Subtle Threats eBook

Robby Gallaty is the Senior Pastor of Brainerd Baptist Church in

Chattanooga, TN. He was radically saved out of a life of drug addiction

on November 12, 2002. He is also the author of Unashamed: Taking a

Radical Stand for Christ, Creating an Atmosphere to HEAR God Speak,

and Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples (Fall 2013).

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IntroductionAlbert Einstein wrote, “Out of complexity, find simplicity.”

This quote was the basis for the immensely helpful book Simple Church by

Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger. At one time, it seemed as if every pastor was not

only reading the book but also implementing the four-fold elements within:

clarity, movement, alignment, and focus. These same elements can also be

applied to discipleship.

Rainer and Geiger defined clarity as “the ability of the process to be

communicated and understood by the people…. If the process is not clearly

defined so that everyone is speaking the same language, there is confusion

and frustration.”1

Therefore, for the sake of clarity, I will show you four sure-fire ways that

individuals stifle a discipleship ministry, and three ways to avoid these

obstacles.

1 Overlooked Challenges that Will Devastate Your Discipleship Ministry

1. You Have Misunderstood the Meaning of DiscipleshipAccording to Bill Hull, the author of The Disciplemaking Pastor, churches

throw “the word disciple around freely, but too often with no definition.”2

New Testament Professor Scot McKnight supports Hull’s claim: “If one

understands discipleship as ‘daily routine,’ then one will produce those who

have daily routines. If one understands discipleship as ‘evangelistic ministry,’

then one will produce evangelists. If one understands discipleship as ‘Bible

study,’ then one will produce biblical scholars. If one understands discipleship

as ‘effective operations,’ then one will produce administrative geniuses.”3

Furthermore, a quick survey of the Christian landscape will uncover various

definitions of discipleship from different people. For example, Francis Chan,

with whom I have had the privilege of dialoguing on two occasions, defines

discipleship differently than Bill Hull. Jim Putman, pastor of Real Life ministries

in Post Falls, Idaho, suggests a different approach than Alan Hirsch, founding

director of Forge Mission Training Network, or even Derwin Gray, pastor of

Transformation Church and author of Limitless Life.

Fortunately, Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, did not prescribe a model; rather, He

gave us a mandate: make disciples! He didn’t suggest a process; he left us with

principles, which is why Robert Coleman’s book, The Master Plan of

Discipleship, is timeless.

Jesus, ultimately, left the size of the group, the length of the group, and the

particularities of the group to the discretion of the disciple-maker. But, with

great freedom comes great responsibility. Rather than using your freedom as

a license for laziness, you must decide on a system and faithfully follow it.

So what is discipleship?


I get asked the same question over-and-over again: “What is discipleship?”

Allow me to answer the question by explaining what discipleship is not:

• It is not a class.

• It is not a seminar.

• It is not a degree you earn.

• It is not a program.

• It is not a 12-week Bible study.

• It is not a 40-day home group.

• It is not a quick process.

• It is not a quick fix.

• It is not reserved for super-Christians.

• It is not hard.

• It is not an option.

We could say that discipleship is intentionally equipping believers with the

Word of God through accountable relationships that are empowered by the

Holy Spirit in order to replicate faithful followers of Christ. When people

become disciples, they learn what Jesus said and live out what Jesus did

(Matt. 28:19).

Did you catch the five components of a discipling relationship?

A disciple is:

• Intentional about equipping others for the work of ministry;

• Studiously and obediently following the Word of God;

• Accountable to other believers;

• Empowered by the Holy Spirit;

• Actively teaching others what he was taught.


Begin to incorporate these elements into your discipleship group.

One last word on this subject: it’s important to contextualize the process. A

“one-size-fits-all” approach will not work. Discipleship in Chattanooga,

Tennessee, is very different than in San Francisco, California, or in the

Dominican Republic.

After preaching an evangelistic crusade, D.L. Moody was met after the service

by a man who disapproved of his evangelistic strategy. Moody responded, “It’s

evident that you don’t agree with my evangelism method. What’s your

evangelistic model for winning the lost?” The man replied, “I don’t have a

particular method.” Moody said, “I think I’ll stick with mine.”

Regardless of which model, material, or manner you affirm, decide on a plan

and stick with it.


2. You Have Minimized the Importance of Discipleship

Misunderstanding can lead to minimization.

George Barna states that only 4% of Christians identify the command to make

disciples of all nations as the primary purpose of their life.

