“A voice of one calling: ‘In the desert prepare the way for the LORD…’” (Isaiah 40:3‑5). Prayer changes everything. So what exactly is groundbreaking prayer?

Preparing the way of the Lord is critical if the Gospel is to penetrate regions still unreached with the Good News.

The influence of evil has been entrenched in many places for generations. When disciples of Jesus are few or nonexistent, Global Disciples affirms sending Groundbreaking Prayer Teams onsite to “prepare the way of the Lord.”

This is not a new approach.

In Luke 10, Jesus commissioned teams to go before Him and prepare regions for His ministry. These teams were called to pray—asking the Lord of the harvest to send forth workers—and to be a living demonstration of God’s kingdom and power where He had not yet been revealed. At the end of their assignment, Jesus described the impact of their ministry in the spiritual realm, saying, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18).

As we pray—with feet on the ground—we gain a heightened awareness of the nature and extent of the spiritual strongholds that blind and capture people’s spirits. Onsite prayer releases a deposit of faith in Jesus Christ into the land and the atmosphere of the area.

This past year, Global Disciples prayer leaders, program directors, and local intercessors undertook groundbreaking prayer in places like Indonesia, India, Mexico, Brazil, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Cameroon. Other trips included regions of Nigeria, Tanzania, and Myanmar.

When a prayer team in east Nepal conducted a regional Groundbreaking Prayer Trip, they prayed at a place known as Suicide Point. A tall tree overhangs a high cliff and many people have taken their lives by jumping from that spot. The intercessors prayed that this spirit of death would be replaced by life, and for salvation for the families grieving their lost loved ones.

From this high place, the prayer team could see surrounding villages. Our Global Disciples Program Director from the area pointed out that none of those villages had a church yet or even a small fellowship of believers.

The next day, the program director led a smaller team to one of the villages, to walk and pray and prepare the way for Jesus. “They met a lady called Rupa who was demonized,” our Regional Prayer Leader for Nepal reported. “The intercessors prayed and the demon left her. She gave her life to Christ. The Director and his team are meeting with her regularly.” Perhaps Rupa is the beginning of a new church in that unreached village!

Global Disciples currently has thirteen prayer leaders around the world, working to increase prayer groups and nurture movements in their region. The focus of these prayer groups is to give all people an opportunity to hear the love and truth of Jesus.

Groundbreaking Prayer is one strategy for which they are equipping prayer teams. Our Nepali leader said, “Please pray that all our prayer teams will organize Groundbreaking Prayer Trips locally.”

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!

So many people around the world face each day without knowing that God loves them. Or that His own Son, Jesus, died for them, and rose from the dead—all to give them hope and the opportunity to enjoy Him forever. How can we reach more people?

What can you and I do? Realistically, can we “reach least-reached people”? It’s a big question.

How can we reach the more than the 321 million Muslims of North Africa, and the Middle East—with little or no witness to Jesus Christ? That number of people is close to the entire population of the United States.   

What about China with 462 ethnic minority people who are considered unevangelized? There are only a few believers and churches within these groups. And only a small percentage of the 1.2 billion Han Chinese are followers of Christ. 

Then there are 1.1 billion Hindus in Nepal, India, and across South Asia. What can we do to point them to the one true God, among the thousands of Hindu gods? Or the 494 million people of Buddhist background, mainly in Southeast Asia, determined to find enlightenment—but never knowing Jesus, the Light of the World. 

Is there a way to reach the one-third of our world that is still waiting to hear the Good News of Jesus in a way they can respond? 

Yes, there is! We can work together to equip and mobilize the Body of Christ around the world. We can train and send out those who follow Jesus and who already live within reach of these unreached people groups.

These disciples have access to regions where North American Christians can’t go. But Muslims who have come to know Jesus can reach their people. Chinese Christians can. Former Hindus and Buddhists can share the freedom found in Christ with their people.

As Global Disciples, we focus on reaching those who have yet to hear the Good News of Jesus.

We believe one of the most effective ways to do this is by working with and through the global Body of Christ. Global Disciples work side-by-side with believers and indigenous churches around the world, we can be part of reaching those who have yet to hear the Good News of Jesus.

It’s a big job—a task that seems impossible. But with God, nothing is impossible.

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!

Throughout history, the Gospel message has been spreading to all corners of the world. From the apostles of Jesus Christ to modern-day evangelists, people have shared the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Here, we will explore why it is crucial to share the Gospel and how it can transform lives. 

The Gospel message is the core belief of Christianity. The good news that Jesus Christ came to earth to save us from our sins and reconcile us to God.

