Do you trust God in His Words?

Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.”

For Kam and for a group of disciple-makers in Myanmar, following that directive has led to open doors, new churches, and transformed lives.

Kam leads a discipleship-mission training program, launched through Global Disciples with your help.

He explained how they saw the Holy Spirit do His transforming work. “Even though we went empty-handed, God helped us according to His Word. His guiding hand is sufficient for us—He inspired us through His Word. In fact, the Holy Spirit transformed the lives of many people.”

Kam’s teams went out to villages and communities among the hill people, mostly farmers. They went house to house, and talked face to face, praying for the sick and lending a hand to orphans and widows. Many were miraculously healed. And broken families were restored.

Kam described one family as “totally broken.” He said, “We prayed for them; and we helped them ask forgiveness of each other for their faults against one another. They have renewed their relationships and now live in a sweet Christian home.”

Another husband and wife both gave their lives to Christ through this outreach, along with many more who put their faith in Jesus. “It’s not our work,” Kam said, “it is God’s work in the midst of us.”

The few Christians in this region have no pastors or elders to guide them. The occasional evangelist comes to preach the Gospel but as Kam put it “no one has been taking care of their spiritual life.”

He said, “By the power of the Holy Spirit, God transformed the lives of men and women who’d been born again but were not pursuing a life in Christ.” The disciple-makers were able to share the Word of God more deeply with them, to help nurture spiritual growth.

The disciple-makers even reached out to several local Buddhist monks. “They were interested in the Word of God,” Kam said. “So, we gave them the Holy Bible, and had good fellowship and meals with them.”

For the local church, and those Kam continues to train, the mission continues. Recently they trained and sent out ten church planters to another unreached people group.

“The Holy Spirit moved in their hearts, and they were willing to obey the Word of God, to make disciples, and to plant churches in their communities,” he said. “I hope this will really be fruitful for His glory. Blessed be the name of the Lord!”

Help Train More People like Kam.

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!

Christian evangelism should be the lifestyle of every disciple of Jesus. Compassion toward all human beings is part of our calling.

It enables us to see the lost through the eyes of Jesus to lead them to Him.

Evangelism is preaching the Gospel and taking care of new believers to lead them into maturity.

We can better understand Evangelism and Compassion and how it relates to the Church and our lives by exploring the following;

Imagine you are very busy selling cold drinks on the beach where several thousands of tourists are enjoying their vacation. You just heard through the radio that there is going to be a tsunami in the area in one hour’s time. The government is asking the people on the beach to hurry to the nearby mountain. You know in a few minutes’ time the waves of the sea will rise up high and wash away everyone and destroy everything.

What will you do and how will you communicate the message to the people on the beach?

Preaching the Gospel is one of the most joyful privileges—to communicate the urgent news that there is a way for humanity’s salvation from eternal destruction is a huge calling.

It is also a very important responsibility because, if we do not communicate this news on time, it will lead those who have not heard to eternal death.

The Gospel is the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This news is for everyone irrespective of race, caste, sex, creed, nationality, or color. It is through sharing the Good News with someone who has never heard it that that person can receive the love of God.

Someone correctly said once that evangelism is like one beggar telling the other where he found bread.

Some years ago, evangelist Paul Rader persistently was urging a banker in New York to receive Christ, but the man never responded. One day, Rader sensed that God wanted him to go immediately and speak to this man again.

Obediently, he took a train and went with all speed to the town where the man lived. He hurried to the bank and found his friend standing in the doorway. “Rader,” the friend said, “I’m glad to see you! I wrote a letter begging you to come but later changed my mind and didn’t send it.” “That’s all right,” said the evangelist, “your message came through by way of heaven.”

Under deep conviction of sin, the banker was impressed by Rader’s earnestness and his special effort to reach him with the Gospel; that same hour, he received Christ. Suddenly, the banker gave a strange gasp and fell into the evangelist’s arms—DEAD! He had been saved on the very brink of eternity.

Seeing as God sees and responding as Jesus would requires growth in our spiritual journey.

We can do nothing apart from Jesus Christ. He promised to be with us when we go out to preach the Gospel and make disciples. He also promised to send us the Holy Spirit to empower us to make us effective witnesses for Him.

