God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.
The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches that multiply as a means to reach those who have yet to hear the Gospel in our world.
We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;
- God’s Design for the Church
- God’s Desire for Discipleship Multiplication
- Overcoming Obstacles to Church Growth
- 7 Practical Steps to Planting Reproducing Churches
As we do our part to fulfill the Great Commission, we need to understand the strategic importance of God’s Church. But, we must also learn to understand God’s motivation for multiplication.
In fact, God has a passionate desire for multiplication both in the natural world and in the spiritual realm.
All living things in the natural world multiply, from the tiniest cell to the largest living being (Genesis 1:28; Genesis 9:7; Acts 6:7). In the same way, God desires multiplication in the spiritual realm and in the growth of His Church. God wants His Church not only to add new churches but also to multiply.
Why does God desire the multiplication of Christ-like Disciples and Locally Sustainable Churches?
1. Multiplication is the only way to give everyone an opportunity to hear
One-third of our world, more than 2 billion people, have yet to hear the Gospel of Jesus in a way in which they can understand and respond. Many of these people live in places isolated from the Church.
The multiplication of churches is of strategic and vital importance to each of us.
We cannot be content with simply adding a church here and there. We must take the church where there are least-reached people groups so they will get an opportunity to hear the good news in their own language and culture.
How amazing would it be so see at least one fellowship of believers to represent the Kingdom of God among every people group—then, every people group will be represented in heaven.
“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” – Revelation 7:9.
If we want to see the fulfillment of this prophecy, we need to multiply churches among every ethnic group in this world.
2. Multiplication is the New Testament model for the Church
The Book of Acts is an outstanding testimony of church planting and multiplication.
The growth pattern of the New Testament churches is quantitative (numerical), qualitative (discipleship), and geographical (expansion) (Acts 6:7; Acts 9:31; Acts 11:26; Acts 16:5).
The first church in Jerusalem began with 120 disciples (Acts 1:15). On the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people were added to the church (Acts 2:41-42). Soon the membership of the Jerusalem church was 5,000 (Acts 4:4). Then, “multitudes of men and women were added” (5:14), and “the number of the disciples multiplied greatly” (Acts 6:7).
The expansion continued to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8). Within a very short time, the early Church became a movement of thousands and thousands of disciples of Jesus who impacted the entire world.
From this account detailing the patterns of the Church’s growth, it is clear that the Church should grow by adding new believers to existing fellowships and then expanding geographically by planting new churches in new territories.
This is the power of multiplication.
How did the early Church grow?
1. The Church multiplied through evangelism
The first 11 disciples, who received the Great Commission from Jesus, planted the first church in Jerusalem.
They immediately began to share their faith with those around them, and the Church grew rapidly. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). The numbers continue to increase until the record says, “the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly” (Acts 6:7).
In fact, all this took place in a single local church even before they begin to plant other churches. Multiplication is expected in any living organism, including every local church.
Are you seeing multiplication happening in your local church? Why or why not?
2. The Church multiplied through persecution
Jesus had clearly instructed His disciples at the beginning,
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”
– Acts 1:8
After the first church was established in Jerusalem, the disciples seemed hesitant to go and plant other churches. They grew larger (120, 3120, 5,000), but they did not seem to have a vision for multiplying churches.
But, all of this changed when persecution broke out after the death of Stephen.
“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria”
– Acts 8:1
Excepting the apostles, Christ’s disciples were scattered, and they planted churches in Judea and Samaria. Churches began multiplying, establishing the New Testament pattern for growth.
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went”
– Acts 8:4
It seems that when the apostles did not listen to Acts 1:8, Jesus allowed Acts 8:1!
Jesus is the head of the Church, and He can use any circumstances to multiply His own Body, the Church. In this case, He used persecution.
Later in the book of Acts, God even used a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas to produce more multiplication (Acts 15:36-41).
It is clear that God’s desire is to see the church multiplied!
Do we still wait for persecution to fulfill the Great Commission or plan ahead for multiplication?
Have you seen the church multiply through persecution?
3. The Church multiplied by crossing cultures
At the beginning of the Church in Acts, every believer was a Jew.
But God’s plan was much bigger than that. He had already told the disciples that the Gospel was to go to the ends of the earth. The early disciples traveled new locations outside of Jerusalem.
