disciple making & church planting resources€¦ · 1. what one thing did jesus commission...
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DISCIPLEMAKING&CHURCHPLANTINGRESOURCES
Following Jesus.Walk through the Gospels. Explore in depth Jesus’journeyandHisexampleandteachingofdisciplemakingandmovementbuilding.FollowingtheSpirit.Beinspired.ExplorethebookofActs—experiencetheresilienceofearlybelieversindisciplemaking,churchplantingandmovementbuilding.
Available:
• Online: www.hopeshop.com• Instore: AdventistBookCentres• eBook: Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCMN7LN
• Videos&links:www.following-jesus.comForbookmarksandotherresources:• Resources&Training:[email protected]
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CONTENTSGettingstarted 6Disciplemaking&plantingteams 7THEGREATCOMMISSION 8
1. Jesus’Method 92. Harvestmodel(Mark4:26-29) 113. Jesus’disciplemaking(Luke10:1-24) 12
DISCIPLEMAKING 13
1. PREPARE 13Teams 13Places 14Prayer 15Connect 16
2. SOW 17Threestepsinevangelism 17GospelPresentations 20DiscoveryBibleReading 22SmallGroupPrinciples–DiscoveryBibleReadinggroups 23
3. CULTIVATE 24
Answeringquestions–learningfromtheorderofRevelation14:6-13 24Elementaryteachings–essentialbeliefs 25AfterreadingtheGospelofMark 27Introducingseminarsandevangelisticmeetings 28
CHURCHPLANTING 29
4. HARVEST 29Whatischurch? 29Whyplantchurches? 30Sometheologicalfoundationsforchurchplanting 31Whatisthedifferencebetweenagroupandachurch? 32Whowilllead? 32Wherewilltheplantgather? 32Whatisneededforachurchplanttobesustainable? 33Keybeliefs 33Essentialvaluesandattitudes 34FunctionalStructures 34
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5. MULTIPLY–disciplesandchurches 35
Jesus’andPaul’smodelsofmultiplication 35Areyoucountingtherightnumbers? 36MultiplicationPlan 37Acommonblockage 37Evaluation&feedback 38
ROADMAPformultiplyingdisciples&churches 39CHURCHPLANTINGPROJECTPLAN 40Acknowledgments 42
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GETTINGSTARTEDJesusbeganHisministrymakingdisciples.BeforeHeascendedHecommanded:‘Goandmakedisciples of all nations.’ (Matthew28:19)1This isour commission.On the eveningofHisresurrection,Hesaid:‘AstheFatherhassentme,Iamsendingyou.’(John20:21)AdiscipleisapersonwhoineverywayisbecomingmorelikeJesus(Ephesians4:15)—including,asdisciple-makers.AnewchurchisagatheringofnewdisciplesWhiletheGospelsoutlineJesus’methodandmodelofdisciplemaking,thebookofActsis our guidebook for planting new churches. A basic insight from Paul’s missionaryjourneysofchurchplantingis:eachlocalchurchthatisplantedisresponsibletomultiply.Andnotethisobservation:‘Uponallwhobelieve,Godhasplacedaburdenofraisingupchurches’(E.G.White,MedicalMinistry,315).AchurchplantingmovementTheSeventh-dayAdventistChurchistobeamovement–amovementofchurchplanting.Thisishowitstarted,andthisishowitwillcompleteitswork.Godhascalledustoplantnewandmultiplyingcommunitiesoffaithinun-enteredplaces.ThisistheworkthatGodhasplaceduponalldisciples–allbelievers,pastorsandleaders:
‘Ourministers(speakingofpastors)arenottospendtheirtimelaboringforthosewhohavealreadyacceptedthetruth.WithChrist’sloveburningintheirhearts,theyaretogoforthtowinsinnerstotheSaviour.Besideallwaterstheyaretosowtheseedsoftruth.Placeafterplaceistobevisited;churchafterchurchistoberaisedup.Thosewhotaketheirstandforthetrutharetobeorganizedintochurches,andthentheministeristopassontootherequallyimportantfields’(E.G.White,7Testimonies,19-20).
Newbelievers…“aretobeorganizedintochurches.”Further:
‘Wemustdomorethanwehavedonetoreachthepeopleofourcities.Wearenottoerectlargebuildingsinthecities,butoverandoveragainthelighthasbeengivenmethatweshouldestablishinallourcitiessmallplantswhichshallbecentresofinfluence’(E.G.White,7Testimonies,115).
Thisconversationguideisdesignedtoequipyouandyourteamtomakedisciplesandplant‘churchafterchurch’–churchesthatmultiply.ThisiswhattheapostlePauldid.Heplantedmultiple churches,and theymultiplied.His twoyearsand threemonth’swork inEphesusresultedinchurchesmultiplyingacrosswhatisTurkeytoday–and,‘alltheJewsandGreekswholivedintheprovinceofAsiaheardtheWordoftheLord’(Acts19:10).Welcometothechallenges,excitement,rewardsanddramaofplantingnewcommunitiesoffaith–ofgatheringnewdisciplesintomultiplyingchurches.Thisputsyouonthecuttingedgeofmission;itisaspiritualjourneythatdemandsteamwork,faith,andprayer.PeterRoennfeldt
1BiblereferencesarefromtheNewInternationalVersion,HolmanBiblePublishers,1986.