How important is discipleship to pastors? In study-after-study, ministers have

ranked discipleship at the bottom of their priorities list. The average church

today focuses on creating, starting, and sustaining programs. Few have any

real emphasis on personal discipleship, much less any structure or instruction

for performing it.

I suggest that one of the reasons for the lack of discipleship in churches today

resides with the leadership.

A few years ago, LifeWay Research surveyed various Southern Baptist

Churches about their ministerial priorities. Mark Kelly created an online study

entitled, “Critical Ministries and Their Leadership,” which questioned 801

Southern Baptist pastors about the most critical ministries in their churches.

Pastors, listing ministries in the order of importance, identified evangelism/

outreach as the most important ministry of the church (24%), followed by

Sunday school/Bible study/small-groups (17%). In descending order were

worship/specific worship services (13%), preaching/proclamation/teaching (10

percent), children/youth (9%), discipleship/spiritual growth/mentoring/

counseling (7%), and prayer/prayer ministry/prayer groups (5%).4

Sadly, prayer and discipleship—extremely important disciplines in a believer’s

life—scraped the bottom of the priorities list.


Wake Up Call

Five years after writing about mobilizing, inspiring and leading others, Bill

Hybels, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, publicly apologized

to his congregation for failing to produce disciples in his church. Hybels hired

a company to evaluate Willow Creek’s effectiveness, and the results caused

Hybels to experience the “wake-up call” of his ministerial career.5

Acknowledging Willow Creek’s failure, Hybels expressed his frustration. “We

made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of

faith and became Christians, we should have started telling people and

teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self-feeders.’

We should have gotten people, taught people how to read their Bible between

services, and how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on

their own.”6

After investing thirty years of ministry and tens of millions of dollars in

facilities, programs, and promotions, Willow Creek was admittedly

unsuccessful in producing disciples. Resources were prioritized on attracting

visitors, but a step-by-step plan for personal growth was ignored.

Jason Mandryk of Operation World would agree with Hybels’ desire to create

“self-feeders.” More to the point, he believes discipleship should be our

highest priority: “Discipleship is the greatest challenge facing the Church

today…. There is a genuine need for effective Bible study and teaching in

Christians’ heart languages, genuine fellowship, and a commitment to

involvement in ministry.”7

It’s Not All the Church’s Fault

Speaking about the impact Christians have on the world, or the lack thereof,

Greg Nettle stated, “The lack of discipleship undermines all else that we seek

to do.”[v] So who is to blame for this oversight? It is unfair to blame the


Church exclusively. While the shortcomings of the Church in discipleship

cannot be overlooked, it is also true that many professing Christians never

commit to a growing relationship with the Lord.

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus taught us that many who receive the Word

of God never grow and bear fruit for Him. A shallow commitment and love for

the things of this world—this life—stunt their growth as believers (Matt. 13:3-9,

18-23).

The fact is, nearly all evangelical churches emphasize, to some degree, Bible

study and prayer, which are the basic keys to knowing God. Most offer some

sort of Bible study or D-Group, albeit, often ineffectively. But, in the best of

churches, only a fraction of the membership even attends a worship service

regularly! Smaller still is the percentage of people who are faithfully involved

in a group or class.

Jesus pulled no punches when it came to discipleship. He was blunt and

crystal-clear about it: following him is a choice, a choice that requires sacrifice,

commitment, and making him the number one priority in our lives. There is a

cost involved with being his disciple. But the rewards are out of this world!

Why do you think discipleship has been an oversight for so many years?

What steps can be taken in order to make disciple-making a priority?


3. You Are Unfamiliar With the Path of DiscipleshipThe home I grew up in backed up to a wooded area. Tall tales of monsters and

evil men that resided deep within the darkness circulated throughout the

neighborhood. As a child, I never ventured into the woods unless I had an

adult with me. Every Easter my father, grandfather, uncle, and I, with walking

sticks in hand, would embark on an adventure into the forest. The dense

underbrush coupled with towering trees created an eerie atmosphere. The

initial part of the trip consisted of aggressively pruning shrubs and stepping

on branches to create a path, but once we made it into the heart of the forest,

it gave way to a large expanse of paths and trails, which I began to explore.

While adventuring, I discovered an opening that led me back home, or so I

thought.

Focused on the task at hand, I was unaware that I was walking alone. “Dad!,” I

cried, “Where are you?” “Johnny, Paw Paw!,” I screamed, “Are you here?” I

frantically looked around, but my family was nowhere to be found.