Philip shared the Gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch who had come to Jerusalem to worship (Acts 8:26).
However, the most radical step came when Peter took the Gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. The establishment of a church among the Gentiles was so revolutionary that it required a vision from heaven for Peter to obey.
After the church was established, it required a meeting of all the officials of the Church to decide if this was actually from God! (Read the story in Acts 15.)
The only way for the Gospel to reach every tribe and nation is for someone to cross cultures with it (Acts 16:9-34). None of us would be believers today if someone had not crossed over cultures to share the Gospel with us.
Will we do our part to take it to the next culture?
4. The Church multiplied by design
However, the Jerusalem church didn’t understand God’s intention for multiplication, but we thank God for the Antioch church.
It took some time after the beginning of persecution and the beginning of the Church to spread to the Gentile world, but the Church finally understood what God meant by multiplying churches to the ends of the earth.
In fact, the church in Antioch sent apostles Paul and Barnabas to plant new churches (Acts 13:1-4). This was an intentional act and indicates that they were beginning to understand God’s design for the Church. It is still His design for us today.
So, its only when we begin to realize God’s desire for the multiplication of churches will we be able to accomplish the Great Commission in our lifetime.
Gods Desire For Multiplication
Multiplying churches is part of God’s plan to reach the world. In fact, we are called to go and plant churches that have the capacity to reproduce locally sustainable fellowships in least-reached areas.
We cannot be satisfied with growing our existing churches; churches need to multiply in our own region, then to neighboring regions, then to the whole world.
You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play!
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches. Read on, and discover Gods design for the Church as the Body of Christ and His strategic plan to fulfill His Great Commission.
Did you know that the ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches? And that new people will hear the gospel, by connecting with these new churches?
We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;
God designed everything for a specific purpose. So, if we are to understand the significance and role of the Church, we need to look carefully at His intent and design. His design and purpose for the Church is one of the most beautiful and amazing truths we can understand.
What is the Church?
1. The Church is the Body of Christ
The Bible uses the word “church” to describe a group of people who believe in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 16:19; Galatians 1:2).
In the New Testament, the terms “disciples,” “believers,” and “church” are used in the context of Christ’s followers (Acts 14:21-28; Acts 15:2-3).
All of the people who believe in Christ are in one spiritual fellowship called the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 1 Corinthians 12:27).
In some places in the New Testament, the word “church” refers to a local church (Acts 2:41-46; Acts 11:22; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Philemon 2),
And in other cases, it refers to the universal or worldwide Church (Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
In both cases, “church” is referring to the group of people who represent Jesus to the world.
The official Global Disciples definition of “church” is a growing community of disciples centered in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and focused on mission.
Therefore, the evidence of such a community is seen in their devotion to God’s Word, the quality and depth of their fellowship. And a joyful sharing of their lives that’s celebrated in worship, communion, baptism, and a life saturated in prayer.
2. The Church is God’s revelation for the world
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” – Ephesians 3:10.
This passage teaches us that God has chosen the church to make known His manifold wisdom to the universe.
Of course, He intends for each of us to represent Him to the world.
But, scripture makes it very clear that it is His plan to reveal Himself through the Church.
However, the Church is God’s plan of salvation and restoration of the world is revealed through His Body.
In what way does God intend to reveal Himself to the world through the Church?
God intends to reveal His character, His power, and His love through the Church.
God’s strategy is a corporate strategy; it is not accomplishable by an individual. No wonder that Jesus said of His disciples,
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”
– John 13:35.
3. The Church is God’s strategy to fulfill the Great Commission
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”
– Matthew 28:19
We cannot accomplish this mission simply by doing evangelism.
Obviously, we need to share Christ with those who are not believers.
But Jesus talks about making disciples, not simply making converts.
But, the fulfillment of this Great Commission requires the multiplication of churches among each and every ethnic group.
His intention was for His disciples to join together and form a community that worships God, serves one another, and reaches out.
However, this is also where discipleship happens, this is where baptism takes place. This is where disciples are taught to obey and follow Jesus. This is God’s strategy to fulfill the Great Commission.
As it is recorded in the Book of Acts, when people committed their lives to follow Christ, baptism and discipleship were present. (Acts 2:41–47). And as Peter Wagner puts it, “Planting new churches is the most effective evangelistic methodology known under heaven.”