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DISCIPLEMAKING&PLANTINGTEAMSBecauseJesusalwaysworkedwithteams,equippingHisdisciplestodothesame,weequipinteams.Weformteamsof3-4todiscussthisguide.Wecanworkthroughthisguideover5-6days,ordoasectioneachdayover5-6weeks.FORMATEAMOF3-4:Duringthistrainingtime:a. Learntopraytogetherconversationally.b. Readandre-readyourtextbooks,theGospelsandthebookofActs.c. WorkthroughthisConversationGuideandputintopracticewhatyoulearn.d. Lookfora‘person-of-peace’—checkoutwhatJesussaidinLuke10:8-9–anddoit.e. Shareyourjourneywithotherbelievers,encouragethemtomakedisciplesandformmorechurchplantingteams.WatchfortheactivityoftheHolySpiritinthelivesofothers,fanthatsparkofinterestandmultiplyyourwork.RECORDACTIONPLANS:Whowillrecordthedecisionsinyourteam?Makealistofthosewhoyoucouldencourage,evenwhileyouaretraining,toformanothergroupthatwillmultiplyintoanother,andanother.
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THE GREAT COMMISSIONMatthew28:16-20 ReadusingtheDiscoveryBibleReadingprocess(seepage22fordetails)
• OnepersonwillreadMatthew28:16-20-thenanotherwillreadthesameverses.• Thenonewillsharethestoryintheirownwords–withtheothershelping.
1. WhatonethingdidJesuscommissiondisciplestodo?2. Theword‘nations’isethne.Whatdoesthismeanfordisciplemaking? TheRelationalStreamsApproach
3. VISION:WhatisGod’svisionfordisciplemaking?
Newdisciplesareabletomakeandmultiplydisciples. Agatheringofnewmultiplyingdisciplesisanewchurchplant.4. MISSION:Thereasonwhyyourchurchplantwillexist:
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Jesus’methodPHASESOFMOVEMENT–Jesususedfiveinvitations&disciplesusedHismethodJohn1:19-51–JesuscallingHisfirstdisciplesJesusgaveHisfirstinvitationtoComeandSeeafterHisbaptismandtemptations.Theresponse of John’s two discipleswho spent the daywithHim indicates that JesussharedwiththemtheevidenceofHismessiahship–fromthefirst30yearsofHislife(thePreparationphase).ThisiswhyComeandSeeisthePreparationinvitation.
Whatcanyouapplyforyourdisciplemakingandchurchplanting?• Preparationphase–ComeandSee(John1:35-39)• Foundationsphase–FollowMe(John1:43)• Participation-training–FishwithMe(Matthew4:18-20)• Multiplyingleaders–Loveyourenemies/sacrificewithMe(Matt5:43-45;16:24)• Movementsphase–ReceivetheSpirit(John20:21-22)
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DISCIPLEMAKING–Jesususedfiveinvitations&disciplesuseHismethodJohn4:1-42–JesuscallingtheSamaritanwomantobeadiscipleReadusingtheDiscoveryBibleReadingprocesstoreviewJohn4:1-42.From first contact Jesus was equipping disciples to use His five invitations to make andmultiplydisciples.Identifythefiveinvitations(above)inHiswitnesstotheSamaritanwomanatthewellandhowsheimmediatelyfollowedHisexample.WithinafewminutestheSamaritanwomancouldsharehertestimonyandinviteotherstoJesus.HowdidJesusleadher?–• ToknowHim(come&see)• TobelikeHim(followMe)• Tobeableto(fishwithMe)–
o ShareherexperienceofHim
o Inviteothersto‘comeandsee’
ACTIVITY:UsethePeopleFlowCharttoidentify– 1)whereareyouonthisjourneyofdiscipleshipand 2)whereareyourcorechurchplantingteammembersonthisjourney:
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Harvestmodel-Mark4:26-29UsetheDiscoveryBibleReadingprocesstoreviewMark4:26-29(cf.4:3-20)Jesussharedharvestparablestoreveal‘thesecretofthekingdomofGod’.(Mark4:11,26)Weusetheparableoffourtypesofsoils–withthe‘goodsoil’(prepared,cultivated,andfullofmanure)producinga‘multiplying’crop(Mark4:3-20);aswellastheharvestmodel(Mark4:26-29)–sometimesreferredtoasthefourfields.1Itisonefield,butthefieldchanges.Discussthisagriculturalanddisciplemakingmodel.2
1NathanandKariShank,ReproducingChurchesUsingSimpleTools,2007.2PeterRoennfeldt,FollowingJesus:disciple-makingandmovement-building,Signs,2017:134
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Jesus’disciplemaking–Luke10:1-24UsetheDiscoveryBibleReadingprocesstoreviewLuke10:1-9Afterashorttime,Jesushadmanydisciples.(John3:22;4:1-2)WhenHecalledthetwelvetobeapostlesHehad a ‘crowdof disciples’. (Luke6:12-19) Luke10 tells ofHim calling andtrainingmanymore.ThiswasfiveorsixmonthsbeforeHiscrucifixion.WewilllookcarefullyathowHetrainedthesedisciplestomakenewdisciples.STEPS INDISCIPLEMAKING&CHURCHPLANTING:Anoverlayof Jesus’ teachingonenteringnewfields(Luke10:1-24)withHisharvestmodel(Mark4:26-29)revealsfivesteps:
DISCIPLEMAKING
1. Prepare(emptyfield):
2. Sow:
3. Cultivate(growing‘allbyitself’):
CHURCHPLANTING
4. Harvest(Gather):
5. Multiply:
FarmersintheMiddleEastharvesttosownewfieldsthenextseason.Theykeepthebesttoplantagain–tomultiply.They‘sowintears’–‘weeping’,fortheirfamiliesarehungry;buttheycannoteattheseed,theymustplantornextseasontheywillstarve.(SeePsalm126:5,6.)Thisisafoundationalidea.Howwouldyouunderstandthisforfriendsyouareleadingtobedisciples?
