Dec 26
Good Plan! A Little Kneeology from Bro Mike
Psalm 40:5 (Msg) The world’s a huge stockpile of GOD-wonders and God-thoughts. Nothing and no one comes close to you! I start talking about you, telling what I know, and quickly run out of words. Neither numbers nor words account for you.
If we were to believe all of the advertisements for products that we have heard during the Christmas shopping days one would think that we would be in pretty good shape. However, it is known that far too often the Christmas season brings a great deal of stress and anxiety into our lives because we are either searching for the perfect gift or hoping to receive that perfect gift. It seems like we really can’t see the forest for the trees in realizing the perfect gift.
By the time you receive this edition of the Prayer Warrior there is a good chance that your Christmas celebration will be over. The visitors will probably be on their way home or you are heading back to your own home. After all the busyness and as things settle down we have the opportunity to examine our gifts and the activities of recent days. The week between Christmas and the New Year is a great week to take some personal inventory time. I like to think of it as a time for pondering. In fact, as the Psalmist speaks of the “huge stockpile of God-wonders and God thoughts, it is a good time to just look back at the wonders of God we have experienced during the past year and to sort out all of our thoughts from the thoughts of God, getting back on track for the year to come.
Outside of spending some pondering time I find that it reminds me of all that I should be thankful for as God has provided during the past year that in my busyness I took for granted, and in spite of me getting in the way, His plans still carried me through. I know that without a doubt there probably have been several times during the past twelve months that I have allowed my thoughts to clutter me hearing His thoughts. From all of this pondering time and clearing my focus, it allows me to enter fresh into the New Year. It is a way of allowing for Psalm 46:10. Praying all had an awesome Christmas.
God Bless.
NOTW…Bro. Mike
Nov 18
Ministry tips and tools – the Importance of the Word of God in Your Life
DIRECT LINK: https://youtu.be/sdUHkB-vKsw
Today I want to talk to you about the importance of the Word of God in your life.
3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (NKJV)
Most people remember the first part of this verse, that you may prosper in all things and be in health, but have a tendency to overlook the last part of the verse just as your soul prospers.
What is the soul? It is your mind, will and emotions. It is important that we control what goes into our soul area.
I Thes. 5:23reminds us that we are made of spirit, soul and body.
God created man spirit, soul and body, His original plan was to communicate with man through His Spirit talking to the human spirit( Rom:8:16 ) The human spirit communicates with the soul which in turn tells the body what to do.
However, a problem occurred. Adam sinned and all of us became spiritually dead. We know that Satan likes to pervert things so our sinful nature (i.e., our flesh) started communicating to our soul which reverses the process God had ordained. So our five senses took over: if it sounded good, we did it; if it looked good, we did it; if it felt good, we did it, etc.
Now because Christ went to the Cross for our sins; and if we confess our sins and receive Him as Lord and Savior, we become spiritually alive and now God’s Spirit starts talking to our reborn human spirits. The problem we have is that we have been listening to our flesh for so many years that our flesh rejects the things of God. So the battle is for the mind. The question is: will our flesh win out or will the Word of God.
Paul exhorts us in Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. NKJV
The only way we can get the victory is to get the Word of God into our lives; but Satan will do everything he can to prevent that.
Let’s look at Mark 4:13-20. Jesus had just told the parable of the seed sower and the disciples came to him and asked him to explain the parable.
In verse 13 he said something very astounding: 13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?
He was saying this is very important: it is the key to understanding all the parables.
Then he tells the disciples that the seed represents the Word of God and it is being sown into people’s hearts.
Thus we see four types of people:
First are the ones found in verse 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. Mathew 13:19 says they receive it without understanding. It is an emotional experience and look who comes to steal it -Satan. Satan’s number one goal is to steal your revelation.
The second type is found in verse 16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. They receive with gladness. They mentally assents but do not get into the word. They do not build that treasure of God’s word in their hearts. So when tribulation or persecution arise for what?-the word’s sake, they get discouraged and fall away. Satan wins again.
