TEACHING OTHERS TO LIVE OUT THE GOOD NEWS
How do you take someone from LOST to SAVED, from IMMATURE to MATURE?
Here are 4 simple steps that anyone can do:
1. Introduction
In this discipleship process, start off by expressing an interest to get to know another person. This is not about “winning†someone. It is with the intent to get to know someone, showing genuine interest in them, mimicking our Heavenly Father who does the same with us.
2. Invitation
Next, I invite that person or persons to coffee or lunch. Pay the bill since you invited them. Take the next step getting in getting to know them better. Ask questions about them: where they grew up, how they met their wife, what their favorite sports team is, etc. Again, the agenda is not to make a convert. The agenda is to build a relationship in the same way Jesus did.
3. Initiation
Within that invitational lunch or coffee, initiate the idea of learning more about God and the Bible. After turning the conversation in a spiritual direction by again, just asking questions, see if there’s any interest in knowing more about spiritual things, saying something like this, “Would you like to meet with me once a week and talk about the Bible?â€
4. Instructions
If they say “yes,†then find a day, time and location that works each week for both of your schedules. Example: Every Tuesday at 3pm.
This is the process. It’s not complicated because it’s centered around relationship. Introduction, Invitation, Initiation, and Instruction is all about getting to know the other person. It’s reaching out to them in the same way that God reached out to us. It’s daring to be courageous and bold and asking someone to join you in the adventure of pursing God through His Word. It is knowing that Jesus goes with you and IS within you as you initiate and invite others to join you.
What do you do when you begin to meet weekly with them?
First Meeting
Bible Tour
At the first scheduled meeting, present each person with a Bible that you’ve purchased for them. Get them a New Living Translation Life Application Study Bible.
Next, get them acquainted with their new Bible by walking them through the various details of it—the list of the books of the Bible, how it’s divided into Old and New Testaments, the notes section, the maps section, really everything you can think of. Remember, most people have never really opened a Bible. Give them a grand tour!
Gospel Presentation
Next, turn with them to Romans 3 and explain the Gospel (Good News) to them. Walk them through the Gospel verse by verse.
Bible Reading Assignment
Next, assign a book of the Bible for them to read in the upcoming week. The main goal is to get them into the Bible and have them read it for themselves. Don’t go through a workbook or use a devotional because the Bible will tell them all they need to know. Again, in whatever we train people to do they will get into the habit of doing, and we want them to get in the habit of reading the Word and going to the Word of God. Assign them to read a book of the Bible in the New Testament a week—not a chapter but an entire book. They can accomplish that and feel great about doing it. Then tell them how to read it.
Read it in a quiet place—no distractions.
Read it expecting to hear from God.
Read it, not as a history book, but God’s Word to us.
Read it prayerfully. “God, as I open this book, speak to me.â€
Read it with a pen and underline anything you find interesting.
The first book you will assign them to read is the book of Acts, and you are going to read it as well. It’s entertaining, exciting and it gives an overview of the church and introduces us to Jesus, Peter, Paul and many of the other New Testament persons.
Give a very general overview of Acts letting them know who wrote it and what to expect in the book. Do that for every book you assign. Instruct them to write in their Bibles and bring back any questions that they have.
Second Meeting and Following
Book Discussion
During the second meeting, ask them if they understood the Gospel Presentation and ask them if they have any questions about that. Then ask if they read through the Book of Acts. Next, go
chapter by chapter saying, “What stood out to you in chapter 1?†“Did you underline anything in chapter 1 or have any questions? What about chapter 2...?†And we go through the entire book that way. Make sure to point out any Scriptures to them that you’ve underlined in order to make sure they don’t skip some of the really important stuff.
New Book
At the end of the discussion assign a new book. The second book I recommend to assign is the Gospel of Luke—it introduces them to Jesus and keeps them in Luke’s writings since he also wrote Acts.
The third book to assign is Romans because at this point, they are primed and ready for salvation if they have not already stepped over the line of faith.
