God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches that multiply as a means to reach those who have yet to hear the Gospel in our world.

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

As we do our part to fulfill the Great Commission, we need to understand the strategic importance of God’s Church. But, we must also learn to understand God’s motivation for multiplication.

In fact, God has a passionate desire for multiplication both in the natural world and in the spiritual realm.

All living things in the natural world multiply, from the tiniest cell to the largest living being (Genesis 1:28; Genesis 9:7; Acts 6:7). In the same way, God desires multiplication in the spiritual realm and in the growth of His Church. God wants His Church not only to add new churches but also to multiply.  

One-third of our world, more than 2 billion people, have yet to hear the Gospel of Jesus in a way in which they can understand and respond. Many of these people live in places isolated from the Church.

The multiplication of churches is of strategic and vital importance to each of us.

We cannot be content with simply adding a church here and there. We must take the church where there are least-reached people groups so they will get an opportunity to hear the good news in their own language and culture.

How amazing would it be so see at least one fellowship of believers to represent the Kingdom of God among every people group—then, every people group will be represented in heaven.

“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” – Revelation 7:9.

If we want to see the fulfillment of this prophecy, we need to multiply churches among every ethnic group in this world.

The Book of Acts is an outstanding testimony of church planting and multiplication. 

The growth pattern of the New Testament churches is quantitative (numerical), qualitative (discipleship), and geographical (expansion) (Acts 6:7; Acts 9:31; Acts 11:26; Acts 16:5).

The first church in Jerusalem began with 120 disciples (Acts 1:15). On the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people were added to the church (Acts 2:41-42). Soon the membership of the Jerusalem church was 5,000 (Acts 4:4). Then, “multitudes of men and women were added” (5:14), and “the number of the disciples multiplied greatly” (Acts 6:7).

 The expansion continued to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8). Within a very short time, the early Church became a movement of thousands and thousands of disciples of Jesus who impacted the entire world.

From this account detailing the patterns of the Church’s growth, it is clear that the Church should grow by adding new believers to existing fellowships and then expanding geographically by planting new churches in new territories.

This is the power of multiplication.

The first 11 disciples, who received the Great Commission from Jesus, planted the first church in Jerusalem.

They immediately began to share their faith with those around them, and the Church grew rapidly. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). The numbers continue to increase until the record says, “the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly” (Acts 6:7).

In fact, all this took place in a single local church even before they begin to plant other churches. Multiplication is expected in any living organism, including every local church.

Are you seeing multiplication happening in your local church? Why or why not?

Jesus had clearly instructed His disciples at the beginning,

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”
– Acts 1:8

After the first church was established in Jerusalem, the disciples seemed hesitant to go and plant other churches. They grew larger (120, 3120, 5,000), but they did not seem to have a vision for multiplying churches.

But, all of this changed when persecution broke out after the death of Stephen.  

“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria”
– Acts 8:1

Excepting the apostles, Christ’s disciples were scattered, and they planted churches in Judea and Samaria. Churches began multiplying, establishing the New Testament pattern for growth.

“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went”
– Acts 8:4

It seems that when the apostles did not listen to Acts 1:8, Jesus allowed Acts 8:1!

Jesus is the head of the Church, and He can use any circumstances to multiply His own Body, the Church.  In this case, He used persecution.

Later in the book of Acts, God even used a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas to produce more multiplication (Acts 15:36-41).

It is clear that God’s desire is to see the church multiplied!

Do we still wait for persecution to fulfill the Great Commission or plan ahead for multiplication?

Have you seen the church multiply through persecution?

At the beginning of the Church in Acts, every believer was a Jew.

But God’s plan was much bigger than that. He had already told the disciples that the Gospel was to go to the ends of the earth. The early disciples traveled new locations outside of Jerusalem.

Philip shared the Gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch who had come to Jerusalem to worship (Acts 8:26).

However, the most radical step came when Peter took the Gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. The establishment of a church among the Gentiles was so revolutionary that it required a vision from heaven for Peter to obey.

After the church was established, it required a meeting of all the officials of the Church to decide if this was actually from God! (Read the story in Acts 15.)