The third type is found in verse 18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. These are people who walk with the Lord for a period of time. They are faithful to the activities of the church, read their Bible, participate with Bible study but start falling away. A crisis may come into their life and they blame God or it may be the deceitfulness of riches. I have seen (and I am quite sure you have seen) people who pray for God to bless them and when He does instead of investing in the kingdom, they buy something to entertain themselves and they stop going to church because they are away doing something else on weekends. Or their hearts’ desires are turned to other things, like new fads, or new age philosophy. This is all done by Satan to choke out the word so that their testimony is ruined and they become unfruitful.
The fourth type of person is found in verse20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty and some a hundred. This are the people that receive the word with understanding apply the word to their lives and bear much fruit.
James 1:23 exhort us to be doers of the word. We must continually be putting the word of God in our hearts so we can get fresh revelation in our lives. Do not let Satan steal your revelation.
And the best way to keep Satan from stealing your revelation is to act on it immediately, to be doers of the word. Too many times, we lose the revelation because we wait to respond and the cares of the world, or the deceitfulness of riches or other things enter into our minds and crowds the revelation out.
What are you sowing into your heart? Godly things or fleshly things? In computer language they say “Garbage in garbage out”. What is in your heart will eventually come out.
Matt: 12:35 says A good man out of the good treasures of his heart brings forth good things, and evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
What are you sowing into your heart: good or bad things?
Some of you are getting crop failure. You do not like what you’re getting. Start planting the Word of God in your heart. Speak the Word against your problems, and claim the promises of God for your life, your family and your ministry
Remember there is no lack in God. He is for you and wants you to have an abundant life. But Satan has come to steal from and to try to kill you.
Get the Word in you and be doer of the Word. Do not let Satan steal your revelation but let God’s Word work in your life.
Be blessed,
Bishop Bob Coulter
The book I would recommend this time is the book of Proverbs.
Nov 13
Kneeology: Steer clear of the barking dogs and religious busybodies
A Little Kneeology……
(Msg) Philippians 3:2 Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they’re interested in is appearances—
Last week I was in Galveston, TX ministering at the Lone Star Motorcycle Rally, one of the largest in the nation. Bikers For Christ set up prayer and blessing stops throughout the rally, praying for folks and praying over their bikes. We had banners up that simply said, “Need Prayer – Stop Here”. We greeted folks as they walked by saying “God Bless You” and when we recognized a veteran, we said, “Thank You For Your Service.” We did not hand out tracs to litter the ground, but did have some Biker Bibles for those who requested. We ministered to thousands each day, prayed with many.
Across the street were a group of non-bikers from the city who were dressed in prayer shawls, holding signs and banners of poles that spoke of God’s hate of sin and consequently God’s hate for the sinner. They shouted at folks who were going down the sidewalks and street drinking beer, smoking, or even some of the women who might be dressed rather skimpy how God despised them and how they were. The police intervened several times and finally an officer was stationed with them to keep the angry public from attacking them. I found myself wanting to thump them on the head pretty hard as they offered no recourse for God’s grace. They were stepping out in front of traffic, nearly causing some bikers to go down.
A young woman who was selling beer at a stand near our location came up to me and said, “That is what has kept me from the church. I love the way your people handle themselves and it is an encouragement to me.” I replied, “We try to use the ‘Jesus method’. Surprisingly, she said, “That’s the kind of people that put Jesus on the Cross.”
I guess what I am saying is, she might or might not have been a Christian but at least she knew what she expected a Christian to act like. As evangelists and ministers we must follow the example of Jesus when ministering. Our goal should always be to bring focus on Jesus, not ourselves. Our purpose must not be on our church or organization but on the Kingdom of God. Although God despises sin, we must speak of repentance, forgiveness, and grace. We must offer hope for all.
As I thought back on the words of the young lady, I had to agree that I too had been accosted by such folks in my younger days and that kept me from desiring to have anything to do with church, and for that matter, Christians. People that are broken, chained to the ways of sin, who are searching for truth need to know the true Jesus, not that which is conjured up by religious zealots.
