Apicontent

I. INTRODUCTION: GATHERING INFORMATION

A. Understanding the Mission Field:

1. Before engaging a community with the Gospel, it’s important to understand who they are, their needs, culture, and barriers to the Gospel. Gathering information about a community provides insights that help shape evangelism, discipleship, and church-planting strategies.
2. Jesus’ Example: Jesus was deeply aware of the cultural and spiritual contexts of the people He ministered to. He connected with people by meeting their needs, understanding their cultural norms, and speaking directly to their struggles (John 4:7-26, Mark 2:16-17). In the same way, understanding the community helps us connect with people where they are and present the Gospel in ways that are clear, relevant, and transformative.

B. The Goal of Community Information Gathering:

1. Strategic Engagement: By gathering information, you can identify the key needs, cultural dynamics, and spiritual beliefs of a community. This helps tailor outreach and discipleship strategies that are relevant and impactful.
2. Identifying Barriers and Opportunities: Learning about the community also helps identify potential barriers to the Gospel, as well as opportunities for building relationships, meeting felt needs, and sharing God’s story in culturally appropriate ways.

II. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR UNDERSTANDING THE COMMUNITY

A. Paul’s Adaptability in Evangelism:

1. Becoming All Things to All People: Paul’s approach in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 demonstrates his commitment to adapting to different cultural contexts for the sake of the Gospel. He “became all things to all people” so that by all possible means, he might save some. This principle of cultural adaptability is key to effective disciple-making.
2. Observing the Culture: In Acts 17:16-34, Paul carefully observed the culture of Athens before engaging the people with the Gospel. He acknowledged their religious practices and used them as a bridge to introduce Jesus. This example shows the importance of observing and learning about the beliefs, values, and practices of a community before presenting the Gospel.

B. Jesus’ Compassion for the Crowds:

1. Meeting Felt Needs: Jesus often met the physical and emotional needs of people before addressing their spiritual needs (Matthew 9:35-36). He had compassion on the crowds because they were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Understanding the needs of a community allows you to approach them with the same compassion, meeting tangible needs and creating openness to the Gospel.

III. PRACTICAL METHODS FOR GATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

There are various methods for gathering information, ranging from simple observation to conducting in-depth surveys and interviews. Below are some practical ways to learn about the community in a way that informs effective ministry.

A. Observation

1. Observe People’s Daily Lives: Spend time walking or driving through the community. Observe where people gather, how they interact, and what activities or routines are central to the community. Pay attention to places of worship, markets, schools, community centers, and recreational areas.
2. Look for Signs of Spiritual Need: As you observe, look for evidence of spiritual need or openness. Are there signs of brokenness, such as substance abuse, crime, or family disintegration? Conversely, are there signs of spiritual hunger, such as a high interest in religious discussions, community prayer meetings, or spiritual events?
3. Identify Cultural Symbols: Pay attention to cultural symbols like flags, murals, monuments, or religious symbols that reveal the community’s values, beliefs, and history.

B. Prayer Walks:

1. What is a Prayer Walk?: A prayer walk is a strategic way to pray while observing the community. It involves walking through the community and praying for the people, homes, and institutions you pass.
2. Practical Application: Organize regular prayer walks with your team or small group. Encourage participants to observe as they pray, noting any significant details or spiritual impressions they sense.

C. Community Mapping:

1. What is Community Mapping?: Community mapping involves creating a physical or digital map of the community, marking key locations, resources, and people of influence. It helps visualize the community’s layout, resources, and potential areas of ministry.
2. How to Map:
   • Begin by drawing or using a printed map of the area. Mark key locations like schools, hospitals, places of worship, community centers, and markets.
   • Add notes about influential people, high-traffic areas, and specific locations where spiritual conversations have already occurred.

D. Identifying Spiritual Strongholds: Use the map to mark areas where there are known spiritual strongholds, such as places of idol worship, occult practices, or areas associated with addiction or crime. This helps in targeted prayer and spiritual warfare.

E. Identifying Gatekeepers:

1. Who Are Gatekeepers?: Gatekeepers are individuals who hold influence within the community, such as local leaders, business owners, religious figures, or community organizers. They can either help or hinder access to the community.
2. How to Engage Gatekeepers: Build relationships with gatekeepers by seeking to understand their role, listening to their concerns, and offering to partner in serving the community. Often, these relationships open doors for broader ministry opportunities.

F. Conducting Community Surveys and Interviews

1. Why Use Surveys and Interviews?
   • Surveys and interviews allow for more in-depth understanding of the community’s demographics, needs, beliefs, and barriers to the Gospel. They help gather both qualitative and quantitative data that can inform strategic planning and outreach.
2. How to Conduct Surveys:
   • Create Simple, Clear Questions: Develop a set of questions that cover basic demographic information (age, gender, occupation), spiritual beliefs, felt needs, and openness to spiritual discussions. Ensure the questions are culturally appropriate and easy to understand.
3. Survey Methods:
   • Door-to-Door Surveys: Visit homes in the community and conduct short surveys, asking people about their needs, beliefs, and thoughts about spiritual matters.
   • Street Interviews: Engage people in public areas like markets or parks. These informal conversations can provide insights into the community’s general attitudes and beliefs.
4. Sample Questions (Tailor questions to be personable based on your context):
   • “What should others know about life here?”
   • “What are some of the challenges in this community?”
   • “Is there anything this community needs that isn’t being provided?”
5. Practical Tips: When conducting surveys, always approach people with respect and sensitivity. Be prepared to offer prayer or assistance based on what you learn during the conversation.