What is your experience of preaching the Gospel and making disciples?Does something need to change?

What are some of your strengths for which to thank God and which to use in serving others?

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!

When The Holy Spirit moves He changes us! Discover how a struggling church leader in Uganda, became a disciple-making disciple.

“Before I came to the Global Disciples Directors training, my personal relationship with God was not all that healthy,” Achi said, describing his spiritual state a few years ago.

“I was filled with questions about God and about myself. I was like a hunter, wondering where to go next after a lot of struggles.”

Achi, a church leader in Uganda, was struggling.

He said, “My life was full of emotions from family issues, frustrations, and the torture of trusting in myself. I rarely prayed, and when I did, I was not focused…I only prayed because everyone else was praying,”

As Achi attended the Global Disciples Directors Training, it struck a chord in his searching heart. “God changed my whole life to become a testimony for others to come and see,” he said.

The Directors Training equips believers like Achi in the core components of being a disciple of Jesus, so they can train others to be a disciple-making disciples. The Holy Spirit often works in these sessions to touch the directors first, empowering them to train from experience as well as study.

Achi found his life remade by the Holy Spirit. The session on Intimacy with God provided the foundation. He said, “My relationship with God has improved to be a beautiful thing. I have a reason to seek God and to hunger for more. He has made me a missionary and has become my purpose in life.”

Lessons on Holy Spirit Empowerment and Developing Christ-like Relationships also impacted Achi’s family relationships and his commitment to the mission of the Gospel. He relates, “God has given me the ability to stay in harder places, far from home, and to be comfortable there on mission.”

It’s meant a radical change for his family. Last year God directed them to move to a new community for further outreach. His children changed schools, and his family is adapting to a new culture and language, but Achi says, “We are happy to see God directing our lives each day.”

Achi’s renewed relationship with the Lord is bearing fruit in those he has trained as disciple-makers—they’ve already planted six churches! Phineas, one young trainee, is a great help, actively involved in outreach, and has assisted in planting another four churches.

Achi reports another transformation as he shares the core components with local churches. “We are seeing unity in the churches in our area. The teachings on Intimacy with God, Holy Spirit empowerment, and Christ-like Relationships have helped us to resolve conflict in the church and in the community since they call for peace and reconciliation between man and God.”

Change in one heart is spilling into the lives of others and in churches and the community. No wonder Achi rejoices, “I want to thank God for calling me to serve through teaching others His Word. And we will use these components to build and restore God’s people back to God.”

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!

What do we mean by the Kingdom of God, and how does it relate to the Church?

What is our identity, our place, and our part in the Church?

We can understand what the Kingdom of God is and how it relates to the Church by exploring the following;

There are various functions/ministries within the Church just as the parts of the body have different functions. All of these parts are necessary to fulfill the three-fold ministry of the Church.

We worship the Lord by offering our bodies as living, holy, and acceptable sacrifices to God. We worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness. And we worship him in truth and spirit.

The Church is called to have close fellowship with each other—loving each other with a sincere heart and taking care of each other’s needs. Love is the main factor that binds the whole body together.

Jesus sent His disciples to go out and preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to each and every person on the face of the earth. He empowered them through His Word, Holy Spirit, and His ever-abiding promise. Each member of the Church is a witness to God’s redeeming power in his or her life. Our testimonies can impact lost souls and bring them to accept the Kingdom of God.

A healthy church is one in which every member is functioning properly. Only a body where each part fulfills its function will stand healthy and strong. If every member functions properly, then the local church will have inspiring worship, loving relationships, and servant hearts for the world.

As Paul says in Ephesians 4:16, there are three functions each member of the Church has to accomplish. “From Him, the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16).

Firstly, each member must grow. Each one of us is personally and directly connected to the Head, Jesus (John 15:4-6). We must grow in spiritual maturity in order to bear fruit. God has called each one of us to grow and not to remain spiritual babies (Hebrews 5:11-14).

