Weekly Tip #4, Spring 2015
Grow Deep, Reach High
17 Things to Know This Spring – #4
In John 17, near the end of his active 3 years of ministry, Jesus prayed for His disciples:
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.”
Jesus spent time ministering to the crowds, sharing about the kingdom to many people, both in public and in private. He spoke about the kingdom of God, performed many healings and miracles, confronted the legalistic religious leaders, wept over Lazarus who had died, and over Jerusalem for her disobedience. During this time, Jesus had his disciples with Him or at least nearby.
He taught the disciples through his example, teachings, encouragement and corrections. Building lifelong disciples is not just a once a week event, but requires more of your life. Here are some ideas that would give you opportunities to do the same for your disciples in your ministry situation.
Relationships Make A Difference
- During the week, meet for lunch or dinner.
- Go home with them some weekend and meet their family.
- Bring them home with you to meet your family.
- Throw regular parties and social events in your ministry. Hang out as often as you can.
- Watch a movie together. Find any spiritual or personal application, then use it as a topic of discussion over a burger and a coke.
- Hang out and watch a sporting event either live or on TV.
- Study together at your living situation or library.
- Watch your funniest videos on YouTube (but keep it clean).
- Read a book together – Discuss and grow as you focus on your walk with God.
- Do your grocery shopping together if you’re not on the school meal plan.
- Attend a concert, go camping, hiking or a trip to the beach.
- Go to church together and pray together.
You can add much more to this list but the key is to spend time with your disciples. You want to build into their lives as a way of life. Only two things will last forever – people and the Word of God. When you’re pouring your life into a few good people, it’s eternal.
Talk to you next week,
Ben with Cru