IV. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS IN THE COMMUNITY

A. Relational Engagement:

1. The Role of Relationships: Gathering information is not just about data; it’s about building relationships. Personal connections open the doors for deeper conversations, spiritual insights, and more accurate understanding of the community.
2. Start with Natural Connections: Begin by connecting with people in everyday settings—coffee shops, markets, playgrounds, or community events. Ask questions about their lives, families, and concerns. Be genuinely interested in getting to know them.
3. Focus on Listening: In every conversation, prioritize listening over talking. This builds trust and shows that you care about the person, not just the information they provide.

B. Identify Persons of Peace: As you build relationships, look for individuals who are open, welcoming, and interested in spiritual discussions. These “persons of peace” can act as bridges to the rest of the community, helping you gather more information and expand your ministry.

V. ENGAGING COMMUNITY LEADERS AND ORGANIZATIONS

A. Meet with Local Leaders:

1. Purpose: Engaging with local leaders—such as government officials, school principals, business owners, or pastors—provides insights into the community’s needs, power dynamics, and existing initiatives. These leaders can offer valuable information that shapes your approach to outreach and disciplemaking.
2. How to Approach Leaders: Request meetings with local leaders to introduce yourself, share your desire to serve the community, and learn from their perspective. Ask them about the biggest needs in the community, the existing resources, and how you can partner in addressing those needs.

B. Building Partnerships: In addition to gathering information, seek opportunities topartner with existing organizations or initiatives that are already working to improve the community. This builds credibility and trust while also creating more opportunities for ministry.

C. Engage Faith-Based Organizations:

1. Local Churches and Ministries: (If possible) Connect with existing churches and ministries in the community to understand their focus areas, challenges, and opportunities. These groups often have a wealth of information about the community’s spiritual climate, needs, and barriers to the Gospel.
2. Community Programs and NGOs: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community programs often have insights into the socio-economic needs of the community. Learning from their work can help you address practical needs as part of your disciple-making strategy.

VI. ANALYZING AND USING COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Once you have gathered information about the community, it’s time to analyze and apply what you’ve learned to your disciple-making strategy.

A. Identifying Spiritual Needs and Open Doors

1. Recognizing Open Doors: Look for patterns in the information that reveal spiritual openness. For example, if many people express interest in finding peace, this could be an open door to share about Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
   • Tailoring the Message: Use what you’ve learned to tailor your Gospel presentation to the specific beliefs and needs of the community. For instance, if the community values family highly, emphasize how the Gospel can bring healing and restoration to family relationships.

B. Addressing Felt Needs

1. Meeting Practical Needs: If you identify significant felt needs, consider how you can meet them in a way that opens doors for the Gospel. This might include starting a feeding program, offering tutoring for children, or providing medical assistance.
   • Examples of Needs-Based Ministry:
     • If addiction is a major issue, consider partnering with or starting a recovery program.
     • If the community has many children outside at certain times of the day, consider starting a sports program.
     • If unemploymentis a challenge, consider offering job skills training.
     • Is the community lacking a bakery or other business that you might be able to provide?

C. Identifying Barriers and Challenges

1. Recognizing Cultural Barriers: Some cultural beliefs or practices may hinder openness to the Gospel. For example, a community may have deep-rooted beliefs in ancestral worship or fatalism, making it challenging to present the concept of sin and redemption.

D. Overcoming Spiritual Strongholds: Use spiritual warfare prayer to address any identified spiritual strongholds, asking God to break the power of darkness and open hearts to His message.

VII. EVALUATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MULTIPLICATION

1. Finding Receptive Groups: Look for clusters of people or “houses of peace” where the Gospel can spread naturally. For example, a workplace or social center might be particularly open to spiritual discussions, providing a good context for starting a small group.
2. Starting Small Groups: Based on the information gathered, identify where and with whom to start small discovery groups, disciple-making groups, or 3/3 groups that can multiply within the community.

VIII. PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES FOR ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY

1. Weekly Outreach Plans: Create weekly plans for outreach activities. Assign roles such as organizing events, inviting people, or leading prayers.
2. Community Event Participation: Attend local events to understand more about the people. This might include town festivals, markets, or even school events.
3. Debrief Sessions: After community activities, hold a debrief session to discuss what was learned, what worked well, and what could be improved.

IX. TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

1. Be Present: Consistently showing up in the community builds trust.
2. Be a Learner: Ask more questions than you answer. Show that you are genuinely interested in understanding the community.

X. CONCLUSION: TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES THROUGH UNDERSTANDING

Gathering information about the community is an essential step in making disciples who make disciples. It helps ensure that your efforts are culturally relevant, strategically targeted, and sensitive to the unique challenges and opportunities of the context. By following the example of Jesus and the apostles, who deeply understood the people they were ministering to, you can see lives and communities transformed as the Gospel takes root in hearts and spreads to others.

I. INTRODUCTION: THE ROLE OF HEALTHY FAMILIES

1. Families as the Foundation of Discipleship: Healthy families are a powerful testimony of the Gospel and a core building block of disciple-making movements. They model love, unity, and godliness to the surrounding community, making the Gospel attractive and credible.
2. Biblical Foundation: The Bible emphasizes the importance of family throughout its narrative. From the creation of Adam and Eve in Genesis, to the covenantal promises to Abraham’s family (Genesis 12:1-3), to the teaching of household faith in the New Testament (Acts 16:31, Ephesians 5 & 6), God’s design for the family is central to His mission and Kingdom expansion.

II. WHY HEALTHY FAMILIES MATTER IN THE CHURCH

1. A Platform for Multiplication: Healthy families often serve as the primary context for disciple-making. When family members are committed to following Jesus together, they become a natural base for multiplying disciples and simple churches.
2. Witness to the Community: A family that embodies love, forgiveness, and peace demonstrates the transforming power of the Gospel. As families grow healthier, they become a living testimony to others, attracting people to Christ through the visible difference in their relationships.

III. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR A HEALTHY FAMILY

The Bible outlines clear principles for building healthy family relationships, both in the home and within spiritual families.

