Disciple
Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus' vision for the world is to "win souls and make disciples". This He clearly stated in Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. . . ." To achieve His vision, Jesus worked closely with twelve men that He mentored to take His place on the earth. Following Jesus' pattern, the apostle Paul also trained a number of young men ("Timothy(s)") who later became the great leaders of the New Testament Church. We call this mentoring technique the "principle of twelve."
Jesus turned a small group of common men into a dynamic extraordinary team that revolutionized the world. Jesus started with people where they were and just simply responded to them at their areas of need.
1. "Win"
In stage one, Jesus demonstrated credibility and authenticity allowing people to come and see His character, commitment, and compassion. He was building a personal intimate relationship with them by including them in His circle of love with other believers, a commitment to membership.
2. "Consolidate"
In stage two, Jesus modeled for them basic disciplines of prayer, study of the Word, obedience and commitment, etc. He wanted them to embody the values and character of the Kingdom so they could achieve their God-given potential. He wanted them to commit to life-long spiritual growth and maturity.
3. "Disciple"
In stage three, Jesus helped the disciples to discover and develop their gifts and calling. He wanted them to find their place in God's plan. Jesus allowed the disciples to develop in ministry through instruction, observation and participation. He wanted them to commit themselves to ministry.
4. "Send"
In stage four, Jesus was preparing His disciples to own and advance the mission. In preparing His disciples for His departure, Jesus reinforced the importance of maintaining the right relationship with God as well as following His model in developing people. He was investing His purpose into them and asking them to commit themselves to the mission.
THE JESUS MODEL IS STILL EFFECTIVE TODAY THROUGH THE G12 VISION
Developing people to reach their potential in Jesus Christ involves helping people grow in each of the four steps.
View the G12 Vision as a discipleship process
By understanding the discipleship process North Palm has adopted a strategy that will help more people to become true disciples of Jesus Christ. All the ministries coming out of North Palm are designed to function as a roadmap that directs people to live for Jesus. The ministries are not an end in themselves, but a tool to lead people to follow after Jesus in every area of their lives. When we view discipleship as a process, we focus on people instead of ministries. The ministries and programs are a means of developing people.
Traditionally, the church has been viewed as a building where a series of unconnected events took place. It was a place Christians attended because it was good for them. North Palm has taken a different approach. We see the church as a group of people who work and function together, like the different parts of the body. This process brings focus and direction to the church and like the current of a river, takes us somewhere…to live and serve in a way that glorifies God.
Implementing the G12 Vision
By design, the Jesus Model guides individuals from the point of investigating North Palm, to experiencing who we are, and then becoming a part of Jesus' family. Ultimately, our desire is to see people understand how God has gifted them so that they may impact the lives of others. As individuals understand this, they will minister to their community, their region, and ultimately, the world.
Let's look at a three level process that helps North Palm develop disciples. We call this process with the "The School of Leaders".
This process has three critical levels designed to take you from being a weekend guest to a growing Christian, ministering in New Life's family and making a difference for Jesus in your daily world.
School of Leaders I, II, III
The Three Levels of the School Of Leaders are conducted in the form of lectures and seminars built into weekly 1 hour classes.
Level One
The lectures in Level One cover doctrines such as salvation, repentance, the word of God and the Holy Spirit. There are different seminars for the Men's, Women's, and Youth Networks catering to their different needs. Level One focuses on theology and Christian living.
Level Two
The lectures in Level Two cover topics such as the G12 vision, Life Cells and strategies for growth. It also teaches the Life Cell leader how to solve problems and how to choose a leadership team. The seminars are on intercession, evangelism and service. This level focuses on the Cells and ministry.
Level Three
The lessons in Level Three are on leadership. They cover topics such as the call to leadership and the cost of leadership, principles of excellence in leadership and types of leadership. The lecturers also cover practical advice for preaching. The seminars are on consolidation, Holy Spirit and counseling. Level Three focuses on establishing and developing the disciple as a leader.
Summary
The School of Leaders gives comprehensive and effective training for you to discover and fulfill your calling in Christ within the G12 Vision. Through the School of Leaders, we can continue to grow together, fulfilling the vision of God not only in the homes, families and city of Charleston, but also in South Carolina, the United States and the world…all for the glory of God!