The only way for the Gospel to reach every tribe and nation is for someone to cross cultures with it (Acts 16:9-34). None of us would be believers today if someone had not crossed over cultures to share the Gospel with us.

Will we do our part to take it to the next culture?

However, the Jerusalem church didn’t understand God’s intention for multiplication, but we thank God for the Antioch church.

It took some time after the beginning of persecution and the beginning of the Church to spread to the Gentile world, but the Church finally understood what God meant by multiplying churches to the ends of the earth.

In fact, the church in Antioch sent apostles Paul and Barnabas to plant new churches (Acts 13:1-4). This was an intentional act and indicates that they were beginning to understand God’s design for the Church. It is still His design for us today.

So, its only when we begin to realize God’s desire for the multiplication of churches will we be able to accomplish the Great Commission in our lifetime.

Multiplying churches is part of God’s plan to reach the world. In fact, we are called to go and plant churches that have the capacity to reproduce locally sustainable fellowships in least-reached areas.

We cannot be satisfied with growing our existing churches; churches need to multiply in our own region, then to neighboring regions, then to the whole world.

You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches. Read on, and discover Gods design for the Church as the Body of Christ and His strategic plan to fulfill His Great Commission.

Did you know that the ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches? And that new people will hear the gospel, by connecting with these new churches?

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

God designed everything for a specific purpose. So, if we are to understand the significance and role of the Church, we need to look carefully at His intent and design. His design and purpose for the Church is one of the most beautiful and amazing truths we can understand.

The Bible uses the word “church” to describe a group of people who believe in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 16:19; Galatians 1:2).

In the New Testament, the terms “disciples,” “believers,” and “church” are used in the context of Christ’s followers (Acts 14:21-28; Acts 15:2-3).

All of the people who believe in Christ are in one spiritual fellowship called the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 1 Corinthians 12:27).

In some places in the New Testament, the word “church” refers to a local church (Acts 2:41-46; Acts 11:22; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Philemon 2),

And in other cases, it refers to the universal or worldwide Church (Matthew 16:18;  Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

In both cases, “church” is referring to the group of people who represent Jesus to the world.

The official Global Disciples definition of “church” is a growing community of disciples centered in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and focused on mission.

Therefore, the evidence of such a community is seen in their devotion to God’s Word, the quality and depth of their fellowship. And a joyful sharing of their lives that’s celebrated in worship, communion, baptism, and a life saturated in prayer.

“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” – Ephesians 3:10.

This passage teaches us that God has chosen the church to make known His manifold wisdom to the universe.

Of course, He intends for each of us to represent Him to the world.

But, scripture makes it very clear that it is His plan to reveal Himself through the Church.

However, the Church is God’s plan of salvation and restoration of the world is revealed through His Body.

In what way does God intend to reveal Himself to the world through the Church?

God intends to reveal His character, His power, and His love through the Church.

God’s strategy is a corporate strategy; it is not accomplishable by an individual. No wonder that Jesus said of His disciples,

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”
– John 13:35.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”
– Matthew 28:19

We cannot accomplish this mission simply by doing evangelism.

Obviously, we need to share Christ with those who are not believers.

But Jesus talks about making disciples, not simply making converts.

But, the fulfillment of this Great Commission requires the multiplication of churches among each and every ethnic group.

His intention was for His disciples to join together and form a community that worships God, serves one another, and reaches out.

However, this is also where discipleship happens, this is where baptism takes place. This is where disciples are taught to obey and follow Jesus. This is God’s strategy to fulfill the Great Commission.

As it is recorded in the Book of Acts, when people committed their lives to follow Christ, baptism and discipleship were present. (Acts 2:41–47). And as Peter Wagner puts it, “Planting new churches is the most effective evangelistic methodology known under heaven.”

So, its clear that church planting is in the package of the Great Commission that Jesus has given us.

When we focus on fulfilling Jesus’ mission, then the multiplication of fellowships of disciples becomes natural (Acts 1:8).

We can’t accomplish this by establishing a single fellowship of disciples somewhere and inviting every new disciple to be part of that one fellowship. 