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DISCIPLEMAKING‘CHRIST’Smethodalonewillgivetruesuccessinreachingthepeople.TheSaviourmingledwithmenasonewhodesiredtheirgood.HeshowedHissympathyforthem,ministeredtotheirneeds,andwontheirconfidence.ThenHebadethem,"FollowMe”.’(MH143)
1. PREPARE Thefieldandpeoplewhereyouwillmakedisciples
[1] TEAMS:going‘twobytwo’
Jesusworkedinteams.Hesentthem‘twobytwo’,‘aheadofHim’(Luke10:1).a. WheredidJesusfindthefirstmembersofHisteamofdisciples? CompareJohn1:35-51withMatthew4:12-22
b. Wherewillwefindourteammembers?CompareMatthew9:35-38andLuke10:2
RESTRUCTURE SABBATH SCHOOL CLASSES (also Women’s ministry, Youthgroupsetc.)into6-12peoplewholiveneareachother–andtheybecomeateamtowork their areawith activities, branch Sabbath Schools, andDiscovery BibleReadinggroups.
BRANCHCHURCHES—ORSMALLGROUPNETWORK.FOROTHERTEAMS:Whocouldyouinvitetojoinyou?Wherewillyoufindthem?
c. KnowtheSHAPEofyourteam.
SpiritualGifts
Heartpassion(character)
Abilities(competencies)
Personality(chemistry)
Experiences
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[2]PLACES:whereyouwillwork
Nametheemptyfield(thepeopleandplaces)whereyouwillwork?• Placesthatareclose:
• Placesthataredistant:Howwouldyoudescribethoseyouwillworkwith?
a. Howwouldyoudescribetheirfamilies,communitiesorrelationalstreams?b. Whoaresomeofthekeypeopleintheirrelationalstreams?c. WhatdoyouseeGoddoingintheirlives?
Whatthingswillyoudotopreparetheplaceswhereyouwillwork?
Whatcommunityserviceprojectsareneededinthisarea?
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[3] PRAYER:Luke10:1-4,16-24(alsodiscussJohn14:12-23)Somewaysofprayinga. 10.02&4.03prayers(Luke10:2;Colossians4:3-4)
b. Conversationalprayer
c. Scriptureprayer&prayingthroughscripture
d. Listeningprayer
e. Prayerwalking
f. Prayerteams
g. 777prayer(7am,7pm,7daysaweek)
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[4] CONNECT:Luke10:5-9,16
1. HowdidJesusconnect?2. Howwillyouconnectwithyourcommunity?Whatarethequalitiesofthe‘person-of-peace’?(Luke10:5-7)• Hospitable• Receptive• Reputation• InfluenceLookforthesequalitiesin–• TheSamaritanwoman:John4:1-42• Zacchaeus:Luke19:1-10• Thedemonpossessedman:Mark5:1-20Whyconcentrateonthisperson? Thispersoniskeyindistantplaces:Canyouidentifya‘person-of-peace’?
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2. SOWThreeSteps:Theirstory,ourstoryandGod’sstoryWhatthreestepsforevangelismdidJesusfollowandteach?Luke10:8-9
1. 2. 3.
[1] EATTHEIRFOOD-LISTENTOTHEIRSTORY Whileyoueat,whatdoyouneedtodo? [2] HEALTHEM-SHAREYOURSTORY Lifeis4-dimensional:seeLuke2:52–mental,physical,spiritualandsocial. Howcanyouhealormeetpeople’sneeds?
Encouragement:suggestaN.E.WS.T.A.R.TPrayerforGod’shealing.SharingyourstoryislikeabridgetoGod’sstory.Youknowwhatisistobehealed—Godhashealedyou.Jesustoldthedelivereddemoniac:‘ReturnhomeandtellhowmuchGodhasdoneforyou.SothemanwentawayandtoldallovertownhowmuchJesushaddoneforhim’.(Luke8:3)Writedownafewpointsundereachheading:1. YourlifebeforeyoumetJesus(oryourearlyyears):
Inoneword(forexample:fearful,searching,angry,lost,etc.)
2. HowyoumetJesus:
Inonesentence
3. Howyourlifechanged:
Inoneword(forexample:peace,secure,care,etc.)
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ACTIVITY:SharingYourStory
1. Withanother,practicetellingyourstoryinthreeminutes.2. AgoodplacetobeginsharingyourstoryandGod’sstoryiswiththepeopleyou
know–yourcircleofrelationshipsincludingfamily,friends,coworkers,andneighbors.ListthepeopleyouknowwhoarenotyetfollowersofJesus.
3. Identifyfivepeopleyoucanprayforeverydayandbeginsharingyourstorywith
eachone.Carryalistoftheirnamesinyourwallet,purseormobilephone.