The word “Gospel” means “good news”. And it is the message that brings hope, peace, and salvation to those who believe in Jesus Christ.

The Gospel message begins with the understanding that all human beings have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Our sin separates us from God, and we cannot save ourselves.

But God, in His great love, sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins and rise again on the third day, conquering death and offering us eternal life (John 3:16).

As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

The Gospel message is a message of hope and salvation for all who believe in Jesus Christ. It is a message that we must share with the world.

Jesus Christ gave His followers the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded. And surely, I am with you to the very end of the age.”

This commandment is not optional for believers. It is a call to action that we must very take seriously. 

In addition, the apostle Paul also emphasized the urgency of sharing the Gospel. In Romans 10:13-15, he wrote, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 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? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

We must understand, like Paul, that the Gospel message must be proclaimed so people can hear it. Then they have an opportunity to believe it, and be saved. He recognized that the Gospel message was not just for a select few but for all people. He thought it was every believer’s responsibility to share this message with those who had yet to hear it.

The Gospel message has the power to transform lives. When people really connect with this message, they are given hope. They realize that they are not alone in their struggles. And begin to connect with a God who loves them and wants to save them. The Gospel message offers forgiveness for sins and a new life in Christ. 

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul wrote, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” The Gospel message offers a new beginning for those who believe in Jesus Christ. It is a message of transformation that can change people’s lives forever. 

The Gospel message also has the power to bring people together. In Ephesians 2:14-16, Paul wrote, “For he is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” 

Have you ever felt intimidated by sharing your testimony? Sometimes, the idea of evangelism can be intimidating, especially when sharing the Gospel with our neighbours. However, sharing the Gospel with our neighbours can be one of the most effective ways to spread the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

A straightforward way to share the Gospel with our neighbours is to build relationships with them. We can show them love and kindness, take an interest in their lives, and be positively present in our community. As we build trust and rapport with our neighbours, we can look for opportunities to share our faith and the Gospel message with them.

We can also invite our neighbours to church events and activities, such as a community service project or a worship service. This can be a non-threatening way to introduce them to the Gospel message and allow them to experience the love and community of the church.

Ultimately, sharing the Gospel with our neighbours is about being intentional and prayerful. We must step out of our comfort zones and trust God to guide us in our evangelism efforts. When we share the Gospel with our neighbours, we sow hope and transformation that can impact lives for eternity.

The Gospel message is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. But, friend, the urgency of this call cannot be overstated. People’s lives are at stake, and we have a message that can transform them. We must not keep this message to ourselves. Instead, we must be bold in sharing it with others. 

If you have a heart for sharing the Gospel and reaching people in their nations and cultures, consider partnering with Global Disciples Canada. Our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching gospel preachers has had a powerful impact on communities worldwide.

By supporting our mission, you can equip believers to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with those who have never heard it. Join us in fulfilling the Great Commission and making disciples of all nations. Why no visit our website today to learn more about how you can get involved.

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 message of Christ has made its way across the world, touching the hearts of people from all nations for generations. But, many unreached people groups still need to hear the good news of salvation today. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of spreading the gospel via preaching, to all corners of the world.

Preaching is not a mere display of the preacher’s knowledge or skills. It is an opportunity to teach the greatness of the God of the Bible to the congregation. Preaching should be an inspiring experience. It should leaves listeners with a deeper understanding of God’s holy, majestic, and loving character as revealed in Scripture.

A preacher’s role in the pulpit is an important one. Scripture speaks about this in Psalms 119:160, Matthew 4:4, Romans 15:4, and 2 Timothy 3:16-17).The preacher’s primary goal should be to bring glory to God by platforming His greatness through the sermon. Lets explore the importance of keeping God at the center of preaching.

Preaching should be rooted in a biblically-centred approach. This requires a commitment to biblical theology, historical theology, and practical theology to be an effective and faithful preacher.

Theological study benefits the preacher and the congregation by making sure the message they hear is biblically-sound and theologically helpful.

A good preacher recognizes his complete dependence on Christ and his need for Gods power. He prays as he studies throughout the week. He is utterly reliant on the Lord for wisdom, grace, and strength to deliver God’s Word effectively. 

However, his dependence on God does not end with prayer. He must be willing to go in directions that he had not planned to, as the Spirit leads. In doing so, he can help real people with real hurts and questions, not simply reciting a memorized speech.

Being Spirit-led is crucial in preaching but it is not an excuse for poor preparation. In particular, he must pay attention to 2 Timothy 2:15 and diligently work to accurately handle the truths of the Bible. This requires discipline, hard work, and toiling in study. 