1. God’s Design for Marriage and Family
   • Marriage as a Covenant Relationship: Ephesians 5:21-33: Marriage is a covenant that reflects Christ’s relationship with the church. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loves the church, while wives are called to respect their husbands. This mutual love and respect are foundational for a healthy family.
     • Sacrificial Love: Husbands and wives are called to serve each other selflessly, demonstrating Christ-like love in everyday life. This sacrificial love sets the tone for the rest of the family, creating a safe and nurturing environment for children.
     • Commitment to Unity: Jesus emphasized that marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment (Matthew 19:6). Healthy families require a deep commitment to unity, which involves open communication, forgiveness, and a willingness to resolve conflicts biblically.
   • The Role of Parents in Discipleship:
     • Teaching God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6:6-7): Parents are the primary disciplers of their children. They are called to teach God’s Word diligently, incorporating biblical principles into everyday life and conversations.
     • Training in Righteousness (Proverbs 22:6): Parents are responsible for training their children in godliness, helping them develop moral character, spiritual habits, and a love for Jesus.
     • Fathers as Spiritual Leaders (Ephesians 6:4): Fathers, in particular, are called to nurture their children’s spiritual growth, leading the family in prayer, Bible reading, and serving together.
2. Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships
   • Parental Nurture and Discipline:
     • Balanced Discipline (Hebrews 12:7-11): Biblical discipline is designed to nurture, not harm. It should be rooted in love, aiming to teach children obedience and godliness. It should also be consistent, clear, and fair, correcting with grace rather than anger.
     • Encouragement and Affirmation: The Bible emphasizes the importance of encouraging one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Parents should consistently affirm their children’s identity in Christ, abilities, and godly behavior. Affirmation builds confidence and reinforces the child’s sense of value and belonging.
   • Quality Time and Active Listening:
     • The Power of Presence: Spending quality time with children creates opportunities for meaningful conversations, discipleship moments, and relational bonding. Jesus modeled this in His interactions with His disciples, often spending extended time with them, sharing meals, and engaging in deep conversations.
     • Active Listening: Parents should practice active listening—focusing fully on the child, asking questions, and responding thoughtfully. James 1:19 teaches believers to be “quick to listen, slow to speak.” This principle is essential for healthy parent-child communication.
3. Resolving Conflict and Practicing Forgiveness
   • Biblical Conflict Resolution (Matthew 18:15-17):
     • Jesus teaches a clear process for resolving conflicts: address issues directly, with the aim of reconciliation. When conflicts arise in the family, they should be addressed quickly, humbly, and lovingly.
     • Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15): Family members should communicate honestly and directly, avoiding gossip or passive-aggressive behavior. Speaking the truth in love means being honest about issues while maintaining respect and care for the other person.
   • Practicing Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13):
     1. Forgiveness is a core component of healthy family dynamics. Paul instructs believers to “bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.” Forgiveness should be given freely, just as Christ forgave us.
     1. Letting Go of Offenses: Encourage family members to let go of offenses quickly and not hold onto bitterness. Model forgiveness by being quick to apologize and offering grace when others fall short.
4. Praying Together as a Family
   • The Family Altar:
     • Praying Together Regularly: A healthy family prays together regularly, both for individual needs and collective family concerns. Prayer fosters spiritual intimacy, dependence on God, and unity within the family.
     • Interceding for Others: Encourage family members to pray for extended family, neighbors, and the broader community. This expands the family’s focus beyond their immediate concerns and engages them in God’s mission.
     • Listening Prayer: In addition to making requests, practice listening prayer as a family. This helps cultivate an awareness of God’s voice and guidance in everyday decisions and relationships.

IV. PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING A HEALTHY FAMILY

Here are specific strategies and activities that can help foster healthy relationships, spiritual growth, and disciple-making within families.

1. Establishing Family Rhythms
   • Family Worship Time:
     • Set aside a regular time for family worship, which can include singing worship songs, reading Scripture, sharing testimonies, and praying together. This time should be engaging and age-appropriate for all members.
     • Tip: Involve each family member in leading a part of the worship time. For example, allow children to choose a song or read a Bible verse. This fosters ownership and active participation.
   • Family Devotions:
     • Implement daily or weekly family devotions, using a simple format that encourages interaction and discussion. This can include a Bible story, discussion questions, and prayer.
     • Practical Tools: Use family-friendly devotionals or story-based Bible guides that are accessible to children and engaging for adults.
   • Meal Time Conversations:
     • Use meal times as opportunities for spiritual conversations. Ask questions like, “What did God teach you today?” or “How can we pray for one another this week?”
2. Modeling Christ-Like Behavior in the Family
   • Modeling Humility and Service:
     • Parents should model humility by admitting their mistakes and asking for forgiveness when necessary. This demonstrates authenticity and sets an example of Christ-like behavior.
     • Serving Together: Engage in acts of service as a family, such as helping a neighbor, volunteering at a local ministry, or participating in a community clean-up. Serving together reinforces the family’s commitment to living out the Gospel.
   • Encouraging Spiritual Gifts:
     • Help family members identify and use their spiritual gifts. For example, if a child has a gift for encouragement, encourage them to write notes of affirmation to others. If someone has a gift of hospitality, involve them in hosting family gatherings or church meetings.
     • Exercise: Have a family discussion about each person’s gifts, interests, and how they can be used to serve God and others.
3. Building Strong Marriages for a Healthy Family
   • Investing in Marriage:
     • A healthy marriage is foundational to a healthy family. Set aside regular time for couples to connect, communicate, and nurture their relationship.
     • Date Nights: Plan regular date nights or quality time for married couples to strengthen their bond. This time can be spent discussing family goals, praying together, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
     • Marriage Devotionals: Use marriage devotionals or studies that focus on improving communication and growing in intimacy.
4. Nurturing Healthy Spiritual Family Dynamics
   • Developing Spiritual Families:
     • In addition to biological families, the Bible emphasizes spiritual families—groups of believers who commit to following Jesus together as brothers and sisters in Christ. These spiritual families can serve as surrogate families for new believers, especially those who may be ostracized by their biological families due to their faith.
     • Creating a Sense of Belonging: Make efforts to create a sense of family within the disciple-making group by practicing “one-another” commands such as loving one another (John 13:34), encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24), and bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
5. Practicing Hospitality as a Family
   • Open Your Home:
     • Make your home a place of hospitality where neighbors, friends, and new believers feel welcomed. Hospitality builds trust, fosters relationships, and provides natural opportunities to share the Gospel.
     • Practical Tips: Host regular meals or gatherings where family members take part in preparing, welcoming, and engaging guests. This teaches children the value of serving others and makes hospitality a natural part of family life.