4. Whowillyoushareyourstorywiththisweek?
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[3] TELLGOD’SSTORY-GOSPELPRESENTATIONListeningtotheirstoryandsharingyourstoryprovidesopportunitytoshareGod’sstory.Whichscripturecouldyouusetoexplainthegospel?Mark16:9-20–JesusdefinedthegospelICorinthians15:1-11–Paulsuccinctlyexplainsthegospel.
Romans3:21-26–PaulshareshowtoberightwithGod.Whatotherscripturescouldyouuse?(Remember,useapassageorstoryofscripture,notastringofverses.)Chooseabridgetosharing:• Familyandfriendsofanewdisciple:‘Ihavemadeadecisiontobecomeafollower
ofJesus.Iwouldliketotellyouaboutit.’
• Familyandfriendsofexistingdisciples:‘IhaveneversharedwithyouwhyIbecameafollowerofJesusandthedifferenceHemakesinmylife.Iwouldliketotellyouaboutit.’
• Someoneyoumeet:‘IfyoucouldknowGodpersonally,wouldyoubeinterested?’or,‘IwouldliketoshowyoufromtheBiblehowyoucanknowGodpersonally.’
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ThreeCircles–GospelPresentation
• Whichcircledoyouthinkyouarein?
• Wherewouldyouliketobe?
• WhatisstoppingyoufromlivingaccordingtoGod’sdesign?NOTE:ForothergospelpresentationsseethenotesintheWorldChangersBible.
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TheBridge–GospelPresentation
• Whereareyou?
• Wherewouldyouliketobe?
• Isthereanythingthatholdsyoufromcrossingthebridge?
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DiscoveryBibleReadingWeencourageourcontactsorfriendstoformagrouptoreadaGospel.Meetwithfriendsatworkforlunch,sharewithyourfamily,orsharewithagroupofpeopleinyourcommunity.WecallthisaDiscoveryBibleReadinggroup.ManyknowalmostnothingaboutJesus–orhaveverydistortedviewsofwhoHeis!Andofcourse,manyChristians(andmaybeyou!)havenotreadaGospelfrombeginningtoend.
• IfaChristian–wewilldiscovermuchaboutJesusbyreadingaGospelthrough.• IfnoknowledgeofJesus–youwillbesurprisedbywhatJesuswasreallylike.
OUTLINE
• FriendsmeettoreadstoriesofJesus(thegospelofMarkisagoodplacetostart)• Onepersonpraysaprayerlikethis:
“DearGod,pleaseguideus.ThankYou.”• Startatthebeginning,readingonestoryatatime.• Readeachstorythroughtwice,thenretellthestoryinyourownwords.
Discussthestoryusing5questions:1.Whatisnew?2.Whatsurprisesyou?3.Whatdon’tyouunderstand?4.Whatwillyouobeyorapply?5.Whatwillyousharewithsomeonethisweek?
• Planwhentomeettoreadagain.• Prayforeachother,somethinglikethis:
“DearGod,ThankYouforYourWord.HelpustofollowYou.Amen.”
IDEAS—SUGGESTIONS
• Ifyoudon’tunderstandsomething,don’targue—youwillreadmore!• Inviteotherpeopletojoinyou.• Giveeachpersonabookmark.• Encourageotherstoformgroups.
WHENYOUMEETTOREADAGAIN
Youcouldask:1. Whohaveyoumetorcaughtupwith?2. Whattwothingsdidyoulearn?
Review:1. Howdidwegoapplyingtheinsights?2. Howdidwegosharing?
Thencontinuetothenextstory!
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SMALLGROUPPRINCIPLES–DiscoveryBibleReadingGroupsFosterthebestsmallgroupprinciplesinyourDiscoveryBibleReadinggroups–
• Respecteachperson’sexperience.• Donotreadorprayaroundthecircle.• Alwaysincludesunchurchedand/orlostpeople.• Keeptoanagreedtime-frame(usuallyabout1hour).• HaveaclearpathofBiblereadinganddiscovery.• Multiplythroughnewrelationalstreamsbythetimethegroupgrowsto12people.• Coachingandsupportforthosefosteringsmallgroups(leadersandapprentices).
Followsasimple,reproducibleplan(timesaresuggestions)–
• Connecting(5min)o Whodidwemeetforthefirsttimethisweek?o Whatdidwelearnaboutthem?
• Sharing(10min)-accountabilityo Howdidwegoapplyingwhatwelearntlasttime? o Whodidwesharewithsincewemet?
• DiscoveryBibleReading(30min)o Prayero ReadthenextsectionoftheBiblebooko 5bookmarkquestions
• Application-discussion(15min)o Accountability:alldiscussQuestions4&5ofthebookmarkquestionso Plana‘serviceproject’together,tomeetcommunityneedso Prayer
Healthygroupsmultiplyatleastevery12months–
• Makingdisciplesisourprimarymission.HowdoesyoursmallgroupsfosterthefivepurposesoutlinedinMatthew22:37-38and28:18-20?(seepage30)
• Whoarenewdisciplesinyoursmallgroupwhocannowmakenewdisciples?
• Whoisconnectedtoanotherrelationalstreamswhereanewgroupcouldstart?
• Whatsupportsystemsdoyouhaveinplaceforthoseleadingsmallgroups?o Coaching?
o Affirmation(atchurch)?
o Training(workshops,retreats)?