In all things let us show the Jesus that the woman at the well encountered. He spoke of her sin, offered grace, and then sent her off to tell others about Him.
NOTW…Bro. Mike
Oct 31
Ministry tips and tools-Ministry Attitude Checkup
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/uwPQiasO3kg
I find that re-reading 1 Peter 5:2-11 helps keep my ministry priorities in order. I read and meditate on this scripture at least four times a year.
1 Peter 5:2-11: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. NKJV
Here are some of my reflections on this passage.
Verse two tells me. Shepherd the flock – First of all leaders must lead. That sounds simple, but what God is telling us is that we are responsible for the ministry and the people He has given us. We cannot default to someone else. I should be a willing leader and eagerly serve the people. Remember Jesus is our example as a leader. What did he say? For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) We are not to serve because we going to get something out of it, but to serve so that God is glorified through us.
Verse three tells me. Not as being lords over … Not to be overbearing as a leader. As leaders, it is our responsibility to teach and lead our people into the vision God has given us. We do that by discovering their giftings and placing them into the part of the vision that will bring them success as they help fulfill the overall vision. As leaders, it is our responsibility to help all who are under our leadership to succeed, to help to bring victory to all who are involved. Then make sure we celebrate the victory and thank them for their service.
We also must be the godly example, as the TMCI ordination service says, “for the people under your care to follow-day in and day out-offering yourself always to be judged by those who need to meet the Lord”.
Verse Five and Six: submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, Reminds us that we should submit to other believers especially those who are spiritually mature. I encourage you, like me, to get someone who will hold you accountable and is willing to ask the hard questions and willing to speak into your life. Proverbs 11:14 says: Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. We need to humble yourselves before God. Remember it is what God wants in your life, not what you or your friends, your relatives, or even the one you minster to wants.
We are part of a theocracy: Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Remember as we lift Jesus up, He will lift us up in His timing.
I am reminded that when God give us a vision, we are not ready to complete it. He first has to make us the persons He needs so He starts the process of refining us for the ultimate propose he has for us. It takes time. All I know is that God had to get a lot of Bob out of Bob before he could start using me. He is still refining me.
Verse seven. casting all your care upon Him. The quicker we learn this, the better off we will be. Remember Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” So, if you are struggling with ministry, it could be that you are taking on things that you are not supposed to. If you do not have peace of mind, turn it over to God and let him have it. Worry or fretting over the situation will not solve it. Once you give it, do not take it back. This casting all your care upon Him is 1)something most leaders give mental assent to, but have trouble doing.
Verse eight 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, Be sober or have self-control and be alert or watchful, because Satan is always trying to exploit a situation. He always attacks at the weakest point. Sometimes it is with our families, especially our children, but many times through carnal Christians in our ministries. We have to be alert, because small problems become big problems if not addressed. Do not let Satan get a foothold: deal with it quickly.
Verse nine: Resist him, steadfast in the faith Resist Satan and He will flee. It is like facing down a bully when you were a kid. Most of the time the bully was a lot of talk, but no power. Satan, whose name mean deceiver, only can talk big, but has neither authority nor power to back it up. Jesus has taken that away from him. Stay in faith; do not let the circumstanced dictate your feelings. Let the Word of God dictate your feelings.
Remember there is nothing new under the sun, Satan’s tactics have been tried on all the brethren – what you are going through many other leaders have been through. Read about some of the leaders in the Bible and see what they went through. And remember what John said: He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. Our faith is built on Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
Verse Ten and Eleven But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen These verses are a great comfort to me as I know even though I go through these trials, Jesus is always there, will restore me and make me strong, firm and steadfast. And I glorify Him for all that He does for me and through me. Amen
Also less you thought I forgot Verse Four you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Our reward for our leadership is we will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. And we will have the privilege of laying it at the feet of Jesus when we get to heaven.