V. ADDRESSING CHALLENGES IN BUILDING A HEALTHY FAMILY

1. Balancing Ministry and Family:
   • It’s important to find a healthy balance between ministry and family time. While the family is a key part of ministry, it should not be neglected in favor of external ministry opportunities.
   • Setting Boundaries: Create clear boundaries for family time, ensuring that family members have time to rest, bond, and grow together.
2. Handling Spiritual Warfare:
   • Families engaged in disciple-making may experience spiritual attacks intended to create division, discouragement, or distraction. Be vigilant in prayer and aware of the enemy’s schemes.
   • Family Prayer for Protection: Regularly pray as a family for protection, unity, and strength to persevere in disciple-making.
3. Dealing with Family Members Who Are Not Believers:
   • When some family members are not believers, it can create tension. Be patient, pray regularly for their salvation, and let your behavior reflect Christ’s love and grace. Avoid forceful arguments or pressure; instead, demonstrate the Gospel through consistent love, kindness, and service.

VI. CONCLUSION

Healthy families—whether biological or spiritual—are the foundation of disciple-making movements. When families are rooted in Christ, practice love, resolve conflicts biblically, and nurture spiritual growth, they become powerful agents of multiplication. By applying biblical principles and practical strategies for cultivating healthy family relationships, we not only strengthen the home but also create environments where disciples can be multiplied, communities transformed, and the Kingdom of God advance.

I. INTRODUCTION TO DISCIPLE-MAKING MOVEMENTS (DMM)

Disciple-Making Movements (DMM) are dynamic spiritual movements characterized by rapid multiplication of disciples who actively make other disciples. At its core, a DMM is a spiritual awakening where disciples intentionally share the Gospel, train new believers, and establish churches that replicate this process rapidly and organically. Historically and biblically, these movements align with the principles demonstrated by the early church as recorded in Acts.

II. HISTORICAL AND BIBLICAL OVERVIEW

1. Early Church Model (Acts 2, Acts 19)
2. The birth of the early church, as described in Acts, sets a clear precedent for modern Disciple-Making Movements.
3. The Pentecost event resulted in the conversion of three thousand souls who immediately began to live in a committed community, engaging daily in teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42-47).
4. The immediate and consistent multiplication of disciples was marked by genuine community, obedience-based discipleship, radical generosity, and continuous outreach.
5. Paul’s ministry in Ephesus demonstrated a rapid spread of the Gospel throughout the region.
6. Within two years, “all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10).
7. Paul trained local leaders who took responsibility for disciple-making, creating sustainable and multiplying churches that transformed entire regions.

III. PAUL’S MULTIPLICATION STRATEGY (2 TIMOTHY 2:2)

1. Paul’s explicit instruction to Timothy encapsulates the core strategy behind DMMs:
2. “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 2:2)
3. The principle of multiplication is fundamental:
4. Discipleship moves beyond individual spiritual growth to intentional replication through training faithful disciples who can then train others.
5. Paul’s model established four generations of discipleship, demonstrating sustainability and exponential growth.

IV. ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF DISCIPLE-MAKING MOVEMENTS

1. Obedience-Based Discipleship
   • Obedience-based discipleship emphasizes practical application over theoretical knowledge.
     • Jesus Himself underscores obedience in Matthew 28:19-20 by instructing disciples not merely to teach knowledge, but to “teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
     • Within DMMs, disciples are trained to immediately obey and implement biblical teachings into their lives. This approach fosters genuine transformation and encourages rapid spiritual maturity.
2. Person of Peace Principle
   DMMs consistently utilize the “Person of Peace” concept derived from Luke 10:5-6. These individuals are community influencers receptive to the Gospel who then become instrumental in establishing new groups of believers. Identifying and training persons of peace significantly accelerates the multiplication process.
3. Simple, Reproducible Methods
   Disciple-Making Movements rely on simple, reproducible tools that can be easily passed from person to person without dependence on extensive resources or advanced training. Practices such as Discovery Bible Study (DBS), the 3/3rds meeting format, and relational evangelism equip ordinary believers to become active disciple-makers, regardless of literacy levels or socioeconomic status.
4. Rapid Multiplication and Generational Growth
   One defining feature of DMMs is their emphasis on rapid generational multiplication. Rather than slow and linear growth through addition, DMMs experience exponential growth as each disciple actively engages in making multiple new disciples who, in turn, replicate the process. This multiplication creates generations of believers who continue expanding the movement indefinitely.

V. CASE EXAMPLES

A. South Asia Movement

One significant DMM occurred in South Asia in Nepal. This movement began with a vision to target each unreached and unengaged people group. Beginning with a great commission vision event in the capital city, Kathmandu, the Nepali leaders began to build trust with one another and to think and work across denominational boundaries. Foreign mission organizations also banded together in unity to reduce any fears of competition. Both the Nepali and Western organizations moved slowly and carefully to strengthen relationships. After the first couple of gatherings and trainings, the movement began modestly but rapidly expanded. Initial teams emphasized prayer, fasting, obedience-based teaching, and training local leaders. As the movement grew further into the remote areas of the Himalayan mountains, the coalition of leaders began to discover more tribes and villages that had never heard the Gospel, thus the need and project expanded beyond the original scope. Over a decade, thousands of churches were planted in village homes, transforming entire regions and having a profound impact on local culture. The DMM continues today, reaching further, discipling more, and advancing the Kingdom.