Gods Design For The Church In The Book Of Acts
So, its clear that church planting is in the package of the Great Commission that Jesus has given us.
When we focus on fulfilling Jesus’ mission, then the multiplication of fellowships of disciples becomes natural (Acts 1:8).
We can’t accomplish this by establishing a single fellowship of disciples somewhere and inviting every new disciple to be part of that one fellowship.
The strategy requires many churches to be planted wherever disciples are being made. Therefore, establishing fellowships of disciples (planting churches) reflects our obedience to the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the master builder of His Church, and we are simply co-laborers with Him. He says, “I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6). As we obey by going and making disciples, Jesus continues to build His Church in and through us (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6).
You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play! May we all continue to be co-laborers with the best builder of all time!
About Global Disciples
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Nearly every believer is aware of the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ and at least gives verbal assent to God’s desire to reach the world and make disciples (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4).
The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
– 2 Peter 3:9
This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.
– 1 Timothy 2:3-4
But few disciples understand what His strategy is to accomplish this goal.
Planting New Churches
The Church is at the center of His strategy (Matthew 16:18).
Unfortunately, the picture that comes to many people’s minds when we talk about the Church is not even close to God’s intention or design for the Church.
As we read through the New Testament we can get this beautiful picture of what He designed the church to be and do, and how we can be a part of what He is doing in the world today.
God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.
The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches that multiply as a means to reach those who have yet to hear the Gospel in our world.
Our Biblical Mandate for Disciples Making Disciples
We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;
- God’s Design for the Church
- God’s Desire for Discipleship Multiplication
- Overcoming Obstacles to Church Growth
- 7 Practical Steps to Planting Reproducing Churches
God’s heartbeat is for a relationship with every person in the world, and billions are still waiting to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Winning a few people or planting an additional church or two is not enough. We must start movements of multiplying churches that will reach the world for Jesus. It is God’s plan and His calling.
What will you do today to make it happen?
How can we fulfill the mission of taking the Gospel to the ends of the world in our generation?
You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play!
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
The English word “intercede” comes from the Latin inter meaning “between” and cedere meaning “to go.” So, intercession, then, is to go between. Another way to say it might be to bridge a gap or space.
Intercessory prayer involves standing in spaces or gaps between the kingdom of God, (the will of God) and the current reality of a person, group, nation, or situation on the earth. It is as if we are pulling or carrying God’s will across a bridge from heaven to earth.
It requires us to:
- Identify a need or struggle for intercession.
- Enter the “world” (pain, heartache, and reality) of that person or situation.
- Listen until Holy Spirit reveals God’s will, (what has been decided in heaven).
- Ask for His will to be carried out on the earth as in heaven.
- Remember that God only deserves the glory for victory.
Jesus said: “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’“
– Matthew 6:9-10.
1 Kings 18:41 – 1 Kings 19:8 is a Biblical example of intercessory prayer.
“And Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go eat and drink for there is the sound of heavy rain.’ So Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees.”
– 1 Kings 18:42
Elijah heard the sound of rain.
That was a spiritual hearing of what was happening in the heavenlies. But it was blue sky on earth. Elijah went to a time of intercessory prayer. The Bible describes Elijah as being in the birthing position, “face between his knees.” We do not have to put our face between our knees but the idea of birthing something on earth is interceding. It is a deep level of prayer.
The following are 5 Steps to powerful intercessory prayer:
1. Discern what need(s) you are to meet with intercessory prayer
“As a prayer leader and someone with a heart for intercession, I am aware of many prayer needs in my family, friends, community and beyond! I cannot possibly intercede for them all. So, what can I do? I ask the Holy Spirit to give me a burden or agony of heart for the person or situations for which He is asking me to intercede in this moment. He is faithful to reveal to me the spiritual battles He has called me to fight.” |
We can pray a blessing or short prayer at any time and for any need or situation, but to intercede usually requires us to listen to Holy Spirit and enter the struggle.
It involves time and keen attention. Sometimes God may call us to take extra time to intercede for only one situation rather than pray briefly for many.
2. Enter the “world” (pain, heartache, and reality), of the person or situation, (with help from God’s Spirit).
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” – Hebrews 2:9
Often when we hear about a need, we want to pray.
Yet, if we do not understand the “world” of the one for whom we are interceding, our intercession will be weak and often misdirected.