I pray this will help you in your leadership walk,
Bishop Bob Coulter
The book I would recommend at this time is Developing the leader within you by John Maxwell
Oct 30
Kneeology… Trained to Be a Warrior
A Little Kneeology …. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (Msg) The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.
Many years ago when I was a young man arriving in boot camp I thought I was tough and ready to stand up against anyone and anything. About three or four days into my basic training I began to doubt whether I was even human or not and I just knew that my Drill Sarge hated me. He seemed to be attacking my identity and desiring to change everything about me. It wasn’t until weeks later that I realized that he had to begin with changing my independent mindset, that of the world, to the mindset of a warrior.
The mindset that I had brought in from the world would only provide for my defeat. He was instilling within me a warrior mentality. A warrior mentality would be able to carry me through the many obstacles and threats of the enemy. Just as he and others prepared me to fight the physical battles that would be before me, God’s awesome Holy Spirit prepares me to not only fight through the physical but also the spiritual battles that the enemy affronts us with daily.
We have to be careful to maintain a spiritual warrior mentality and not allow ourselves to be distracted by the world’s way of doing things as they are weak and not of the Kingdom. For example, we have churches and ministries that are marketing themselves to appeal to worldly values, churches using gimmicks to attract people and then continuing such to keep them. Out of that comes the warped philosophies, what was once sound doctrine now mixed with junk of this world mindset that erect barriers to folks having an understanding of the truths of Scripture and the real promises of God. Consequently, there seems to be a church or so-called doctrine for every taste or whimsy whether it be of Scripture or not. I see ministries that were once built on the obvious calling of God that have drifted from their original focus towards competing with one another using worldly mindsets and tactics instead of submitting to spiritual guidance. Our Daddy God has equipped each of us whom He has called for battle because He knows we face a spiritual enemy that is manifested both spiritually and physically, attacking our spirit and using worldly methods and obstacles to trip us up. We need to know that if we are going to be the conquerors and over-comers that God has called and equipped us to be, we can’t straddle the fence, seeking the power of God and then letting the world order our steps. Our greatest witness to the power of God is live, minister, fight and conquer in the supernatural power of God. After all, if we have read the Book, we know which side wins. We just need to stay on the winning side and keep focused on a warrior mentality.
Yours in Christ, NOTW Bro. Mike
Oct 24
Bishop Coulter: Word to TMCI for this next year (September 2015 – September 2016)
Word to TMCI for the next year (Sept. To Sept) Bishop Coulter released at annual conference September 24, 2015
Make a joyful noise into the Lord for he is worthy to be praised!
Open the doors with shouts of joy
Break through every gate with boldness and power
See the road set before you and press steady onward. Not hesitating or turning back.
Decisions will come at nano-second speed
Your ears have been tuned to hear me as never before… Not only in minutest detail but in the lowest or highest range you will hear me and recognize and know it is me. You have come into a place of true understanding and experiencing of “that still small voice” … Be swift to hear; swift to obey
The days ahead are full of adventure filled with delight.
Be strong in the Lord and the power of his word (mandate, declaration, a new anointing)
Take every chance I give you and seize the moment that my glory will explode and fill the earth
You are the leader for this hour and are leading my people into “the promised land.”
Trust and obey
Oct 22
Bishop Coulter: Just a Thought – Are You a Grasshopper?
Dear Friends,
Several days ago during our morning devotions in the office, Judy Covington read excerpts from Numbers 13 about the spies’ report after they had spied out the Promised Land. We all know the story of how Joshua and Caleb said, “we can take the land,” but ten spies said “no we can’t”, and the people believed them and not God.
But the verse that struck me was verse 33 which says.
Numbers 13:33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”
Notice they were like grasshoppers in their own sight! So the enemy viewed them the same way.