B. East Africa Movement

In southern Africa in the nation of Zambia, a disciple-making approach grounded in obedience-based discipleship, evangelism, and intentional multiplication quickly took root. Training took place in conjunction of the course of one week with an intense focus on personal evangelism. Zambia has a large Christian population and is estimated to have over 85% of its population as followers of Jesus. However, the church has become complacent in reaching unreached villages and remote areas. The Christian population is primarily concentrated in cities and easily accessible villages. Training included a practical outreach in which all attendees were taken to the local market and then sent out to share their faith. Each trainee was not allowed to carry a phone but was permitted to carry a Bible. For several hours, men and women shared their faith, and hundreds received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. From this practical training and experience, over 50 new house churches were planted within several weeks. The initial complacency and resistance of the trainees gave way to a broad movement of disciples, who planted numerous churches now born with a heart for evangelism. Local believers took full responsibility, ensuring the movement’s sustainability and continued growth. Now the house churches are working through obedience-based discipleship and targeting further unreached villages.

VI. CONCLUSION

Disciple-Making Movements represent a strategic return to biblical methods of evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. Grounded in simplicity, obedience, and multiplication, DMMs have consistently proven effective in diverse cultural contexts globally. By understanding and embracing the core components and biblical foundations of DMM, contemporary disciples can effectively engage communities and catalyze movements capable of transforming regions and nations with the power of the Gospel.

I. INTRODUCTION

God seeks individuals in every generation and country on this earth to partner with Him in His plan to establish the Kingdom of God here. He calls unbelievers who are bound by sin and living under the influence of the devil to repent and turn to Him so they can work together. He invites all Christians to discover their spiritual gifts, heartfelt motivations, abilities, personalities, and life experiences to serve in ministries that will help establish His Kingdom on this earth. He is calling some Christian men and women to collaborate with Him as leaders, understanding His heart and timing for what He wants to accomplish on earth, in their country, and in their community.

II. THE SOVEREIGN PROCESS

1. Every Christian leader undergoes a similar process of ministry formation. This begins with an invitation from Jesus Christ to follow Him and an acceptance of that call. Essentially, we observe four key components in this phenomenon.
   • There is an initial personal call from God, which aligns with one’s conversion experience and subsequent faith development in Jesus.
   • The individual exercises faith in Jesus’ Lordship over them by committing to full-time discipleship.
   • The focus shifts to learning, growing, and personally preparing for the specific ministry calling. This means that the new Christian begins to change their thinking, speaking, and actions by what God says in the Bible about that area.
     This includes:
     • Relationship with God
     • Relationship with family
     • Relationship with others
     • Work
     • Finances
     • Entertainment
     • Future
     • Personal Character and Habits
   • Fourth, during this process, the Holy Spirit endows individuals with spiritual ministry gifts and empowers them for their calling and ministry.
2. Every Christian holds the same value, but not every Christian has the same calling.
   • Each Christian is called to serve in a ministry, yet the ministries in which we serve differ.
   • God calls some Christians to serve Him as leaders. A leader is someone who has received a call from God for this role. He is a servant-leader, which means he serves the purposes of God rather than his own.
3. God calls, separates, appoints, and sends leaders according to His purposes for each individual leader.
   • One leader cannot compare his calling, separation, appointment, and sending with those of another leader.
   • For some leaders, their path is easy, but for others, it is difficult. All are governed by two points:
     • God’s purpose for that leader and those whom he will lead.
     • The leader’s response to God’s calling, separation, appointing, and sending.

III. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF CALLING, PREPARATION, AND SENDING OF LEADERS

Name	Appointer	Method	Bible Reference
Abraham	God	God spoke with a voice	Genesis 12:1-5
Aaron	Moses the Prophet	God revealed to Moses and Moses told Aaron	Exodus 3:13-17
Joseph	God	Dream	Genesis 37:1-10
Jacob	God	At his birth	Genesis 25:22-26
Moses	God	In a burning bush and God’s Voice	Exodus 17:9-11
Samuel	God	Heard a voice	1 Samuel 3:1-10
David	Samuel the Prophet	God spoke to Samuel and Samuel told David	1 Samuel 16:11-14
Solomon	David	God spoke to David and David told Solomon	2 Chronicles 1:1-12
Ezekiel	God	Vision	Ezekiel 1:1-3
Jeremiah	God	God spoke	Jeremiah 1:1-10
Peter, James, John	Jesus	Jesus invited them	Matthew 4:18-20
Paul	Jesus	Jesus revealed himself in Power	Acts 9:1-9
Timothy	Paul the Apostle	Paul chosen	1 Timothy 1:2, 18

1. Observations of the calling, preparation, and sending of these leaders:
   • Some heard directly from God; others heard from God through a prophet or other leader.
   • Some had a dream or vision or a memorable encounter with God.
   • All of them were tested before they ascended to leadership.
   • Some of them had a challenging ministry during their years of ministry.
   • All of them had many difficulties at some point during their ministry
2. Some concluded their ministry with great success in the eyes of others, while others ended theirs in significant pain, which some might see as failure. However, all of them served God and fulfilled God’s purposes in their generation, whether their journeys were easy or difficult, and whether they were considered successful or unsuccessful by human standards.