The preacher needs to stand up to share his opinions or suggestions. He is not a motivational speaker or a self-help guru holding a Bible. Instead, like the prophets of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New Testament, the preacher must be willing to proclaim, with boldness, “Thus saith the Lord.” He does so because he knows that the power rests with God and His Word, not with the preacher himself. 

The preacher must be confident in his authority as a sent messenger and ambassador of God.

Preaching is not merely lecturing, as it goes beyond teaching by calling on the listener to take action in response to the content of the sermon. While the preacher may suggest specific application points for the church, it is ultimately the Spirit of God who convicts hearts and moves individuals to act in response to the preaching.

For believers, a faithfully-prepared sermon will be driven by the Spirit into the heart of God’s people, convicting them of sin and spurring them towards greater holiness and Christlikeness. For unbelievers, such a sermon will convict them of sin, righteousness, and judgment, potentially leading to salvation for those who are among God’s elect or condemnation for those who remain under God’s wrath.

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 has yet to hear 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!

Praying for Gods help is encouraged in the Bible. Discover how you can pray powerful prayers seeking Gods blessing for guidance & success.

Welcome to Global Disciples!

Global Disciples is an organization dedicated to training leaders in and around least-reached communities to multiply disciples of Jesus Christ and share His Good News. One of the essential practices for disciples of Jesus is prayer. Its an act that brings us closer to God and enables us to seek His blessings and wisdom. Prayer is a type of supplication that acknowledges our dependence on God’s mercy, grace, and compassion. It can be especially helpful during moments of difficulty, uncertainty, or need.

At times, we may find ourselves facing circumstances where success seems distant or elusive. In such instances, a prayer for God’s help can bring reassurance, courage, and inspiration to overcome the obstacles before us. Through prayer, we can invite God’s presence and guidance into our lives, knowing that He is the source of all good things. As believers, we acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). And our faith in His provision empowers us to forge ahead in pursuit of our goals with confidence.

The act of praying for Gods blessing may vary in style, language, and content across different cultures and religious traditions. However, the core remains the same.A heart-to-heart conversation with the Creator, expressing our gratitude, seeking His guidance, and asking for His blessings. No matter your background or faith journey, we hope this article will inspire you to engage in prayerful reflection, helping you deepen your relationship with God while pursuing success in all aspects of your life.

A prayer for God’s blessing is more than just expressing our desires for success or positive outcomes; it is about fostering a sense of connection with Him and recognizing that true success comes from aligning our will with His. By engaging in such prayers, we not only invite God’s guidance and support, but also reaffirm our faith in His plans for us, acknowledging that He knows what is best for us. In turn, this strengthens our trust in the divine, helping us to approach life’s challenges with greater resilience and optimism.

Prayer is not restricted to specific situations, such as exams or job interviews. They can encompass various aspects of life, including our personal and professional endeavours, relationships, and spiritual growth. Through these prayers, we can also extend our blessings and good wishes to those around us, interceding on their behalf and contributing to a more positive and supportive environment.

One of the key elements of an effective prayer is gratitude. Expressing our thankfulness for all the blessings, big and small, that we have in our lives turns our focus away from our current challenges and towards the abundance that already exists all around us. Additionally, gratitude helps us to cultivate a positive mindset and remain open to receiving further blessings and guidance from God.

As you offer your prayer for blessing, take some time to reflect upon the numerous blessings in your life – a loving family, a stable job, good health, or supportive friends.

Steps to an Effective Prayer

To make your prayer more powerful and impactful, it is crucial to approach it with intentionality and mindfulness. Here are some steps to create an effective prayer session:

1. Find a quiet space: Choose a location free from distractions and noise, as this allows you to focus on connecting with God without external interruptions. You can also create a small prayer corner in your home, complete with religious texts, candles, or other items that help you feel closer to the Him.

2. Clear your mind: Before beginning your prayer session, take a few deep breaths and compose your thoughts.

3. Be specific in your requests: When expressing your desires and wishes, be as detailed as possible. This not only helps you to visualize your goals vividly but also conveys your intentions to the divine more clearly.

4. Pray with faith: Believe in the power of prayer and trust in God’s ability to provide what you need. Remember that He is in control of every situation, and ultimately, His plan prevails. Offer your anxieties and worries to Him, entrusting your future into His capable hands.