They did not go up to spy the land in faith, but in fear. They let fear guide their thoughts. They let fear dictate who they were. Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
The 10 spies defeated themselves with their negative thinking. They were thinking, “we cannot do that” but they forgot that God could do it through them. Remember, the enemy will always reinforce your negative thinking. When you say,” I can’t do that”, the enemy is quick to agree with you. He will send you well-meaning friends who will reinforce the negative with words like, “that will cost you too much, you do not have the experience, or what happens if you fail”?
Remember the battle is always for the mind. If Satan can get you into negative thinking, he will be able to stop you in all your endeavors. I will remind you of 2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. So when fear or negative thinking comes to you, know that it is an attack from the evil one.
In these situations I always like to remind myself of two verses;
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing will be impossible.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
What is God calling you to do today? This is a season where God is moving quickly and powerfully. He is calling his people to new exploits. He is moving us out of our comfort zones. The question is, “Are you going to allow Him to work through you and gain new ground or are you going to stay and think that is impossible?”
I encourage you today to let God move you into that new territory He has for you. The Israelites did not understand that God would go before them and the victory was assured because God was with them. Joshua and Caleb understood that with God’s help nothing is impossible.
Today I encourage you to let God stretch you once again. To believe in the God who has called you and believe in yourself. God does not make mistakes. He called you because He has a great victory for you and your ministry.
Let us move forward to all that God has in store for us,
Bishop Bob Coulter
Oct 07
A Little Kneeology…… John 1:50 (NLT) “…. You will see greater things than this.”
A Little Kneeology…… John 1:50 (NLT) “…. You will see greater things than this.”
A couple of weeks ago while attending the TMCI annual conference in Lancaster, SC, I was listening to some folks discuss Bishop Ben Covington and as they did I began to be reminded of my experiences with him. Later that same day, Sister Judy Covington spoke of some founding events as TMCI was being birthed and subsequent years of development. I was reminded of the above words of Jesus and the promise He was making for those who would just believe and obey. Certainly, Bishop Ben and Sister Judy believed and obeyed the words and leading of Jesus as they began and guided TMCI into the ministry that it is today. They knew through the promise of Jesus that they would provide for others to see greater things with and through TMCI than they themselves have seen and, praise God, we have seen that continue on through Bishop Bob and others within the leadership of TMCI.
In the days and years to come we must perpetuate the promise and continue to follow the leading of Jesus and move in the directions which the Holy Spirit moves us with the same goal and provision. In fact, we as individual ministries must focus on the same. I firmly believe that if God called us to a certain ministry, we should do everything in obedience and with the desire to provide its continuance beyond our years and time on this side of the Kingdom.
I don’t know where I heard the saying that “no man is an island” but it is true. As our ministries have an effect on the lives and souls of folks today, should they not be continued for the future? I have spoken to several folks that seem to have had very little concern for their ministry beyond themselves. Is that being a good steward of God’s blessings? I had one mention that he wanted to keep the ministry going until he could retire. What about beyond? It seems that we sometimes take the worldly view of ministry being a job or profession instead of a calling to establish a foothold for the work of God. Jesus cursed the fig tree that failed to bear fruit, to continue beyond the seasons past. I know that God does not waste His blessings, nor should we.
It is my prayer that everyone who left the conference will not only realize the need to perpetuate their ministry beyond themselves but will also persuade others to do the same. TMCI is such an awesome tool for that purpose as we encourage people to submit themselves to the ministry or for current membership to broaden their areas of ministry as God leads. I recently talked to a brother who was retiring from ministry and found him to be delighted as he said, “Praise God it is all over now. No more sermons, no more counseling, just doing what I want to.” Not only did my heart break for him, wondering just how long he had been so miserable, but also hurting for all the folks that his ministry touched and praying that they don’t feel abandoned.
The Word speaks of us not thinking of ourselves better than we really are and to be honest in our evaluation of ourselves, so then, should our ministry calling solely rest or end with us. It is most important that we take the attitude of Bishop Ben, Sister Judy, Bishop Bob and the leadership team of TMCI and seek to be constantly renewing the workers preparing the harvest. We are all called to complete submission to service to the Kingdom and a great part of that is the act of making new disciples and developing new workers for the vineyard. Let us not get so self-focused that we fail to provide for the next season.