Discouraged and scared, I did what any seven year old would do. I cried.

Immediately, my father appeared from the brush saying, “Robby, we’re right

here. We were just playing with you!” My father then led me on a new path out

the woods. His leadership paved the way for me to follow.

I learned a discipleship principle through that event: You can’t lead someone

on a journey you’ve never been on. My dad knew the woods well. I didn’t.

Unknown Territory

Unfortunately, many believers, even pastors, haven’t been given the privilege

of being discipled by another person. Mike Breen, leader of 3D Ministries, an

“organic movement of biblical discipleship and missional churches,” is helpful

in highlighting the disconnect found in most churches: “Maybe you’ve grown

up in church. Maybe you’ve even gone to seminary. Maybe you lead a church,

small-group or Bible study. Maybe you’ve read every Christian book there is to


read from the last 50 years. Great! It means you have an outstanding

informational foundation. But you still might need to be discipled in the way

that the Bible understands discipleship.”8

Could it be that believers minimize discipleship in the church because they

never had the privilege of being discipled? It is difficult—nearly impossible—to

lead someone on a journey on which you have never been.

Jesus’ command to make disciples was not a theoretical expectation. The

years of investment preceding the mandate made it a reality. The command

was not realized in Jesus’ words but in his deeds. He not only encouraged

great discipleship, he was the Great Disciple-maker!

Reaching the World One Disciple at a Time

Similarly, Paul, expecting Timothy’s full support, sketched out the same

roadmap in the final letter to his spiritual son in the faith: “You then, my child,

be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard

from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be

able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:1-2).

This single verse describes at least four generations of discipleship. Paul

discipled Timothy, and, likewise, Timothy is to disciple faithful men who, in

turn, disciple others. But it should not be lost that all of these men, by the

example of Christ in both his life and death, are being discipled.

One of the first verses of scripture that Dawson Trotman, the founder of

Navigators, called me to memorize was 2 Timothy 2:2. He said, “This is like a

mathematical formula for spreading the gospel and enlarging the church. Paul

taught Timothy. Timothy shared what he knew with faithful men. And the

faithful men were supposed to teach others also. And so the process goes on.

If every believer followed this pattern, the church could reach the entire world


in one generation. If the church followed this pattern, we could reach the

world in one generation. Mass crusades in which I believe and to which I have

committed my life will never accomplish the Great Commission; one-on-one

relationships will.”9

Did you catch that? Discipleship is the plan for reaching the world with the

gospel. A common misconception is that the ability to “make disciples” is a

gift of the Spirit that only elite, super-Christians are expected to possess. It’s

not. All believers have been given authority to disciple by Christ (Matt. 28:18),

and all Christians have been commanded to disciple (Matt. 28:19-20)!

You can’t do anything about not being discipled in the past, but you can begin

to invest in the lives of others and pray that others will invest in you. However,

before people will do what you ask, they will watch what you do. Pastors you

can’t expect your people to do something you aren’t doing. What group of

men are you meeting with once a week for prayer? With whom are you

studying the Scriptures? With whom and to whom are you holding yourselves

accountable? Think about what a church member of mine said: “Your talk talks

and your walk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.” Your walk

speaks volumes about the amount of discipleship taking place in your church.

So, leaders, to use a quote commonly misattributed to Gandhi: “Be the change

you wish to see in the world!” The men, women, and youth of your

congregations look to you for guidance. Jesus stood as an example for the

walks of Paul, Timothy, and all the brothers and sisters in him throughout the

ages. Likewise, pastors are to be prime examples of disciple-makers, made in

the image of the Christ.

If you aren’t seeing discipleship take place in your church, it may be because

you aren’t involved in discipling relationships.


An anonymous poet said it best:

I’d rather see a sermon,

than hear one any day.

I’d rather you would walk with me, than merely tell the way.

The eye’s are a better pupil

and more willing than the ear.

Fine counsel is confusing

but example’s always clear.

The best of all the preachers,

are the men who live their creeds.

For to see good put in action,

is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it,

if you’ll let me see it done.

I can watch your hands in action, your tongue too fast may run.

The lectures you deliver

may be very wise and true.

But I’d rather get my lessons

by observing what you do.

For I might misunderstand you

and the high advice you give.

But there’s no misunderstanding

how you act and how you live.