While there are no rigid formulas for prayer, but it can be helpful to explore some examples in order to gain inspiration. The following are two suggested prayers that you can use as a starting point and adapt to suit your personal needs:

“Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, asking for Your guidance and wisdom, as I embark on this new journey in my life. Help me to align my goals with Your will, trusting that You have the perfect plan for me. Bless my efforts with success, and fill me with Your grace and strength to overcome any obstacles that may come my way. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”

“Lord, I lift up (person’s name) before You, as they take on this new challenge. May Your mighty hand guide their path, and may they experience Your provision and love throughout their journey. Grant them wisdom, patience, and perseverance, and surround them with an abundance of your blessings. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.”

A blessing prayer can be a powerful tool for believers, tapping into His divine support and guidance readily available to us. As you offer your prayers, keep in mind the importance of gratitude, intentionality, and faith, trusting that God hears your heart and will work miracles in your life. Remember that by aligning our desires with God’s will, seeking His blessings and guidance, we can lead a more fulfilling and successful life. So, the next time you find yourself needing an extra boost or divine intervention, look to the power of a prayer to uplift and encourage your spirit.

Looking for a discipleship program in Canada? 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!

Canada is a magnificent country, filled with splendid scenery. The citizens are always friendly and embrace a peaceful way of life. We are not known for starting the conflict, and saying ‘sorry’ is a common way of expressing ourselves. Explaining you are Canadian is usually met with pleasant surprise and admiration. Yet despite Canada’s high esteem worldwide, our nation needs your petitions in upcoming prayer meetings.

Mario Simard, a member of parliament, is fighting to get rid of the daily prayer that starts the House of Commons proceedings because he believes that Canada should be secular. The national trend is that Canadians are becoming more secular, which is reflected in the government. Even if the prayer is not voted out, it’s clear that secularism is becoming the norm in Canada.

In the Canadian province of Quebec, Bill 21 was recently passed, which forbids certain occupations from wearing any religious symbols or clothing. This is a major step towards removing religion from the public sphere. Additionally, Bill C-4 has been proposed, which could restrict the public discussion of gender, marriage, and sexuality according to the Bible. These two bills indicate the secularization of society, and the Church is preparing for the possible consequences of these laws.

Another alarming concern is that we celebrate assisted suicide. Betty Sanguin is an example of this, as she chose to end her life in her local Church in 2022 through medical assistance in dying (MAID). From March 2023, people with mental illness in Canada can access medical assistance in dying, meaning they can legally end their lives. This is worrying as it shows that some people who may need help and support instead choose to take their own lives.

Canada is undergoing an immense change in its legal environment, and the international Church should take this shift seriously. We must come together in prayer meetings nationwide as we embark on a new path.

We should pray for our country to experience a spiritual revival. Lets ask God to work in our hearts so that we can recognize His goodness and His power. We need to pray for an awakening of the Church to witness the power of Jesus’ message and the beauty of His love. Only then will our nation experience the dominion mentioned in Psalm 72:8 and live in the peace and joy of God’s presence.

We must put our faith in God, trusting He is the ultimate power in our lives and our nation. We have the right to use our voices to share our views and be involved in Canada’s direction, but ultimately our trust must be in the Lord. Just as Jesus told the Church in Philadelphia in Revelation 3:8, we, too, have limited power, but we can remain faithful to His word. We need to rely on prayer, believing that God is in control and will carry out His will, even if we don’t see it immediately.

Prayer is necessary to remain steadfast in our faith, especially when the government or other powerful entities offer us financial incentives to compromise. Per Dwight Bernier in this Radical article, some churches were offered to do summer projects, but with a caveat. They had to agree to a statement opposing what Jesus taught to get the money. This was a quiet attempt to manipulate, much like Nebuchadnezzar did in the Bible.

Although it was only a small amount, some needed it desperately. Still, they had to choose between accepting the money and staying true to their beliefs. Shortly, this type of situation will likely come up again. We must rely on prayer to remain firm in our faith.

Jesus taught us that asking for help from the Lord is essential. We can ask Him to provide workers from local and foreign churches willing to come to Canada and serve in His name. May we have faith and trust that He will answer our prayers and bring individuals to share their gifts and talents with the people of this great nation.

Prayer can help us overcome our fear. We all experience fear in one form or another, seemingly a constant presence among us in the Church. I’m not suggesting that we become bold and overconfident, but rather that we should trust in Christ’s assurance that He is with us and we have nothing to fear. We should live purposefully, sharing the Good News of our Savior and King, with whom we yearn to reunite.

Lastly, let us ask God to grant our churches an expansive outlook and ambition so that we can team up to spread the good news of the Gospel. May we have harmony in our purpose to spread the message of salvation to as many people as possible. Let us envision taking the Gospel into the world and not just building up our churches. May there be a multitude of gospel-centred communities throughout our nation so everyone can experience the love of Christ.

