"... Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20.

The Master's Style of Disciplemaking

The Lord Jesus Christ, while He was on earth, called and chose some men to follow Him. His concern was not with programs to reach the multitudes but with men whom the multitudes would follow.

Mark 3: 13-15. He called and chose 12 men-
1. To be in relationship and fellowship with Him.
2. To be equipped for spiritual warfare.

And then as they followed Him wherever He went, He began to teach, demonstrate, and train them to do what He was doing. Finally, when they were made disciples and were ready to go, He left them and after the Holy Spirit empowered them, we find them fully equipped to go and make disciples.

Now, how did the Lord Jesus change them from ordinary fishermen into His loyal followers and mighty apostles who were turning the world upside down? Let us observe His life, ministry and dealings with those He called to follow Him, and bring out these following principles. These are the ones we need to apply in our disciple-making process to make such reproducing disciples as Peter, John etc were.

1. INCARNATION : John 1:14. Mark 10:45. Phil. 2: 6-8.
Jesus became a Servant. we must take the servant's mantle.
Serving people brings opportunities to disciple them.
Find the full needs of people and meet them.
Seeking persons in need is our responsibility.
A shepherd goes after the lost sheep.

2. SELECTION : Matthew 4: 18-22. John 6: 66-67.
Jesus looked for disciples-learners, who want to follow Him.
We must concentrate on learners.
Pray for God to raise them up-in your church, among your acquaintances, etc.
Notice receptive hearts, esp. those drawn to us. A few such persons are within our influence.
Keep a low profile. Seek to serve. And chose those who respond positively.

3. ASSOCIATION : Mark 3:14. " that they should be with Him".
Jesus stayed with His pupils.
--We must be close to growing disciples. Brng them into the routine of daily life.
--Seek ways for casual fellowship. Arrange for times together for Bible study & fellowship. Some fellowships can be scheduled in small groups.
--Occasionally arrange extended periods for reflection & evaluation.

4. CONSECRATON : Matt. 11: 29. "take My yoke and learn of Me."
Jesus expected obedience.
--We must follow Christ to learn of Him.
--Stress the practical aspect of faith.
--Accept a disciple of devotion & work.
--Expose to situations that challenge commitment.
--Embrace the cross daily.- accepting God's will against your own will at any cost.

5. DEMONSTRATION : Luke 11; John 15: 15; 2 Tim. 3:10.
Jesus showed how to minister.
--We must model the lesson to include the following:
--Let them see our priorities and values lined out.
--share the inner life of the soul.
--Make clear what is meant by personal ministry.
--Shortcomings & failures can become means of teaching. e.g disciples asking the Lord to teach them how to pray in Lk. 11.
--Discipling includes Transference of skills & vision ,and Transparency of life values.

6. DELEGATION : Matt. 28: 18-20; Lk. 9, 10.
Jesus gave them something to do.
--We must involve learners in the ministry.
--Make specific arrangements.
--Utilise their gifts and skills.
--First duties can be routine tasks, followed by more and more demanding ministries.
--Help them take leadership roles with more responsibility in the church.

7. SUPERVISION : Lk. 9: 10; 10: 17.
Jesus made disciples accountable.
--We must keep a check on them.
--Have frequent times of review- ask questions.
--Work on attitudes and character traits.
--Affirm their strength and self-worth.
--Avoid becoming authoritarian. Let the Word speak- Keep the focus on Christ, not yourself.
--Never use the personality cult. Giving undue importance to yourself.
--The disciple-maker should have a good esteem of the disciple.
--Make the disciple feel accountable to God and man.
--Help him develop confidentiality-a trustworthy person.
--Let him know that every leader should have a disciple and vice versa. (Or every Paul must have a Timothy and Vice Versa).

8. REPRODUCTION : John 15: 8, 16. 12: 24. 2 Tim. 2: 6.
Jesus anticipated Fruitfulness.
We must make disciples who reproduce and multiply.
--Disciples become like their leader.
--Develop a vision of multiplication. Dream with them about their role in the harvest.
--anticipate the final gathering of the fruits.
--This is a working day now; we will rest in the new world.

9. IMPARTATION : John 20: 22; Acts 1: 8.
Jesus gave them His Spirit.
We must let the Spirit of Christ have His way.
--God's work can only be done in His power.
--Cherish for every disciple the fulness of the Holy Spirit. Trust them to His Lordship & leadership.
--The presence of Christ is not a reward of heaven; it is the joyous experience of every disciple fulfilling the great commission.

10. EXALTATION :John 17: 24. 2Tim. 4: 8.
Jesus desired for and gave His disciples place of His glory.
We need to release our place to them when the time arrives. Let Timothy take over and minister to Paul.
--The disciple should not be suppressed in exercising his full potential for God's glory.
--Let the disciple go on to become a disciple-maker and have all the privileges and enjoy the fruit of his labor.
--Honor the disciple before others; esp. his disciples. Moses honored Joshua before the people.
--Leave a dignified leagacy for your disciples. Let them inherit the glory God promised to those who serve Him.
--In the later days, when you grow old, see that you do not be a hindrance or stumbling block for the growth and development of your disciple beyond what you taught him or trained him to be.

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them." 2Timothy 3: 14.
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." Hebrews 13: 7.