NOTW…Bro. Mike
Oct 07
Ministry Tips and Tools: Making Disciples
Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. NKJV
This Scripture is very familiar to all of us. Unfortunately the church as a whole is not fulfilling the great commission. The church is good at making converts, but lacking skill in making disciples of Jesus Christ. Some are good at making members of the church by entertaining them every Sunday with the hope they come back next week. One of the reasons the American church is so spiritually weak is that we stopped making disciples and instead chose to operate entertainment centers.
But the church is required to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We are required by Christ to teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you. You could say “I was not there with the disciples so I did not observe what Christ did.” But in fact we have 20-20 hindsight through the Bible. The Holy Spirit has inspired men of God to write the Scripture through His guidance. Even today, the Holy Spirit speaks to our spirits to give us the revelation we need for each new day.
So how do we make a convert a disciple? By taking time with them. We must become their friend. One interesting statistic is that a new convert must meet at least 5-10 new Christian friends, in order to keep them in your church or ministry. If this does not happen, they will gravitate back to their old friends and eventually into their old life style. So to put it simply, we must truly love them.
Next, we need to get them into the Word of God. I suggest that you give them a Bible that is easy to read. I remember when I accepted Christ I went to an adult Sunday School Class and shared with the teacher that I had a King James Bible that I could not understand. He blew me away by saying, “Here Bob take my Bible.” That Bible is still being used in my family today. What a blessing.
Next they got me involved in a weekly Bible study where I grew steadily. The key to bringing a convert to maturity is getting them into the Word of God. So if you do not have a Bible study to bring them to, start studying the Bible with them. If the new convert does not learn the promises from the Word of God, when tribulation comes, he will be discouraged and may give up. We need to teach him to stand on the Word of God.
It takes time to make a disciple so we might be inconvenienced to help them grow; i.e., lay down our lives. Why make disciples? Christ modeled it; commanded us to do it; and the New Testament disciples applied it as we see in:
Acts 2:42-47 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. NKJV
The apostle taught the Word, they fellowshipped and prayed with each other. They were in awe of what God was doing in their midst and signs and wonders followed them. They broke bread together, went house to; they had the gift of hospitality and praised God together as the Lord added to their numbers.
Next, in making disciples, you must find them meaningful ministry. The interesting thing is that people come out of a need. But within six months they need to feel needed. The baby busters and millenniums want to make a difference with their lives. Interestingly they are very like the people who went through the great depression and World War II. They are workers. They do not want to throw money at the problem; they want to be part of the solution.
So they are attracted to churches or ministries that are doing social outreach. They do not want to just sit in church; they want to be active making changes in their community or the world.
Part of discipling is to help them find and exercise their spiritual gift in ministry. The best way is to put them with a mature Christian that is operating in that gift. But the important thing is that we allow them to practice their gifting so they can grow and mature in that gift.
Lastly, we must release them for ministry so they can influence other in their sphere of influence. Remember for churches and ministries to grow we must encourage our people to minister outside our walls. Remember sheep beget sheep, not shepherds. So to increase the kingdom of God in your area you need to release your people to go outside the wall and reach the lost for Christ and have them in turn disciple their new converts.
Making disciples fundamentally means making friends, taking time to know the person. It seems that the gift of hospitality has left the church; but I encourage you to reignite it in your ministry and church. Take the time to fellowship with new converts; invite them to your home along with other members of your ministry or church so that they get to know others as well. As I said earlier, new converts need to meet 5-10 new Christian friends in order for them to feel accepted.
So discipling simply means taking a believer and moving him on in faith, so he begins to mature and employ his gifts in the body of Christ.
As Bill Hull said in his book The Disciple Making Church, Christ was the ultimate disciple maker. Christ employed a six-step method.
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Tell them what.
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Tell them why.
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Show them how.
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Do it with them.
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Let them do it.
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Deploy them.
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