Jesus interceded even to the point of death because he became human and understood the pain of those for whom he was interceding.
3. Listen until Holy Spirit reveals God’s will, (what has been decided in heaven)
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
– Romans 8:26-27
It is easy to think that we know what is needed in a situation and how to intercede. We may focus on our human understanding of the situation.
God’s strategies are often different than human logic. His will or strategy may be different than our initial thought.
At a Global Disciples Annual Equipping Event in Africa a young program director came to our onsite prayer team asking for prayer for protection from Satan’s attacks. He had twice had an “evil” dream in which he had gone to prison and experienced much suffering. He walked daily in fear of this. Our initial reaction was to pray as he had asked, but God’s Spirit led one of our team members to ask an important question. After almost an hour together, Holy Spirit revealed that the dream was from God not Satan and was a warning. The young man had not realized it. Now we asked God not for protection from Satan, but rather for courage to make things right in his life. He left our prayer time in freedom and without fear. Praise God that we took time to enter this young man’s world, to listen for God’s wisdom, and intercede in accordance with His will. |
4. Intercede for God’s will to come to earth as it is in heaven. Pull it across the bridge!
The story surrounding Daniel’s intercession as recorded in Daniel chapter 9 and 10 reminds us of the struggle that is going on in the spiritual realm.
As soon as Daniel began to pray an angel was sent on his behalf. But that angel was held up for 21 days until breaking through. We trust God’s breakthrough even when we do not see it immediately.
Sometimes the struggle might take an hour a day, a week, or even years. It may appear that no change is happening, but we can be assured that God is at work.
If we know we are interceding in agreement with God’s call and strategy, we hold onto the hope that God will prevail in the end even if the waiting outlives us.
5. Remember that the victory belongs to the Lord.
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.”– Proverbs 21:31
When we see the breakthrough to victory, it is tempting to believe we were the ones who made it happen. We are only partnering with God, and He is the one who deserves the glory.
ACTIVATION
Here is a model to follow as you enter into a time of intercession individually or as a group.
- Take time to thank God for who He is and all that He has done. God is our Father, and He is blessed when we express appreciation and thanksgiving. In addition, like the one leper who returned to give thanks, we are not only healed, but also made whole through giving thanks.
- Note all your prayer needs. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal which prayer needs He is asking you or your team to intercede for during the time you have. Listen together! Note only 2 or 3 needs Holy Spirit is impressing on the hearts of your team. It is also fine if the leader wants to discern prior to the time of intercession and lead those present to intercede in those matters.
- As a leader, you can choose 1 of the needs suggested. Ask God’s Spirit to increase your burden of the person or situation. Have the team listen together for God’s will for intercession in the need and for Holy Spirit to increase your passion for the person or situation. Ask, “Holy Spirit, what are we to pray?” lnvite sharing.
- Example: Someone shares that their church needs money to finish a building project. Our first reaction might be to pray for the money needed. As we listen, God might reveal a deeper truth. Perhaps there is something that needs to be dealt with before it is good to continue building. So, the prayer battle might move to, “God open eyes of the leaders to understand why You are delaying provision.”
- Agree together on what to intercede and then GO TO BATTLE! You may choose to have one person pray at a time or have everyone pray at the same time. Try both ways.
- Depending upon time, you can choose to repeat this process for another need in your group or move on to pray for people groups or nations that are least reached. It is okay if you do not intercede for all of needs shared.
What Is Global Disciples?
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!
Sometimes, your greatest opportunity for missions is right on your doorstep. What if reaching the unreached starts with your family? That’s often the case.
At Global Disciples, we hear many stories of people coming to faith. And when a person comes to faith in Christ the only person in their family or community they have an amazing opportunity to start sharing the gospel at home and with their family and friends.
The effects can be powerful and so rewarding.
Family And Discipleship Training
Sadiq is experiencing this.
He participated in discipleship training in South Asia last year.
He said, “I am really blessed by this training, and encouraged so much to share about Jesus Christ with my family. I am from a Muslim family—with parents and two brothers. They have not come to the Lord, but I am sharing with them about Jesus Christ.”
When the training program went on outreach, Sadiq went to his own village, talking about Jesus with his friends and neighbors. He said, “I told them how Jesus Christ changed my life. I shared my testimony with many people, and finally, four of my friends put their faith in Jesus Christ.”