Secondly, each member must build others. This has been one of the missing elements in many churches. We do not take deliberate, personal responsibility for building others up. Usually, we delegate that responsibility to some professionals called “full-time ministers.” But biblically, we all have the responsibility to build others up through encouragement and support. Parents are responsible for building their children (Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:18-21); existing disciples are responsible for building the new disciples (Matthew 28:19-20); the older women/men are responsible for building the younger ones (Titus 2:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:2).

Thirdly, each member must serve. Every member of the Church is a minister. We all have a calling from God along with the corresponding, necessary gifting as we continue to disciple in the way of Jesus and help each member to understand their gifting, the body functions in a healthy way to fulfill the mission of the Lord.

The word of God says “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).

There are many members in the body of Christ, and all of these members form one body. God has made each member differently with a different gift that functions appropriately to allow each to fulfill whatever task God has given him/her. As we have many members in our physical body and none of the members have the same function, so we, the community of disciples, are one body in Christ with different gifts for ministry (Romans 12:4-5).

The Body of Christ, the Church, is one unified whole made up of different parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-28). Each member is vital for the Body’s growth and maturity. As many members in the Body of Christ, we each need to function for the growth, building up, and maturity of the Body of Christ. I am a single member; hence I am not the whole, not even the half, but only a small part of Christ’s Body. We must realize the relationship which exists between each member when we exercise our gifts. A member cannot be a substitute for the entire Body, yet it can affect the whole Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).

In the human body for example, the eyes can see, the ears can hear, and the nose can smell. They all have their own functions, and each has its own portion. The same is true with the members of the Body of Christ. Not every member can see or hear or smell; but each member has its own specific function. To serve the Body of Christ means to supply the Body with the life which a member receives from the Head. When the eyes of a seeing member sees, the entire body is able to see; that member of the Body of Christ who has insight into spiritual things becomes the eyes of the body.

In the physical realm, when my hand works, it is not my hand but my body which works; when my feet walk, it is not my feet but my body which walks. A physical member never does anything merely for its own benefit—whatever it does is for the sake of the body. The same is true in the spiritual Body.

Life needs a channel in which to flow. God is seeking for people in whom He can deposit an abundant portion of the life of Christ so that they may supply it to others (John 10:10). He wants us to be that channel of life, and He has given us our portion of talent, our specific channel, on which to focus our energies; some of these include administration, servant-heart, giving, hospitality, encouragement, music. Whatever the channel, God wants all of the parts of the Body to complement each other as they each carry out the duties to which they are assigned.

A healthy church is one in which every member grows, serves, and builds others. All of these qualities must come from the indwelling life of Christ in each believer (John 15:4-5). This is a profound paradigm shift from a program mentality to a people mentality. However, if we can create a church culture in which every believer takes responsibility to grow, serve, and build, the Church will easily transform the community in which we live.

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!

In northern Tanzania’s remote bush, the Hadzabi people, hold to their traditional ways as hunters and gatherers.

In fact, they live in movable camps, seeking water and food from game or other natural sources. The Hadzabi consider the food of the land as God’s gift to them. They are one of Tanzania’s least-reached people groups. And their traditional beliefs include a Creator God, one they know by name. However, they also know he has a son.

Pastor Leo, a local church planter, is reaching out to the Hadzabi in the name of Jesus. He’s introducing them to the Son of the Creator God and sharing the Good News.

Leo was trained through a Global Disciples partner program. And, his goal is to reach several least-reached people groups in their region. He is among the first to complete the training and Leo’s already deep into the ministry he prepared for.

However, in just a few months, his small church has added two Hadzabi believers.

These Hadzabi believers are introducing him to the rest of their small community, building relationships, and sharing the Gospel.

Further west, another training program affiliated with Global Disciples also completed its first training. The program director, Pastor Umbu, believes that to reach the least- reached, he needs to be where they are! So, he strategically set up the training close to a people group considered least-reached.

Pastor Umbu trains people to focus on sharing the Gospel with these mountain people. Up until now, they have had a minimal Christian presence.

When one of our Global staff visited these leaders in their training and met the new Hadzabi believers in their camp, she said, “It was so meaningful because I saw our mission to the least- reached is being fulfilled!”

