Archive for Disciplemaking

It Begins with Prayer

By Dwayne McCrary · Comments (0)
Wednesday, April 1st, 2020

It Begins with Prayer  Why the call to prayer is important today

If you had to define the basics of ongoing Bible study groups (most commonly called Sunday School), what would you include? Obviously, Bible study would be included, but what else? The past few weeks of social distancing, “safer at home” initiatives, and groups of less than 10 may have revealed those basics. We are not so worried about who will bring the donuts as we are focused on sharing our experiences, encouraging and being encouraged by other believers, and praying for neighbors who are more open to a wave and a conversation (even if it is shouting across the street). We are praying for lost neighbors, building community through prayer with each other, and serving each other through prayer all while doing some type of Bible study together…even if that is not at the same time or in the same way.

Leaders may be encouraging some of these actions, but these actions are coming from within the group as well. The things the group is asking for tell us what they value and why they are a part of an ongoing Bible study in the first place. Getting to the basics is not a bad thing. In fact, it should be welcomed because it brings attention to the more important things.

In It Begins with Prayer, we find a call to pray daily for lost people by name, to build community through intentional prayer partnerships, and to make disciples through serving with prayer as the starting point. While prayer is the unifying element, each supports the reaching, teaching, and serving work of an ongoing Bible study group. All of these actions can still take place in a “shelter in place” world, pointing to the necessity of each.

These actions will be just as important in the days ahead. Nothing keeps us from praying for lost people, praying with another believer, or serving others through prayer…nothing. Shouldn’t that tell us something about what the future of our ongoing Bible study groups might look like?

The ideas in It Begins with Prayer came from the notes of Arthur Flake, a leader in Sunday School development. Writing in 1920, he faced a time of unprecedented change. World War I ended in 1918. The Spanish flu pandemic ended in 1919, killing 3 to 6 percent of the world population (estimates vary). Flake proposed a simple plan for reaching people for Bible study. That plan was built around prayer. Could it be that God is preparing us to learn from the past? I’m not a prophet, but I do know that prayer changes things, and it may be time for us to rediscover that basic truth.

——

Dwayne McCrary – team leader of adult ongoing Bible study resources at LifeWay Christian Resources, husband, father, GDaddy, Bible study teacher to both empty nesters and 3 year olds, adjunct professor (MBTS), reader of history books, and road bicyclist. Copies of It Begins with Prayer can be purchased or downloaded (PDF and audio) at LifeWay.com/TrainingResources.

Comments (0)
Categories : Sunday School
Tags : , , , , , , ,

Disciplemaking and Transformation

By Lance Crowell · Comments (0)
Wednesday, September 19th, 2018

https://vimeo.com/sbtconline/review/290202284/fa7ab20b56

https://vimeo.com/sbtconline/review/290202284/fa7ab20b56

Today’s culture is obsessed with transformation. Many television shows are built on some sort of dramatic change leading to a complete metamorphosis. The climax of these shows is that moment when the bus is moved, the screens are rolled away or the person walks out from behind the curtain and there is a collective awe. These transformations are dramatic, and they amaze us. Unfortunately, our propensity for this nearly immediate modification, has caused some real issues in our understanding and process of disciple-making in the church.

Three ways the culture has created a wrong understanding of transformation:
1. Instant – Through the magic of TV editing, we have become accustomed to changes in 22-minute or 42-minute segments and therefore transformation is perceived as something nearly instantaneous. Some have taken this same approach in the church. Leaders frequently struggle or even disengaged if transformation is not quick and easy.
• The Truth – Transformation is a process. It is a long slow work in the lives of believers. It is never instant and often it’s very messy.
2. Complete – The key to each of these TV programs is they finish by the end of the show. The transformation is done just in the nick of time and it’s wonderful. It looks amazing. They undertook an immense task and they made it happen.
• The Truth – In our disciple-making it is never complete. We are always a work in progress, and everyone is different, so transformation has a unique look in each person.
3. Visible – These complete changes are clear to see. They show the before and after leaving no doubt that a massive work has been completed.
• The Truth – When we talk about making disciples this involves people, not things, and entails a transformation that begins on the inside and works its way out. It can be difficult to see the transformation and many give up on the process.

The mandate in Jesus’ commission, to his disciples and all believers, is to make disciples that will in turn make disciples. The original disciples, in the book of Acts, were sent out into the world to replicate their faith to every tribe and tongue. Sadly, today’s culture has become so focused on the instant that we have lost this beautiful art of transformation.

If you want to focus on spiritual transformation in your church here are three things to keep in mind.