The strategy requires many churches to be planted wherever disciples are being made. Therefore, establishing fellowships of disciples (planting churches) reflects our obedience to the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the master builder of His Church, and we are simply co-laborers with Him. He says, “I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6). As we obey by going and making disciples, Jesus continues to build His Church in and through us (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6).

You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play! May we all continue to be co-laborers with the best builder of all time!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Nearly every believer is aware of the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ and at least gives verbal assent to God’s desire to reach the world and make disciples (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4).

The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
– 2 Peter 3:9

This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.
– 1 Timothy 2:3-4

But few disciples understand what His strategy is to accomplish this goal.

The Church is at the center of His strategy (Matthew 16:18).  

Unfortunately, the picture that comes to many people’s minds when we talk about the Church is not even close to God’s intention or design for the Church.

As we read through the New Testament we can get this beautiful picture of what He designed the church to be and do, and how we can be a part of what He is doing in the world today.

God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches that multiply as a means to reach those who have yet to hear the Gospel in our world.

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

God’s heartbeat is for a relationship with every person in the world, and billions are still waiting to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Winning a few people or planting an additional church or two is not enough. We must start movements of multiplying churches that will reach the world for Jesus. It is God’s plan and His calling.

What will you do today to make it happen?

How can we fulfill the mission of taking the Gospel to the ends of the world in our generation?

You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The English word “intercede” comes from the Latin inter meaning “between” and cedere meaning “to go.” So, intercession, then, is to go between.  Another way to say it might be to bridge a gap or space. 

Intercessory prayer involves standing in spaces or gaps between the kingdom of God, (the will of God) and the current reality of a person, group, nation, or situation on the earth.  It is as if we are pulling or carrying God’s will across a bridge from heaven to earth.

It requires us to:

Jesus said: “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’“
– Matthew 6:9-10.

1 Kings 18:41 – 1 Kings 19:8 is a Biblical example of intercessory prayer. 

“And Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go eat and drink for there is the sound of heavy rain.’  So Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees.” 
– 1 Kings 18:42

Elijah heard the sound of rain. 

That was a spiritual hearing of what was happening in the heavenlies.  But it was blue sky on earth.  Elijah went to a time of intercessory prayer.  The Bible describes Elijah as being in the birthing position, “face between his knees.”  We do not have to put our face between our knees but the idea of birthing something on earth is interceding.  It is a deep level of prayer.

The following are 5 Steps to powerful intercessory prayer:

We can pray a blessing or short prayer at any time and for any need or situation, but to intercede usually requires us to listen to Holy Spirit and enter the struggle.

It involves time and keen attention.  Sometimes God may call us to take extra time to intercede for only one situation rather than pray briefly for many.

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” – Hebrews 2:9

Often when we hear about a need, we want to pray. 

Yet, if we do not understand the “world” of the one for whom we are interceding, our intercession will be weak and often misdirected. 

Jesus interceded even to the point of death because he became human and understood the pain of those for whom he was interceding.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
– Romans 8:26-27

It is easy to think that we know what is needed in a situation and how to intercede.  We may focus on our human understanding of the situation. 

God’s strategies are often different than human logic. His will or strategy may be different than our initial thought.  

The story surrounding Daniel’s intercession as recorded in Daniel chapter 9 and 10 reminds us of the struggle that is going on in the spiritual realm. 

As soon as Daniel began to pray an angel was sent on his behalf.  But that angel was held up for 21 days until breaking through.  We trust God’s breakthrough even when we do not see it immediately.

Sometimes the struggle might take an hour a day, a week, or even years.  It may appear that no change is happening, but we can be assured that God is at work.

If we know we are interceding in agreement with God’s call and strategy, we hold onto the hope that God will prevail in the end even if the waiting outlives us.

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.”– Proverbs 21:31

When we see the breakthrough to victory, it is tempting to believe we were the ones who made it happen.  We are only partnering with God, and He is the one who deserves the glory.

Here is a model to follow as you enter into a time of intercession individually or as a group.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today! 

The word Christian appears only three times in the New Testament.

We all may have heard various explanations of what the word Christian means. Clearly this term was first introduced when followers of Christ were no longer only Jewish, and the movement began to sweep out into the Gentile world.

