Session 2
BECOMING CHRIST'S AMBASSADOR -- and two short videos
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 we're confident it will be more than one.
2 Cor 5: 16-20 (You'll recognize this from the Discipleship verses in Session One.)
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation... And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's
ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.
JULY 2024 UPDATE. THERE ARE NOW TWO RESOURCES WE WANT TO INTRODUCE YOU TO. The first comes from InterVarsity and is called "The Five Thresholds." This tool describes the typical path non-Christians take on their journey toward making a decision to follow Jesus.
The other tool is called a "Focus of Ministry" page and is for anyone who is also in a position of influence to help others (even your peers) grow into becoming disciple-makers too. You'll see that "The Five Thresholds" provides some great insights as you reach out to a few non-Christians in your life. The Focus of Ministry tool also helps you "focus" on a few other Christian friends you are encouraging to grow.
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. One of our Waynesburg alums used to work at the church in Ohio that put this together. Multiplying disciples
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 to be more intentional (and more prayerful too.)
This Session will form the foundation for transforming your relationships and completing the first part of your discipleship strategy. In a few weeks, I hope you will feel some excitement in seeing how God is already using you in new ways.
NOTE #1: We need to remember that it is only God who transforms lives, and HE is the one who will move people across your Five Thresholds page, or your Focus of Ministry page -- just like He is doing in your life. There is no human timetable for any of this. We are free to connect with and care for these people based on the gifts God has given us. So it will look different for each of us. What remains the same is that we become more intentional and focused in our efforts to add practical and 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, these documents 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 with "The Five Thresholds."
This first "Five Thresholds" link includes some kingdom homework and is titled, 2 Plus Prayer Card. Initially, we encourage you to find a partner and start using this tool right away. Print off two copies and find a prayer partner to do this with you, or we can match you with one. It's a simple step-by-step method that will challenge you to become more intentional. SPOILER ALERT. Doing this with an accountability partner might be the most exciting thing you accomplish this semester.
https://library.intervarsity.org/sites/default/files/2021-09/2+PrayerCard-2021-8.pdf
This second link summarizes "The Five Thresholds." and may add to your insights in using this tool. https://2100.intervarsity.org/sites/2100/files/Coaching%20the%205T%20Cheat%20Sheet.pdf
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Next we would like you to review The Focus of Ministry Page.
First, here is a link for you to review 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 additional explanations. If the file doesn't fit your screen, scroll back and forth until you have a better handle on how to proceed if you decide to use it.
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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 2 Plus Prayer Card. sheet and let me know when you've done it. Then tell me (Chuck) 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. If you are leading a leading a Bible study or involved in helping Christians grow, you will also find value in using the Focus of Ministry Page.
And don't forget to begin praying for the people the Holy Spirit has led you to write down.