And it is. People like Pastor Leo and Pastor Umbu have embraced the vision to see every person have an opportunity to choose and follow Jesus. They know that includes the Hadzabi and other groups in their region, and they’re doing all they can to equip believers and fulfill the assignment to reach the least-reached.

As Global Disciples, we share their joy to see the Hadzabi and other unreached people groups in northern Tanzania come to know God’s Son Jesus as their Savior.

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!

Danbir knows about facing hurdles and obstacles, he leads a discipleship-mission training in Nepal.

He and the disciple-makers he trained ran into a significant need when they went to share the Gospel in a village—and discovered there was no water! No water for anyone in the community to drink, to wash, to water fields. And his team did not carry any water with them.

God is always at work, but He doesn’t guarantee that our part in His work will run smoothly and that everybody gets along.

Difficulties show up when, like Danbir, we face needs we can’t meet, experience opposition to our mission, or when we’re in conflict with those around us. But as whole-hearted disciples, we learn to trust God to work despite these hurdles. As a result, we can see a powerful testimony and rich spiritual fruit in our lives.

When Danbir was faced with this need for water, he recognized he had to trust God. As a whole-hearted disciple of Jesus, he gathered his team to fast and pray. When the Lord miraculously provided water for the village, it became a powerful testimony. Danbir reported, “There are now 20 new believers preparing for baptism!”

The hurdles we face can also stem from our own human nature as we relate to and serve one another. Rushil, another Nepali director, shared that during his initial training, conflict developed between students from two different ethnic groups. Longstanding prejudices and cultural traits fueled the tensions and interfered with learning to be a whole-hearted disciple of Jesus.

Then a local pastor taught on the session on Right Relationships. Rushil said, “Through that, the lives of the participants were touched by the Lord. They confessed their guilt and sought reconciliation among themselves. In that way, the Lord brought transformation to their lives.” They were knit together in the Spirit and experienced His power as they went on to share the Good News among least-reached people!

As we serve the Lord and share the Gospel, we won’t experience smooth sailing. But God is faithful to His promises and His people, and able to move the mountains of difficulty to fulfill His mission through each of us.

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!

Many people find the idea of talking with strangers scary. We don’t know how they’re going to respond, or whether or not they will like us starting a conversation with them.

Sharing your faith can be even more scary, even if the people we are sharing with are close friends.

Faith is such a personal part of us that many people may feel that we are judging them the moment we start talking about God. But remember that God has given each of us the grace to be able to witness to others. Whether you’re sharing with your friend or a stranger, try to remember not to be intimidated by the person you’re talking to.

Below are some ideas on how to share your faith in Jesus with those who don’t yet know him.

Whether you’re talking with a friend or a stranger, it can be difficult to bring up the topic of religion or Christianity.

It’s important to remember that God has given us the courage and the opportunity to share the gospel with others.

Discussing your faith can be scary, but doing so is also very rewarding.

Make sure you’re not alone when you approach them. You can always gather a group of friends to accompany you or go with you to a church group or ministry event. It’s also important to be wise when approaching a person. Jesus tells us to be as innocent as doves, but as crafty as snakes (Matthew 10:16). This means there is nothing wrong with using tact in how you present the gospel, as well as protect yourself when speaking with a stranger.

Our lives are often the best example for someone who is being presented with the Gospel.

Many people are more interested in what the gospel has done for you personally than the technicalities around the Gospel. Using your life as an example of how powerful the gospel is to bring us joy and peace can give others a personal reference and starting point (2 Corinthians 1:4). Hopefully, speaking about yourself can lead them to ask questions of themselves.

When you first share the Gospel with someone, it’s essential to listen to how they respond. The Bible says, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them to do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

When first presented with the Gospel, our personal hurts, doubts, and frustrations can block our willingness to accept the Good news. If your friend objects, it could be that hurt or doubt that is fueling their objection. Listen respectfully. Once you’ve listened to their concerns, calmly and kindly explain why you believe what you believe and how it makes sense to you. If you’re unable to answer their questions, pray and ask God to help you understand what you can say in response.

When you’re witnessing to a friend, you need to make sure you’re answering their questions and concerns well.