While he’s still waiting for his family to make the same decision, Sadiq is committed to sharing the Good News. He says, “I want to see all of the village come to know the Lord in the next five years!”
Sharing the Gospel with Friends and Family
Mehda and his wife took part in the same discipleship training. They are new believers—and the only Christians in their families. Mehda said, “This training helped me to know more about Jesus Christ, and to develop intimacy with God.”
And outreach was significant to Mehda and his wife as well. “We visited door to door and shared the Good News,” he said, “We made many friendships and three people accepted Jesus Christ.”
Remember Your Own Family
They did not neglect their own family—Mehda’s parents and two sisters also live in the village and heard their testimony. However, they haven’t made a decision to follow Jesus yet.
Mehda is not discouraged, and like Sadiq, he is committed to sharing the Gospel with his relatives and the people in his village.
Sometimes, our greatest opportunities for missions are right in our own homes or neighborhoods!
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
The Holy Spirit often has to do some work on us before we can do the work He has for us.
As we at Global Disciples help churches around the world train and send out a new generation of disciple-makers and church planters, we also see the Holy Spirit change hearts.
Both in those being reached with the Gospel and those who experience the training.
A report from a training program in Uganda includes two such examples.
Charlie said, “Before I attended the training, I didn’t know how to approach lost people. If I found a drunkard, I would straight away tell him you are going to hell! But through this training, I learned to build a relationship with him first, and take a better approach. And now I find joy in reaching out to lost people and many of them are coming to the Lord.”
The Holy Spirit At Work
As Charlie discovered this change, Andre learned to let the Holy Spirit develop self-control.
Andre shared, “Before this training, if I became angry, I felt like exchanging blows with someone who made me angry. Now I have learned to put the old man to death and to allow the Holy Spirit to take control of my life. As a true disciple of Jesus Christ, I’ve learned to deny myself and carry my own cross.”
For both men, the personal internal change made a difference when it came time to take the Gospel out to reach into the communities. Andre explained what they saw God do.
Resistance From The Community
“We met with resistance from the community,” he explained. “They didn’t welcome us at the beginning. So we prayed and fasted for 24 hours. And out of this, God softened people’s hearts and 72 people came to Christ.”
As a result, a church has been planted. And Andre says they continue to fast and pray each month.
Plus, a new vision has been born, Andre said. “Our eyes have been opened to see beyond our local churches. Now we have a global vision and the idea is to multiply disciples who are Christ-like.”
Multiplying Christ-like disciples—that’s what we want to see. And it all begins with the Holy Spirit’s work.
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!
Before Jesus returned to heaven, He gave His disciples a great commission. Remember His words in Matthew 28?
“….go and make disciples of all nations…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20).
This “Great Commission” is for you and for me. And for each disciple of Jesus Christ in every part of the world. Every one on mission!
Today, followers of Christ around the world are seeking to fulfil this mission.
Global Disciples are on mission
We at Global Disciples are eager to do whatever we can to equip those people. And to help them reach those still waiting to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Jember is an Ethiopian leader equipped by Global Disciples to train disciple-makers. He said, “Global opened our eyes about how to do missions. Our main task is to send disciple-makers into this region and plant churches where there were none. This region is more than eighty-five percent Muslim; in some places, it’s one hundred percent. There are five hundred villages with no church! The first year, we trained twenty-five workers. God helped us and we have seen fruit.”
Local church planters are on mission
The fruit Jember mentioned includes local Muslim leaders coming to faith in Jesus.
It also includes ten church planters who are former Muslims. They’ve seen over 500 people come to Christ. And he said, “God is using them to bring many other Muslims to the Lord.”
Pascal and Bekou are doing their part for the Great Commission in their home nation of Chad.
Nearly two-thirds of Chad’s 148 people groups are considered unreached. And the influence of Islam in the region is pervasive.
Disciple makers are on mission
Pascal equipped 14 disciple-makers in his first training. And in their outreach, over 400 people came to faith in Christ, and they planted six churches.
The second year, another 14 people registered for training but only six showed up.
Pascal said, “This was not ideal but my brothers in the Lord encouraged me to start anyway.” And he was amazed at the results!
“The Lord guided us to different areas,” he said.
“We’ve seen 540 people turn to Christ and three churches were birthed. We baptized many—all because of the transformed lives of these six people!”
