”Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,"
Hebrews 12:1
This week’s movement principle is: Go Slow To Go Fast. In today’s digital world of microwaves and instant messaging, we as people forget that all of life is a journey and that journey is governed by time and timing belongs to God alone. Discipleship begins when we first meet someone. As we live our lives unto the Lord, we model what it means to be a follower of Jesus. By going deep in relationship with a few, and helping them to in turn disciple others, the multiplication becomes exponential. Jesus began with 12 men--if they went in teams of 2, there were 6 teams. In Luke 10:1, we see 72 gathered with Jesus--each team of 2 would have discipled 12 others = 72. Then, those 36 teams plus the 6 original teams would disciple 12 which would equal the more than 500 (504) who saw Jesus after His resurrection according to 1 Cor. 15:1-11 So, if we said then, 250 teams of 2, on the day of Pentecost when more than 3,000 came to follow Jesus in one place on the same day, those 250 teams could disciple 12 each (250 x 12 = 3,000). 2 disciple 12 others every 6 months, 2 + 12 = 14, 7 teams disciple 12 = 84 new disciples in 6 more months, 49 teams disciple 12 = 588 new disciples in 6 more months, 343 teams disciple 12 = 4,116 new disciples in 6 more months, That means that in 2 years time, you have made over 4,000 new disciples. These disciples are being deeply taught to listen and obey God and to be held accountable to do what God speaks to them and to share with others. They are fruitful disciple-makers. Pray for those seeking breakthroughs to remain committed to the practices and principles of starting movements. Ask that they not become discouraged as they wait for the Holy Spirit to move in unreached peoples and places.
Ask God this week to give everyone involved in church planting movements a sense of their connectedness to the family of Christ as children of God. Practice listening to Holy Spirit daily for where He is sending you to prepare His way.
Listen to the companion Podcast here.