We are so grateful for the prayers and support of those in the U.S. It would be amazing to have you come and experience the churches in need here for yourself. If you feel God is leading you to help, we would love to show you how you could make a difference in the lives of our very own fellow citizens.

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!

Do you recognise the power of listening?

We often think of leaders as being assertive, decisive, and with a winsome personality. But the most successful leaders are almost always those who understand the value of listening often and well to others.

As you read through the book of Ezekiel it is evident that much of what was written was a result of simply listening to what God was speaking. And then communicating it to the people. In fact, we could say that is true of all Scripture. God spoke to the prophets, apostles, and chosen others who listened and wrote what God spoke to them. And today we have this powerful book, the Bible.

for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
– 2 Peter 1:21

Listening is crucial in the lives of leaders. It enables us to connect with our teams on a much deeper level, and to make more informed decisions. And listening well to our leaders allows us to understand them and, when needed, discern the best way forward.

Listening is a critical skill for effective leadership, followership, and discipleship. Let’s listen well and create a culture of openness, respect, and collaboration, leading to success and sustainability.

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!

Fire is mentioned often in the Bible.

For our God is a consuming fire.
– Hebrews 12:29

John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
– Luke 3:16

We see the word appearing several hundred times in the Old Testament and around 70 times in the New Testament. But the references to fire in the Bible that are most memorable are the times there was an obvious fire that didn’t destroy what was burning.

There was the burning bush that Moses saw (Exodus 3:1-3). And a pillar of fire led the people of Israel in their flight from Egypt (Exodus 13:20-22). After the Tabernacle was built, that fire hovered over the Holy of Holies – always in view of over a million people in their huge tent city (Exodus 40:38).

In these situations the fire represented one thing, the presence of our Almighty God (represented by an angel in the burning bush).

God directed Moses, even though he resisted, to go to Pharoah and build a case for granting freedom to the mass of slaves who were building huge, impressive cities of brick for the king’s own fame and prestige. The plagues that followed finally convinced him.

The description of what happened after the Tabernacle was completed is amazing.

A cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night “covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because…the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up …, the people of Israel would set out. If the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out…” (Exodus 40:34-38)

Yet, even more amazing is what happened about 1,500 years later.

Jesus promised his disciples that they would soon “receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon” them and that they will be His “witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The disciples of Jesus, about 120 in all, were waiting in prayer and expectation when suddenly it happened! That pillar of fire which had hovered over the dwelling place of God in the Tabernacle now came. “Divided tongues of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.” (Acts 2:3)

Let that incredible symbolism sink in!

The pillar of fire that hovered over the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle now hovers over you and me! This leads to this astounding proclamation of the Apostles Paul, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?… For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) Just let that sink in!

We are God’s temple! How well are we caring for this temple? How well are we representing Jesus?

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.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development to planting churches that multiply.

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

When we study the New Testament churches, we learn some key principles. We should use to plant reproducing fellowships anywhere.

Let’s look at seven steps that any fellowship of disciples can implement anywhere in the world.

Prayer is of vital importance and is the first priority in multiplying churches. When we pray, God will open closed doors. Prayer first of all moves our hearts and puts our desires in line with God’s desires. When God opens our eyes to see the lost state of our communities, we will be moved with compassion to open our homes so as to start new fellowships. If we are willing, God is able to fill us with His Spirit for His glory.

Prayer also is instrumental in raising up the workers that are needed. (John 17:20; John 20:21; Acts 1:14; Acts 4:31; Acts 11:5; Acts 14:23; Colossians 4:3-4).

Jesus Himself commands us to “ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:38).

The leading of the Holy Spirit in choosing and equipping church planters is very important (Acts 13:2).

Prayer provides direction so God can show us where He is at work. And where He wants us to be involved.

In his strategy, Paul had a plan to reach the Jews and the Gentiles. But his plans were sometimes changed by the Spirit of God. He was very sensitive to the leading of the Spirit and was willing to change his own plans to follow the plans of God (Acts 11:27-30; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 16:6-10; Acts 8:9-10).

Paul was very open to the Spirit—that is why he said, “But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, God willing I will come to you” (1 Corinthians 4:19). We also need to pray so that we know God’s plan.   

After prayer has confirmed the place where God wants you to be involved. Why not do a survey and study the target people and the area.

It is very important to know the culture (language, customs, religion, social structure) of the people.

Prayer walks, literature distribution, film shows, small business development, and music may help in establishing contacts and finding the “man of peace”—the families or the communities in the area who are receptive to you and the Spirit (Mark 6:10-11). This will help in strategic discernment and effective approaches to the community by identifying the spiritual battleground and the responsiveness of the people groups.