The word disciple appears 261 times in the Bible.

It is used to designate those physically present with Jesus while He was on earth. “To be a disciple was to have been with Him, learning to be like him. That is the foundation of discipleship. To be with someone and learning to be like that person.”[1]

“For Jesus, to disciple someone was to teach that person how to live their life in the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is God in action.

So to say ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God’ is to invite us to be caught up in the action of God and the kind of righteousness that comes with that… So the basic idea of being a disciple, in the New Testament, is being with Jesus, learning to be like Him.”

Of course after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, “with Him” takes a different form. But the meaning of disciple is still the same. A disciple is someone who is with Jesus and learning to be like Him. Disciple is a status. Spiritual transformation is a process toward becoming more like Jesus.

If a disciple of Jesus is defined as one who is “learning from Jesus how to lead my life as He would lead my life if He were I,” we must ask ourselves, “Is that me? Have I chosen that? And if I have chosen it, what am I doing to carry through with it?” And how am I inviting others along on that journey with me?

“Discipleship is not for the church; the church is for discipleship. And discipleship is for the world.” But we can’t do the things Jesus said without learning to act in God’s power – the Spirit is indispensable. “We have to stop trusting ourselves and what we manage and manipulate and learn to trust God.”

Trying to become more like Jesus will lead to failure and frustration if it is only a matter of our will or a decision we make. So, we must start by seeing salvation as more than a ticket to heaven. Salvation is rather an invitation to begin a life with Jesus and to keep growing in our love attachment with Him.

Dr Wilder, a Christian neurologist says, “If life with Jesus begins at salvation and thinking with another begins with attachment, then salvation must involve the creation of a new attachment with Jesus… In the brain, the basis for learning to be like someone is a loving attachment. Attachment leads to a mutual mind. Mutual mind creates an identity and character. Identity develops into a ‘people.’”

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

[1] Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church That Transforms, by Jim Wilder, Nav Press, 2020. This Touch-Point is based upon the ideas, insights, and concepts I have been reading in this book. Dr. Wilder is neurologist and theologian.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Discover the power of home Bible studies in your journey of spiritual growth, & why its effective in discipling others.

In today’s fast-paced world, many people seek opportunities to connect with others and grow spiritually in an intimate, personalized setting. Home Bible studies provide a unique environment for fostering spiritual growth, discipleship, and community-building too.

They can ignite a passion and commitment to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others

We’ll explore how home Bible studies are an essential aspect of our spiritual journey. Dive into the world of home Bible studies and experience the transformation that comes from immersing yourself in God’s Word.

The essential aspects of home Bible studies include:

1. Foster Connection and Community. In smaller groups, participants can form deeper relationships, pursuing collective growth and offering mutual support

2. Encourage Spiritual Accountability. The close-knit nature of home Bible studies promotes mutual accountability and commitment to spiritual growth.

3. Engage in Authentic Conversations. They provide an environment where people can share their struggles, questions, and insights, facilitating sincere conversations.

4. Reach Diverse Demographics. Home Bible studies can engage varying age groups, cultural backgrounds, and life stages. They make the study of God’s Word accessible and appealing.

The following practical steps can help guide you through the process and ensure a successful, sustaining Bible study experience:

1. Pray and Seek God’s Guidance. Prayer is a foundational step in discerning God’s guidance and provision in starting a home Bible study.

2.Define Your Objective. Determine the purpose and goals of the Bible study. Decide whether you will focus on a particular book or theme, general spiritual growth, or tailored to a specific demographic.

3. Choose a Study Format: Select a format for the study, such as a topical, book-by-book, or chronological approach, and consider incorporating supplementary resources, such as Bible commentaries or study guides, to enrich the learning experience.

4. Identify a Suitable Location: Choose a comfortable, accessible location for hosting the Bible study, ensuring adequate seating, lighting, and an environment conducive to open discussion and fellowship.

5. Invite Participants: Extend personal invitations to potential participants, explaining the goals, format, and expectations of the home Bible study. Aim for a diverse group, balanced in size, to foster meaningful interactions.

