1. TWO WAYS TO MATURITY
Jesus said we were to “go into all the world and make disciples of all nations” (the original Greek word actually means ethnic groups, not modern nations like Pakistan or India). There are two ways to try to do this:
1. The Western church has traditionally tried to make disciples through the Greek method:
Imparting lots of knowledge
Sermons to large groups on a Sunday
Attendance at church
Taking people away from their environment to Bible training institutions
Making correct theology the priority instead of obedience
Lots of breadth but little depth
2. Jesus didn’t do any of this. He made disciples through the Jewish method:
Living with them in small groups
Using the events of life as training opportunities
Modelling what he wanted copied
Up-skilling them through short term practice once ready
Training them to mentor others
It was all about obedience in the whole of life
Lots of depth, the breadth came later
Why the difference?
2. BECAUSE THE BEST WAYS TO LEARN…
Because Jesus knew that the very best way to learn anything is by first doing it and then training others to do the same!
We learn well when it is modelled for us
We learn well through doing
We learn well in groups.
We learn well through discovery
We learn well when we are held accountable
We learn well when asked questions and have to think
We learn well when motivation is internal (we want to) and not external (we have to)
3. PREACHING, TEACHING OR TRAINING?
Traditional church has focussed on preaching and teaching as the means to Christian maturity. Below are the limitations of these two methods:
| 1. Preaching | 2. Teaching | 3. Training |
| For evangelism | For followers | For emerging leaders |
| Simple | technical | Practical |
| To the crowd | To a smaller group | To the ones and twos |
| Entertainment centred | Knowledge centred | Action centred |
| Good for scattering seed | Good for doctrines | Good for discipling |
| Small or no change | Some change | Great change |
| Attendance the key | Learning the key | Obedience the key |
Which did Jesus use the most?
What was most important to him? Why?
Which of these did Jesus ask us to do in Matthew 28:18-20?
4. THIS IS HOW JESUS DISCIPLED:
He modelled, disciples watched (Luke 5)
He modelled, disciples helped (Luke 8:1-2)
The disciples practiced, Jesus helped (Luke 9)
The disciples lead others, Jesus watched (Luke 10)
Jesus returned to the Father
5. CONCLUSION
If we are get the same amazing results that Jesus had, we must use the same methods of making disciples:
He started with a small group
He trained deeply so their character and vision changed
He let them loose in two practical training sessions (Luke 9, Luke 10)
They changed the world
6. ACTION
Teach someone what you have just learned
Read Luke 3-10 several times
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the keys to Jesus’ growing movement
Start to do what the Holy Spirit is telling you