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3.CULTIVATEsothecropgrows‘byitself’DiscoveryBibleReadingprovidesagreatmethodofsowinggospelseed–foruseinsmallgroups,withfriendsandcontacts.Howdowecultivatethegrowinginterest?HerearearangeofideasforcultivatingtheinterestthatGodisgrowing. UsingDiscoveryBibleReadingwithuneducatedpeople. UsingdiscoveryBibleReadinginSabbathSchoolclasses. UsingDiscoveryBibleReadinginchurch—forthesermon.
[1] Answeringquestions
QUESTIONS:(1) Ifapersonorthegroupdoesnotunderstandsomething:Keepreading!(2) If a person asks a questionon adifficult subject– for example, death, second
coming,resurrection,orSabbath,suggest:‘Sometime,letusreadastoryaboutJesusand(thesubjecttheyaskabout).’
LEARNINGfromtheorderofRevelation14:6-13
Stage1: Context(Revelation12-14)–whatisthegroup’sbackground?Stage2: Eternalgospel(Revelation14:6)–whatthemesleadtoJesus?Stage3: PracticalChristianliving(fearGod)(Revelation14:7)–howtotypethemes? Job28:28;Proverbs8:13–tofearGodistoturntowiseliving.Stage4: Distinctivedoctrines(Revelation14:7)–whichwouldyouinclude?Stage5: Heavyprophecy(Revelation14:8-12)–suchasdragon,beast,falseprophet.Stage6: Mission(Revelation14:13)–equippingneedstobeateachstage.
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THISSEQUENCEprovidesaflowforsharingfaithandansweringquestions:• Apersonisnewtoyourgroupandasks:‘Whathappenswhenafrienddies?”Thisis
aStage4question,butthepersonisatStage1.HowcouldyouanswerthisquestioninaStage1way?
• SomeoneatStage2(whohasacceptedJesus)asksabouttheantichrist–whichisa
Stage5question?Howcouldyourespond,usingaStage2or3answer?
Questionsfromthenextstagemightsuggestitistimetomovetothatstageofsharing.
VALUES:Whatvaluesarisefromthecontextandmessagesofthethreeangels?
RELATINGtootherdenominations[2]Introducing‘ElementaryTeachings’(Hebrews6:1-2)
IdentifyelementaryteachingoftheChristianfaith–thestartingpointforfaith:1.2.3.4.5.6.
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ExploreotherstoriesfromthelifeofJesusthatillustratethese‘elementaryteachings’(repentance,1 faith,baptisms, layingonofhands, resurrection,and judgment)and theothercommandsofJesus–
HerearesomestoriesfromtheGospelsthatcovertheseelementaryteachings–
1. Repentance–Luke19:1-102. Faith–Mark5:21-433. Baptisms(water/Spirit)–Matthew3:1-17;Acts2:1-47
4. Layingonofhands–Luke5:12-16;Acts13:1-5
5. Resurrection–John11:1-44
6. Judgement–John5:1-30
HerearesomecommandsofJesus
1. RepentandBelieve–Luke19:1-102. Bebaptized–Matthew3:1-173. Pray–Luke11:1-134. Love(newlife/obey)–Luke10:25-425. ReceivetheHolySpirit–John14:1-236. Gomakedisciples–Matthew28:16-20;John4:1-427. SharetheLord’sSupper–Luke22:7-208. Give–Mark12:41-44Whatotherswouldyousuggest?
BELIEFS:Listyourkeybiblicalbeliefsandwriteasummaryofeach,usinglanguagethatpeoplewhoarenotChristianswillunderstand.
1The‘goodness’or‘kindness’ofGodleadstorepentance(Romans2:4).
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[3]AfterreadingtheGospelofMark
OtherBibleBooks:EncouragethegrouptoexploreotherBiblebooks,stillusingDiscoveryBibleReadingandthe5bookmarkquestions:• Acts–ifreadytostartformingintoanewchurch.
• John–ifreadytoexploreallthefundamentals:ThebeingandnatureofGod 1:1-18TheWordofGod 1:1-2;5:31-47Jesus-CreatorandSaviour 1:3,4,10Sanctuaryministry 1:29;2:12-25;6:1-15;7:1-43;19:28-42Baptism 1:29-34;3:5,22-36Humannatureandsalvation 3:1-21Forgiveness,newlifeandwitness 4:1-38Sabbath-lifethroughJesus 5:1-47Deathandresurrectiontolife 5:21-29;11:1-44Tworesurrections 5:28-29Resurrectiononthelastday 6:25-71HolySpirit-CounselorandPresence 7:25-43;14-16Commandmentsandgrace 8:1-11Realdisciples-the'church' 8:31-47Sabbath-signthatJesusisGod 8:48-10:42ThegloryofGodandjudgment 12:20-50Foot-washingandLord'sSupper 13:1-38SecondcomingofJesus 14:1-3ThepresenceofJesus-'ChristinUs' 14:12-23Prayer 17:1-26Salvationstory 18:1-20:9Resurrectionbody 20:10-31Greatcommission 20:21-23;21:1-25Restitution-restoration 21:15-23
• OtherGospelsandtheNewTestamentEpistles.
BiblestoriesfromtheOldandNewTestaments.
• UseDiscoveryBibleReadingtoexplorebookslikeGenesis,ExodusandthehistoryandstorybooksoftheOldTestament—butnotLeviticusorNumbers.Selectstoriesfromthesebooks—asalsofromtheMajorandMinorProphets.
