Subject: How to "win the world" ? |
Bible Note: Greetings EdB! Good question! Our church is actually doing a pretty good job at making disciples. I lead our small group ministries, and several of our small groups are geared toward discipling new believers. Further, the Sunday School class I teach is a 'low-level' disciple class for new believers. One of the great joys I have had over the last couple of years is the role that I have been able to play in the spiritual development of several families of new converts. When I first started at this church, they had just accepted Christ. Now, they are on the Church board, teaching the teens, leading the men's ministries, serving as trustees, and most importantly, leading new people to Christ. Could we do more? I'm sure we could, but I am thrilled at what we are doing already. I know that discipleship has always been a passion of mine, especially since I read Bill Hull's, 'The Disciple Making Pastor'. :-) Each church I have pastored has had active discipleship groups. When God opens the door for me to pastor again, I will make an even bigger push. :-) I agree with you my friend that not enough are being made in many churches. The only reason I posted on this thread though was that many seem to believe that just because a church is growing it must selling out or watering down the Gospel. I don't believe this is necessarily the case. God calls us to grow. One of my favorite verses when I was pastoring was John 15:8: "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." I have shared in the past that for years I had heard that Willow Creek Church was a sell out because they had geared things toward unbelievers. So, I finally checked for myself. I went to their web site and watched some of the pastor's messages. He preaches excellent and Biblical messages. Now, do I agree with everything they do? No! But, as we have seen on this forum, seldom do all of us agree on everything! :-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |