Let’s first make sure we understand what is meant by ‘the church’ and disciples.

Ekklésia

In the original Greek, we have the word ekklésia. 

A combination of ek, “out from and to” and kaléō, “to call”. 

Properly, people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the Church (the mystical body of Christ) – i.e. the universal (total) body of believers whom God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom.

Discipulus

As mentioned in a previous piece, the word disciple is from the Latin “discipulus” which means learner. More than a believer in Jesus Christ, a disciple is a learner who submits to discipline, or rather they are those who become disciplined learners.

A disciple would submit themselves to a specific teacher or in the Jewish terms, a rabbi.

A mentor.

Thus, to make disciples, you should be one yourself. A disciplined learner.

Scaffolding

We use scaffolding to build a permanent structures. 

Using the picture of the Body of Christ, the human body hinges on a frame. The frame being our skeleton. Without the bones, we would be jellyfish or octopi.

When Jesus reinstated Peter, after his denial, he gave him 3 statements regarding shepherding which can be seen as the framework for building the church:

  1. Feed my lambs
  2. Shepherd My sheep
  3. Feed My sheep

Note however, each church has their own culture and context. The gospel message is universal, but the culture is like the foundation of a house. You cannot build on anything else than what has already been lain.

It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

Romans 15:20

Let’s build further on the foundation of Shepherding.

The Shephard Leader

Timothy Witmer in his book, “The Shepherd Leader” outlines an enriching framework for establishing disciple making in your church culture.

He points out 4 primary ministries of shepherds. 

Let’s explore them further to incorporate them in practical ways to our own personal culture and leadership journey:

Knowing

  1. Self-awareness: Do an inventory. What resources are at your disposal from without and within. Another tool to pursue is to start journaling to cultivate Mindfulness and reveal something about yourself you did not know.
  2. Relationships: Get to know the people around you deeply by listening to their stories. Invest in your community. This cultivates understanding as well as give grace, mercy and respect when knowing where they are coming from and where they are on their respective journeys.

Feeding

  1. Personal Growth: Feed yourself. Continuously seek knowledge and wisdom. Read books, attend seminars, or take courses that align with your interests in personal development, masculinity, and spirituality.
  2. Mentorship: Feed others. Extend a helping hand to followers. Mentor them and share your knowledge and experience. Cultivate long lasting relationships that go beyond a To-Do list to check off. Provide support and be accountable.

Leading

  1. Vision and buy in: You can have the most grandiose vision, but without community or follower buy in, you are no longer a leader, but a tyrant.
  2. Lead by example: If you don’t live the values you espouse, your followers won’t either. Look at how Jesus lived his message.

Protecting

  1. Take care of your community: if you know each other’s stories, you can proactively ensure that you are all still heading in the same direction. Establish a network of supportive and interconnected relationships.
  2. Boundaries: Maintain healthy boundaries to protect your time, energy and wellbeing. Beware the savior mentality. There is only one Savior, Jesus Christ. We are his Ambassadors.

Effective shepherding involves both broad, church-wide initiatives and personalized, individual care.

Strategy is a commodity; execution is an art
Peter Drucker

Disciples in the Church

It has been said that formula is the death of intimacy. 

Imagine if your wife gave you the same gift every year on your anniversary. Sure, there is a measure of security, but something would never be quite right.

In the same way, disciple making in your church culture, will have it’s own unique flavor.

Disciple making is not a formula. It is an art form.

So, use this as a guide. 

One of many possible strategies, but don’t pigeonhole yourself or your community into something that doesn’t work for you.

Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and expand the Kingdom!