Again, talking about God in your own life is a great way to answer their questions. Just saying that God loves you or that Jesus died for our sins may not make sense to them. You need to be able to relate with them and show them how they can have a personal relationship with God. Your personal testimony can be that connection for them. As one preacher said, “You cannot argue with a testimony, because it belongs to the person telling it, not you.” The hope is that your listener will see their own need for Christ reflected in your life.

You can’t share the gospel if you don’t know what it says. The best way to know what it says is by reading it every day. Don’t just read the parts that are fun or that make you feel good. Read the entire Bible. You’ll learn important historical facts, moral guidelines and everything else that God wants you to know. Armed with more knowledge, you’ll be more effective when sharing your faith (2 Timothy 3:17)

In the end, sharing your faith is all about being sensitive to the other person you’re speaking with. God reflected in your personal story, linked with biblical insights, can powerfully stir up the heart of another person. It’s important to remember that the gospel is the power of God and can change anyone.

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 when 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!

Read how Ebatshu and his team reached the isolated Batwa people and led to a movement of church multiplication among them.

Ebatshu has a vision to reach the Batwa or Pygmy people of Central Africa.

The Batwa are isolated in the forests, living as hunter-gatherers and interacting only marginally with the peoples around them. Culturally, they are often treated as lower class and discriminated against by the majority peoples.

However, Ebatshu included five Batwa believers in the discipleship-mission training he directs, launched with your help through Global Disciples.

For outreach, he traveled into the forests to minister to their people, and that’s where he met Adika. Like most of his tribe, Adika lived without clothes, dependent on whatever the forest provided.

Ebatshu began talking about Jesus but Adika just waved him off, saying, “Who is this Jesus?” Ebatshu knew that actions can speak loudly, so he gave Adika his spare shirt and trousers.

Adika was surprised and wanted to know why. Ebatshu said, “Because Jesus loves you, I love you, and I want to give these clothes to you.”

“Then I want to know this Jesus,” Adika replied. He listened intently to the Gospel and gave his life to Christ. Soon his wife and three children also placed their faith in Jesus.

Ebatshu and his team continued their outreach in the community and spent each evening discipling Adika, teaching him about his new life in Christ.

Soon, others followed Adika’s lead.

A local witchdoctor who was very sick was immediately healed when the outreach team prayed for him in the name of Jesus.

He put his faith in Jesus, as did several women, including one who was a prostitute. She was pregnant at the time and wore a special charm to protect her. Once she put her faith in Jesus, she decided to remove the charm and rely on God’s protection! And she developed a small business to support herself, leaving prostitution behind.

In a short time about 80 Batwa believers were meeting regularly with Adika as their pastor. He even chose a new name—he’s now Moses, the one who leads his people with the Good News of Jesus.

It’s been over seven years since Ebatshu met Moses, formerly Adika. Today, Moses is leading a growing movement among his people. The church is now 200 members strong, and Moses has also planted seven new churches in neighboring villages, giving oversight to the leaders he put in place.

While the Batwa don’t have the Bible in their own language yet, Ebatshu has given each pastor a Bible in a trade language they understand. The pastors read it to their congregation each week, helping them know the God they worship and follow.

They also started a school for the children—a significant step for a people often excluded from education or training by the majority peoples around them. And yes, most of the Batwa in this region now wear clothes, a sign of changed lives and the dignity of being valued by God.

What a joy to see how the Lord has used Ebatshu and Moses to bring about multiplication among this people, rejected by their neighbors but never by the One who created and died for them.

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!

What do we mean by the Kingdom of God, and how does it relate to the Church?

What is our identity, our place, and our part in the Church?

We can understand what the Kingdom of God is and how it relates to the Church by exploring the following;

The Kingdom of God is manifested and established through the Church that Jesus Christ builds (Matthew 16:18).

Jesus said, “I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” God’s purpose for the Church is found in Ephesians 3:10: “To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the CHURCH to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places”.

Our Global Disciples definition of the Church is the “Church” is a growing community of disciples centered in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and focused on mission. The evidence of such a community is seen in its devotion to God’s Word, the quality and depth of fellowship, and a joyful sharing of lives celebrated in worship, communion, baptism, and prayer.

