By Rod Denton, Equipping The Next Generation
The person who led John Stott to the Lord, wrote a letter to him each week for the first five years following his conversion. John Stott has been greatly used of God as a gifted world-wide Bible teacher for many years. Some people suggest that this person was more responsible for John Stott’s amazing ministry than any other human influence on his life.
“Building people is not easy. It requires constant personal attention, much like a fathergives to his children. This is something that no organisation or class can ever do. Childrenare not raised by proxy. The example of Jesus would teach us that it can only be done bypersons staying right with those they seek to lead… Clearly the policy of Jesus at this pointteaches us that whatever method of follow-up the church adopts, it must have as its basis apersonal guardian concern for those entrusted to their care. To do otherwise is essentiallyto abandon new believers to the Devil.”
— Robert Coleman in “The Master Plan of Evangelism”
We need look no further than to the example of Paul to develop a model for discipling new Christians. Perhaps this is best seen in the relationship that he shares with the Christians at Thessalonica. His heart for these believers pulses with a deep love that longs for each one to grow in maturity and to impact the world in which they live.
In chapter 2 of Paul’s first letter we can glean important principles in this important task of discipling.
Principles of Following Up Disciples
1. Discipling is Costly (v. 1&2)
- in Time
- in Prayer
- in Finances
- in Recognition
Follow up is the hardest and most poorly done aspect of discipleship.
2. Disciplers are people of Integrity and Truth (v.3-6)
Gain their Respect not their Popularity.
We are not trying to please men, but God (v4)
We are not looking for praise from men… (v6)
3. Discipling primarily occurs through a Loving Relationship not a Programme (v8).
Christianity is caught, not taught. We can impress people from a distance, we can only impact people up close through the sharing of our lives.
4. Discipling involves a Servant Heart (v9)
Paul gave up his rights (even to a salary) to willingly serve them. Read 1 Corinthians 9 to gain further insights to Paul’s servant heart.
5. Discipling involves Modeling A Godly Lifestyle (v10)
We produce after our own kind (Luke 6:40). New Christians will never rise above thelevel of the experience of their discipler. We cannot expect them to do what we are not doing.
Paul continually emphasized this principle of modeling. (1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1, Philippians 3:17, 4:9, Thessalonians 1:5-6, 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:10-11)
6. Discipling involves caring for each new believer as a Unique Individual (v7, 11, 12)
A discipler is like a mother gently caring for her little children (v7) and a fatherencouraging, comforting and urging on his children (v11, 12) ultimately to become abrother in Christ (1:4).
7. The Bible is our Handbook.
It is the “Word of God”, which is at Work in you who believe. (v 13)
We need to be workers who can correctly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) and we are to teach them to “obey everything” (Matthew 28:20).
Growth occurs as people are transformed by the Word and the Spirit. (1:5)
“I (Paul) planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-8)
8. Discipling involves being Faithful In Prayer (1:2-3)
9. Disciples of Jesus should expect Opposition from People (v 14-16) and Satan (v 17-18).
"If the world hates you keep in mind that it hated Me first… No servant is greater thanhis master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” John 15:18, 20
10. Integrate them Into The Church (1:1)
“To the church of the Thessalonians…”
Encourage them to be committed members of the Body of Christ.
This will include:
- Baptism
- Church Membership
- Small Group
- Ministry
11. Discipling involves Having A Positive Attitude toward:
- The Church
- Its Leaders
- Other Christians
- Your New Christians
- Yourself
12. Discipling is a High Calling (v 19-20)
“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”
When we invest our lives in discipling new Christians, we are investing in eternal things.
“As I study the Scriptures I see that there are only two things God wants to rescue from this deteriorating planet. One is His Word, and the other is people. Are you investing your life in these treasures God is going to save? Are you building His word into yourlife and other people? The only way to live our lives is to invest them in the things that will outlive us.”
— Howard Hendricks
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rod Denton has served as a pastor and as a teacher in the development of emerging leaders in Australia. As A3 Senior Faculty, he has taught leaders in nine countries across Asia. He is a consultant for Rod Denton Equipping The Next Generation and provides leadership development resources, mentoring, seminars, and EQUIP journal. Follow Rod on LinkedIn.
email: 
LinkedIn: roddenton686855b
blog: roddentoneng.com.au
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- Cover photo of boat courtesy of Timon Studler on Unsplash
- Inset photo of praying hands courtesy of Deb Dowd on Unsplash
