Vision of the Possible- Chapter 9

Overview

This chapter covers discipleship and how important it is if we desire to see church multiplication.  New christians need to be discipled and future leaders developed.

Comments

This discussion is so important as I think we often focus all of our attention on evangelism and new believers but we leave the topic of discipleship behind.  I am not saying we don’t discuss its importance but we often assume it will take care of itself.  We are currently in the discipleship phase with  new believers and it is not easy.  I find myself wanting to push hard and fast but I need to understand they have lived under a STRONG Catholic influence for 30-40 years and I can’t expect them to understand this new life quickly and leave behind all their past non-biblical customs at the drop of a hat.  It has been a learning experience for me and I see myself praying for patience and wisdom.  As Sinclair said, Jesus spent lots of time with the disciples and they still did not get it all right even after a few years with Jesus. 

As a discipler, we are stretched by the faith of our new believers.  One family has so little and are constantly scraping for money(the spouse left for the U.S. six years and provides no support) but they trust in God and know they will get by.  I would be a headcase if I were in their financial situation with my American mindset but in their culture they have ways to get by.

He pointed out that as new believers you may need to advise them to hang low for a little while and not run around telling everyone of their new faith until they have some discipleship growth.  We have not told the new believers in our area to stay silent but I do feel as though they need some good discipleship and growth so they can better explain the “new life in Christ” they now have.