IV. THE PROCESS GOD USES FOR EVERY LEADER

1. God Calls

2. God Tests

3. God Breaks

4. God Empowers

1. Every leader goes through this process many times during his life as a leader. Each time God wants to introduce us to something new or elevate us to a new level of power, authority, or effectiveness, He will take us through this process.
   • John 12:24 “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
   • God will send the leader again and again into difficult situations to break their flesh, humble them, and teach them to trust only in God.
   • If we reject the difficulties God brings us to, we will lack the depth of leadership and ministry God has for us.
2. Three Ways to be Called into Leadership:
   • Called and appointed by self.
   • Called and appointed by man.
   • Called and appointed by God.

1. Self-Appointed: Korah	Some people are born again, they are excited, and they want to do something for God, so they appoint themselves as a leader without going through the process that God uses for every leader. Others see the honor of a Christian leader or suppose they will receive a salary, comfortable life and secure future so they appoint themselves to be a leader. This is not the way God calls a leader. Numbers 16-17
2. Man-Appointed: Saul	Some people are appointed by others as a Christian leader, but they have no call. Missionaries appoint local leaders because they see that person has some ability and a good heart. Just because someone has some ability and a good heart doesn’t mean God has chosen that man or woman as a senior Christian leader. They see that the person has an education or knows business or has experience in life, so they appoint them as a leader. The result often is no fruit and pain for God’s people and disappointment for that person. 1 Samuel 8-10
3. God-Appointed: Paul	When God chooses, calls and appoints a leader he doesn’t’ look on the outside abilities, skills or experience. He looks at the heart and he look at his eternal plan for that person and mankind. God will choose the weak and through a long process test, break and develop that person. Acts 9:1-31

3. When God calls a leader, there is grace (ability), anointing (power), and spiritual fruit that accompany that calling. That grace, anointing, and fruit are absent in self-appointed or man-appointed leaders.
   • It is often the leadership ministries that are pursued without a calling because they are public ministries. Many men and women have been hurt due to the actions of those who are self-appointed or appointed by others.
   • In the Old Testament, serving in a ministry role without God’s calling was considered a grave sin.
4. Three primary ministry roles existed in the Old Testament to establish the Kingdom of God on earth:
   • Prophet
   • Priest
   • King
5. A self-appointed prophet was rejected by God, even though the citizens loved him. It was wrong and sinful for a priest to take on the role of a prophet or king without God’s calling. The same applies to a king. King Saul assumed the role of a priest (1 Samuel 15), and as a result, he lost his kingship. In the following verses, God repeatedly states, “I have not sent them.” It is a serious matter to claim that we represent God in a role when we have not been called by Him. Jeremiah 23:21, 32; 27:15; 28:15; 29:9, 31
6. Victory in ministry depends on a person knowing for certain that they have been called by God. When we encounter betrayal, hardship, lack, persecution, or failure, we return to our calling. Our calling serves as our foundation.

V. IDENTIFYING GOD’S CALL IN YOUR LIFE

1. Level
   • ALL: God calls all people to return to Him and walk with Him. God calls all Christians to serve in some ministry to establish His Kingdom on this earth.
   • Leader: God calls some Christians to serve Him as leaders. However, there are different levels of leadership. God instructed Moses to select leaders from among Israel who would help care for and shepherd His people.
     • There would be leaders over tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands. (Exodus 18 and Numbers 11) This represents various capacities of leaders and different levels of leadership. Our level of leadership involves God’s calling and our personal development. If God calls us to a 10-person level, we should not assume we can lead 100 or 1,000. On the other hand, we may lead 10 people now, but God has called us to lead 1,000 in the future.
     • We must pray, fast, study, find mentors, and do whatever it takes to develop our capacity to become the leaders God calls us to be.
2. Duration
   • God calls some people to leadership for a season, after which they step down. (John 4:37; 1 Corinthians 3:5-9) Each of these activities represents a season.
     • Some are called to plant a church but not to build it.
     • Some are called to start a ministry, but God calls others to expand that ministry.
   • It’s crucial to understand the duration for which God has called us to serve in a leadership role.
     • Some leaders resist stepping back and allowing others to take the lead into the next level or next period of God’s time.
3. Role
   • It’s important for us to understand the role to which God has called us. It’s one thing to plant a church, but another to build one. An evangelist will plant a church, while a pastor or apostle will build it. Some people are called to senior leadership roles, while others are called to support those leaders.
   • Many Christians have been disappointed and hurt because they attempted to lead in a role for which God has not called them.

VI. IDENTIFYING YOUR CALLING FROM GOD

A. Five ways you can discover your calling from God:

1. Follow your passion?
   What’s in your heart? What are you passionate about?
2. What is your fruit?
   Are you creating lasting fruit? What are the outcomes of your efforts? Who are the individuals whose lives have been transformed because of your actions?
3. Personal encounter with God.
   What has God spoken to you about personally? Are there any Bible verses? Is there a time when you encountered God and He revealed something to you about His calling?
4. What do others say?
   The Bible says that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word will be established. Are there two or three or more others who confirm what you are feeling or what you believe God has spoken to you about? Has there been a prophecy regarding what God has called you to do?
5. What do your leaders say?
   One of the most important factors that can help you identify your calling and God’s timing for it is your leaders. What do your leaders say about what God has called you to do? Do they confirm what you think and what others say?
   Sometimes, leaders might recognize that you are indeed called, but it is not God’s timing for you to step into that level of leadership because they perceive weaknesses in your skills or character (Hebrews 13:17).

VII. CASE EXAMPLE

There is a story about a woman who was skilled at baking cakes. She loved to bake cakes, and her cakes were delicious. All her friends ordered cakes from her for their children and parties. Eventually, her friends started encouraging her to open a cake shop and sell her cakes to everyone. The woman thought that was a good idea, so she borrowed money and opened a cake shop. However, after a few months and about a year, she became very frustrated. She had to open the shop early and work late into the night. She had to handle accounting and pay bills. She had to hire staff and train, supervise, and pay salaries, taxes, and insurance. She was not happy. All she wanted to do was bake cakes. When she baked cakes, she felt happy, but she was not satisfied with owning a cake shop.

