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)

Chapter 5 – The Process of Making Disciples

I dare continue my analogy here.

I know I know of people who have been to see a chiropractor before. I have seen it posted in their facebook status. They have talked about it to someone else in front of me. I have rarely heard why they were going if ever. I am not even sure of what all a chiropractor can do or fix or cover. I’m thinking I should start googling.

But I’m a librarian. I like to know. So I began asking questions. Why this? How that? And as I get closer to the last visit yet to be determined, I am anxious to know what else I could visit for. I’ve heard mention of treatment for migraines and I have those. He jumped on my knee injury which I’ve never done anything for.

It comes down to, if he can fix my back, what else can be fixed?

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

So what have I been doing since my first visit? Praising the doctor and his staff. Talking about my experience. Which is beneficial to him. He has made a “disciple” of me in 3 visits or 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Why am I not able to speak so openly and enthusiastically of my Savior?

…until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…

Ephesians 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 4 – People Help People

Let me tell you a story.

I was pressured (positively) into calling for an appointment with a chiropractor. This doctor was a family friend. I was assured that he would probably be able to fit me in. I promised to call after another call I needed to make and I did.

The receptionist sounded very positive and upbeat, but she did not give attention to me and my problem until after expressing the fact that it was a holiday weekend and there was certainly no way to see me until sometime next week. I was speechless. Not functioning. I felt berated. I felt like an annoyance.

I had indeed forgotten that it was a holiday weekend. It was my fault that I had chosen to wait until Friday afternoon to realize that I might need some help. I could have called the previous weekend. I could have heeded the advice given and taken care of it earlier on. But I hadn’t. All my fault. And I would suffer for it.

I told the receptionist to nevermind as soon as I got my voice back. And then I might have curled up into a ball on my bed and cried at my stupidity for a few minutes. Or I might not have.

She had me where she wanted me. I was in need. And she was selling. I was at her mercy. I called back. She knew who I was and smugly tried to accommodate me into their schedule – next Tuesday.

Now, the fact that I had actually called and set up an appointment with the mysterious practitioner of Chiro, my spouse was clued into how much pain I was actually in. He stated that I should call around and see if anyone else could get me in sooner. Tuesday was a long time to wait.

Call around? I had actually made 3 calls already that morning and I was way over my quota. Did he know anyone? No. Had he ever heard good reviews of anyone? No. Then how was I supposed to know who to call? Well, first, call and try to find someone who will take you sooner than next Tuesday.

I sat paralyzed staring at the Yellow Pages for quite some time. One name kept popping out at me. I recognized it. Possibly a relative of a grade school peer. But I didn’t know for sure. I started looking at addresses. I started visualizing offices. But that one name kept sticking out. There was another name that was associated with the same address. The phone numbers were only one off. The other doctor's ad said “see most new patients same day.” I’m not entirely certain what that means but it sounded good. It even occurred to me to ask some people that I trust whom I know have visited a chiropractor before. But that would mean more phonecalls. I was fudging between the name I know and the phrase that gave me hope. And finally that Spiritual nudge made me call the name and NOT the phrase. I assured myself that the person on the other end would not know who I was and therefore couldn’t make fun of the fool that I am.

The nicest, motherly voice answered. Words came that I didn’t know I had. Were they taking new patients? Lol. She heard my pain and despair in my voice and took over. Yes, Tuesday was too long to wait. Could I come in at 2:15 today. Really? Truly? Seriously?

I was there early for paperwork. The receptionist carried on a conversation with me while I waited and after I had filled out the forms. She knows what my life has been like for the past two months. She was so very easy to talk to. She has a gift for people. She made me feel welcome. She knew the information I needed to be comfortable. And I felt safe and cared for.

You know… I have it on good authority that I could have used my connections to get in with the first doctor. I am not that kind of person. I am not assertive. I do not throw my weight around. In the end, I am much more comfortable knowing that the doctor I am with took me because I was in pain and he could help. It’s a holiday weekend and I have my third appointment with him this morning.

I love my family and I sincerely appreciate their genuine concern. I would have gone to see him and I am sure he is excellent. But I don’t think it would have been quite as good of a fit.

Why did I tell you this story? People help people. In some relationships, I am always the giver. In others I am the taker. I would like some balance. I need people. I don’t like to admit that. I am happy to struggle along on my own. And sometimes if feels like others think that it is preferable that way.

And also the following verse. It all fits together. At least for me. I saw where it was done wrong and I have firsthand experience with it being done right. I would choose right every time. Small is good. Small is preferable. Much gets lost in grandiose.

You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first…

Galatians 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 3 – Making Disciples in the Early Church

Does anybody else want to see how something works? See how an organization runs? Do cross-training. See how a book gets ordered, purchased, shipped, cataloged, dressed, checked in etc.?

What are you doing and why are you doing it? How did you know that would work? Why does it make that sound? How do you know what to do? What if it doesn’t work? How long will it take? How many times will it have to be performed?

This isn’t working. I don’t understand why you’re doing it this way. It doesn’t make sense. Why are you asking the people you are? Why do you ask for help and then not take it?

Describe your work flow. Make a blueprint of your path. How can we make it better for you? How can we accommodate you? Make a list of priorities in order. How are they being met? Does what you’re doing fall in line with your vision or mission statement? If not, what is more important? What has to go? What needs to stay?

