04.06.17 The 13th Key for Adding Value to Your Church
13. Disciple Other Church Members
Shortly after the inception of Shalom Galaxy, God granted me the opportunity to organise discipleship classes for members. I recall requesting a well-trained, reputable and highly seasoned bible teacher to give us classes once every week, which greatly contributed to our spiritual growth as a gospel music ministry. We started getting grounded in the Word. Our ministry added value to the church since we would sing from a point of spiritual awareness and strength rather than just for the sake of entertaining people.
When it comes to Lydia, I suspect that she must have been involved in organising mentorship programs for members of her church, beginning with her household. For instance, she could have included biblical examples of hospitality such as the narrative of how Abraham welcomed angels (Genesis 18:1-8) to encourage her family to willingly serve church members that were being accommodated in her home.
A value-adding church member participates in discipling other members as shown in Matthew 28:19 which reads (AMP): Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,…
Does your church have structured ‘discipleship materials’ and training on how to effectively disciple people? Assuming you have been cleared by your pastor to disciple new members, here are some pointers. Before anything else, you should pray for wisdom and guidance to mentor those disciples, and that they will be receptive to the teachings you intend to share. During the first session, explain what happened in the spiritual realm when the individuals got saved. Expound on the work of the Holy Spirit and how He will always be present to empower and help the disciples to grow if only they can allow Him to control their lives (John 16:13, AMPC). Caution them that in case they sin, they should ask God for forgiveness as advised in 1 John 1:9, rather than giving up. That verse reads (NKJV): 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Emphasise the importance of being continuously connected to Jesus Christ since they (members) can do nothing without Him (John 15:5). Admonish the disciples to pray and read God’s Word daily, emphasising the need to memorise and meditate on scripture so that they retain the Word (Ephesians 6:17), confess it with diligence and believe it by faith. In addition, they are to obey God’s instructions consistently, as well as trusting God totally. Remember to introduce the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) and the importance of telling others about Christ.