6) From Regimental to Relational
Routine is good for some actions, but a routine implies that there is little or no change in the execution of a task. Discipleship is more of a process, and like a relationship, there is give and take and constant adaptation. We have a relationship with Jesus, and yet we hopefully become more Christ-like all the time. In any relationship, there is continual shifting, giving, and receiving. Methods may change, manners may be different, but the message of the gospel remains steadfast.
7) From because “They say so,” to because “He says so”
We could easily employ the latest and greatest ideas in how to disciple others, how to win souls, and how to effectively grow the church, but we are more interested in what God says to us and for His people that we have been called to work with. There are many times when certain pragmatic approaches will not work in different contexts, so we do our best to go where the Father says to go, say what He says to say, and do what He says to do. For the record, I love analyzing trends in disciple making and seeing how our iron can be sharpened by others who are also making disciples.
These 7 God-Directed Deviations from the status quo discipleship that has prevailed for years has produced remarkable fruit in our region of Ecuador.
Not all traditional methods are invalid – “Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.” (Proverbs 22:28) To be fair, we have used many traditional methods at times that seemed appropriate in the moment and context. We have practiced door-to-door evangelism, used gadgets, gizmos, and gifts as icebreakers to reach the lost. We have used tracts and dramas, street preaching, medical incentives, and clean water projects to effect positive changes within the communities in our region. We have hosted mission teams from the United States for the benefit of all involved, those ministering and those being ministered to. We have had a discipleship group meeting at our house every week for the last year covering a wide range of topics in a sometimes formal and sometimes informal teaching mode.
All of these traditional methods have been brought under the guiding principles of the 7 God-Directed Deviations listed above, and they may not look exactly like what people are used to, but it has produced multi-generational disciples and disciple-makers.
The subject matter of our weekly gatherings has not been so traditional. With each week, we encourage discussion amongst new believers, and we have practical homework. For example, we in the States are used to finding bargains like “buy 2 get 1 free.” We decided as a group on several occasions to “buy 2 give 1 free.” We instructed in this manner: In the course of your daily lives this next week, whatever you need to buy, if possible, buy 2, milk, bread, etc. Then find a person to give the second item to, someone in need. If they ask why you are doing this, explain the love of Christ to them. In this manner, entire communities were affected.
All of our subject matter has also come under the guiding principles above. We have had a Discipleship Conference that was very successful at motivating others to make disciples in their communities. As a capstone to these practices, we have also instituted small discipleship groups of no more than 4 people (a variation of “Life Transformation Groups”), and entire communities are involved in these as well. We can’t say that we have figured out the secret to making multi and trans-generational disciples, nor would we want to, but many have asked how we have gotten where we are.
Miguel Labrador serves with Pathways International NC Inc., an international relief organization pioneering pathways to serve the least of these in Jesus’ name. Miguel also has a Facebook page called “Making Disciples” where he shares encouraging messages with those seeking to make disciples in their own lives.