6. Establish a Schedule: Create a consistent meeting schedule, balancing flexibility and commitment to ensure the group remains focused and engaged over time.

7. Facilitate Group Dynamics: Appoint a leader or facilitator to guide discussions, nurture group connections, and maintain an atmosphere of respect and openness within the Bible study.

Organizations like Global Disciples Canada can benefit from the empowering impacts of home Bible studies as they train leaders to engage with least-reached communities. By incorporating discipleship training within home-based study environments, leaders can develop the relational skills, biblical knowledge, and empathetic understanding necessary for effective ministry within diverse contexts. These groups can contribute to discipleship training by:

1. Modeling Relational Ministry: As home Bible studies prioritize relational connections, leaders can observe and learn how to carry these relational skills into their ministry engagements in least-reached communities.

2. Cultivating a Heart for Sharing the Gospel: As participants grow in their personal spiritual journeys, they are encouraged to share their faith and the principles learned within their home Bible study with others, fueling the multiplication of disciples.

3. Providing a Safe Space for Practicing Discipleship Skills: Home Bible studies can serve as a safe training ground for leaders to practice teaching, mentoring, and disciplining new believers, which can be later applied in their work with least-reached communities.

4. Encouraging Prayer for Least-Reached Communities: As groups come together in prayer, they can intercede for least-reached communities and develop a burden for reaching these populations with the love and message of Jesus Christ.

Home Bible studies provide unparalleled opportunities for personal spiritual growth, discipleship, and transformative impact within both local and global contexts. By fostering deeper connections and engaging in authentic conversations about faith and life, they can significantly empower individuals to share the Good News with least-reached communities across the globe. Organizations like Global Disciples Canada leverage the power of relational ministry to effectively train and equip leaders who will go forth to multiply disciples and impact lives for eternity.

If you yearn to be part of this life-changing work and explore how you can partner with Global Disciples Canada to grow as a disciple and contribute to expanding God’s kingdom, connect with Global Disciples Canada today. Your involvement can make an eternal difference by helping others discover the hope, love, and transformation found in Jesus Christ.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, join our discipleship program in Canada today.

Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is crucial to our faith as Christians.

The Good News can help others find salvation and eternal life.

While some may hesitate to share their faith, it is essential for many reasons. This article will explore ten crucial reasons to share that part of God’s Word.

One of the primary reasons to share the Gospel is to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” As believers, we are called to follow this commandment and share the message of salvation with others.

Sharing the Gospel is also a way to show love to our neighbors.

As His followers, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, and there is no greater act of love than to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them.

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find hope, peace, and purpose in their lives.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth, and it is essential to spread it to those who may not know it.

In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the truth that can free them.

As believers, we are called to follow Christ’s example, and He spent much of His time sharing the Gospel with others.

In Luke 19:10, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

By sharing the Gospel, we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do what He did during His time on earth.

Sharing the Gospel is also a way to bring glory to God. When we share the good news of Jesus Chhers, we proclaim His greatness and show others what He has done for us.

In Psalm 96:3, the psalmist says, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are declaring God’s glory to others.

Many people are searching for Peace in their lives. By sharing the Gospel from God’s Word, we are helping others find the Peace that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the Peace that surpasses all understanding.

Sharing the Gospel can also help others find purpose in their lives. Many people search for meaning and direction; the Gospel can provide both.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find a new purpose and direction in their lives.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope. By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find hope in a hopeless world.

In Romans 15:13, Paul says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the hope that can only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sharing the Gospel is a way to obey God’s Word.

In Romans 10:14-15, Paul says, “How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard?…how can they hear without someone preaching to them?.. As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”

By sharing the Gospel, we obey God’s Word and do what He has commanded us to do.

The most important reason to share the Gospel is to help save souls.

In Mark 16:15, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Sharing the Gospel allows others to receive salvation and eternal life.

There are many important reasons to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From fulfilling the Great Commission to helping others find hope, Peace, and purpose in their lives, sharing the Gospel is essential to our faith. We must follow Jesus’ example and share the good news with others.

By doing so, we are helping to save souls and bring glory to God. So let us go forth and share the Gospel with all we encounter, knowing that we are doing God’s work and fulfilling His purpose for our lives.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today! 

