Creating the Environment for Discipleship
by John Kimball, CCCC Director of Church Development
This year there has been an ongoing theme in my life. It has been prominent in both the work I do in Church Development, and also in the new adventure we have undertaken to plant a church. I am learning to be mindful of the environment I set for making disciples.
My entire life has been related to farming in some way — my dad ran a farm when I was a kid, and my first pastorate was in a farming community. If there’s one thing farmers understand, it’s that environment matters. It is necessary to pay attention to soil condition, rocks, and even topography when planning a crop. The soil must be properly prepared for the desired yield. And as farming science continues to advance, it is amazing to see how much technology is now available to best “read” the land in order to produce an abundant harvest.
In the same way, we must be mindful of the environment surrounding our spiritual harvest. It is our job to partner with the Holy Spirit to “prepare the soil” for discipleship. When a pastor or a church spends a majority of time and resources to maintain what is already there, it is unlikely that there will be much advancement for the rule and reign of Jesus. Thinking of the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13), we understand that it takes “good soil” to produce an abundant harvest. Rocks, weeds and unbroken or shallow ground work against us. Likewise, if we do not work diligently to remove obstacles to discipleship, directly deal with people’s “stuff” to give them freedom to grow and be very strategic in what and how we teach God’s Word, we can see the same results as the sower who sowed along the path, in the rocks and in the weeds.
Think through these questions:
What current systems, traditions or other practices in our church are actually impeding the mandatory work of disciple-making among us? How do we identify such obstacles? What plans are we making to address those issues?
What “cares of the world” are derailing the members of our church family? What tactical steps are we taking to help our people overcome those cares?
In what ways do the members of our church family best learn to practice God’s Word? What steps are we taking to ensure that we are using the most effective discipling techniques and conveying the most-needed biblical principles?
What atmosphere is most conducive for true transformation in our people? How are we creating and replicating that atmosphere for the greatest impact?
When it comes to environment, intentionality is critical. What steps are you taking to mentor and disciple your congregation transformationally? Would you like to know more? Give your Church Development Team a call at the CCCC Office at (651) 739-1474. We’d love to hear from you!