In the Old Testament, Moses sent 12 leaders to do a survey of the land that God had promised to give them (Numbers 13:17-20).

After Moses passed away, Joshua also did a similar thing by sending leaders to do a survey of Jericho.

Jesus likewise sent His disciples ahead of Him to prepare the way (Luke 10:1).

As you survey a region, prayerfully respond to the following questions:

What locations are most strategic?

Paul’s whole strategy was to plant churches in major towns. Paul went into big cities of a region (Acts 16:9-12; Acts 18:1, Acts 18:18-22; Acts 19:1-10) and planted churches in those strategic cities.

Paul recognized that the way to most permanently influence a country was by planting vibrant churches in strategic cities. Once he had accom­plished this, he moved on, knowing that the rest would follow. That is why he said that he had “fully preached” the Gospel in a re­gion and that he had “no more place . . . to work in these regions” (Romans 15:19, Romans 15:23).

This, however, does not imply that it is wrong to plant a church in a smaller town or village if that is clearly God’s direction. It is critical to seek God’s direction.

Consider whether it is possible to send someone as a church planter or if another method is needed. Perhaps a small business is a good way to gain an entrance into this location. This is the reason that Global Disciples includes Small Business Development (SBD) training as part of our Multiplying Churches Strategy.

You may also recognize specific physical needs of a community which can be an open door to bringing the Gospel.

Try to discover who holds influence in the location you are trying to reach. These influencers may or may not hold positions of authority and may or may not be open to the Gospel (Acts 8:26-38; Acts 10; Acts 16). But if the key influencers can be reached first with the Gospel, a church can be established much more quickly.

Jesus talks about “the man of peace” (Luke 10:6) and encourages His disciples to work closely with this person. Prayerfully ask God to reveal these key people to you and your team.

Identify both the spiritual and cultural areas which will oppose the Gospel (Acts 17:5; Acts 19:24-34). Once identified, gather intercessors and start praying.

Planting and multiplying churches is the work that requires a team; it is not an individual effort. 

One person will not have all the gifting and skills to do all the different ministries that are needed to plant churches. Jesus, the Master church planter, sent His disciples out two by two (Luke 10:1).

Paul also took someone with him in his church planting ventures and, at various times, included many on his team over his years of ministry—Barnabas, John Mark, Titus, Silas, Timothy, Priscilla, Aquila (Acts 15:40; Acts 16:1; Acts 18:18; Romans 12:6-9; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 16:15- 16). In the same way, if we want to reach the least-reached peoples, we need to form a strategic church planting team.

The team will certainly include those whom God has specifically called to take the Gospel to new areas. While it is the responsibility of every believer to witness in their community, there are those who have the ability and call to go out to new areas. 

For example, Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit from the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3); the church leaders prayed for them and commissioned them to go and multiply churches where there was no witness for Christ.

The team will not only include those who go but also persons committed to pray and support the church planting effort.

To multiply churches, we should identify ourselves with the communities we want to reach by establishing a presence among them.

Jesus came and lived among those He was trying to reach. Paul also identified himself quickly with those he tried to reach; he became a servant to all to save them by sacrificing his comfort (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). In Athens, he talked about the “unknown God” (Acts 17:22-24)—he contextualized the Gospel according to the place and culture.

When we live and identify with the people we plan to reach, joining with them in their joys and sorrows, it builds trust. It also calls for sacrifice, and we must often lay down our own preferences to reach others with the Gospel—especially if we are across cultures. If we go to reach a vegetarian community, be a vegetarian to identify with them!

Again, in many locations, business is a great way to establish a presence in a community. A business opens doors and builds relationships with many people in a community (Acts 18:1-4). If you are sending out a church planter, consider funding the startup cost of a small business instead of long-term monthly support.

As you establish a presence in a community, continue to look for the “person of peace” whom God has prepared for the message. In most communities, the family head will be a key influencer. It is worth the special effort of a church planter to focus on these persons. 

Prayerfully look for people who will willingly give their lives to follow Christ. Be alert to the many ways in which God may call people to Himself. This may happen simply as you live among them and represent Jesus to them. If you’re using a business, they may see a difference in the way that you treat them or your willingness to pray for them in the name of Jesus.

In some contexts, you may use literature, door-to-door evangelism methods, film showings. You may find that people are open to study the Bible with you.

Some have found it helpful to begin studying Scripture from the account of Creation and slowly work through the Old Testament before coming to the New Testament stories of Jesus. This may take much time, but it can be a very effective way of teaching people the heart of God.