Courage For The Mission
Bekou, another discipleship trainer, reported. “Thirteen disciples completed the training and we went to the south of Chad for outreach. It was evident that many people were in need of the Word of God. During the outreach, more than 500 people placed their faith in Jesus Christ.”
Bekou said, “We also shared the Gospel with one imam—a local Muslim leader—and he responded by asking us to plant a church in his region! When I witnessed this, I realized this is no time to be shy. We must be full of courage and share the Gospel always!”
The Great Commission is being fulfilled today!
Sign up here today to help Global Disciples fulfil the calling of Jesus to make disciples of every nation.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is crucial to our faith as Christians.
The Good News can help others find salvation and eternal life.
While some may hesitate to share their faith, it is essential for many reasons. This article will explore ten crucial reasons to share that part of God’s Word.
1. To Fulfill the Great Commission
One of the primary reasons to share the Gospel is to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” As believers, we are called to follow this commandment and share the message of salvation with others.
2. To Love Our Neighbours
Sharing the Gospel is also a way to show love to our neighbors.
As His followers, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, and there is no greater act of love than to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them.
By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find hope, peace, and purpose in their lives.
3. To Spread the Truth
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth, and it is essential to spread it to those who may not know it.
In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the truth that can free them.
4. To Follow Jesus’ Example
As believers, we are called to follow Christ’s example, and He spent much of His time sharing the Gospel with others.
In Luke 19:10, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
By sharing the Gospel, we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do what He did during His time on earth.
5. To Bring Glory to God
Sharing the Gospel is also a way to bring glory to God. When we share the good news of Jesus Chhers, we proclaim His greatness and show others what He has done for us.
In Psalm 96:3, the psalmist says, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
By sharing the Gospel, we are declaring God’s glory to others.
6. To Help Others Find Peace
Many people are searching for Peace in their lives. By sharing the Gospel from God’s Word, we are helping others find the Peace that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”
By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the Peace that surpasses all understanding.
7. To Help Others Find Purpose
Sharing the Gospel can also help others find purpose in their lives. Many people search for meaning and direction; the Gospel can provide both.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find a new purpose and direction in their lives.
8. To Help Others Find Hope
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope. By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find hope in a hopeless world.
In Romans 15:13, Paul says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the hope that can only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
9. To Obey God’s Word
Sharing the Gospel is a way to obey God’s Word.
In Romans 10:14-15, Paul says, “How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard?…how can they hear without someone preaching to them?.. As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”
By sharing the Gospel, we obey God’s Word and do what He has commanded us to do.
10. To Help Save Souls
The most important reason to share the Gospel is to help save souls.
In Mark 16:15, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Sharing the Gospel allows others to receive salvation and eternal life.
Join the Great Commission with Global Disciples
There are many important reasons to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From fulfilling the Great Commission to helping others find hope, Peace, and purpose in their lives, sharing the Gospel is essential to our faith. We must follow Jesus’ example and share the good news with others.
By doing so, we are helping to save souls and bring glory to God. So let us go forth and share the Gospel with all we encounter, knowing that we are doing God’s work and fulfilling His purpose for our lives.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
We may have dreams of doing great things for the Lord, but it is important to remember that our most significant contribution to the Kingdom of God may not be something we do but someone we raise.
Even if we have grand visions of sharing the Gospel with the world, it is essential to start with those closest to us. Certainly, our initial ministry field is our own family, leading our children to faith in Christ.
For those parents wondering how you can lead your children to Christ. Here are a few things you must know:
Is It Easy?
Children are often willing to accept the Gospel message with eagerness and joy. They have an openness to the Lord that many adults can miss (Luke 18:17). God desires to have a special relationship with these young ones, and as a parent, it is our job to encourage that connection. We need to be open to the Holy Spirit’s influence in our words and actions so that our children will be able to receive God’s grace and love.
Remember, Jesus tells us that children are very important to God and that we should not stop them from coming to Him (Matthew 19:14). We should be living our faith out loud and being an example for our children. We should be praying for guidance to be able to teach our children about the truths and values of God.
What Should I Consider?
There are a couple of things you must consider when bringing your child to Jesus:
1. God is patient and merciful in His desire to save everyone (Psalm 145:8-9), and He is much more concerned with the eternal well-being of your child than you are.
He deeply wants all people to come to repentance so that they can have everlasting joy and peace.
