Chapter 12 – Confident and Unashamed

No. How about overwhelmed? 54 books for resource materials to meet training objectives? Seriously? I cannot say that I have heard of any of them. Maybe one? Maybe? I’m tempted to walk into church with my list and get some. They’ll be there right? Someone will know what I’m talking about surely. Or is this an outdated 70s fad?

I’m sorry for being snarky. I’m in a strange place. And I’m starting something new. Let’s see what I can do… Book is done. Not starting another. Going to begin with Assurance of Salvation. Yes. That’s the plan.

Beginning with Christ

Lessons on Assurance

Studies in Christian Living

What Every Christian Should Know About Growing

The Know-so Christian

Christian Assurance

Seven Minutes with God

Devotional Diary

Streams in the Desert

Beginning the Day with God

Secrets of Christian Growth

This Morning with God

The Pursuit of God

Steps to Spiritual Victory

Men Made New

Going on with Christ

Of God and Men

Lessons on Christian Living

A Layman’s Guide to Interpreting the Bible

Authority

Bible Reading Plan

The Topical Memory System

Coming to Christ through Scripture Memory

A Primer on Meditation

Winning Ways

Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be

Meditation: The Bible Tells You How

Christian Maturity – How?

How to Get Results through Prayer

Power through Prayer

Conversational Prayer

Born to Reproduce

My Heart, Christ’s Home

God Can Make It Happen

The Greatest Thing in the World

The Mark of the Christian

Finding God’s Will

How to Know the Will of God, Weiss

How to Know the Will of God, Johnston

Being a Christian

How to Resist Satan

Your Adversary the Devil

Behold He Cometh

Why Must Jesus Come Again

The Return of Jesus Christ

The Living End

The Art of Personal Witnessing

How to Give Away Your Faith

Evangelism: Why and How

The Master Plan of Evangelism

Follow-up

Encouraging New Christians

The Dynamics of Personal Follow-up

You and God’s Work Overseas

Ahhh, no Titus 4:13.

Chapter 11 – How to Train Leaders

More lists.

9 Training Objectives

May not need all. Might discover more. Each leader is different.

1.      Developing Depth in His Life

2.     Discovering His Vocation and His Gifts (I would hope that this had happened long before. OR we were talking about young people being trained. It seems a little late in the game to be discovering his gifts at this point [4years?])

3.     Building Up His Strengths

4.     Training Him in Leadership (Seems redundant that training a person in leadership is an objective under how to train leaders.)

5.     Taking Steps that Stretch His Faith

6.     Refining His Ministry Skills

7.     Learning Discernment

8.     Learning Communication Skills (I’m trying to keep in mind that many of these are extensions of past training objectives. Again, this is the first time I’ve seen communication and it seems a little bit late to train a person here.)

9.     Having a Good Doctrinal Foundation

I think it would be more beneficial for me to start obtaining the resource and reference materials in the book. The way I see it, I’m gonna go it alone. Either that or walk up to someone, give them the book and say, “train me.” Laughter.

Or get a group of us together and hold each other accountable to trying to do better.

When was the last time someone asked you, “how often do you read your Bible?”

Maybe I should start asking …

‘Cause if you ask a person how they are doing and they reply fine, but there is hesitation or sadness there… you either have to follow it up or let it go. And we all just let it go. It is so much easier than engaging. We’re supposed to engage the world? How about each other?

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.

2 Timothy 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 10 – The Need for Leadership

This chapter was list within list. I got so lost, I decided to draw each list out myself.

2 Keys to developing a leader:

1.      Selection

2.     Time

5 Qualities (How to spot a leader. May not have all qualities. Can develop some.)

1.      He has fight and drive

2.     He can spot and recruit achievers*

3.     He has stability

4.     He has organizational ability**

5.     He has judgment and creativity (one will usually dominate)

a.     A judicial person will be a steady, thoughtful, methodical, productive leader.

b.     A creative person will “get it done with flair.” There will be a bit more sparkle and pizzazz in his method of operation.

8 Traits of an achiever*

1.      He is reliable

2.     He is resourceful

3.     He is adaptable

4.     He is enthusiastic

5.     He know how to work

6.     He is alert

7.     He has initiative

8.     He is confident

6 Keys to personal organization**

1.      A realistic look at one’s own capacity

2.     A settled conviction as to what God wants done

3.     The ability to do things in the order of their importance

4.     The good sense to leave some free time between projects, knowing things often take longer than planned and that there are always unforeseen interruptions

5.     The faithful keeping of time with God and the priority of the family at the top of the list.

6.     Learning how to function with a certain flexibility that is people-centered rather than project-centered. No one can be a good leader who is more concerned with projects than with people

6 Basic rules to organize a project

1.      Define your mission in exact, specific terms

2.     Break it down and divide it up into manageable and workable units

3.     Set up an organization that will help each unit to accomplish its part of the endeavor

4.     Fill the key spots with well-trained men

5.     Give them full authority to get their jobs done

6.     Check up on them to see that they stick with the main job

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

1 Timothy 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 9 – Training Objectives for a Worker

The title of this book is The Lost Art of Disciple-Making and I’m halfway through the book and we are talking about Worker–Making. The last third of the book is devoted to Leader-Making. I guess I’m supposed to be smart enough to know when to stop.

