Raising Disciples

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  Sadly, it's so much easier to teach others than to teach myself (Rom 2:21).

• Focus on "be" not "do," "being" not "doing," "being a disciple" (Mk 1:17a; Mt 28:19a) not "raising disciples" (Mk 1:17b; Mt 28:19b).
• Focus first on yourself (Ac 20:28a) and not primarily on others (Ac 20:28b).
• Focus on Jesus (Heb 12:2), not the Bible student (Isa 53:6a).
• Focus on Jesus the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet 5:4) to be your shepherd and theirs (1 Pet 2:25). Ultimately, only God raises disciples.

• Raise disciples for Christ and for the world, and not for UBF (Isa 49:6; 11:9). UBF, like Israel, is too small. So, bless from your whole heart those who want to leave UBF, or your chapter, or your fellowship. Don't think that you or UBF owns them, or that they are obligated to you, just because you sacrificed and took care of them. Rather, we are obligated to them (Rom 1:14).

• Educate, not indoctrinate. Allow God (Phil 2:13; Ps 115:3; 135:6), the Holy Spirit (Jn 3:8) and His Word (Isa 55:9-11) to speak to them, and not primarily you telling them what to do or not do (2 Cor 3:6; Mt 23:24; Isa 28:10). "It's not about you." Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life.

• Always focus/stress/show "mercy" (Mt 5:7; 9:13; 12:7; Hos 6:6), not demanding "obedience" (1 Sam 15:22). Be kind and generous to those who fail or disappoint you or do not meet your expectations. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

• Do I want to make disciples? Or do I have to make disciples? Do you live with a sense of excitement and wonder to be a Christian / shepherd / disciple maker (Lk 5:26; Rom 12:11; 15:13)? Or do you feel a heavy sense of duty and obligation to be fruitful (Jn 15:16)?

• "Success" or "failure" should never be your motivation and driving force. Freedom should (Jn 8:31-32; 2 Cor 3:17; Gal 5:1). Salvation should (Lk 10:20). No matter what happens, good or bad, be free and be who you are in Christ.

• Seek peace and joy in Christ (Jn 14:27; Phil 4:8; 1 Th 5:16-18; Isa 26:3), not outward honor and respect from others (Jn 5:44; 1 Cor 4:3).

• Be a person with full emotions (Dt 6:5), including expressing sorrow (Isa 53:3; Mt 5:4), weakness and vulnerability (2 Cor 12:7-10)--even failure and sins (Ps 51:3-4), and not just as a conqueror (Rom 8:37) and "a soldier of Christ" (2 Tim 2:3; 4:7).

• Be honest, don't lie (Prov 12:17, 22; Exo 20:16; Eph 4:25; Col 3:9). Furthermore, people are more perceptive than you think. Everyone has a BS [not Bible Study!] detector.

• Welcome criticism and correction (Prov 15:31-32; 10:17; 13:18; Jas 1:19). Don't be defensive. Acknowledge that you have blind spots that others can clearly see which you can't (Mt 7:3).

• "Love the Lord your God with all your heart..." (Dt 6:5; Mt 22:37; Mk 12:30; Lk 10:27).

Why do churches die? Thom Rainer's list. It's because:

1. they refuse to admit they’re sick,
2. they don’t take sufficient responsibility,
3. they are too inwardly focused,
4. they want to return to the glory days,
5. they are waiting for the super-pastor,
6. they are unwilling to change.