This lady stepped out of her calling into something God has neither equipped her for nor called her to do. Eventually, she received advice from an advisor and acquired skills to manage human, financial, and material resources, leading to the success of her business.

VIII. CONCLUSION

Sometimes we may have a heart to serve God, and we assume He wants us to lead. However, we must be very careful to only do what God has called us to do, at the level He has called us, and in the role He has assigned. Don’t rush into something simply because you believe God has called you to it. There is a process. Allow God to guide you through the journey of becoming the leader He has called you to be, at the level He has designated, and in the role He has prepared for you. Don’t fear stepping down or changing your course to align with God’s calling on your life.

I. HEARING GOD’S VOICE: A KEY DISCIPLESHIP PRACTICE

1. God desires a personal relationship with each believer, and communication is at the heart of any relationship. God speaks to us in various ways, but we must learn how to listen.
2. Biblical Foundation: Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). This promise gives every believer confidence that God wants to speak to them.

II. WAYS GOD COMMUNICATES

1. Through the Written Word: The most reliable and foundational way that God communicates is through Scripture. The Bible is God’s revealed word, serving as the ultimate authority and guide for all prophetic impressions. The Word should always be the lens through which we interpret any other form of revelation or impression we receive.
2. In Your Thoughts (Still Small Voice – 1 Kings 19:11-13): God often speaks in a quiet, subtle way—a “still small voice” in our thoughts. Just as He spoke to Elijah, not through the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper, God communicates directly to our minds. These thoughts can sometimes be so gentle or ordinary that we might overlook them. It takes faith and sensitivity to discern these impressions, especially when they contrast with louder, more obvious distractions. For example, you may sense God speaking through a thought like, “Pray for this person,” or “Go help them.”
3. Mental Pictures (Acts 10:11 – Peter’s Vision of the Sheet): God can also communicate through mental pictures or visions—recurring images that come into our minds. These are not just random thoughts but may carry specific meaning or revelation. Just as Peter saw a sheet descending from heaven in his vision in Acts 10, God can give us pictures that unfold His will, purpose, or a prophetic message for ourselves or others. Recognizing and interpreting these images requires both prayer and understanding of the context.
4. Emotional Stirrings (Luke 24:32 – “Did not our hearts burn within us”): Emotional stirrings are another way God communicates. We might feel joy, sadness, compassion, or even a deep burden for something or someone. In Luke 24:32, the disciples felt their hearts burning within them as Jesus spoke to them after His resurrection, signifying the presence and revelation of God. Emotional impressions like this can point to God’s heart or His desire to move in a situation. These feelings require discernment, especially in separating personal emotions from those the Spirit may be impressing upon us.
5. Sympathetic Pains (Luke 8:46 – Jesus Feeling Power Leave Him): At times, God may allow us to feel sympathetic pains—unusual physical sensations that mirror what someone else is going through. In Luke 8:46, Jesus felt power leave Him when the woman with the issue of blood touched His garment. Similarly, we might feel a sudden pain or sensation in our bodies that correlates with a healing need or situation God is highlighting. This type of impression may point to a specific area in someone else’s life that requires prayer or ministry.
6. Physical Sensations (Acts 2:2, Acts 4:31 – Flames, Wind, Shaking): The Holy Spirit can manifest physically, whether through sensations like heat, wind, or shaking, as seen in Acts 2 and 4. These physical manifestations of God’s presence often accompany powerful moves of the Spirit. For example, the flames of fire that rested on the disciples at Pentecost symbolized the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In ministering, we may experience similar sensations that indicate the Holy Spirit’s presence or a divine activity occurring around us.

III. PRACTICAL STEPS TO DEVELOP HEARING GOD’S VOICE

1. Be Still and Quiet: It’s important to learn to quiet ourselves from distractions and create space to hear God (Psalm 46:10).
   Exercise: Set aside 15-20 minutes each day for quiet meditation on Scripture, followed by listening prayer.
2. Practice Journaling: Write down thoughts, impressions, and what you believe God may be saying. Over time, journaling helps you discern God’s voice more clearly.
3. Act in Faith: When you sense God speaking, step out in obedience. Acting on small nudges helps you recognize His voice more confidently over time.

IV. TESTING PROPHETIC WORDS (JOHN 4:1-3)

1. Alignment with Scripture: The first and most important test is to measure the prophetic word against the written Word of God. Scripture is the final authority, and no prophecy will contradict it. If the word aligns with biblical principles, teachings, and God’s character, it is a positive indicator. However, if the word deviates or contradicts Scripture, it should be rejected. Prophetic words must be seen as subject to the authority of the Bible.
2. Discernment from Others: We are called to be part of a community of believers, and discernment is often sharpened through the wisdom of others. Submit the prophetic word to trusted spiritual leaders, such as pastors, elders, or mature Christian friends, and ask for their discernment. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that “in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Seeking counsel ensures that we’re not relying solely on our interpretation but allowing others to weigh in and provide guidance.
3. Inner Witness: Ask yourself, does my own spirit witness that this word is from the Holy Spirit? True words from the Lord have a kind of ‘weight’ attached to them that we can learn to recognize with practice. Although we should definitely check strong prophetic words with others, we must also let God develop our own discerning ability. John 10:4-5 says that we can know the Shepherd’s voice.
4. Ask for Confirmation: God often confirms His words through multiple sources or signs. Once you receive a prophetic word, you can ask the Lord to confirm it. This confirmation may not always be immediate but can come over time as you wait and observe how God continues to speak or move in your life. Additionally, many prophetic words act as confirmations of something God has already been communicating to you, serving as further affirmation of His plans and purposes.

