Plan for Multiplication

We are looking at how to multiply disciple-makers, and the next point is to plan for multiplication.

 

A typical disciple can complete the ten lessons in Journey in 33 to 45 meetings. 

 

If the disciple has a shepherd leading them, the majority of those who complete the 10th lesson in Journey go on to have their own disciple.

  

Some disciples can be approved to have their own disciple after completing lesson 5, or around meeting 20.

 

The shepherd and the discipler would know if the disciple can be approved to do so.

 

They will continue to be discipled through Journey and one-on-one, while they meet separately with their own new disciple.

 

In planting churches, we have seen new believers grow quickly, and it is amazing what they can accomplish because of the Word of God, their shepherd, their discipler, and the Holy Spirit.

 

In existing churches, there are so many Christians who have been saved for years who could have several disciples, one-on-one, at different times, and would love to.

 

 

Can you catch a vision of what a faithful discipler can do?

 

They can witness because they have been trained and provided the tools.

 

They can witness in places where you will never be.

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They can disciple people you will never have time to disciple.

 

They can lead people to Christ whom you will never know.

  

They can care for a new believer, and you can relax knowing those believers are being cared for.

 

They are spiritual fruit that the Bible speaks of.

 

They will train disciples who will reach people you will never reach for Christ.

 

They may be called to other cities—or other countries—to disciple where you will never go.

 

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Let’s look again at the multiplication goals.

 

You can see why it is imperative to follow the plan we have been discussing; each element is necessary for multiplication. This is not a new plan, or my plan; it is the original plan.

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Remember what’s possible with faithfulness:

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Starting with 10 Disciplers

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After a year and a half, you have 26 disciplers, even with 60% completing the training.

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3 years - 66 disciplers

6 years - 168 disciplers
8 years - 1,100 disciples

 

And a Gospel conversation is given to 150 souls in 10 months...

 

406 conversations in 20 months

2,520 conversations in 3 years

11,177 conversations in 6 years

46,636 conversations in 8 years

 

 

Can you see why faithfulness is the key?

Can you see why taking no shortcuts matters?

Can you see why focusing on those who truly want to be discipled is required?

 

Can you see why the Lord would only give a plan that would accomplish what He wanted: to build the tower or to win the war?

 

The Bible says, … and daily in the temple and in every house, they cease not to teach and preach Jesus Christ in Acts 5:42. 

 

Then in Acts 6, disciples began to multiply, and there was "murmuring" in the church because of the church's amazing growth. 

 

They reorganized and kept the Word of God in its first place.

 

The result? 

 

In Acts 6:7Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

 

Amazing!

 

I think the Christians I envy the most are those who were saved in one of our disciple-multiplying churches.

 

They've been discipled and have their own disciples, and every week they hear the Word of God at a church meeting, and that's all they know.

 

They don’t know about programs, curriculum, or the world’s largest pizza.

 

They just see their ministry grow month after month and know the Word of God and God personally.

 

This is the only Christian life they have ever known—simple, biblical, and first-century.

 

In conclusion, to multiply disciple-makers in your ministry...

 

your definitions must be clear

you must have a biblical shepherd as the pastor

be a first-century ministry

start right

use effective discipleship lessons

disciple one-on-one

disciple those who are ready and faithful

and plan for multiplication

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Look now at the Conclusion and the Links for moving forward.