The fourth book to assign is Ephesians because it is a great read for someone who has just stepped over the line of faith.
From there I would suggest going to Matthew which gets them back to the words of Jesus. After that keep picking books and keep meeting with them until the entire New Testament has been completed.
This is the process and it is always the same. Meet with them. Go over the book of the Bible that you have both read that week and go through it chapter by chapter discussing anything that stood out.
Don’t have them read the Gospels back to back. Have them read another book of the Bible in between. It keeps the words of Jesus fresh to their eyes.
Save Hebrews and Revelation to the very end. Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience, and for real understanding to take place one needs to know a little bit about Jewish culture and Old Testament laws and practices. Again, not a necessity but it helps. Revelation can be a tricky book just because it is an apocalyptic document. Allow some time before they get into these books.
Basic Instructions
Before the meeting ends, give them some basic instructions like encouraging them to attend your box church each week and encouraging them to share their faith and their story with someone.
Pray
Lastly, pray out loud with them after every meeting. It is important for them to hear us pray because they will probably not have a clue how to do so. Over time, you can ask them to pray and close the meeting. However, for the early sessions of discipleship, you will need to lead out in that time of prayer.
That’s the process, week after week, until the New Testament is completed. What will they encounter as they read the New Testament that they need to know in the Christian life? Everything. You don’t have to go over everything with them. They will encounter everything as they read through the New Testament.
What can you expect during this process?
Expect People To Step Over The Line Of Faith
When the Bible is opened with a sincere, believing heart, God moves and speaks and convicts and changes. Just be ready for new birth to take place in the heart of the people you disciple. When they step over the line of faith, have them write down in the front of their Bible, the day they asked Jesus into their lives. Tell them it’s their “Pray Day†and for them to remember it, reflect on it and celebrate it every year.
Expect Spiritual Warfare
When the person being discipled becomes a Christ-follower, talk to them about spiritual warfare and the battle that they have just entered. It is not to scare them but to make them aware that Satan will come against them in some way. Remind them of the spiritual authority that they now have and how Jesus, who is alive and present in them and is greater than all else.
Expect Questions
As they journey through Scripture, all kinds of questions will come up (Baptism, the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Warfare, Prayer, etc.). When those come up, I explain those things as best as I can. Again, this is where this process is a lot like Jesus’ process. As things came up, He talked about them. If someone asks you a question that you can’t answer right away, don’t panic. Just say, “I’m not sure. Can I get back to you on that when we meet next week?†Then, use the upcoming week to find the answer.
Expect to Understand Scripture
You don’t have to be an expert in Scripture in order to lead someone else in reading it. Again, you are assigning a book of the Bible a week for them to read. In the same way, use that week for you to read it, and underline whatever stands out to you. Grow together in the process!
Expect to Celebrate
After they read through the entire New Testament, celebrate. Think about this: people who probably have never before opened a Bible have just completed the entire New Testament! Celebrate! Take them out to eat. Buy them a gift. Make them remember that moment.
What Not To Do!
Here’s what you do not want to do as your read through the New Testament.
Don’t Go Too Fast
Don’t assign too much too fast. Let things flow naturally and let the Holy Spirit guide you in this process. Keep reading to the Bible for the early part of discipleship. Later on, other books outside the Bible can be introduced. They may ask you for them. Again, let the Spirit be your guide.
Don’t Be The Holy Spirit
Never, never, never change them from the outside. Never tell them that this is what they have to start doing or how they have to start acting. The Holy Spirit is the change agent and He will use the Word of God to do the changing. You will be amazed how the Holy Spirit will start convicting and changing people without you saying a word.
It will also be evidence to you that the Holy Spirit has indeed come to live inside of them. Don’t try to be the Holy Spirit to them in this process. Just teach them to obey the Word of God and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Encourage them to surrender to the Holy Spirit and encourage them to listen to His voice as they read His Word.
Don’t Be Discouraged
Think about the ups and downs that Jesus went through with His disciples. It’s a slow journey dealing with sinful people. Don’t become weary of well doing. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to change them, not yours.
