth)
• Community (experiencing Life in the Fellowship of others who love him)
• Worship (delighting God in all you do)
• Service/Ministry (investing your energies in His purposes)
• Power (being a dynamic presence for God in the world by the help of the Holy Spirit)

These core values will be found in a true disciple. One cannot be a disciple without these values in place. The Great Commission sums up the values every disciple should have.

Matthew 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Are we raising up disciples with these values in place? Are our churches challenging each member to live a life of a disciple? These are some serious questions. Questions that are important in determining the success of our ministries. Much more so than “how many we had on Sunday Morning,” or “what our annual budget is.” A successful church produces disciples, is yours?
God Bless
Paul LaRose

Discipleship a Divine Mandate

DISCIPLESHIP A DIVINE MANDATE

Discipleship is a divine mandate, not a human option. The mandate on Discipleship is made clear by the Great Commission found in Mathew 28:18-20. It is assumed that every educated Christian believes making disciples of all nations (geographically and demographically) is a God-given mandate to the true church of Jesus Christ. But we have found that believing in the Great Commission is not the key to accomplishing the Great commission. The history of Christianity has been tainted by the fact that our modern churches, pastors, and laity have not been actively following this divine mandate. The failure of following the Great Commission lies mostly with the acceptance of an incorrect definition of the word disciple. The majority of the church world uses the words educate and evangelize in place of the word disciple. Though education and evangelization are important aspects of discipleship they are not by any means an adequate substitution for discipleship. Discipleship is the diligent and intentional teachings and practices that promote the lifelong lifestyle of becoming ever more like Jesus and reproducing the Christ-life in others . Discipleship is multi-faceted, but there are three key elements that are necessary for the discipleship process to be effective.
First, an accurate understanding of the words disciple and discipleship are paramount. “Discipleship” was a well-established institution in first-century Judaism. It was the one and only avenue for gaining recognition as a rabbi (teacher). If a student aspired to be a master of the law and obtain the title teacher, discipleship was the only avenue open to him. This student attached himself to a recognized Rabbi and studied under the Rabbi for many years. These studies were not conducted in a classroom, but rather the student listened and observed the Rabbi teach others throughout the day. It was not unusual for the student to take up residence in the Rabbi’s home to further his studies and gain a deeper understanding of the life of a Rabbi. The twelve New Testament Disciples were living a life of study under Jesus Christ. They were called by Christ to be followers of him (John 1:43) while abandoning their occupations, family life, and personal aspirations for the call of discipleship. After Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi and Jesus’ open teaching about His impending death, He began to call for a commitment to full discipleship. To believe truly that He was the Messiah, God’s Son, meant to “continue in His word” as a true disciple (John 8:31). Jesus set in motion the discipleship process of the Great Commission by taking His own disciples to a level that was not previously obtained. Discipleship is a life-long journey of obedience and dedication to the Word of God and the examples of Jesus Christ while reproducing the powerful Christian life in others. There is no other acceptable explanation of discipleship that varies too greatly from this one. We cannot be disciples of Christ without dedication and obedience to the Word of God. Neither can we be effective disciples while pursuing personal ambitions that would take away from the pursuit of the Great Commission.
Secondly, there is a distinct cost of being a disciple of Christ. One must turn away from the pleasures of this world and pursue the goals that the Holy Spirit set before them. The key issue of discipleship is obedience, for without it no fundamental and lasting change takes place. This is the reason such “obedience-oriented” discipleship is required of all who would follow Christ. Otherwise, it is possible for a person to call Christ “Lord, Lord” and even do mighty works in His name and yet be an evildoer who will be denied entrance into the eternal kingdom (Matt. 7:21–23). No one can “fake” being a disciple of Christ. Those that are truly disciples will be made know by the fruit of their labors.
Thirdly, we must become followers of the examples of Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit. In the original biblical texts, the term used for disciple refers to someone who is a learner or follower who serves as an apprentice under the tutelage of a master. Becoming a follower of Christ is a key to effective discipleship. Following Christ is not limited to following Him as long as He leads us where we want to go as many so called disciples would like to do. A disciple (follower of Christ) follows Him wherever He leads and whenever He leads while allowing the Holy Spirit to direct our paths. A follower of Christ must become sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. For it was the Holy Spirit that Christ sent to us after He ascended. The Holy Spirit corrects us when we get off the path chosen for us, and gently directs us in the path we should take. Following Christ and the Holy Spirit are aspects of discipleship that if removed the word disciple can no longer be applied.
Even though discipleship is not a hard concept to understand, it seems to be a hard concept to apply. The cost of discipleship is often perceived as too great. The dedication of following the leadership of Christ and the Holy Spirit seems for some too difficult. But if we would completely follow the examples of Christ and learn from the lives of the twelve disciples we can become effective disciples and disciple makers!