The prophet Isaiah had a vision of worship in heaven. In Isaiah 6 we read:

“Th seraphim called to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah was convicted of his sin. “Woe to me!…For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” A seraph touched his lips with a coal, cleansing his sin and guilt. 

Then Isaiah overhears a conversation in the heavenlies—the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah replied, “Here am I! Send me!” 

When we come to the Lord in fervent worship and seeking prayer, we draw close to His heart, just like Isaiah did.

We experience healing and transformation. God will give us His burden for the lost and His commissioning and empowerment to go. 

Three years ago, we at Global Disciples felt the Lord leading us to initiate a fresh emphasis on worship.

Many newly-planted churches wanted to understand how to worship. So, we created regional training days where carefully selected worship leaders gather with our regional staff. Our goal was to multiply a movement of trained worship leaders who are sound in character and, anointed by the Holy Spirit. We wanted to give them skills to lead and equip others in fervent, anointed worship. 

Over four days, we explored what it means to worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23)

We minister within the local cultural context and language. We teach worship leaders to write songs based on scripture. And we teach them and to train others too .  

We look at what the Bible says about praise and worship. Then we seek the Holy Spirit’s anointing to lead others into God’s presence. Isn’t that what we all long for? To be in His presence, to enter into the Holy of Holies, to find grace, forgiveness, healing, and life.  

In many regions, worship leaders immediately go and train other worship leaders. In December in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we held a powerful worship leader training event.

This group has hosted six self funded worship leader trainings since then! 

Volunteer-led Worship Leader Trainings also took place in Brazil, Zambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, India, and Nepal.  

People have been healed filled with the Holy Spirit at these training days, with people committing their lives to Jesus too.

A woman walking by a church in Kenya heard the worship, came inside, and immediately surrendered her life to Jesus because she encountered God’s presence.  

At Global Disciples, we want to go deeper in fervent worship, to better know our incredible God whose great love propels us into His mission for the lost. 

–Tim Bentch, Global Disciples Worship Leader  

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

We may have dreams of doing great things for the Lord, but it is important to remember that our most significant contribution to the Kingdom of God may not be something we do but someone we raise.

Even if we have grand visions of sharing the Gospel with the world, it is essential to start with those closest to us. Certainly, our initial ministry field is our own family, leading our children to faith in Christ.

For those parents wondering how you can lead your children to Christ. Here are a few things you must know:

Children are often willing to accept the Gospel message with eagerness and joy. They have an openness to the Lord that many adults can miss (Luke 18:17). God desires to have a special relationship with these young ones, and as a parent, it is our job to encourage that connection. We need to be open to the Holy Spirit’s influence in our words and actions so that our children will be able to receive God’s grace and love.

Remember, Jesus tells us that children are very important to God and that we should not stop them from coming to Him (Matthew 19:14). We should be living our faith out loud and being an example for our children. We should be praying for guidance to be able to teach our children about the truths and values of God.

There are a couple of things you must consider when bringing your child to Jesus:

He deeply wants all people to come to repentance so that they can have everlasting joy and peace.

These terms can be confusing and unclear for young minds and may not accurately portray the message you wish to convey. Speak plainly, as the Bible does, meeting them where they are at in their own language development. Remember, God also met you on your level!

Have a conversation with them, and ensure that the message is clear. Don’t rush things. The quality time you give them will help them understand how special they are to God.

1. Since the beginning of humanity, God has given us choice (Genesis 2:15-17) He wanted children to be given a chance to choose for themselves. In other words, don’t force your children. Let them choose.

2. Without the Holy Spirit’s involvement, there will be no real spiritual transformation of the heart. Even the most amazing parents cannot know for sure what direction their children will choose. Even if we fill their surroundings with biblical teachings, which greatly increases the chances they will follow Christ, at the end of the day it is the Holy Spirit who does the work in their hearts (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

Remember, God is loving and kind, filled with mercy and compassion. He is not holding your child’s fate over their head like a guillotine. Trust that things will work out in God’s timing, and don’t rush Him. Pray with confidence, trusting in God’s plan. Be concerned, but don’t force your child to make a decision.