2. Ask God to grant you understanding and discernment in order to handle each child according to their individual level of development.
3. Avoid using complicated theological terms when speaking to children.
These terms can be confusing and unclear for young minds and may not accurately portray the message you wish to convey. Speak plainly, as the Bible does, meeting them where they are at in their own language development. Remember, God also met you on your level!
4. Give each kid your undivided attention, and allow enough time for them to understand.
Have a conversation with them, and ensure that the message is clear. Don’t rush things. The quality time you give them will help them understand how special they are to God.
Is There Anything I Should Be Careful Of?
1. Since the beginning of humanity, God has given us choice (Genesis 2:15-17) He wanted children to be given a chance to choose for themselves. In other words, don’t force your children. Let them choose.
2. Without the Holy Spirit’s involvement, there will be no real spiritual transformation of the heart. Even the most amazing parents cannot know for sure what direction their children will choose. Even if we fill their surroundings with biblical teachings, which greatly increases the chances they will follow Christ, at the end of the day it is the Holy Spirit who does the work in their hearts (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)
Remember, God is loving and kind, filled with mercy and compassion. He is not holding your child’s fate over their head like a guillotine. Trust that things will work out in God’s timing, and don’t rush Him. Pray with confidence, trusting in God’s plan. Be concerned, but don’t force your child to make a decision.
How Do I Begin?
Here are a few tips to help you begin bringing your child closer to God:
1. Be a Shining Example Of Jesus
Make sure to show your children that living a life in faith with Jesus is not something that is only done on Sundays. Model to them the importance of honoring Christ every single day and make it a part of your family life. Talk openly with your children about God, and show them how to talk to God through prayer. Doing this will help them understand that following Jesus is a daily lifestyle (Deuteronomy 11:18-21).
2. Always Be Open to Communicate
Encourage your children to build a strong connection with God by talking to them about your own relationship with Him. Share stories from your life that demonstrate how God has provided for you and been there for you. Explain the importance of prayer and how it helps you to stay connected with God. Remind them that they can always turn to God when they need help and that they should trust in Him to always be there for them.
3. Build a Jesus-Serving Environment
Help your children explore and discover their own connection with the Lord. Make sure they have many chances to build an intimate relationship with Him, not just learn about Him in a classroom setting. Create an atmosphere of worship and spiritual growth in your home, incorporating activities like journaling and art to open up their hearts to the presence of God. This will enable them to directly experience His power and guidance in their lives.
4. Read the Bible
It is important to teach your children about the Bible and the Gospel. Explain to them the basics of sin and repentance in a way that is easy for them to understand. Encourage them to read and learn from the Bible so that they can develop a deep love for God’s Word.
5. Pray as One Group
Encourage your family to incorporate prayer into their daily routine. Help them understand that seeking out God’s guidance is an important part of life and that it’s something to be pursued often.
6. Let Your Child Interact with Other Like-Minded Kids
Entreat the Lord to provide wisdom and direction for discovering places of worship and fellowship for your little one. Take the lead in modeling a life of faith, and let them observe your example. When they come into contact with other young people who are devoted to the Lord, they have an opportunity to enjoy fellowshipping with others who are on their peer level.
Conclusion
As children develop, they are rapidly learning and engaging with the environment around them. Their parents are typically the focal point of their lives, and other family and friends are other areas of importance. What they observe and experience with their five senses captures their interest. Help your child see Jesus and implement Him as part of their life. Start now, and start while they’re young.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
God is a missionary God who created human beings in His image and for a relationship with Him.
Scripture explains how humanity chose to rebel against God. And He has been pursuing the restoration of His relationship with us. God has chosen a people to join with Him in seeking restoration of relationship with all of humanity.
Jesus Is The Word
Consequently, Jesus Christ came as the Word of God in human form to model God’s heart for humanity. Through His death and resurrection, He paid the debt for our sins. In fact, He makes it possible for all who will believe to be transformed into ambassadors of God. In turn, they become a part of initiating reconciliation with peoples of every tribe, nation, and language.
So, we can better understand World Mission and how it relates to the Church and our lives by exploring the following;
- God’s Heart for the Nations
- Understanding and Reaching Across Cultures
- World Religions and Cults
- The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ
Jesus and the Post-Modern World
In reality, we live in a postmodern world that believes there is no absolute truth and that truth is relative. So, how in this postmodern pluralistic culture, can we present the uniqueness of Jesus Christ?