As you have walked through this process with them, have them walk through this process with someone else.
Here are 4 simple steps that anyone can do:
1. Introduction
In this discipleship process, start off by expressing an interest to get to know another person. This is not about “winning†someone. It is with the intent to get to know someone, showing genuine interest in them, mimicking our Heavenly Father who does the same with us.
2. Invitation
Next, I invite that person or persons to coffee or lunch. Pay the bill since you invited them. Take the next step getting in getting to know them better. Ask questions about them: where they grew up, how they met their wife, what their favorite sports team is, etc. Again, the agenda is not to make a convert. The agenda is to build a relationship in the same way Jesus did.
3. Initiation
Within that invitational lunch or coffee, initiate the idea of learning more about God and the Bible. After turning the conversation in a spiritual direction by again, just asking questions, see if there’s any interest in knowing more about spiritual things, saying something like this, “Would you like to meet with me once a week and talk about the Bible?â€
4. Instructions
If they say “yes,†then find a day, time and location that works each week for both of your schedules. Example: Every Tuesday at 3pm.
This is the process. It’s not complicated because it’s centered around relationship. Introduction, Invitation, Initiation, and Instruction is all about getting to know the other person. It’s reaching out to them in the same way that God reached out to us. It’s daring to be courageous and bold and asking someone to join you in the adventure of pursing God through His Word. It is knowing that Jesus goes with you and IS within you as you initiate and invite others to join you.
What do you do when you begin to meet weekly with them?
First Meeting
Bible Tour
At the first scheduled meeting, present each person with a Bible that you’ve purchased for them. Get them a New Living Translation Life Application Study Bible.
Next, get them acquainted with their new Bible by walking them through the various details of it—the list of the books of the Bible, how it’s divided into Old and New Testaments, the notes section, the maps section, really everything you can think of. Remember, most people have never really opened a Bible. Give them a grand tour!
Gospel Presentation
Next, turn with them to Romans 3 and explain the Gospel (Good News) to them. Walk them through the Gospel verse by verse.
Bible Reading Assignment
Next, assign a book of the Bible for them to read in the upcoming week. The main goal is to get them into the Bible and have them read it for themselves. Don’t go through a workbook or use a devotional because the Bible will tell them all they need to know. Again, in whatever we train people to do they will get into the habit of doing, and we want them to get in the habit of reading the Word and going to the Word of God. Assign them to read a book of the Bible in the New Testament a week—not a chapter but an entire book. They can accomplish that and feel great about doing it. Then tell them how to read it.
Read it in a quiet place—no distractions.
Read it expecting to hear from God.
Read it, not as a history book, but God’s Word to us.
Read it prayerfully. “God, as I open this book, speak to me.â€
Read it with a pen and underline anything you find interesting.
The first book you will assign them to read is the book of Acts, and you are going to read it as well. It’s entertaining, exciting and it gives an overview of the church and introduces us to Jesus, Peter, Paul and many of the other New Testament persons.
Give a very general overview of Acts letting them know who wrote it and what to expect in the book. Do that for every book you assign. Instruct them to write in their Bibles and bring back any questions that they have.
Second Meeting and Following
Book Discussion
During the second meeting, ask them if they understood the Gospel Presentation and ask them if they have any questions about that. Then ask if they read through the Book of Acts. Next, go
chapter by chapter saying, “What stood out to you in chapter 1?†“Did you underline anything in chapter 1 or have any questions? What about chapter 2...?†And we go through the entire book that way. Make sure to point out any Scriptures to them that you’ve underlined in order to make sure they don’t skip some of the really important stuff.
New Book
At the end of the discussion assign a new book. The second book I recommend to assign is the Gospel of Luke—it introduces them to Jesus and keeps them in Luke’s writings since he also wrote Acts.
The third book to assign is Romans because at this point, they are primed and ready for salvation if they have not already stepped over the line of faith.
The fourth book to assign is Ephesians because it is a great read for someone who has just stepped over the line of faith.