Here are a few tips to help you begin bringing your child closer to God:

Make sure to show your children that living a life in faith with Jesus is not something that is only done on Sundays. Model to them the importance of honoring Christ every single day and make it a part of your family life. Talk openly with your children about God, and show them how to talk to God through prayer. Doing this will help them understand that following Jesus is a daily lifestyle (Deuteronomy 11:18-21).

Encourage your children to build a strong connection with God by talking to them about your own relationship with Him. Share stories from your life that demonstrate how God has provided for you and been there for you. Explain the importance of prayer and how it helps you to stay connected with God. Remind them that they can always turn to God when they need help and that they should trust in Him to always be there for them.

Help your children explore and discover their own connection with the Lord. Make sure they have many chances to build an intimate relationship with Him, not just learn about Him in a classroom setting. Create an atmosphere of worship and spiritual growth in your home, incorporating activities like journaling and art to open up their hearts to the presence of God. This will enable them to directly experience His power and guidance in their lives.

It is important to teach your children about the Bible and the Gospel. Explain to them the basics of sin and repentance in a way that is easy for them to understand. Encourage them to read and learn from the Bible so that they can develop a deep love for God’s Word.

Encourage your family to incorporate prayer into their daily routine. Help them understand that seeking out God’s guidance is an important part of life and that it’s something to be pursued often.

Entreat the Lord to provide wisdom and direction for discovering places of worship and fellowship for your little one. Take the lead in modeling a life of faith, and let them observe your example. When they come into contact with other young people who are devoted to the Lord, they have an opportunity to enjoy fellowshipping with others who are on their peer level.

As children develop, they are rapidly learning and engaging with the environment around them. Their parents are typically the focal point of their lives, and other family and friends are other areas of importance. What they observe and experience with their five senses captures their interest. Help your child see Jesus and implement Him as part of their life. Start now, and start while they’re young.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18-20NLT).  ” Ephesians 5:18-20

One of the best parts of my job is welcoming students from out of the country into school in Canada. 

Moving into a different place, learning a different language, and navigating a new culture is a massive challenge. Sometimes there are so many changes that students become stressed and homesick. 

A few years ago, I met a new student from Columbia who had just entered Canada.  Right from the beginning, I noticed something different about her that I could not put my finger on.  As she entered classes and began the new chapter in Canada.  I noticed that there was such a consistent joy in her life that she shared with everyone she met.  Later that year, she confirmed my suspicion that she was a follower of Jesus.  The joy, that was so obvious in her life, came from the Spirit of God living inside her.

In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul tells them to “be filled” with the Holy Spirit. 

When people are discouraged, depressed or just having a bad day when they seek filling from different sources.

Drinking alcohol can make us feel carefree and lead to a great night of singing at the pub. In reality, it really doesn’t give lasting satisfaction. Others may attempt to use sex, food, shopping, fame, fitness, or fashion to numb the pain and difficulty of life. 

The apostle commands followers of Jesus to be filled with the Spirit of God. He want us to that deep, long-lasting satisfaction in Him. The logical question then is, “How can we be filled by God’s Spirit?”

The answer that scripture gives us is incredibly simple and difficult–a deep reliance on the Spirit’s power.  

One alternative to a deep reliance on the Spirit’s power is a deep reliance on self.

There is a popular myth in our culture that, believing in yourself is all you need to navigate lifes difficulties. This can easily slip into the matrix of our beliefs causing us to malfunction concerning God’s purpose for our lives. We can miss out on the true source of joy and power.

Samson’s life, described in Judges, illustrates the need for a deep reliance on the Spirit of God. 

The period of the Judges is one of the lowest points in Israel’s history.  Everyone was living in a way that seemed right to them (Judges 17:6) but very few of them were following God’s path. 

By the time we pick up Samson’s story in chapter 16, God has allowed the Philistines to conquer God’s people in hope that they will again follow Him…but they don’t.  God, in His mercy and patience, supplies judges (who were like warlords) that beat back their enemies for a time but they soon return to their old way of doing things.  Samson is one of the judges raised up by God to give relief to His people.  