Consider appropriate use of technology as well—cell phones, Facebook, Instagram, and satellite television are all ways that God can use to speak to people. Again, the context of the culture will help to shape the method you use.

The New Testament evangelism method was focused on reaching the entire family by reaching the family heads. Targeting family leaders who would bring their whole households to Christ is the most strategic and fruitful way to plant churches in least-reached areas. There are many biblical examples of this—Peter, who preached to the household of Cornelius (Acts 10); Paul, who preached to Lydia with all members of her household (Acts 16:14-15) as well as to the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31-33); the households of Stephen, Philemon, and others as well that were won over (1 Corinthians 1:16; Philemon 2; 2 Timothy 1:16).  As they won the head of the house, they brought their whole family, and churches were established.

Wherever Paul went and met people who were hungry for salvation, he preached the Gospel and baptized those who gave their lives to follow Christ.

Jesus commanded us to “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” (Matthew 28:19).

As soon as people give their lives to the Lordship of Jesus, teach them to renounce any old ways of living—idol worship, evil spirits, practices of magic and witchcraft, immoral practices—and pray for their deliverance. This is the right time to instruct them to live lives of discipleship.

There is no need to hurry to baptize them before they make the right decision (Acts 2:38-40). In some contexts, it may be wise to wait until several people or a group of people are ready for baptism together.  

After baptism, instruct them to devote themselves to the studying and teaching of the Word of God, to prayer, to fellowship, to breaking bread together, and to serving their world.

Jesus, the master builder of His Church, called, trained, and sent people very specifically to build His own Church (Mark 3:13-15).

The apostles did what they saw Jesus doing. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, we need to give priority to training and appointing leaders who will take care of the established fellowships and continue to reproduce churches. Selection and training of the leaders can be done according to the personal gifting and calling of individuals.

Paul chose leaders to be in charge of the fellowships which he planted (1 Corinthians 1:14-16; Acts 18:8). Paul also visited the churches he planted to encourage, strengthen, and correct them (Acts 15:36; Acts 14:21-23; Acts 16:1-5; Acts 18:23; Acts 20:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16:5-7; 2 Corinthians 13:9-10). Writing epistles was also a part of his follow-up work.

In some places he spent more time to equip the disciples. For example, he spent one and half years in Corinth (Acts 18:11) and three years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31) teaching on the word of God. In the same way, we also need to give attention to the churches planted. 

Unless the church we plant takes the responsibility of reaching others and planting reproducing fellowships of disciples, we have not completed our work.

Paul equipped and appointed leaders to continue the multiplication of churches in their region. Specifically, he told Titus to, “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5).

We need to train every member of the newly established church to share their faith with others and to make disciples. During this process, many of them will grow as disciples who will go and make disciples and plant churches. This kind of multiplying churches will become a church-planting movement that continues to multiply churches.

You’ve got a 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.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development to planting churches. These churches should then 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;

We have seen the importance of planting multiplying churches to fulfill the Great Commission. However, this multiplication involves many challenges.

A major obstacle to church multiplication is a wrong definition of the Church.

We often think of the Church as a building with a trained, professional pastor in charge. It requires a lot of time and energy to build buildings and develop professional leadership. This view of the church does not allow for rapid multiplication.

But when we search the New Testament, we do not find anything about a church building. Or even trained pastors or church planters!

Jesus and His first disciples didn’t model this kind of a church.

Jesus met and discipled His first disciples in homes and on the mountains (Matthew 5:1; Matthew 9:10-11; Matthew 11:1; Matthew 13:36; Matthew 14:18-19; Matthew 26:18; Mark 2:1-4; Mark 3:20; Mark 6:7-13; John 6:3; Acts 5:42; Acts 12:12; Acts 4:13).

He prayerfully appointed ordinary and uneducated disciples to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. These ordinary, uneducated disciples turned the world upside down with the Gospel message.

Historically, for the first 300 years of the existence of the Church, there was rapid multiplication with very little formal structure.

Every disciple was a disciple-maker and the Church was a simple gathering of people who followed and worshiped Jesus. They met in homes or common places and experienced much persecution.

But the impact of their lives changed the world.

By 313 A.D., the Roman emperor Constantine won a military victory which he attributed to Christianity. Following this, he stopped the persecution of Christianity and, with time, Christianity became the official state religion.

No longer were Christians persecuted—rather, everyone was encouraged to become Christian. With official recognition from the state, the Church quickly developed as an institution. This included buildings, special privileges for clergy, promotion of Christians to high-ranking offices, etc.