But if I am a Christian who isn’t a convert, think about the people who are made leaders who aren’t disciples. They’re all over the place. And I am not talking about community leaders.  I’m talking about people that you would think should display the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but don’t. You know, the people who profess to be a certain way, generally the holier than thou, but don’t walk the walk. Ahh, the hypocrite. And I am NOT saying that I am NOT one. Double-negative humor there.

We’re talking about the Pharisees who declaim their righteousness, passion and convictions in public. And then seek the darkness, the closed doors, to discourage and tear down others in an effort to claim a spot on the lifeboat. I have no use for them.

I have no use for those who build buildings when they should be building people.

The following are the objectives:

1.      A Heart for People – I do not have this. Or rather, when I do, I quench it. I believe it is self-preservation.

2.     An Addiction to the Vision of Multiplication – I have seen this in others and I couldn’t name it, but now I can see it.

3.     A Servant Spirit – I think I have this. It can certainly be developed.

4.     An Integral Part of the Disciple-making Team – Hahaha. Have to be invited first.

5.     A Volunteer Spirit – Yep, yep. I think it must mean something when your spouse tells other people that “she’s done volunteering” while I simultaneously agree to consider it.

6.     A Pacesetter – Nah, I like to run myself into the ground.

7.     A Productive Witness – I would like to be.

8.     A Bible Study Leader – I would love to be.

9.     A Sensitivity to Others – I suffer from the syndrome of the Freudian slip.

10. A Thinker – I can be. There is not a lot I miss. Unfortunately, there are times I miss big things because I’m immersed in the details. I do make connections that others miss.

There was something special in this chapter that eased my heart. Paul ignored the masses to find Titus who was lost. Finding Titus was of primary importance to Paul. More could be brought to Christ with Titus than without and therefore Titus came before the masses. I never would have thought to hear that. There was a little hackle-raising, but I get it.

Problem arises when there is no Titus and the masses are being ignored anyway. They are being turned away. The sheep are starving, lost, and they cannot hear any shepherd and least of all the one who claims to be their own.

2 Thessalonians is too short.

Chapter 8 – How to Develop Workers

Training by example – The more I have seen, the more I begin to think things like, “a degree is not a guarantee.” I think perhaps we should go back to apprenticeships. We learn so much more when we are working together in the field. And if, of course, you don’t like the work, then you don’t do that job. We could save time, money and effort.

At the Summer Reading desk, whenever we have a new volunteer, we ask them to sit with us and listen to our “spiel”. After hearing it a few times, you begin to be able to reproduce it. Yes, we have a list of things to remember to say and ask, but until you actually “do it”. It doesn’t feel natural. And every “interview” with a patron is different. And we each have a different flow.

Availability – I find that there are people that I would like to model myself after. Not entirely, but just portions. But if they are never available to you it simply isn’t possible. You might wonder how they manage certain things, but you are left to wonder because you never actually see how they do it. Or you might mistakenly think it works one way, when in reality it is the opposite.

For instance, a person might be very “even keel” and patient and quiet and balanced. It might just be their nature or they might be on happy pills. How willing are they to admit to the latter one? I heard yesterday that you can watch a classroom take on some of the characteristics of a teacher. An easy going teacher = an easy going class. A volatile teacher might equal a more volatile class. No wonder some children don’t do well in some classes.

Transparency – I have noticed one person in particular is very open about his weaknesses especially in comparison to the strengths of those around him. This person calls it like it is. And you never get the sense that he is putting himself down. He is being truthful. I am this. I am not that. It is very refreshing to be open about your strengths and weaknesses. It seems in today’s world that more people are apt to be the best at everything and announce it to the world and be very prideful about it.

Training on a personal basis – Of course this means keep it small. Work in depth and not in breadth, but your efforts will be rewarded in breadth by those your work with in depth. Jesus only had many, many disciples. He chose twelve to work closely with. Of those twelve, there were three that were even yet closer. He chose them as well.

God, please send me one who will choose me and then lead me to one I can choose.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 7 – The Workers are Still Few

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating and various kinds of tongues.