This chapter clearly set out how the early church made disciples. It filled in the blanks and brought to the reader’s attention what is sometimes glossed over. Who is operating that way today? Can I see how? Jesus was very careful about choosing his disciples. He took his time. We certainly wouldn’t have chosen the ordinary people he did, from vastly different and even opposing backgrounds, but they were exceptionally effective in the end.

You did not choose me, but I chose you.

Do I choose who I intend to disciple? Does that mean I need to be chosen as well? I know I need to be discipled. Where does one go to acquire the right person? I certainly cannot be assigned to someone. If I am not chosen, well, then, am I just not chosen?

People cannot just be placed in events and studies where no one ever connects. I repeat. NO ONE EVER CONNECTS.

Sometimes you get an inkling of something greater and it remains elusive.

It’s not working. IT’S NOT WORKING.

And I’m rambling. Sorry. I just cannot believe the things that I am hearing.

Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak…

2 Corinthians 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 2 – Biblical Examples of Discipleship Training

Wow. To have someone’s attention for almost an hour. For them to ask important questions that you are required to answer in order to continue. For them to pay attention to the problem – one of the few actually identifiable problems – and work with you to fix it. For them to assemble, immediately, a course of action to fix it and begin right then and there. And to include multiple possibilities – none to be set in stone, but each to be tried in order to find success. To be under scrutiny, but to feel safe. And to not feel like chopped liver.

Yes, I visited a chiropractor for the first time yesterday. And I was shy about it. I had absolutely no idea whatsoever to expect. A portion of me was worried that there would be nothing wrong that was worthy of the visit. Why did I think I would be laughed at and patronized? And sent away with nothing…

There were some requirements here. I had to be in pain – enough to want to seek help (with a little bit of arm twisting.) I had to make the call. Let me say it again… I had to make the appointment. I had to set things in motion. And I had to answer the questions. Truthfully. Honestly. Openly. Some things are easy to hide and others – not so much. I didn’t even realize at one point I was close to tears. And I pretty much held my breath the whole time. How refreshing to have someone to tell you to breathe. And of course, I had to follow instructions even when I wasn’t being scrutinized.

All this to say, that I made an awful lot of appointments in the last two years and this might have been one of two that were actually productive. If I recall correctly, the other one was very similar to this one. I started the meeting in motion. There were pages and pages of questions that I had to answer, painfully, honestly. And then each was addressed and we began to work upon the bigger picture. In retrospect, that should have been continued. Over and over again. I have one issue – we should have made an appointment for the future. When we left … there was no feeling of a future meeting. There was no, “I”ll see you again in a few weeks.” Not even a, “Call me if things go wrong.” But I didn’t really expect anyone to check up on me. Not even a doctor will cold call you to make sure that you’re still fine. Just, I KNOW I’m going back for adjustment today. And maybe a few each week for a couple of weeks. I even know what will be the next step if it doesn’t get better.

So, who was the last person who asked if you read your Bible? Who was the last person who asked if you meditate on God’s Word. When was the last time someone held you accountable to memorize verses of Scripture? When was the last time someone inquired after your prayer life? When was the last time you answered the question, “How are you?” truthfully.

My back is a small thing in the greater picture. My spiritual life means life in Heaven or death in Hell.

…when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

1 Corinthians 4:13 (ESV)

The Lost Art of Disciple Making by LeRoy Eims

Chapter 1 – The Need for Multiplying Disciples

I would like to create a poll and see how many “kids” of my generation were discipled, where and by whom. And certain things simply don’t count. If you were one of 30 kids in a confirmation class – huh uh. Classroom style, lecture style – nope. Ten minute sermons once a week? I don’t think so. No, I mean one on one, sacrificial even, investment into your Christian maturity. Who supports you and who lifts you up. And in return, who do you foster?

This isn’t about a parent either. Sure, in an ideal family setting, you would learn what you needed to know to grow into a mature Christian by some good role-modeling on the part of the parent. But let’s face it, not many of us come from ideal homes where the key to Christian-living was planted in rich soil, watered and fed daily, and nurtured into a fragrant blossom or fruit bearing tree.

I go to church weekly. I read Bible verses almost daily. I haven’t seriously memorized anything in 2 years. Prayer? I’m horribly awful at it. My hope is gone. My joy is lacking. The fruits of the Spirit are dried up. I’m drowning and there is no one to save me.

All about me.

I certainly cannot do a good job of saving someone else in this condition. Quite funny actually. I think a great deal of us are floundering in the ocean. Sharks are circling. A hurricane is headed our way. We are grasping at straws. The reality is that we cannot do this alone. But where do we turn?

We keep turning to each other. But it is not good enough. If we were to find one person we would drag that person in with us. We each need someone to lend a us an arm, a hand, a buoy. Someone to get us back on track. Someone to stick with us and cheer us on.

Someone to hold us accountable.

Where do you find such a person when the harvest is great and the workers are few? Especially when people tend to think you’re a worker. Not all workers are created equally.

More and more the church is producing ill-equipped Christians. There will be fewer and fewer to invest in significant disciple making.

I long for someone to invest in me. Where does one go? When time is at a premium?

For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through te righteousness of faith.
Romansh 4:13 (ESV)