4. You Are Unsure of the Direction of DiscipleshipBefore beginning any discipleship ministry, you must map out your

destination. Determine where you are, where you’re heading, and how you will

get there. If you’re like me, you are notorious for not writing down directions

when someone shares them. One time, before the days of iPhone Maps (yes,

there was such a time), my recollection failed at a collegiate event. After the

event was over, I set out for the hotel, or so I thought. “Where is the hotel?”

asked Kandi, my wife. Tentatively, I replied, “Calm down. It’s right up here on

the right.” The right turn led us into an empty field, not the Embassy Suites.

Needless to say, it was the last time Kandi allowed me to travel without

directions.

Sadly, many churches, too, begin their discipleship ministries without a plan.

Prior to challenging our people at Brainerd Baptist to gather in small

discipleship groups, I, along with our leadership team, defined “discipleship.”

We realized that a definition of a disciple needed to precede a process for

disciple-making. For months, I met my team with dry erase markers in hand,

listing and erasing terms that described a faithful follower of Christ, that is, a

disciple. The finished product: a picture of a disciple looking upward with a

worn out Bible in one hand and a passport in the other.

Three results came from this project:

• The picture generated our mission statement: Deliver the Word, Disciple

the Believer, and Deploy the Discipled.

• The picture established our core values: “authentic worship,” “expository

preaching,” “intentional discipleship,” and “strategic missions.

• The process encouraged our people to get involved in D-Groups (i.e.,

discipleship groups).

Have you defined what a disciple looks like?


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Determine the Model You Will Use“Discipleship” is the buzzword today. More books and conferences under the

banner of “disciple-making” are available now than ever before. As a result,

believers are contemplating the implications of the Great Commission for their

lives. With a better understanding of discipleship comes questions of how to

replicate the process. One important facet is how many people should be

discipled together. Here are three reasons to meet weekly in a core group of

three to five as opposed to a one-on-one or a larger group of six or more.

Jesus Discipled in a Group

Discipleship is about reproduction. The process is not complete until the

disciple becomes a disciple-maker. How else will the message of the gospel go

forth? Jesus said in Mark 1:17, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.”

He didn’t say, “Follow me, and I will make you ‘wise,’ or ‘holy’ or ‘happy’ or

‘smart’ or ‘successful.’” Rather, at the conception of his earthly ministry, he

implanted the seed of multiplication in his disciples.

The Gospels record Jesus ministering in five group sizes: the crowd

(multitudes), the committed (72 in Luke 10), the cell (the twelve disciples), the

core (Peter, James, and John), and close-up encounters (one-on-one). Making

disciples cannot be abated to a particular group meeting; however, a regular

gathering time is mandatory for maturity, for without it, accountability is

virtually impossible.

Jesus never discipled anyone one-on-one. You will be hard-pressed to locate

Jesus involved in any ongoing one-on-one discipling relationship. He definitely

met face-to-face with individuals, such as Nicodemus (Jn. 3) and the woman

at the well (Jn. 4), but in both cases, these divine appointments were isolated

events. Yes, Jesus had an intimate relationship with John, and He restored

Peter on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Jn. 21). However, Jesus customarily

discipled Peter, James, and John as a unit (c.f. Mk. 1:29-31; 5:37; 9:2; 13:3; 14:33).


Paul Traveled in a Group

We can assume that Paul, in similar fashion, used his missionary journeys to

disciple his traveling companions. He rarely, if ever, traveled alone, always

including Barnabas, Silas, John Mark, Timothy, Titus, Luke, and other gospel

co-workers. His travel companions formed his traveling discipleship group.

Thus, like Christ, Paul discipled in a group.

Paul Discipled in a Group

What about Paul’s remarks to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2? Didn’t Paul disciple

Timothy alone?

The proof-text for one-on-one discipleship is 2 Timothy 2:1-2: “You then, my

child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have

heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who

will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:1-2)

The key word (often overlooked) in 2 Timothy 2:2 is “witnesses.” This Greek

word martus can be transliterated into English as “martyr.” According to

Strong’s Greek, it can describe someone who has “information or knowledge

of something and hence, one who can give information, bring to light, or

confirm something.”

The same word is used in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy

Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all

Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The word “witnesses” can be

replaced with the word “believer” or “disciple.” Read the verse again, making

this substitution. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come

upon you, and you will be my disciples in Jerusalem and in all Judea and

Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”


What does this have to do with 2 Timothy 2:2?