From there I would suggest going to Matthew which gets them back to the words of Jesus. After that keep picking books and keep meeting with them until the entire New Testament has been completed.
This is the process and it is always the same. Meet with them. Go over the book of the Bible that you have both read that week and go through it chapter by chapter discussing anything that stood out.
Don’t have them read the Gospels back to back. Have them read another book of the Bible in between. It keeps the words of Jesus fresh to their eyes.
Save Hebrews and Revelation to the very end. Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience, and for real understanding to take place one needs to know a little bit about Jewish culture and Old Testament laws and practices. Again, not a necessity but it helps. Revelation can be a tricky book just because it is an apocalyptic document. Allow some time before they get into these books.
Basic Instructions
Before the meeting ends, give them some basic instructions like encouraging them to attend your box church each week and encouraging them to share their faith and their story with someone.
Pray
Lastly, pray out loud with them after every meeting. It is important for them to hear us pray because they will probably not have a clue how to do so. Over time, you can ask them to pray and close the meeting. However, for the early sessions of discipleship, you will need to lead out in that time of prayer.
That’s the process, week after week, until the New Testament is completed. What will they encounter as they read the New Testament that they need to know in the Christian life? Everything. You don’t have to go over everything with them. They will encounter everything as they read through the New Testament.
What can you expect during this process?
Expect People To Step Over The Line Of Faith
When the Bible is opened with a sincere, believing heart, God moves and speaks and convicts and changes. Just be ready for new birth to take place in the heart of the people you disciple. When they step over the line of faith, have them write down in the front of their Bible, the day they asked Jesus into their lives. Tell them it’s their “Pray Day†and for them to remember it, reflect on it and celebrate it every year.
Expect Spiritual Warfare
When the person being discipled becomes a Christ-follower, talk to them about spiritual warfare and the battle that they have just entered. It is not to scare them but to make them aware that Satan will come against them in some way. Remind them of the spiritual authority that they now have and how Jesus, who is alive and present in them and is greater than all else.
Expect Questions
As they journey through Scripture, all kinds of questions will come up (Baptism, the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Warfare, Prayer, etc.). When those come up, I explain those things as best as I can. Again, this is where this process is a lot like Jesus’ process. As things came up, He talked about them. If someone asks you a question that you can’t answer right away, don’t panic. Just say, “I’m not sure. Can I get back to you on that when we meet next week?†Then, use the upcoming week to find the answer.
Expect to Understand Scripture
You don’t have to be an expert in Scripture in order to lead someone else in reading it. Again, you are assigning a book of the Bible a week for them to read. In the same way, use that week for you to read it, and underline whatever stands out to you. Grow together in the process!
Expect to Celebrate
After they read through the entire New Testament, celebrate. Think about this: people who probably have never before opened a Bible have just completed the entire New Testament! Celebrate! Take them out to eat. Buy them a gift. Make them remember that moment.
What Not To Do!
Here’s what you do not want to do as your read through the New Testament.
Don’t Go Too Fast
Don’t assign too much too fast. Let things flow naturally and let the Holy Spirit guide you in this process. Keep reading to the Bible for the early part of discipleship. Later on, other books outside the Bible can be introduced. They may ask you for them. Again, let the Spirit be your guide.
Don’t Be The Holy Spirit
Never, never, never change them from the outside. Never tell them that this is what they have to start doing or how they have to start acting. The Holy Spirit is the change agent and He will use the Word of God to do the changing. You will be amazed how the Holy Spirit will start convicting and changing people without you saying a word.
It will also be evidence to you that the Holy Spirit has indeed come to live inside of them. Don’t try to be the Holy Spirit to them in this process. Just teach them to obey the Word of God and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Encourage them to surrender to the Holy Spirit and encourage them to listen to His voice as they read His Word.
Don’t Be Discouraged
Think about the ups and downs that Jesus went through with His disciples. It’s a slow journey dealing with sinful people. Don’t become weary of well doing. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to change them, not yours.
As you have walked through this process with them, have them walk through this process with someone else.