1. Non-linear – (Sorry to drop a math term) Most of the time, transformation in someone’s life is one step forward and two-steps backward. We have so many struggles and issues to work through that it’s not a constant growth. It resembles the stock market with its ups and downs more than a straight climb. The key with this is to make spiritual progress. The speed of the progress is less important than the fact that there is movement in the right direction.

2. Clear Definition – A number of these television shows are so successful because they know what a good final result looks like. Too often in the church we start the process of transformation, but we have no idea what a disciple does or spiritually looks like. If we don’t know what we are trying to produce, we won’t get anywhere.
3. Multiplication – The end goal is always multiplication. Many times, we have a focus on helping people mature to live better Christian lives. There is nothing wrong with this desire. The struggle is that Jesus told us to make disciples. You are a disciple when you are making disciples of others who in turn will make disciples of others. It’s a chain that goes back to Jesus and will only end when he returns for his bride.

Transformation is from God. When we see it in the world or even a TV show it demonstrates a beautiful picture of redemption and change. He does it every day. However, the greatest picture of true transformation happens in the lives of people who turn from their sin and trust and walk with him. They in turn help others do the same, and this happens time and time again, disciples making disciples.

Comments (0)
Categories : 31 Days of Transformational Class, Bible Study, Disciplemaking, Sunday School, Transformation
Tags : ,

A D-Group Covenant

By Bobby Howard · Comments (0)
Friday, September 7th, 2018

Holy Bible on a wooden desk in church

Is a formal D-Group Covenant really necessary? This question can stir some spirited debate. In many cases, however, when leaders evaluate the reasons a D-Group has failed, issues go back to things that could have been covered in some type of written or verbal covenant between the members of the group. Whether there is a formally signed covenant or simply a conversation about making a verbal covenant with one another, a D-Group Covenant can help build a foundation for a true disciple-making small group experience. Essential elements for a covenant can be summarized in three categories: goals of the group, expectations concerning commitment level, confidentiality.

Goals of the Group
The purpose of the D-Group sets the stage for everything that happens in the context of the group. It is vitally important that individuals in a group understand the purpose or goals of the group. For example, if a primary goal of a church is to use a D-Group structure to multiply disciples, then letting participants know from the outset that a goal is for them to be a leader of a group in the future will help them prepare for this next step. Communicating a clear purpose in a written or verbal covenant will also keep a group focused on a path toward discipleship and will help avoid wandering in wilderness of proverbial “rabbit-chasing” or becoming a social gathering with no spiritual growth among the participants.

Expectations of Commitment Level
The success of a D-Group is in part based on active and consistent participation by the members of the group. A covenant should outline expectations for the group member’s commitment. There may be time expectations that let members know how much time they need to commit for the regular meetings. If the plan is to meet weekly for one hour, then the members need to know this and the leader must honor this commitment and the time of the members by managing time well during the meetings. People are often reluctant to sign up for indefinite involvement in a group in terms of how many weeks/months the group will meet. If the intent is to meet for one year, specifically outline the start and end dates in a D-Group Covenant. Expectations in terms of the work load could also be clearly communicated in a verbal or written covenant. If participants are asked to do certain things in advance so that group meetings are meaningful times of spiritual growth then these tasks should be outlined in the covenant. The tasks may include Scripture reading, journaling, reading other books/resources, sharing a testimony with someone, Scripture memory, and more. D-Group leaders can facilitate a successful group by communicating the expectations in a covenant.

Confidentiality
When a group is meeting together, learning together, sharing stories of personal growth or possibly some personal struggles, and praying together, it is important for participants to commit to confidentiality. The group will remain superficial and deeper authentic relationships will not develop among the participants if they are fearful that information they share may become public knowledge. Hold individuals accountable to this commitment more consistently by including it as a clear expectation in a verbal or written D-Group Covenant.

There are many variables that may create an environment for a thriving D-Group Ministry. A written and/or verbal covenant is one that should considered.

Comments (0)
Categories : Disciplemaking, Group Life, Ministry, New Groups, Sunday School
Tags : , ,

The Disciple and Scripture Memory

By Bob Mayfield · Comments (0)
Friday, August 24th, 2018

One of the most important spiritual disciplines of a disciple is memorizing God’s Word. Some may scoff at this idea as impractical, old-fashioned, beneath an adult follower, or just plain ridiculous; but the fact of the matter is that it is the truth.

First, consider the value that the Bible itself places on memorizing His Word.
Joshua 1:8 – This Book of the Law shall not depart from your lips, but you shall meditate on it day and night…
Psalm 1:2 – Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.
Psalm 119:11 – I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…
Second, consider biblical characters who memorized Scripture. Jesus memorized Scripture. He quoted it in His battle with Satan during the wilderness temptation. Moses commanded the Israelites to memorize Scripture and teach it to their children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). In the book of Acts, the disciples often quoted Scripture when preaching. The list of people in the Bible who memorized Scripture is lengthy.
Third, it is the bedrock discipline in focusing our minds on Christ and furthering our own spiritual growth. Dallas Willard wrote, “Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs.”