For years, I interpreted the word “witnesses” as bystanders validating Paul’s

message. Timothy didn’t need anyone to authenticate Paul’s message. At this

point, he had known Paul for fifteen years. Maybe Paul brings to mind the

truths taught in their discipleship group? “What you have heard from me in

the presence of many disciples entrust what you have learned to faithful men

who will be able to teach others also.”

You may be saying, “What about the word “many?” Doesn’t that signify a large

number?” Yes, but that number is unknown. The word “many” can be counted,

while the word “much” cannot be counted. Technically, “many” can signify a

group as small as six. Regardless, this passage should not be used as proof-

text for one-on-one discipleship. In fact, it can be used otherwise.

Additionally, Paul uses plural nouns in the formula for making disciples: “What

you’ve heard from me in the presence of many witnesses (plural), entrust to

faithful men (plural) who will teach others (plural).” Paul understood the

importance of multiplying his efforts. Paul, like Jesus, believed in diversifying

his investment.

Joel Rosenberg and T.E. Koshy posed a thought-provoking question: “What if

for three years Jesus had discipled only Judas? Despite His best efforts, Jesus

would have wound up with no one to carry on His legacy and His message

when He returned to the Father. Jesus didn’t invest in just one man. He

invested in a group of men from a wide range of backgrounds, including

fishermen, a tax collector, and a Zealot (a political revolutionary).”

Don’t hear what I’m not saying. I am not opposed to one-on-one discipleship.

Times and seasons call for a break from the normative group approach to


address particular issues or struggles in the life of a person. But, if you have a

choice, choose a group of three to five.

Disciples Grow in Rows

In the Muir Woods, just north of San Francisco, lies an incredible forest of

breath-taking Sequoia trees. These trees, reaching almost 250 feet into the

sky, are considered to be the largest living things on earth. Many of them have

been alive for over 1,500 years, enduring nature’s fiercest winds and storms.

What is the secret to their permanence? Contrary to what you might think, it is

not a deep root system. These trees’ roots only descend four feet into the

earth, extremely shallow for such immense trees. The reason for the Sequoias’

sustained growth is their support system beneath the earth’s surface. Sequoia

trees only grow in rows or groves. You will never find them growing alone. The

roots of these trees interlock with each other, and this is the secret to their

survival throughout the centuries.

What a lesson for the body of Christ! Just as no Sequoia grows alone, neither

does a disciple grow apart from the members of the body of Christ (cf. Rom,

12:4-5).


Determine the Members that You Will IncludeYou are probably wondering, “What kind of person am I looking for to be in a

D-Group?” “Are there certain qualities or characteristics to identify in a

potential group member?”

In addition to prayer and preparation each week, you will need to set aside

time every week to meet. If you are still unsure of how to start a discipleship

group, check out 5 Steps to Take Before Beginning a Discipleship Group.

Here are three essential qualities of a potential D-Group participant:

Faithful

A faithful person is dedicated, trustworthy, and committed. Consider a

potential disciple’s faithfulness by observing other areas of his or her spiritual

life, such as church attendance, small-group involvement, or service in the

church. Faithfulness is determined by a commitment to spiritual things.

Available

Discern an individual’s availability by his or her willingness to meet with and

invest in others. Does this person carve out time to listen, study, and learn

from others? Is he or she accessible when called upon? Does he or she have a

regular quiet time with God of reading the Word and praying? Availability is

measured by a willingness to serve God.

Teachable

Not everybody who attends a Bible study, Sunday school class, or D-Group is

teachable. A teachable person has a desire to learn and apply what is taught.

One who is teachable is open to correction. Recognize teachability by

observing one’s response to God’s Word.

For example, after hearing a sermon on prayer, does he or she begin to pray

more regularly? Or after a lesson about the dangers of the tongue, does this


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person implement changes in his or her speech? A teachable person not only

listens to what is taught, but also applies it to his or her life.

One characteristic is absolutely necessary. In fact, the absence of this attribute

is a deal breaker. A potential D-Group member must have a teachable spirit.

If a believer possesses manifold talents and abilities but is unteachable, you

will not be able to work with them. Let me repeat: you will not be able to work

with them. Over the past decade, I have approached two people about

resigning from the group because they weren’t teachable. Their arrogance

distracted others in the group.

However, you can work with a person who may not possess any exceptional

talents or abilities but one, that is, a teachable spirit.

You may be saying, “You shouldn’t be choosy about potential disciples. Work

with whomever comes your way.” I understand the logic; however, Jesus didn’t

adopt this strategy. Yes, he chose twelve disciples, but he passed by many.