The word fellowship comes from the Greek word koinonia which means to share in common. A Christian fellowship means assimilating into the body of believers, becoming “one” in worshipping, loving, caring, and sharing. Fellowship is not an optional matter for followers of Jesus—it is mandatory. We need one another as much as the eye needs the hand and the head needs the feet. All of us need our brothers and sisters in the faith if we are to fulfill our mission of multiplying disciples and fellowships of believers in least-reached areas.

The first century Church was known by its fellowship with God and one another (Acts 2:42-47). They studied the Word together, ate together, and prayed together DAILY. They believed who they were in Christ and, as a result, the Word spread like wildfire. There are benefits in our fellowship with one another.

As disciples, we are all members of one family called the “Body of Christ.” We need one another for mutual encouragement and to help each other grow in our relationship with the Lord. That is why fellowship is so important. Our interaction with others also can and should encourage us to be accountable for our actions, words, and lifestyle so that we are living a godly life before the world (Hebrews 10:24-25). Proverbs 27:17 talks about how iron sharpens iron. We help each other stay sharp through the Word of God. Matthew 18:19 talks about how important it is to expect great results when we pray together with another believer. There are a lot of blessings when we are in a heart-to-heart fellowship with others (Psalm 133). There is nothing like spending time with people who love God and believe in who they are in Christ.

Our relationship with Jesus Christ is obviously the basis for the forgiveness of our sins, but the Bible indicates that we cannot have a proper fellowship with God if we do not have proper fellowship with one another (1 John 1:5-7). Matthew 5:23-24 indicates that our worship to God is unacceptable unless we make things right with our brethren. This shows that there is a strong, inseparable relationship between “fellowship” and “loving one another.” Some Christians do not understand the benefit of fellowship. They wish to seek the Lord and pray by themselves, they want to do everything on their own; they want to be not only a mouth but also ears, to be hands as well as feet. It is not so with those who truly know how God intends for His Church to function because they know that they need fellowship. In fellowship, we acknowledge that we are limited and insufficient apart from others.  Through fellowship, we gladly receive what we need and give what others need.

Many passages of the Bible confirm that loving one another is an affirmation of our salvation (1 John 3:14). We are able to see our fellowship with God from the reflection of our fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ (1 John 4:20); our relationship with one another is the barometer that measures our spiritual temperature. Our degree of love toward one another is the gauge that shows our love for God (1 John 4:12). When we can remain loving and steadfast—even if others say negative things about us, let us down, or do something that offends us—our love is being perfected. We’re growing up as disciples and becoming more like Christ!

Jesus commanded us to love one another in the same way that He loves us. He stated that this love toward others was the necessary evidence to prove our faithful discipleship to the world (John 13:34-35). How much love do we have for one another? The Bible says that we’re supposed to be ready to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16). How do we really lay down our lives for them if we are not willing to meet with them a few times a week for fellowship? 

It is very important for every believer to be an active part of a Christian fellowship. Willful rejection of fellowship is evidence of not walking in the light (1 John 1:6). All through the New Testament, Jesus shows us that He takes personally how we relate to His body. Our love, expressions of kindness, and ministry to any of our brothers and sisters in Christ are received as though they were done to the Lord (Matthew 25:40). Is it right to refuse to fellowship with one another when the opportunity is given? If we refuse to fellowship with one another, we are refusing to fellowship with Christ (Matthew 18:20).

Fellowship within the Body of Christ is crucial to our continued growth as disciples. We need the preaching and teaching from God’s Word, the encouragement that draws us close to our brothers and sisters, the opportunities of Christian ministry for growth, and the opportunity to practice loving other Christians well.

Each part of the Church is equal before God and equally accountable to both God and every other part of the body. In practice, this means that each part must both give and receive accountability. God designed the Church to function best when its members are there for each other in ways that encourage one another and hold them responsible to the commitment they have made to follow Christ. Every believer is accountable to the local Church leadership in the community of believers where he/she is ministering and, at the same time, is also accountable to the Lord. As soon as we made the commitment to believe in Jesus and what He did for us, God adopted us to be His children. This means that we are all accountable to God and to one another.

What are some of the benefits of fellowshipping with other believers?

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!

