Twelve Points on Discipling by Terry Bartley 1. Making disciples is the Main Thing. Philippians 1:21ff 2. Multiply my life. Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 6:40 Less than one percent of Christians are involved in personal follow-up. 3. Obstacles to discipling You’re too young. You’re too old. I’ve got too many problems. No one discipled me. I don’t have time. I’m too busy. (think: This is the main reason I’m on this planet!) It won’t make a difference. – If I don’t call this guy tonight. If I cancel out on this time. If I don’t go there today. etc. 4. Make wise selections. Luke 6:12-13 Follow-up: anybody – bring them to genuine faith, linked into fellowship, grounded in the basics. (short term) Mentoring: take them from a more fragile place to a healthier place with God. (maybe over a school year or so) Discipling: commitment on my part and on their part. Invest in them. Want them to be a fruitful disciple. Concentrate on those who are responsive and faithful. FAT – faithful, available, teachable. Believe God has a special, unique message he wants to speak to the world through each of us. 5. Balance in purpose and relationship A good discipler has balance in two primary aspects: purpose and relationship. Helping people to follow Christ and grow, along with a deep friendship. Mark 3:14 6. Primary goal in discipling is to pass on to others what God has done in my life Luke 6:40 Character, doctrine, and ministry skills (like how to evangelize, follow-up, lead a small group) 7. The end result of discipling is to reproduce reproducers 2 Timothy 2:2 goals: be a small group leader, be a church planter, a ministry leader, pass on lifestyle evangelism 8. Practice “Next Step” coaching 9. Be a friend, not just a teacher Get involved in every aspect of their life. Love builds. Learn how to love people better. 1 Corinthians 8:1 John 13:34 Books to read: Born to Reproduce (booklet) by Dawson Trotman, Daws (bio of Dawson Trotman) by Betty Lee Skinner, The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman Of the major potential obstacles for young leaders, sex and pride are the ones virtually everyone will struggle with. A “teacher” is just not going to be able to get there with either of these. If we don’t get involved in these areas as a friend who cares, after a few years people will not continue on for Christ. 10. We need to develop the attributes of a friend When we do these things we become like God. a) Initiate 1 John 4:19 Take the first step.I look on discipleship as if it’s 100% up to me. First crisis in the Bible – Adam felt alone. People feel alone and isolated. b) Enjoy the relationship 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 Romans 15:24 verbalize it, find common interests c) Be a good listener, learn how to ask good questions What’s been the hightlight of your week? Low point? Ask both of those at the same time. How’s your love life? Tell me about your family. How do you think that’s affected you? Then follow up on what they tell you – write it down. d) Accept them unconditionally for who they are and where they are at. Romans 15:7 e) Be open about your own life We think they won’t respect us if they see our weaknesses, but the opposite is true. People want to see God working in us. Openness produces openness – takes the relationship to a deeper level. Would you pray for me for this thing that’s going on with me? f) Believe in them God has a special message to speak to the world through each person. (SHAPE – Spiritual gift, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences) To the Corinthians Paul wrote: Great is my confidence in you. g) Be a giver Proverbs 19:6 h) Serve them John 15:13 1 Thessalonians 2:8 i) Pray for them – follow up the next time j) Help them with their problems, let them help me with mine. 11. I cannot impart what I don’t possess Have to be an example. Four areas to model: 1) relationship with God, 2) humility and teachability, 3)serve and get involved with people, 4) grow in character. God always works in us on the basis of character. 12. Where to start with all this Being a friend and loving is about 80%. Start with family. Get a mentor or team together with someone to do this. Invest in young people. Build friendships wherever you go.