BY THE WAY, THAT'S YOUR HAND REACHING DOWN in the photo. You and I are about to find out who the other hand belongs to. And I'm confident it will be more than one.
Before you begin this most important Session, please take a few moments to pray. Let God begin to bring people's faces to your mind right now. If you were Kim in the video from the last session, who are your "Lisa's?" Who are some people in your life right now that you really care about? Take a few seconds to think about specific classmates... then friends from back home...then family members. Include a few Christian classmates you are close to as well. I'll be asking you to write down some of their names too. These would be people who would be willing to pray with you, and maybe help you think of some next steps you might take.
Next, I am not sure if we should laugh or cry here, but watch Francis Chan talk about making disciples in this two minute video. You'll see what I mean. Note: you'll need to click your <BACK> button to return to the website. Francis Chan video
Here's another two minute video. This will help you see the practical side of disciple-making.
From The Trellis and the Vine book by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne, "It is vital to remember two things. First, while Christians can and should be trained in evangelism / discipleship of others, not all will be gifted to minister in exactly the same way. Some will be preachers and teachers; others will be Bible study leaders; some will be very good at reaching out to non-Christians and answering their questions; others will focus on meeting with new Christians one-on-one and following them up; and still others will be fathers or mothers teaching their children. There are a myriad of contacts and opportunities for vine-work, and each Christian will have his or her own God-given part to play."
It’s also important to remember this isn’t just something to add to your “to do” list, which for many of you is already too full. It’s more about a lifestyle shift. Also, it’s okay if you don’t get to everyone on your list. We are more concerned that you just allow God to lead you -- even if at the beginning it’s just with a few people.
This Session will form the foundation for transforming your relationships and completing this discipleship strategy. In a few weeks, I hope you will sense some excitement in seeing how God is already using you in some new ways.
NOTE #1: We need to remember that it is only God who transforms lives, and HE is the one who will be moving people across your page to the right -- just like He is doing in your life. And there is no human timetable for any of this. We are free to just connect and care for these people based on the gifts God has given you and me. So it will look different. What remains the same is that we become more intentional and focused in our efforts to add practical value and hopefully spiritual value to the people God has placed in our lives.
NOTE #2: I want to give you a brief heads up. As you'll see, this document should be kept somewhat private. You are placing names on a page under various categories, and your choices will be somewhat subjective. Also, the point of all this IS NOT to turn your friends into "projects."
Let's get started.
First, here is a link for you to review of a partially completed Sample Focus of Ministry Page from some ministry that took place in Thayer Hall on Waynesburg's campus. Take a few minutes to review it and see how it works.
Second, click on the link below to view a two-page hard copy template with some additional explanation. If the file doesn't fit your screen, scroll back and forth until you have a better handle on how to proceed. (I mention that I created a Trello version of this page, but I have since deleted it.)
NOTE to those participating in the Waynesburg University Challenge....
As you prayerfully think about who you’d like to add to your page, we would like you to consider prayerfully placing at least 1-2 people who fit these profiles.
1) Someone who might seem far from God at the moment.
2) Some who you are not sure where they are in their faith (maybe because they aren't sure either).
3) Some who are Christians but seem to have put God on a back burner in their lives.
4) A few of your best friends who are mature Christians who might want to do this with you OR at least someone that you will be able to share your stories with and be encouraged.
Also, if you are part of the Waynesburg Challenge, and you do find a partner, maybe he/she will join you when you decided to approach some of the people on your list. Also, try to meet with your partner weekly to go over what is happening as you begin to connect with these people.
If you don't have someone, one of my family members or I will be happy to check in with you every 7-10 days to encourage you and hear some of your stories, or anything else you want to bring up. And by the way, be patient. Sometimes things don’t go the way you hoped. We want to hear about those stories too.
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REPORTING IN: Just click on the tab below to email Chuck.
What did you think about the Francis Chan video?
Prayerfully place some initial names on your Focus of Ministry sheet and let me know that you did it. Then tell me where to show up and do a cartwheel to celebrate. Please make it someplace soft. Lol. But seriously, this is THE most important component of my entire website. And your effectiveness as a Christ-follower.
Take some time this week to prayerfully review your Focus of Ministry Sheet and look for opportunities to connect with a few of your people. If you have a partner, set up a meeting so you both can begin to pray for some of the people on your FOM pages.
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