DEFINITION OF DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship is the diligent and intentional teachings and practices that promote the lifelong lifestyle of becoming ever more like Jesus and reproducing the Christ-life in others.

A look into Discipleship I

Over the course of multiple conversations with multiple ministers I have found that the definition of the word “discipleship” varies from individual to individual. Some believe discipleship is equal to leadership. Leadership is related to discipleship, but it only reflects one of the aspects of discipleship. I have taken this simple explanation of Discipleship from the AG website.

“Discipleship is more than an important program in the church. It is the great priority found in the Great Commission. It is the ultimate proof of effective ministry and genuine church growth. It is the will of God and the desire of Jesus. It is the foundation of a stable faith and the means of rich and rewarding relationships with God and man.”

In the next few issues of the this post, we will be exploring the essentials of effective discipleship. At it’s foundation Christian Education is Discipleship. Every class, lesson, and program should be intentionally designed to further the discipleship process in the student. Christ is ultimately the perfect example of a disciple maker. Discipleship is so important that Christ dedicated the majority of His ministry to the 12 Disciples. Every time we witness to an unbeliever or work with a Christian we must implement disciple-making principles. It is not enough to hope that one will become an effective disciple, we must plan to produce disciples that will carry on the work of the Great Commission.

Here are some characteristics of Discipleship as listed on the Discipleship page of the Assemblies of God website:

• Discipleship is all about relationships: Our personal relationship with Jesus in devotion, relationships with other believers in care and accountability, and relationships with pre-believers in evangelism.
• If discipleship had two bookends, they would be transformation and multiplication.
• Transformation of character often comes in response to repentance. Followers of Jesus never outgrow repentance.
• Discipleship is a process, not an event. We never graduate from growing more like Christ. It is a goal that should consume our attention until the day we meet Jesus face to face.
• We’re not disciples unless we’re discipling others. Multiplication comes as a result of evangelism and mentoring.
• Discipleship is a life spent seeking Christ-likeness in the company of other seekers. As Jesus modeled it, discipleship is a contact sport.
• Since discipleship is a non-negotiable (it is the Great Commission), discipleship must be an intentional focus of every believer and every ministry.

Life Controlling Issues

Titus 3:3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

As I continue to prepare for this Sunday, I can't help but feel emotional. So many people are tied down with life-controlling issues. Issues that keep them from realizing how great God is and how great He made us. We have within us the potential to live a life of freedom, success, and fulfillment! We were created by a Mighty God and that God so desires us to be all that He designed us to be. We get so wrapped up in this world that we trade in our joy for despair, our freedom for slavery, our victory for defeat, and most of all our inheritance for things that will fade away.
As the scripture states even if you are enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures, we can still break away from those things that keep us down. We only have to turn back to God the Father. When will we realize that we are the scraps we are partaking in come from the table that God prepared for us. We are not dogs to be kicked and shoved aside. We are children of the Most High God. Let us seek freedom from the things that enslave us at the feet of the Father. He will restore us to the place He has prepared.

Love is for everyone!

Ephesians 2:4-5
4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Are we as a church neglecting 4 out of 10 adults? According to the 2000 Census 43.3% of adults are single or are single again! Just yesterday, the world celebrated Valentines Day, a holiday that excludes 4 out of 10 people. In fact, many churches hosted a Valentine’s banquet or provided some sort of opportunity for married and engaged couples to express their devotion to one another. This is a wonderful tool to connect the couples within our churches, but what about those that are not married or engaged? Since our nation and churches are marriage focused we often forget how many people do not fit in that category. I recently had the opportunity to talk to Dennis Franck author of Reaching Single Adults and he challenged me to look up the demographics in my city, Frankfort. I knew we had a lot of singles, but I had no idea how many there were. Look at these statistics from the 2000 census regarding the adults in my mission field of Frankfort, Kentucky.
Ages 18-24 3,254 11.7% of all adults
Ages 25-44 8,399 30.3% of all adults
Ages 45-64 6,224 22.4% of all adults
Ages 18-64 17,877 64.4% of all adults