You may be asking: “Should I enlist the first person who approaches me about

participating in a D-Group or should I be selective?” First of all, your time is

valuable. Whether you are a college student, single parent, stay-at-home

mom, part-time employee, or full-time business owner, time is irredeemable.

You only get 86,400 seconds each day, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

So spend them wisely.

Raising the Bar

Since the time with your group is limited, making the most of it is crucial. You

must be judicious in selecting group participants (Obviously, grace must

permeate the process). But, don’t take my word for it. Let’s consider how

Jesus responded to three would-be disciples.


Jesus expected His disciples to follow His example of commitment to the

Father. Luke recorded Jesus’ interaction with three men on the roadside (Lk.

9:57-62). With misguided expectations, the first potential follower assumed

Jesus was a superstar rabbi who enjoyed the luxuries of the best hotels. But

Jesus sharply corrected his self-serving view, replying, “Foxes have holes, and

birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his

head” (Lk. 9:58).

Because of misplaced priorities, a second would-be disciple was willing to

follow Jesus only after his father died. Recognizing this man’s desire to receive

his inheritance rather than forsake all for the Kingdom of God, Jesus sternly

answered, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and

proclaim the kingdom of God” (Lk. 9:59).

Finally, a third man approached Jesus. On the surface, his request appeared

sincere. “Jesus,” he said, “I will follow you, but first let me say farewell to my

parents.” Seeing through the man’s empathetic words to the real motive of his

heart, Jesus tersely replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks

back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:61-62). This man had a misdirected

focus.

We can draw two walking points from these encounters.

Jesus must be first in your life. He will never settle for second place. He

demands unwavering commitment. You must love Him supremely, above

everyone and everything else.

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Jesus never lowered the bar for would-be disciples. He raised it.


Determine the Material You Will IncorporateThe Bible is the textbook. Your group should be taught how to study,

memorize, quote, and live out the Word. Simply, discipleship is learning what

Christ said and living like Christ did.

So where should you begin?

It’s helpful to have a roadmap when setting out on a journey.

I have recently written a roadmap for making disciples entitled: Growing Up:

How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples. The book is divided into two

sections. The first three chapters build a case for the necessity of making

disciples. Chapter 4 deals with training yourself to become godly. The

remaining six chapters, if incorporated into your life, will aid in developing a

C.L.O.S.E.R. walk with Christ.

This walk will help you:

• Communicate with God through prayer

• Learn to understand and apply God’s Word to your life

• Obey God’s commands

• Store God’s Word in your heart

• Evangelize (share Christ with others)

• Renew yourself spiritually every day

Regularly practicing even one of these disciplines will increase your spiritual

fervor. The more of them you cultivate in your life, the closer you will grow to

the Lord, and the more you will become like Christ. If you practice all of them,

you will see exponential growth in your life. Whether you are a new believer or

have been in church your entire life, these practices will produce tangible

results in godliness and fruitfulness—if you are disciplined enough to stick with


them. The key to sticking with them is being accountable to someone else.

Accountability is provided through a D-Group.


Endnotes

1. Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger, Simple Church (Nashville: B & H Publishing,

1996), 113.

2. Bill Hull, Disciplemaking Pastor: Leading Others on the Journey of Faith

(Ada: MI: Baker Books, 2007), 54.

3. Brad J. Waggoner, The Shape of Faith to Come (Nashville, TN: B & H

Publishing Group, 2008), 12.

4. Mark Kelley, “‘Critical Ministries’ Study Reveals Pastoral Priorities,

Leadership Challenges” http://www.lifeway.com [online] (April 1, 2009),

Accessed 3 April 2009.

Jason Mandryk, Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every

Nation (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2012), 17.

5. Christianity Today, “Willow Creek Repent?” http://

blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2007/10/willow_creek_re.html

[Internet] October 2007, (Accessed 29 March 2013).

6. Ibid.

7. Alex Absalom and Greg Nettle, Disciples Who Make Disciples (Exponential

Resources, 2012), Kindle Electronic Edition: Location 104.

8. Mike Breen, The Great Disappearance: Why the Word “Disciple”

Dissappears After Acts 21 and Why It Matters For Us Today (Exponential

Resources, 2013), Kindle Electronic Edition: Location 261-264.

9. Billy Graham, The Holy Spirit (Waco, TX: Word, 1978), 147.


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