• UseDiscoveryBibleReadingtoexplorethestoriesofDaniel—butnottheheavypropheciesofDanielorRevelation.
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[4] Introducingseminarsandevangelisticmeetings
Invite your pastor to visit your group/s to help them grow in their faith andunderstanding of God’s Word. Invite them to conduct 5-6 seminars, workshops andevangelisticmeetings–onceortwiceeachweek.Youcouldplantwoseries(separatedbysomeweekscontinuingwithDiscoveryBibleReading):1. DanielandRevelation.
2. Bibledoctrines.AlwaysgetthegroupbackintoreadingbooksoftheBibleagain.Whatistheroleofpublicevangelism?
Howdoyouensurethecropisgrowing‘allbyitself’?
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CHURCHPLANTING4.HARVEST–gatheringnewplantsWHATISCHURCH?1. WhatdidJesussayaboutchurch?
• Matthew16:13-21;18:15-20-Jesususedtheword‘church’ontwooccasions. Thechurchisgiventhekeystokingdom.
Thebasicunitofchurch–thetwoorthreegatheredinHisname.
Thechurchisfoundeduponsacrificiallove.
2. WhatdowelearnaboutthereasonforchurchfromJesus?
• Matthew22:36-40–thegreatcommandments Worship: Ministry:
• Matthew28:16-20–thegreatcommission Evangelism: Community: Christlikeness:3. WhatcharacterisedtheJerusalemchurch?
• Acts2:42-47• Acts4:4–bythistime,whatdidthechurchlooklikeinJerusalem?
4. Whatwasakeyingredientofworshipgatherings?
• 1Corinthians14:26:5. HowwillGod’sspecialmessagetopreparepeopleforJesus’comingdefinechurch?
• Revelation14:6-13–God’sspecialmessagefortoday.
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Thewordchurchmeansgathering.Itisagatheringofdisciples.• ThebodyofChrist(1Corinthians12:27)
• Eachpersonhasspiritualgifts(1Corinthians12:1-31)
IntheNewTestamentchurchwasneverbuildings,institutionsordenominations.• Howdidtheideaofbuildings,institutionsanddenominationsstart?• WhoplantedthechurchinAntioch–andhow?Acts11:19-26WHYPLANTCHURCHES?
1. Toreachnewpeople.2. Toputdisciplemakingbackonouragenda.
3. Toequipnewleaders.4. TobuildafreshrelationshipwithGod–forallasmissionaries(Acts1:8).
5. Soestablishedchurchescanexperiencenewlife(Acts8-10,14-15).
6. ToputusintunewithGod’smissionaryheart–atworkoutsidethechurch.7. TotakeustowheretheSpiritisworkingoutsidethechurch(Acts10-11,16:9,17).
8. Topassonfaithandchurchtonextgenerations(Acts13:1-4).Itisthewaythenextgenerationtakesownershipofthechurch.Church planting is not a program – it is the way the next generation of church is
cultivatedbythenextgenerationofbelievers.YoungpeoplefindanewrelationshipwithJesusandtheHolySpiritastheyplantnew
churches.9. Tocompelthechurchtoengagewiththecultureandthefutureofchurch(Acts17).
10. ToputusintouchwithourNewTestamentandfaithheritage–remindingusofour
originsasaplantingmovement.Achurchplantingmovementreachesnewpeople,with
newlyplantedchurchesextendingGod’skingdom.
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SOMETHEOLOGICALFOUNDATIONSFORCHURCHPLANTING1. God’sTriuneBeing&Activity:John17:21.Created‘inHislikeness’(Gen1:26)Heseeks
todwellwithus,asHis‘body’–intheworld.2. Godisthemissionary(missioDei):John3:16.Missionisnotprimarilyahumanactivity.
ItflowsfromGod’sheart–andisHisactivity.3. Godbecame‘fleshandblood’tosaveus(incarnation):John1:14.God‘becamefleshand
bloodandmovedintotheneighborhood’.(EugenePeterson,TheMessage,2002)Godsavesusthroughcompleteidentificationwithus–andthemethodforsharingthisis:ourincarnation/identificationinourcommunities.
4. God’skingdomvision:Luke4:18-19.ChurchplantersarechallengedtogrowGod’s
kingdominpeople’slives–animperativeforestablishedandnewchurches.5. God’stemple/body:Ephesians2:19-22–weareGod’shousehold.
Anequippedmaturepeople.(Ephesians4:1-16)ConsidertheAPEPT1principles–Howarethesegiftstobeused?(verses11-13)Howmanybelieversinachurchof20manifesteachoftheequippinggifts?(verse11)
6. OnenessinChrist:1Peter2:1-10;Galatians3:26-29.Allbelieversaretominister.
• Whatdowelearnaboutthenatureofchurch?
• Whatdoesa‘royalpriest’dointhekingdomofGod?
• Howdoyouinvolveeverypersonasa‘royalpriest’?
• Whatrolesofserviceinchurcharefor‘Jews’or‘slaves’only?
• Whatserviceorministryshouldnotbesharedwith‘males’–or‘females’?