From Why to How To…

For most people, beginning efforts at memorizing Scripture requires a team process. This need is a primary reason why it is important for students and adults to belong to some type of discipleship group that memorizes Scripture as part of its regular meeting. Here are some suggestions to help people memorize Scripture.

1. Make Scripture memory a part of your discipleship group process. Start the group meeting by letting each person share the group’s assigned memory verse – from memory! If Scripture memory is delayed to the end of the meeting, the group often runs out of time for memory. Quoting the memory verse during the group meeting provides the accountability necessary for Scripture memory.
2. Read the verse in context. Read the entire chapter the verse appears two or three times to get a grasp of the verse as it relates to the direction of the text. This process will add meaning to the verse.
3. Write the selected verse for memory in your journal every day. Try to write as much as you can from memory. Check your work to make sure that you have written the verse precisely as it appears in the Bible.
4. Say the verse out loud. Okay, it may seem weird at first, but actually speaking the verse out loud will help you learn it faster than reading or writing it. Try to say the verse 10 times in a row without mistakes.
5. Partner up. Find someone that will listen as you speak the verse.
6. Start slow and build. Start by memorizing one or two verses a week. You will be amazed at how quickly you will become an expert at memorization.
7. Challenge yourself. Move from memorizing single verses to memorizing entire Bible passages, chapters, or even books; such as 1 Corinthians 13, Philippians 2:1-11, or the book of James.
Finally, develop the art of meditating on Scripture all day. In Psalm 1:2, the psalmist writes that “he meditates on it (the Bible) day and night”. This verse is a metaphor that means that he meditates on God’s Word all the time.

Comments (0)
Categories : Bible Study, Disciplemaking, Sunday School
Tags : ,

Removing the Wall Between Disciplemaking and Evangelism

By Sean Keith · Comments (0)
Friday, August 17th, 2018

Making Disciples is our calling; our purpose. Sharing the gospel, leading people to Christ, baptizing people, discipling them in their faith–is what we do to make disciples.
Too often we tend to gravitate towards either evangelism or discipleship. It takes courage to share the gospel. It takes time to disciple someone. God has called us to do both. The command to make disciples includes evangelism and discipleship. It’s not an either/or proposition. It is a both/and.
For me, discipleship was always easier. I love people. I love getting to know people and spending time with them. I enjoy teaching and serving. Sharing the gospel with someone was always difficult. And to be honest, it still is. I have to work hard at putting myself in situations where I can share the gospel with lost people.
The story of Paul and Barnabas tell an interesting story. When Saul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, it was Barnabas that welcomed him and discipled him in his new faith. Barnabas “the encourager” spent a lot of time with Saul who became known as Paul. They even went on their first missionary journey together. They invited John Mark to join them. At some point, John Mark left the group. When Paul and Barnabas planned their next trip, Barnabas wanted John Mark to come as well. But Paul refused. They argued and the decision was to travel separately. Barnabas would take John Mark and Paul would take Silas.
Paul and Barnabas, two godly men, that God chose to use to make disciples on their journeys. They differed in their approach. Paul put his focus first on the mission of traveling to new places and sharing the gospel. Barnabas focused on people first as they traveled to new places and shared the gospel. They had two very different perspectives and methodologies but they shared a common objective—making disciples.
Both teams shared the gospel and saw people come to Christ in almost every city. But then, they stayed and taught them in their new born faith. Paul and Barnabas knew that evangelism and discipleship are inseparable. To do one without the other would weaken the church and the movement around the globe in sharing the good news.
Using a sports analogy, teams compete to win the game. Each team has their own unique plan to accomplish their objective. Both teams need an offense and a defense. To neglect either of these is to damage their prospects for victory.
Jesus’ plan to make disciples of all the nations demands that we do both evangelism and discipleship. They are not two separate programs. They are the same program and the same objective.
The questions is not “if” we will share the gospel or “if” we will disciple someone. The real question is who will you disciple and how will you accomplish your mission.
Sean Keith is the Sunday School/Discipleship Strategist for the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Sean has free resources available at www.louisianabaptists.org/churchgrowth and www.revseankeith.com. Follow me on twitter @revseankeith.

Comments (0)
Categories : Bible Study, Disciplemaking, Evangelism, Ministry, Outreach/Evangelism, Sunday School
Tags : , ,
Next Page »