Unlike some of the other judges, he is not a conventional military leader.  In fact, he does not lead an army at all. He is not even a team player. His life consists of several solo battles revolving around personal conflicts that have resulted from broken relationships with Philistine women. 

Samson’s dysfunctional relationships with Philistine women go badly in different ways but in each case, the end result is similar–violent, hand-to-hand combat with city guards and sometimes entire armies.   

Although Samson constantly disobeys his parents and lives by his own moral code, God graciously uses him for the good of His people. God’s gifting to Samson is super-human strength in battle. 

At one point, the Holy Spirit comes upon him and he kills 1000 soldiers with the jawbone of a donkey.  After this particular battle, Samson is so exhausted that he is near death.  He cries out to God for water and God miraculously provides him with water from a rock.  In this scene of the story, Samson is found relying on God as his provider but he soon grows proud, and that reliance changes into arrogance. 

Fast forwarding the story closer to the end (Judges 16:4), Samson falls in love with yet another Philistine woman named Delilah.  Seeking an opportunity to gain an advantage over Samson, the city leaders offer Delilah a huge sum of money to learn the secret of Samson’s strength.  Delilah uses her beauty and seductive powers to draw the secret out of Samson. 

After lying to her several times, Samson finally tells her the truth.  

 So he [Samson] told her everything. “No razor has ever been used on my head,” he said, “because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.” When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him (Judges 16:17-19).

What’s interesting at this point in this story is that, even though Samson says that his strength is connected to his Nazarite vow, his response shows that he doesn’t believe this.

“Then she called, ‘Samson, the Philistines are upon you!’ He awoke from his sleep and thought, ‘I’ll go out as before and shake myself free’” (Judges 16:20).

Samson’s thoughts at this moment show us an attitude that grieves the heart and Spirit of God. Samson has become so self-reliant that he begins to take credit for God’s gifting and power in his life. The results are immediate and devastating.    

Samson’s super-human powers were tied to God’s purpose and plan for Samson but when he became overconfident in his own abilities, God withdraws.

The retreat of the Spirit leads to Samson’s defeat and humiliation.

“Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison” (Judges 16:21). 

This low point of Samson’s life illustrates a massive roadblock to being filled by God’s spirit, and self-reliance. Self-reliance is an attitude that says, “I can be who God has called me to be and do what God has purposed me to do without the help and power of the Holy Spirit”  If we are honest with ourselves, I think all of us can identify with this mindset, we have all bought into the lie of self-sufficiency to one degree or another.    

Notice that God makes a temporary departure in Samson’s life here and this is a serious consequence of taking credit for God’s work in our lives.

God sometimes presses the pause button on His work in our lives at times to draw us back to Himself. It is not that God gives up on us or stops pursuing us. However, His loving discipline is sometimes required to bring us back to a life of faith and dependence on the Spirit. 

Are you feeling distant from God because you once orbited your life around God but now find yourself adrift?  

Thankfully Samson’s story doesn’t leave us there, it also gives us hope for renewed fullness of the Spirit.

Blinded and weak, Samson waited in his prison cell.  As he waits, a new humility and reliance on God emerge.  In the last chapter of his life, we find Samson making a desperate plea to God to renew his power one last time. This prayer signals a re-acknowledgment of the true source of power in His life.  God is merciful to Samson and gives him one last victory over the Philistines. 

In this last chapter, Samson gives us a glimpse of Jesus, who relied perfectly on the Father and fulfilled God’s purpose for his life. Jesus perfectly kept in step with the Spirit of God throughout his life.  His life was full of the Spirit’s joy and power.  Knowing that God would require a sacrifice for our sins, Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross. He took the punishment for our sins upon himself so that we could enjoy–new life, everlasting life, and the fullness of God’s spirit.   

God desires that you and I be filled with His Spirit, but in order to receive this filling, we must see Him as the only One who can generate true joy and power in our lives. Walk in step with God’s Spirit today so that you can fulfill His purpose for your life. 

Ask God to take your emptiness and replace it with his fullness.

Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit so that you experience His joy and power like never before.

Jordan Mayer – Global Disciples Canada Advocate & Prayer Supporter

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!