1Apostle,prophet,evangelist,pastorandteacher
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WHATISTHEDIFFERENCEBETWEENAGROUPANDACHURCH?1. DiscusshowDiscoveryBibleReadinggroupscouldformintonewfellowships?2. WhatwouldyourDiscoveryBibleReadinggroupsneedtodotoformintonewchurches?WHOWILLLEADthenewchurchplant?Discuss:• Thenaturalleader(theperson-of-peace):
• Theplantingteam:• Anelderfromtheexistingchurch:• Whatarethenegativesoffrequentlyusinginvitedanditinerantpreachers?
WHEREwilltheplantgather?Discusstheadvantagesanddisadvantagesof:• Thehomewherethegrouphasbeengatheringupuntilnow:
• Otherhomes:• Underaraisedhome/outdoors:• Facilitiesthatcanbeusedwithoutcost–suchasschoolclassrooms:• Anewchurchbuilding:
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WHATISNEEDEDFORANEWCHURCHTOBESUSTAINABLE?• Leadershipfromwithin.
• Clearpurpose(Acts2:42-47;Revelation14:6-13).• EquippeddisciplesabletoleadotherstoJesusandmultiplybyequippingthemto–
o Sharetheirtestimonies.
o InviteotherstoJesus–andleadDiscoveryBibleReadinggroups.• Facilitiesthatdonotcreateadebtburden.• Abletoconductworshipwithoutavisitingpreacher.• Simpletostart–andreproducible.• Haveclearvaluesorattitudes.• Clearbeliefs.• Functionalstructures.KEYBELIEFSHowdofundamentalbeliefsordoctrinesdefineyourchurchplantforyourcommunity?Whoarethepeopleinyourcommunity?Whatkeybeliefswillbeimportantfortheirexperiences?
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ESSENTIALVALUESORATTITUDESListessential,distinctiveandrealisticvaluesthatwillgovernhowyournewchurchplantwillrelatewithinandwiththecommunity–withkeyactionsthatwillflowfromeach:Value—wevalue(examples): Actions(examples):1 Thepriesthoodofallbelievers. 1 Ourleaderswillincludewomen andyouth.2 Community. 2 Wewelcomeall—evenifdifferent.3 DiscoveryBibleReading. 3 Wewillitatleastonceeachweek.4 SafePlaces. 4 Ourgatheringswillbesafeplaces forwomenandchildren.5 5 6 6 7 7FUNCTIONALSTRUCTURES:Personnel:1. Whowilldothetasksandhow?2. Howwilldecisionsbemade?Network:3. HowwillthisgatheringrelatetotheMission/Conference?4. Isthisadirectrelationshiporthrougha‘parent’church?Finances:5. Howwilltithes/offeringsbecollectedandreturnedtotheMission/Conference?Legal:6. Whatmoral,legalandethicalresponsibilitiesneedtobemet?
• WorkingwithChildren:• SafePlaces:• Boundaries:• Insurance:
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5.MULTIPLY-disciplesandchurchesTheDNAofmultiplicationmustbebuiltintotheplanofmultiplyingdisciplesfromthestart.JESUSlaidthefoundationsofasustainableandmultiplyingdisciplemakingmovement.• WhatdidJesushandontoHisdiscipleswhenHeascended?Acts1:4-8
Hismodelandteachings:
HisSpirit:
PAULpioneeredtheplantingofmultiplechurches–themovementofdisciplemaking.ReviewPaul’smissionaryjourneysandidentifythekeyprinciplesandactionshetook:1. Journey1:Acts13:1-14:28 Followingrelationalstreams(ethne)
HowdidPaulmultiplyleadersandchurches?
Findingkeypersons-of-peace:2. Journey2:Acts15:36-18:22 Plantinginhousehold(oikos)
HowdidPaulusehouseholdstomultiplychurches? Howdidthismultiplyleadersanddisciples?3. Journey3:Acts18:23-21:16 Establishingahubofchurchplanting DescribethehubofchurchplantingatEphesus(Acts19:1-20):
• HowdidPaulequipchurchplantingteams?• Wheredidtheyplant?
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• Howcouldyourchurchesorplantsbecomehubsofchurchplanting?
o Wherewouldyoufindthechurchplantingteams?o Howwouldyouequipthechurchplantingteams?
Whatwastheimportantroleofpeople-of-peaceinPaul’schurchplanting–andhowaretheyencouragedandsupportedbypastors,eldersanddeacons/deaconesses?Pastors Persons-of-peace Elders Deacons/Deaconesses(apostles) (houseleaders)
Whatpartcouldtheyplayinyourchurchplanting?
AREYOUCOUNTINGTHERIGHTNUMBERS?Disciplesmakeandmultiplydisciples,resultinginamultiplicationofchurches.Listthedisciplemakersinyourteam/church(notmembers):Whoareyouequippingtoplantanotherchurch?Wherewilltheyplant?
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MULTIPLICATIONPLAN:Everyhealthychurchreproducesandmultiplies.Howareyoucultivatinganenvironmentofmultiplication?1. Encouragement(faneveryinterest):2. ‘Grand-parenting’(releasing):3. Simplechurchmodels(reproducible):4. CultivateHolySpiritpresence:5. Searchforanother‘person-of-peace’:
Acommonblockage–membersarenotdisciples1. Whatisthepurposeofmostchurchprograms? Inmanychurchesmostactivitiesorprogramsaredesignedto‘build’themembers.This
isablockage–formemberssitinchurchandfewconnectorengageunbelievers.Ratherthanprogramsto‘build’–weneedtoinvolve,equipandreleasepeopleasdisciples.
