Time to evaluate
The following is part five in a five-part series, Finding your disciple-making sweet spot, by Scott Sullivan, Georgia Baptist Discipleship catalyst. Click here for Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.
Huge evaluation alert! Are you building world-impacting leaders in your church? Do you have an intentional and biblical plan to get you there? If not, or if you are looking for ideas, carefully read this article and the first four in the series. This is part five of a series entitled “Finding your disciple-making sweet spot.” This pathway is not designed for any one segment to work alone. They are meant to work together (like warm chocolate chip cookies and a large glass of milk!).
The humble leader
In Matthew 23, Jesus takes the Pharisees to the proverbial woodshed. They were exploiting their position for power and prestige. In Christ-like fashion, He penetrates their soul with the following statement: “He who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
In my opinion, humility is the most overlooked and yet most endearing quality a great leader can possess. Workers simply do not go the extra mile for arrogant leaders. Look no further than Clemson coach Dabo Sweeney or LSU coach Ed Orgeron as examples. (Geaux Tigahs!)
The pathway: A smaller group
In part 2, I mentioned Jesus’ pathway for growing disciple makers. He spoke to large groups. Additionally, our Lord invested heavily in a small group. Jesus also had an inner circle of Peter, James, and John.
The larger our churches grow, the smaller they must become.
Many growing churches understand the value of closed and gender-specific groups. These intimate groups are becoming a pipeline for leadership development while producing 2 a.m. relationships. 2 a.m. relationships are people you can call at 2 a.m. with any heart-pressing issue.
Where do I begin?
Perhaps the question I get most often from leaders deals with how to get started.
First, the pastor needs to lead one of these groups. Pastor, your people will only imitate what you celebrate, and it’s hard to celebrate something you are not familiar with doing. Second, connect with other leaders who have experience with leading these groups. Third, set a date to begin, even if you do not have all the answers. Leaders lead; so be decisive, do something, move forward!
NOTE: our discipleship consultants are setting up learning communities monthly to create learning environments and facilitate these types of discussions.
The cold hard facts
I was asked recently by a well-meaning church member, “Why can’t we just come to church, listen to the preacher, then go home to work hard and love our family?”
Hmmm. Let’s see. Southern Baptists have baptized 7.1 million people in the past 20 years with zero increase in attendance. According to our research department, there are still 7 million unbelievers in Georgia. Friends, the track we have been running on in our lifetime is not working, and the trend is getting worse. We are losing the battle for our men, women, boys, and girls. It’s time to move forward!
If you have questions about reaching, retaining or moving believers toward spiritual maturity, contact me, ssullivan@gabaptist.org. The discipleship consultant in your region is eager to visit with you!