This was a radical change for the Church and was, in many ways, a great victory for Christianity. However, it unintentionally changed the nature of the Church.  It became more of an institution than a living and multiplying organism.

Much of our view of the Church today has historical roots in the transition that happened after 313 A.D.  We must understand that what has developed through history has hindered the multiplication of churches, and we should seek to rediscover God’s original intent for the Church.

This is not meant to minimize the importance of church buildings nor to criticize theological training for church leaders. But we must find ways to fulfill God’s plan for multiplication of His Church which has been His desire from the beginning of creation.

Another obstacle to church multiplication comes when the Church is presented as a foreign concept to the people we are trying to reach.

The message of the Gospel was designed by God to reach every culture and to shape every culture.

Unfortunately, when we take the Gospel to other nations, we contextualize it within our own cultural norms and understanding (Acts 17:16-32; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23). 

While it may be possible to reach a few people, a movement will never take root when the Church is perceived as something totally foreign.

Contextualizing the Gospel in the culture of the people we are reaching has biblical support. Jesus, the Master Church Planter, took on human form and became flesh to reach all humanity (John 1:14).

He came to the Jewish culture and He started preaching the Gospel in the temple instead of forming a new sect (Matthew 21:23; Matthew 26:55; Mark 12:35; Luke 2:46; Luke 19:47; John 8:20).

The same was true with the ministry of the disciples of Jesus and the early Church (Acts 2:46; Acts 3:1; Acts 17:23-31; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

As the Gospel began to cross into other cultures, the early Church began to realize that the expressions of Christianity be different for Gentiles than for themselves as Jews. The Jerusalem conference in Acts 15 was held to resolve this issue. It’s clear that we need to contextualize the Gospel, without compromising its truth, in the culture of the people we plan to reach.

Contextualization of the Gospel will utilize local resources as much as possible.

For example, if the houses in a village are made of wood and grasses, then trying to construct a brick building for worship will not fit. If a church building needs to be constructed, use materials that are common in that location. In a similar way, consider local preferences for music and style of worship instead of importing styles from another location.

Such contextualization will allow a new church to be easily reproducible and will promote multiplication. When other cultures’ traditions are imposed, dependency is created and church growth is hindered.

In one South Asian country, Christ Followers call themselves ‘Muslim followers of Isa’ so that it will help them to reach their own people in their own context. They believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, believe in water baptism, share communion, and worship Allah, the Almighty God.

Is it right to ask them to call themselves Christians if it will hinder them from reaching their own people?  

Discipleship is one of the key factors to multiplying churches.

An authentic life of discipleship is marked by obedience to the teaching of Jesus (John 8:31); love for God and one another (Matthew 22:37-40; John 13:35); unity; and fruitfulness (John 15:8; John 17:20-23).

When genuine discipleship results in transformed lives, the Gospel spreads rapidly (Matthew 5:14-16).

When there is a lack of discipleship in the Church, it is a poor witness of our faith to our community. In many ways, since the time of Constantine the Church has struggled to be faithful in the area of discipleship; the focus has turned outward to buildings, structures, and titles.

But when we focus on making disciples to produce transformed lives, the multiplication of churches becomes natural because of the lives of the disciples of Jesus.

Many believers are content with the current state of the Church, and they spend most of their time and energy on maintenance rather than on growth.

They might ask, “Why do we need more churches?

We have plenty of needs right here.”

Some others might think that planting new churches will take people from already existing churches and will weaken the Church rather than strengthen it.

There are also some who might say that it is better to help the already existing churches that are struggling rather than to plant new churches.

These ideas and questions indicate a lack of vision for church multiplication (Mark 1:38-39; Matthew 28:19; Romans 15:23).

We need our hearts to be stirred by the current realities in the world. Consider these realities:

Reaching and delivering people out of the kingdom of darkness into the marvelous light of God’s Kingdom (1 Peter 2:9) exposes us to spiritual battle.

It involves encountering the activities of the territorial spirits, magicians, and witchdoctors while presenting the Gospel (Ephesians 6:10-18).

As we plan to plant multiplying churches, we must be aware of the work of the enemy who will strongly oppose any effort that brings people to Jesus (Acts 19:23-34, Acts 16:16-24; Acts 21:27-36).

He has blinded people for years (2 Corinthians 4:4) and will not easily allow them to see the truth.

We must be confident of our spiritual authority over the powers of darkness and recognize the presence of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. As we commit our lives to multiplying churches, the Lord will confirm His words through miracles, signs, and wonders (Mark 16:15-20).

What are some of the greatest challenges in your context to plant churches?

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!