2. Wheredomostchurchpeopleinvesttheirtimeandenergy?
Again,inmostchurchesmostpeopleinvestinthe‘build’area–caringforthestructuresandsystemsofthechurch.Fewarebeinginvolved,equippedandreleasedintomissionormultiplication.
3. ForJesus’disciples,involvementmeantparticipationinmission.Butinmostchurches
today, involvementhas come tomean: doing jobs running the church.Howdoes thisbecomeamajorblockageforwhenitcomestomissionandmultiplication?
4. What would be the impact of counting the right numbers – disciple-makers, not
members?
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EVALUATIONandFeedbackAfter6months,usethesequestionstodiscusstheprogressofthenewchurchplant—1. Whatdoweneedtochange?
• Whatministryneedstocloseorbeplacedinrecess?• Wheredoweseethe‘fires’oftheSpirit‘spotting’inourcommunity?• Howdowe‘fanthefires’?• Whatareourstrengths/weaknesses/opportunities/threats?• Areweconnectingtootherrelationalstreams?• Arewemultiplying–howmanyotherchurchesarewecurrentlyplanting?
2. Review:FiveFoundationalScriptures
1. Disciplesmultiplyinrelationalstreams(Matthew28:18-20)
2. Kingdomparables–workingthefourfields(Mark4:26-29)
3. Evangelism,gatheringandmultiplication(Luke10:1-24)4. HolySpiritactivity(Acts1:1-2:47) 5. AsHisbody(1Corinthians12:27),churchesaretolivelikeJesus(Philippians2:1-11)
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ROADMAPformultiplyingdisciples&churchesDistrict: DistrictDirector: Churchname:AWARENESS&TRAINING
• Howwillallmembersbeequippedtomakenewdisciples?• Whenwillthishappen?
TEAMS–reorganizationtoformteams Forplacesthatareclose:
• HowwillSabbathSchoolclasses,Youth&Women’sministrybereorganised?• Whenwillthishappen?
Forplacesthataredistant:
• Listtheplacesyouwillvisittofindpersonsofpeacetoleadnewwork:• Whowillbetheteam?
• Whenwillthishappen?
PLACES Listalltheplaceswherenewchurchesareneededinyourarea/District: Listadatewhenthesechurcheswillbeplanted:MULTIPLY Howwillallnewdisciplesbeequippedasdisciplemakers? Whenwillthistrainingbedone? Howwilleachnewchurchbeequippedtoplantnewchurches? Whenwillthistrainingbedone?
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CHURCHPLANTINGPROJECTPLANYourname: Yourchurch: Yourpastor: Placewhereyouwillplant:1. Team:(usually4)2. Place:Describethepeopleandplacewhereyouwillwork. Listanypersons-of-peaceyoucanalreadyidentify:3. Mission:Whywillthischurchplantexist?
List3or4scripturesthatsupportyourmission:
4. Vision:Whatisyourvisionforyournewchurchplant? Howmanydisciplemakersdoyouwanttoequip? Howmanychurcheswillyournewchurchplantinthenexttwoyears? Wherewilltheybeplanted?Nametheplaces:5. Beliefs:Whatkeybeliefswillbeimportantfortheexperienceofyourcommunity?
6. Valuesandactions:Makealistofyourvaluesandtheactionstocultivatethem:Values: Actions:
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7. Disciple-making:Whatstepswillyoutaketomoveanunbelievertobeadisciple-maker?
WhatplacewillDiscoveryBibleReadinghaveinthisjourney?Whattrainingeventswillfitintothisjourney?1 234567
8. Multiplication:Describehowyourchurchplantwillmultiply—DiscoveryBibleReadinggroups:Multiplychurchplants:
9. FeedBack:WhenandhowwillyouevaluatewhetherGodispleased:Sharethisprojectplanwithanumberofpeople–includinganexperiencedchurchplanterorchurchplantingmentor–togetfurtherideas.SubmitthisplantoyourConference/MissionPresidentandchurchplantingcoordinator.Name: Date:
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AcknowledgementsThanks to multiple church planters in Europe and Australia who first suggested aconversation guide rather than a prescriptivemanual as a process to equip disciples andchurchplantingteams.Thanks toPastorGlennTownend(SouthPacificDivision,SPD)andhis team in theTrans-PacificUnion(TPUM)whopioneeredthe launchofPacificReach–amovementofdisciplemakingandchurchmultiplication;togetherwithLeighRice(SPDDiscipleshipTeamLeader),Wayne Krause (SPD Church Planting Coordinator), Nick Kross (SPD Discipleship Team),ChristinaHawkins(SPDDiscipleshipTeam),MaveniKaufonongaandFaafetaiMatai(TPUM),Talemo Cakobau and Fifita Vatulesi (Fiji), Nos Terry Mailalong (Vanuatu), Linray Tutuo(SolomonIslands),SaiaVeaandInokeMatoto(Tonga),KennethFuliese(Samoa),andElkanahKerosi(EastCentralAfrica)–whohaveteamedwithmeasco-facilitators,equippingmanyhundredsofdisciplemakersandchurchplanting teams inPacificandeast centralAfricannations.Eachhascontributedbytheirteachingtothisrevisedconversationguide.PeterRoennfeldtpeter@newchurchlife.com
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Notes
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DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES