One of the Most Important Books Ever Written on Discipleship…Free!
The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman is foundational for anyone wanting to make disciples. Coleman realized that Jesus’ disciple-making ministry was far more than his teaching. He had a practice of making disciples that is readily discernible and one that we can (and should) imitate. This means we need to pay attention to […]
Theology Needs Mission, Mission Needs Theology
Theology without mission is impotent. Theology must be lived out to actually be understood because understanding something (knowing something) requires experience. A book can only take you so far. You can read about waterfalls and rainbows all day but until you have experienced them you can’t really appreciate their power or beauty. Knowledge without wonder. […]
Ten Quick Lessons I Have Learned About Discipleship
After having been blessed to sit at the feet of some amazing disciple makers over the last several years, here is a quick list of some things that I have learned that I would like to pass on to you. 1 – Your approach must be simple. Complicated won’t stick. 2 – Your approach should […]
Do You Know the Context of “The Truth Will Set You Free”?
For several chapters of the gospel of John, Jesus is dealing with his opponents. They accuse him of many things and don’t believe his teaching. Jesus continues to try to point them to the truth by talking about how even Moses (who they value) points to Jesus (John 7:21-24). Jesus continues to claim that He […]
Hopeful About the Future of Christianity? Here Is How You Can Grow Your Hope…
I recently heard an older Christian say he is the most hopeful he has ever been about Christianity in his entire life and ministry. That is an idea that I have been reflecting on ever since. I am not sure I would have said that. But given the fact that this Christian is older and […]
Why Are We In Decline? What Appears to Be a Math Problem is Actually a Spiritual Problem
Imagine the AAA Widget Company. AAA Widget was started 80 years ago by an energetic team of entrepreneurs. They had a vision and they executed the vision for 50 years with excellence. The problem today is that they haven’t added a new customer in the last 30 years. The only way to add customers is […]
Is Our Focus on Paul Related to a Lack of Focus on Discipleship?
Here is where the word “disciple” occurs in the New Testament (NIV) Matthew – 78Mark – 59Luke – 50John – 81Acts – 26 Here is where the word “church” occurs in the New Testament (NIV) Matthew – 2Acts – 19Romans – 51 Cor – 222 Cor – 9Gal – 3Eph – 9Phil – 2Col – […]
Review of “Discipleship that Fits” Chapters 12-14 – The Divine Context
In the final context of “Discipleship that Fits,” chapters 12 and 13 talk about the most intimate and personal context a human being can enter – being in community with divinity. God knows all things. There isn’t anything one can hide from God. In this context, we “are laid bare before him, and he opens […]
Review of “Discipleship that Fits” Chapters 10 & 11: The Transparent Context
The transparent context are groups of 2-4 people, which is a group size ripe for developing deep relationships that exude transparency and connection. It is impossible to grow deep if you don’t let people know who you really are. It is very difficult (impossible really) to do this in a room full of people or […]
Review of “Discipleship that Fits” Chapters 8 & 9: Personal Context/Small Groups
The personal context consists of groups of 4-12 people. This would be a small group in most churches. This was embodied in Jesus’ ministry in his work with the 12. As the group size decreases the connectivity increases. Our ability to be more transparent goes up with fewer, better connected people in the room. Bobby […]