According to these numbers we have more single adults than married! Wow, I really would not have guessed this to be true. Dennis Franck caused me to realize that reaching the single individuals of our communities has to be a priority for our churches. But how do we reach the single population? Many single programs fail because they begin with the idea that “single people need to be married”. This is not only a bad assumption, but it goes against the feelings of many singles. We as Christians and church leaders need to be focused on the main goal "To seek and save the Lost." The lost meaning everyone, not a particular group, nation, race, or classification of people, but rather all people. In fulfilling the goal of the "Great Commission" we must not allow our assumptions to get in the way of God's plan. This week I encourage you to show Love not only to those in your home, but to those that live without the understanding of the Love of Christ. For Christ loved you before you loved Him and we should love others even before they have the Love of Christ.

God Bless

The Big Reveal!

Now King David was told, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God." So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. 13 When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, 15 while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.

16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. II Samuel 12-16

There is a continuing decline of signs and wonders being made manifest in our Nations Churches. Why? That is a question that can be answered many ways. One reason is because many churches are afraid of what comes with the signs and wonders. People get excited and when people get excited they do some exciting things! We laugh when we see people win money on television. They get all crazy and dance around screaming, shouting, jumping on people, even loosing all humility. Sometimes they even pass out due to the enormity of their excitement. We laugh at them and talk about how silly they are, but we have come to expect to see some drama. The show "Extreme Home Makeover" comes to mind when I think about people getting excited. At the "big reveal" the families never stand still and express their thanks in a very dignified way. No, we would assume they were ungrateful if they didn't get excited. We love to see them weep, laugh, pass out, dance, and shout until it becomes ridiculous. That is how we know they were deeply touched and they recognize that their quality of life has just been transformed. Well, it should be all that and more when our Heavenly Father touches our lives. When someone is delivered from oppression they ought to be excited. Joy should overcome their lives and they should do a little dance and celebrate how great God is. When someone is healed their sense of gratitude should be overwhelming! We have seen, through media, people pass out at the thought of winning a new car. Imagine the emotional rush when someone has just been touched by God Himself! If people pass out for a car they should fall flat on their backs when God shatters the chains of sin and death! When healing flows people ought to dance because health is worth more than any car.

I encourage you to be open to signs and wonders and the emotional release that follows them. People will get excited and things will happen, but let us look at it with open minds and open hearts. If we can laugh at someone on tv, then we can surely be blessed by one of our fellow Christians. Be careful to not allow yourself to be judgemental. Imagine how you would feel if your generational curse had just been broken. I think it would be cause for celebration. Next time you are in service and the Lord is moving and people are being healed, delivered, and transformed imagine that they just got their "Big Reveal!"

Invite them and they will come!

I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know for I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me; inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wine skins ready to burst Job 32:17-19

The statistic; 80% of people that join a church were invited by a personal friend, continues to be proven factual. Polls and surveys that addresses this issue continue to find results near the number 80%. To clarify; when a church adds 10 new members 8 of them were invited by a friend. That's not to say that these are all newly saved members, but I have to believe that many of them are! As Christians, we have been given a mandate to grow the church through discipleship. Every Christian has the express responsibility to evangelize within their circle of influence as well as throughout the world. Many outreach opportunities are given to church members, but the majority of church growth occurs when members personally invite their friends and family to participate in church services and special events. Let's not forget that our friends value our advice, input, and influence. That is why they are our friends. The gift of friendship is complex and hard to maintain on a high level, but at the foundation is trust. Our friends trust us to give them insight that is valuable and relevant to their life. I can't think of anything more valuable than Christ and the Church. Is it hard to invite people to church? No, I don't think it is, but we have a preconceived notion that people don't want to come to church. The fact is that people are more open to spiritual things than ever before. Take advantage of the age of spiritual openness the Mormons, Muslims, and other false religions are! The fastest growing religion in America is Islam. That's because they are passionate about adding people to their movement. Do you see Islam speakers on TV? Do you see high profile Muslim's publishing books? Do you see conferences, summits, or highly promoted gatherings to promote the Islam religion? No, we don't see any of those things. Then why are they growing at a faster rate than Christianity? Christians will spend millions of dollars on mass marketing, but the way we truly grow the church is through personal contact!!! I encourage you to invite your friends to church this Sunday. They respect you and will listen to your testimonies.

God Bless