What do we mean by the Kingdom of God, and how does it relate to the Church?

What is our identity, our place, and our part in the Church?

We can understand what the Kingdom of God is and how it relates to the Church by exploring the following;

As Christians, our identity is in Christ. If it is not, it must be in something else—our nationality, our family, our friends, our possessions, our job.

When Jesus becomes our identity, we can face whatever life throws at us.

If we have placed our trust in the risen Son of God, turned from our sins, and accepted by faith the reality of His death and resurrection, we have an amazing new identity.

We are God’s dearly loved children in whom He delights. In fact, we are heirs of His incredible blessings, saints with new natures, and citizens of God’s kingdom (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-2; Romans 8:16).

As followers of Jesus Christ, we have a new identity. Our sins are forgiven, and we enjoy the new hope, strength, and courage in our new birth. Instead of our old life, we have abundant and eternal life that is His life in us. What a privilege to have such a new life in Christ. 

We are called to bring peace and reconciliation in today’s world. And as this verse in Corinthians states, we are called to be ministers of reconciliation in our work places, churches, families—everywhere.

A follower of Jesus Christ is an ambassador for Christ. We have higher and greater task given from God that must be accomplished. Therefore, the believer exercises the authority given by God. 

Jesus Christ took all of our sins upon Himself and died for us so that we would become the righteousness of God. When God looks at us, He sees the powerful blood of Christ over us. He calls us His children. He has taken all our sins, cast them into the depths of the sea, and put a signboard for the devil which reads, “No fishing here!”

In Christ, we become the children of God and receive the boldness and courage to approach His throne of grace calling Him “Abba, Father.” The Holy Spirit within us bears witness that we are the children of God (Romans 8:14-16).

We become as important as salt and light in life. Salt looks very insignificant but, in any dish that we cook, it plays an important role. It makes the dish tasty and delicious. Where a believer goes, there is real peace and joy, and hope overflows in a way that changes lives and impacts all those around.

Light reveals everything. As we live righteous lives, lives showing right relationship with God and Christ-like relationship with others, the works of darkness will not only be revealed but will also be removed from the lives of people around us. Our identity in Christ will heal a hurting world.

God has called us to be His, and He wants us to bear fruit. When we abide in Christ and His words abide in our hearts, we will bear the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives, and the fruits of the ministry will be seen in us for the saving of many souls.

Living in sin makes us hostile to God. But when we receive Christ into our hearts, we become His friends. This is a relationship to be cherished and nourished. In fact, talking to Jesus on a daily basis and walking in obedience to His word strengthens this relationship.

Jesus defeated Satan, took the victory, and handed it over to us. As soon as we believe in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, we become more than conquerors through Him. Our enemy can do us no harm.

It’s a privilege that God makes us His abiding place, His temple. Did you know that we are called to live holy lives. What God demands from us is a pure heart and clean hands.

The people around us must smell the love of Christ in and though our lives. When persecuted, we are called to bless. We are blessed to become a blessing for the people in our lives.

Fully embracing our new identity

Our new identity in Christ is a life of love, meaning, and purpose. It is Christ living in and through us. In fact, the Apostle Paul explains that we have been chosen to share in God’s glory (Romans 5:1-2). If we fully understand the riches of God’s glory in this life and the next, we will never be the same.

One of the reasons many of us Christians miss out on the abundant life Christ offers us is that we do not really believe God has something better for us beyond what we have experienced. We do not want to let go of the beliefs and values of this world. Each time we base our self-worth on accomplishments and appearance rather than on who we are in Christ, we are choosing to follow the value system of this world. Every time we choose our actions and priorities based on what is popular or currently accepted rather than on what matters to God, we are short-circuiting God’s power in our lives and sabotaging the amazing plan He has for us.  

The supernatural life Christ offers requires that we turn our backs on the old and wholeheartedly embrace the new. God always pursues us to show us a whole new way of thinking, seeing, and living that comes with fully surrendering our lives to Him. We are members of the Body of Christ with a specific function that we need to discover and put to good use. 

How often do I experience my new identity in Christ? In which of these areas am I strongest and in which of these areas do I need improvement?

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions 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!