1 Corinthians 13:3 (ESV)

Sometimes you get to a chapter that is not for you. And it’s right in the middle of the book. And you think, “I should go back and concentrate on the last chapter,” because it was obviously for you. But it’s a book and you generally read it from cover to cover.

This chapter goes beyond the convert. This chapter goes beyond the disciple. This chapter reaches to the worker. I had no idea there was such a thing. It does a lovely job of explaining it without making the rest of us feel insignificant.

Not everyone is called to the same job. We are a body with many members. A body with 50 eyes and 1 leg would see everything, but get nothing done. I have spent many hours, weeks here, reading about the creative call. This is a heavenly calling – the desire to imitate God the Creator, one of the many facets of being made in His image.

For those who wish to imitate Christ, you have the calling of Worker. It’s not enough to lead and disciple, but you must multiply. You must make more of you. More people who will not only lead and disciple, but create more workers. Workers share their lives with the few who evidence the same calling in order to duplicate themselves.

Again. I had no idea. It’s like a secret society of which I’ve never had a glimpse.

I can see where missionaries go abroad and they find a native who not only converts and is strong in discipleship, but begins to work hard alongside the missionary. Before long, the native is the disciple/worker who continues the work when the missionary moves on.

I guess I’ve never seen it explained before. I guess I didn’t realize that anyone was working towards that. I’ve seen the pattern; I suppose I thought it was natural? How often does it occur stateside? I don’t see it locally. I think it is dying… Very much like the theory that we’re one generation from losing our religion. If we don’t teach our children, who will?

For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
Colossians 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 6 – Training Objectives for a Disciple

1.      Assurance of Salvation – I am struggling with this one now. It’s circular. If I am a Christian, I should be living differently, but my Salvation doesn’t rest on anything I do or can do. Jesus is the only Way. But if I am to follow Him, I must live differently.

2.     The Quiet Time – I still have not set aside a quiet time.

3.     Victory over Sin – I know, but have not put into practice.

4.     Separation from Sin – Totally indulging.

5.     Christian Fellowship – I attend Church and portions of a Bible Study/Prayer group, but I feel no fellowship. I am an island.

6.     The Bible – I know it better than I give myself credit for, but I can do infinitely better and I am not vocal about it.

7.     Hearing the Word – I listen, but do not take notes. Sometimes, often, I quench the Spirit when it is being taught.

8.     Reading the Word – I have and do, but that is the extent.

9.     Bible Study – I would argue that I study the Bible, but I would be lying. I study books about the Bible, but don’t go much further than that.

10. Scripture Memory – I have in the past and I need to return to it in a way that makes sense for me.

11.   Meditation on the Word – I need a tutor.

12. Application of the Word – Also, need a tutor.

13.  Prayer – Is there summer school?

14. Personal Testimony – One of those poor sad sacks who was born again at birth and has no moving testimony. I can talk about times in my life when the Lord walked with me, but that doesn’t feel accurate. I want a born again experience.

15.  Lordship of Christ – First I’ve ever heard such a thing.

16. Faith – Yes, a bit, in certain areas. Can I prove it? More so in the past than the present.

17.  Love – I love some, but I don’t love the church. I horrible.

18. The Tongue – Nope.

19. The Use of Time – Yes, would someone please do this for me? My schedule regarding work and volunteering is good, but it is my free time that gets away from me.

20.      The Will of God – Need some tutoring here as well.

21. Obedience – In some, but a wayward child in others. I pick and choose.

22.      The Holy Spirit – I know the Holy Spirit. I’ve felt His power and guidance. I know how to quench Him as well.

23.Satan – Know Your Enemy – Learned how once and have since forgotten.

24.      Dealing with Sin – I’ve identified. I’ve identified. I’ve identified. But not doing well with doing anything about it.

25.Assurance of Forgiveness – I’ve experienced how it can be done properly once before. I need to do it again and again. I do not do it well on my own.

26.      Second Coming of Christ – I know it like a good book. I wish it spurred me on. I’m numb.

27.Witnessing – I don’t take initiative, but I can be open and can speak when given the opportunity.

28.      Follow-up – Never occurred to me.

29.      Giving – I think I have this in spades. Unfortunately, my heart isn’t always with it. Sometimes I burn. Sometimes I smoke. I need to learn to do it for God and God alone.

30. World Vision – I’m sure it’s last on the list for a reason.

That is some honking chonking list. Helps you see how far away you really are. I wonder if I can put an ad in a paper and list what I need help with. Then people who are strong in certain areas can mentor me there if they care or are willing or so moved. Or I’ll just go it along. Maybe this is the direction for me…

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 (ESV)