Inspire, Influence, Impact By: Joseph Mathai, TIP COO
In obedience to the Great Commission, as we go into the world, we soon understand that Disciple-making is not about teaching from an ‘off-the-shelf’ course, or a call from a visiting preacher to exhort the audience about the Great Commission . It is about everyday men and women called by Jesus to follow Him, who obey His teaching and equip others to do likewise.
TIP International workers in South Asia and Africa and the church planters, disciple people who don’t yet know Jesus because they understand that the process of discipleship is helping people move from unbelief to belief and not simply passing on information about Jesus. Information that does not lead to application to one's life will never result in the transformation Jesus desires for those who call themselves followers.
Discipleship is one of the main elements of Jesus' ministry. He made sure to set aside time to disciple the twelve men whom He had chosen to closely work with Him in His ministry. Jesus' model for discipleship was simple, but impactful to many.
As we look into the discipleship lessons that we can learn from Jesus, here are some key applications for us to emulate
Relationship lays deep foundations. Disciple-making the way that Jesus modeled, is focused on just three commands: love God, love our neighbors and share the gospel. If we just turned off cable news and channeled the anger and frustration we have over our many grievances into those three thing - we could change the world in ways that governments can never do.
Quality lasts… not quantity. Big numbers are the hallmark of achievements and seen as good indicator of progress on the ground. However, this feel good factor can be misleading. Unless discipleship is rooted in deep relationships, a small upheaval is enough to wipe out a new disciple and the church. Though Jesus had crowds seeking His attention, He would withdraw with the twelve to teach them and build relationships with them.
Influence matters not force. What a poignant picture of Jesus as He washes the feet of His disciples, even Judas. The first lesson Jesus has taught the church is to humbly, lovingly, and sacrificially serve other people. Disciples are called to be #changemakers in the lives of others.
Be Spirit led, not flesh driven. Much of Jesus' ministry and discipleship was spirit-empowered. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 ESV. In the same way, as we build relationships and raise other men and women, we must do so with the leading of the Spirit.
And in this way I desire to preach where Christ has not been named, so as not to build on another person’s foundation, but as it is written: “ Those who were not told about him will see , and those who have not heard will understand .” Romans 15:20-21 NET
Keeping the above statement, made by Apostle Paul, as a guide post, TIP International works in the places where the gospel is yet to be reached and most often, it is that it is very difficult to break the ground. The only way is to soften it by doing community based projects like bringing in water, medical aid, basic amenities and education. When the ground is soft it will then penetrate because the weeds, stones and thorns have been removed so then the seed will germinate.
The earlier system of monetary benefits and handouts by mission agencies was a flawed strategy. The ideal system is to teach necessary small scale skill development modules and create income generation opportunities for communities through village projects. Then teach them to utilize resources for the future and not spend it on temporary pleasures. Through this, TIP International has become catalysts to turn communities into self sufficient entities. Healthy communities supporting healthy churches!
It is obvious that no one individual will be able to reach a village, let alone a nation. No one organization will be able to reach a continent. But we believe that together, in partnership, as we raise and release reproducing disciple-making sons and daughters to go and do likewise, we will join with the Spirit in fulfilling the commission of Jesus to reach unreached villages, towns, cities, and nations. Making disciples is about the ‘whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole world!’ (Lausanne Movement)