V. PRACTICAL EXERCISES FOR HEARING GOD’S VOICE

1. Group Practice: Pair up with a partner, spend time in prayer, and write down any impressions or words you receive for them. Pray over these impressions together and discuss.
2. Scripture Reflection: Spend time reading a Scripture passage, then ask God, “What are you saying to me through this?” Write down your thoughts and share them with the group.

I. THE ESSENCE OF PRAYER

1. Prayer is central to the Christian faith, described biblically as the spiritual lifeline connecting humanity directly to God. It is not merely a religious exercise; prayer represents intimate communication, akin to a conversation between a child and a loving father. Through prayer, believers express dependence on God, experience His presence, and align their lives with His will.
2. The Psalmist articulates the essence of prayer vividly: “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:15, ESV)
3. Prayer assures believers that God is accessible, attentive, and actively involved in responding to their needs and situations.

II. THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF PRAYER

1. The Scriptures offer clear insights into the role and power of prayer in a believer’s life.
2. God’s Readiness to Respond: Isaiah declares God’s eagerness to hear and respond: “Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24, ESV)
3. Prayer, therefore, is not about informing God of our needs but about actively engaging in trust and dependency on His faithfulness.

III. PERSISTENT AND EXPECTANT PRAYER

1. Jesus encourages persistent, expectant prayer in the Sermon on the Mount: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, ESV)
2. This persistence reflects faith in God’s character, acknowledging Him as both willing and able to meet our deepest needs.

IV. INTERCESSION AND LOVE

1. Scripture instructs believers not only to pray for personal needs but to extend prayers to others, including those in authority and even those who persecute or oppose them (1 Timothy 2:1, Matthew 5:44): “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44, ESV)
2. Intercessory prayer demonstrates love and obedience, transforming hearts and circumstances by God’s power.

V. THE MODEL OF PRAYER: THE LORD’S PRAYER

1. Jesus provides the definitive model for prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, outlining several vital elements:

1. Recognition of God’s Sovereignty: Acknowledging God as our Heavenly Father and sovereign King.
2. Worship and Praise: Honoring and revering God’s holiness and majesty.
3. Submission to God’s Will: Praying for the fulfillment of God’s kingdom purposes.
4. Provision: Requesting daily needs and expressing dependence.
5. Forgiveness: Confessing sin and seeking forgiveness, extending forgiveness to others.
6. Protection: Asking for deliverance from temptation and evil.

2. This comprehensive model guides believers in structuring their prayers holistically, ensuring alignment with God’s intentions and purposes.

VI. THE PURPOSE AND POWER OF FASTING

1. Fasting complements prayer, serving as a discipline that intensifies spiritual focus and clarity. Historically, fasting involves abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. However, broader definitions now include abstaining from various luxuries, distractions, or comforts to foster deeper intimacy with God.
2. Biblical Context of Fasting: Biblical fasting frequently involves going without food. Old Testament Hebrew references to fasting literally mean “to cover the mouth,” emphasizing abstention. In the New Testament, Jesus assumes His followers will fast, offering guidance for genuine practice: “And when you fast, do not look gloomy…but anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.” (Matthew 6:16-18, ESV)
3. Fasting, according to Jesus, is primarily a private matter aimed at drawing closer to God, not gaining human recognition.

VII. NOTABLE BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FASTING

1. Scripture includes several prominent examples of individuals and communities using fasting as a spiritual discipline:

1. Moses: Fasted forty days receiving the Law (Exodus 34:28).
2. Daniel: Practiced fasting for divine revelation and wisdom (revelation and wisdom (Daniel 9:3).
3. Jesus: Modeled fasting during temptation, emphasizing spiritual strength over physical weakness (Matthew 4:1-11).
4. Early Church: Integrated fasting into ministry decisions, such as the commissioning of leaders (Acts 14:23).

VIII. SPIRITUAL OUTCOMES OF FASTING

A. Fasting is often associated with powerful spiritual breakthroughs:

1. Deliverance and Spiritual Authority: Jesus taught that certain spiritual challenges require fasting and prayer for eNective resolution (Matthew 17:14-21). Fasting helps develop a deeper relationship with Christ, empowering believers to confront and overcome spiritual opposition.
2. Increased Spiritual Sensitivity: Fasting heightens awareness of personal and corporate sin, prompting repentance and restoration (1 Samuel 7:6, Nehemiah 9:1-2). It opens spiritual ears and hearts, making believers more receptive to conviction and direction from God.
3. Clarity and Wisdom: Daniel’s fasting resulted in significant insight and guidance for leadership (Daniel 10:1-3). Through fasting, believers gain supernatural clarity, discernment, and wisdom to make critical decisions and understand divine purposes clearly. (Acts 14:23)

IX. PRACTICAL GUIDE TO INCORPORATING PRAYER AND FASTING

1. Developing a Consistent Prayer Life

1. Set aside regular, dedicated times daily for personal prayer.
2. Utilize Scripture-based prayers and the Lord’s Prayer model to structure prayer sessions effectively.
3. Keep a prayer journal to document God’s responses and maintain accountability to prayer commitments.

2. Effective Fasting Practices

1. Begin with manageable fasting periods (e.g., one meal, partial-day fasts), gradually progressing to extended durations.
2. Clearly define fasting purposes (clarity, breakthrough, intercession) to maintain spiritual focus.
3. Integrate prayer, Scripture reading, and quiet reflection during fasting periods for maximum spiritual benefit.

X. CONCLUSION

Prayer and fasting are deeply transformative spiritual disciplines vital to cultivating intimacy with God and spiritual effectiveness in ministry. By regularly engaging in these practices, believers position themselves to experience divine empowerment, clarity, breakthrough, and profound spiritual growth. Embracing the disciplines of prayer and fasting not only enhances individual spiritual lives but also significantly impacts broader community and ministry contexts, driving deeper spiritual renewal and awakening.