A couple of lessons ago, we discussed essentials for disciplemaking. This was the list.
- The Gospel
- The Holy Spirit
- The Word of God
- The People of God
- Prayer
- Time
Disciples are made by the persevering proclamation of the Word of God by the people of God in prayerful dependence on the Spirit of God
This post will highlight two things.
One of them is the last essential on the list - time.
The other is not on the list - programs of men, even godly men.
These two highlights are not more important. They are being highlighted because they are often overlooked and confused.
Programs of Men are not listed because discipleship is about the people of God speaking the Word of God into the lives of others.
Here is an interesting modern-day parable in the article Five Reasons We Don't Disciple - Part 3
A young man walked into a Christian bookstore in Chicago and asked where the bumper stickers were. The assistant said, "What kind are you looking for? The man said, I'd like to buy a fish sticker." The assistant said, "Oh, I'm afraid we've sold out of those." To which the man responded, "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO EVANGELIZE WITHOUT FISH STICKERS?"
As Western evangelicals, we have become increasingly reliant on courses, programs, techniques, and methodologies to do the work of evangelism and discipleship.
The article later states that the church often has the following mindset.
"HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DISCIPLE WITHOUT A NEW PROGRAM?"
Brothers and sisters, discipleship is possible without programs. Jesus wrote a really good book about it.
Ministry is NOT programs or events planned to keep people busy and entertained.
Ministry is saints in motion towards Christlikeness for the glory of God. (from Praying Church by Paul Miller).
The formal ministries (i.e., programs and scheduled events) of the church are meant to help people grow in godliness, connect with people, and help others do the same.
Children's Ministry, Student Ministry, Women's Ministry, Men's Ministry, Bible Studies, and ACE classes provide connection and equipping points for the church to do the work of the ministry every day of the week.
First Corinthians 15:58 serves as a good reminder of the second focus point of this post - time.
There is always the aspect of waiting on and working for the Lord in teaching, serving, and ministering to one another.
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58.
The Lord is the one who ultimately does the work. If you are working "in the Lord," that work is not done "in vain." Prayerfully dependent work will bring glory to God.
The Trellis and The Vine quote at the beginning of this post refers to "persevering proclamation." This is a major part of Gospel ministry and disciplemaking.
In speaking about growth and change, John Newton said, "A Christian is not of hasty growth, like a mushroom, but rather like the oak, the progress of which is hardly perceptible but in time becomes a deep-rooted tree."
From the Lead video below.
"There is nothing more important for a leadership community than to be constantly reminded of the presence, power, promises, and grace of the Redeemer."
Previous Be a Disciple/Make Disciples lessons:
- Be and Make Introduction - drodgersjr.blogspot.com/2025/12/be-and-make-intro.html
- Ministry & Missions - drodgersjr.blogspot.com/2025/12/ministry-and-missions.html
- The Bible and Disciplemaking - drodgersjr.blogspot.com/2026/01/bible-and-disciplemaking.html
- Prayer and Disciplemaking - drodgersjr.blogspot.com/2026/01/prayer-and-disciplemaking.html
- Time and Productivity - drodgersjr.blogspot.com/2026/01/time-and-productivity.html
- Men and Local Church Ministry - drodgersjr.blogspot.com/2026/01/men-and-local-church-ministry.html
- Women and Local Church Ministry - drodgersjr.blogspot.com/2026/02/women-and-local-church-ministry.html
- Congregation, Elders, Deacons, and Deaconesses - drodgersjr.blogspot.com/2026/02/congregation-elders-deacons-and.html
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