What does this mean?
This is the hardest component to develop, as we often feel inadequate and untrained to pass on our own imperfect knowledge and example to other Christians. Though we’ll never have a perfect grasp of the first four characteristics of a disciple, we aim to see people intentionally passing on to others the grasp they do have. As Paul told Timothy, "What you have heard from me…entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also." (2 Tim. 2:2) The wording “formally or informally” means that the passing on could happen through an official church ministry, or simply in a relational setting. What matters is that the effort to pass it on is intentional, by identifying certain individuals and leading them in how to live as gospel-centered disciples.One Minute Intro
Explore
These resources will help you explore what it would look like to develop this characteristic in your life as a disciple:- WATCH “Investing In Others” by Jo Saxton (10 mins).
- WATCH “How Disciples Make Disciples” (2.5 mins)
Pray and Reflect
- Jo Saxton describes the process of leading others to live as gospel-centered disciples (“investing in others”) as painful and costly. Practically speaking, what might it cost you to invest in others (e.g. time, sleep, money, privacy, a shift in priorities)?
- Pray that God would stir your heart towards a specific person or people who you could lead to live as a gospel-centered disciple.
Dive Deeper
Check out these books and videos for a “deep dive” into the theology and practice of how to intentionally lead others to live as gospel-centered disciples.- Conference Videos from Greg Ogden, “Making Disciples Like Jesus Did”, (Part 1), (Part 2), and (Part 3) These long conference videos go deep into Jesus’ heart for and method of making disciples, and offer practical direction for how you can do the same.
- Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time by Greg Ogden This is a great resource for giving a practical model of “passing on your faith” to others, and also the biblical basis for intentional discipleship.
- Cultivating a Life For God by Neil Cole This book offers another practical model of “passing on your faith” to others, and further biblical basis for intentional discipleship.
- “Making Athletes Like a Soldier, Farmer, Athlete…Mom” This article encourages mothers in their calling to pass their faith on to their children, in the midst of their day-to-day life.
Get Connected
Growing as a disciple is a group project. Here’s how you can grow in this characteristic with others:- I’d like to join a small group where I can discover with others how to lead others to live as gospel-centered disciples.
- I’d like to get coffee with a staff member and consider how I can either begin or continue to lead others to live as gospel-centered disciples. Email Richard to set this up.