For us, as disciples of Jesus Christ, the Word of God is our guide in our journey and ministry.
In fact, in the Word of God, the uniqueness of Jesus Christ is evident.
The God of the Bible is the only God who manifested Himself through His own son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
He is different from all false gods (Jeremiah 10:6; Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6).
Jesus is not one of the many ways to God—He is the only way.
No one can come to God except through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
He is the only One who has been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38).
Jesus is the only One who is eternal (Colossians 1:17; John 1:1-3; John 8:57).
He is the only One who is God incarnate, God in human flesh (John 1:1-18; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 2:14-18; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Timothy 2:5-6).
Jesus is the only One who is the visible image of the invisible God, who is fully God and fully man (Colossians 1:15-20; Colossians 2:9).
He is the only One who lived a sinless life that qualified Him to become the Savior (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:23-28).
Jesus is the only One who forgives sin—something that God alone can do (Mark 2:5-7).
He is the only One who has conquered death (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
Jesus is the only One who will come back to judge the world (2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 19:11).
Jesus and the Lausanne Movement
“The Lausanne Movement” describes the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in this way: “We affirm that there is only one Savior and only one gospel . . . Jesus Christ, being Himself the only God-man, who gave Himself as the only ransom for sinners, is the only mediator between God and people.”
“We are called to proclaim Christ in an increasingly pluralistic world . . . In the first century too there were ‘many gods and many lords.’ Yet the apostles boldly affirmed the uniqueness, indispensability and centrality of Christ. We must do the same.”
“The Lausanne Movement is determined to bear a positive and uncompromising witness to the uniqueness of our Lord, in His life, death, and resurrection, in all aspects of our evangelistic work including inter-faith dialogue.”
In fact, the only true God is our living, triune God. He has revealed Himself in the Bible to all of humanity.
What the Scriptures Say About Jesus
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments tell us clearly that God is eternally one and, as the living and sovereign One, He differs fundamentally from all false gods (Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 115:3-7; Isaiah 44:6; Jeremiah 10:6; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6).
In His tri-personal nature as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God is one perfect and complete community of love in Himself who has fulfilled His redemptive plan in the person of His only begotten Son, Jesus (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1; John 15:26; I John 4:9; 2 Corinthians 13:13).
God created humankind in His own image (Genesis 1:27).
He is the Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, and Renewer, the origin and ultimate purpose and goal of every human being. For this reason, God calls all humanity to acknowledge Him and believe in Him, to worship, and to share His life (Ecclesiastes 11:9; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Psalm 46:11).
God the Father has spoken to us through Jesus Christ the Son as His special revelation of salvation (Hebrews 1:2). By the initiation of the Father (John 1:1-2; John 3:16), through His incarnation by the Holy Spirit, and by His atoning death, Christ reconciled the humanity to God and redeemed us from the destructive powers of sin, death, and the Devil (2 Corinthians 5:19; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:14).
The Uniqueness Of Jesus Christ
The uniqueness of Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, demands a response.
In reality, the necessity of personal belief, is at the heart of the Christian Gospel. So, Christ fulfills and completes all the aspirations of humanity. He comes as the Second Adam to restore sinful humanity and a broken world. When people come to know Christ, they discover meaning and purpose, and their full identity is regained. While a decision to accept the free offer of salvation is crucial to evangelism, it must also affirm that this unique Savior offers not merely salvation as a work, but He also offers Himself in a transformational way. In fact, the whole purpose of the Christian life is to become like Jesus.
Jesus The Only Way To God The Father
By Christ’s bodily resurrection and ascension to heaven, God the Father has confirmed Him as the only Mediator between Himself and humanity, and He has appointed Him the universal Lord over all powers and authorities as well as Judge of the world (Matthew 28:18; Acts 10:36-42; I Timothy 2:5). Therefore, eternal salvation or eternal damnation is determined by either turning to Him in faith or by rejecting Him (John 3:16; Mark 16:16).
In reality, Jesus is the only answer to our sinful human condition. Since the Fall in Genesis 3, humanity has been sentenced to eternal death, life without God (Luke 19:10, Ephesians 2:12). But Jesus has died for us to reconcile us to God (2 Corinthians 5:19, Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:14).
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!