Simplify Mission

The church always runs the risk of losing sight of its mission. Currently, with the host of methods and models available for doing ministry, this is especially a temptation. In the midst of exciting possibilities, we need to be reminded that methods and models exist to serve our common mission to MAKE DISCIPLES.

The Great Commission - the what not the how - was Jesus' heartbeat, his purpose for coming to earth, and his command to the Church corporately and as individuals. The specific focus of local churches will vary according to their culture and setting, but two overlapping tasks must move to the front of every church's agenda: making more and better disciples. 

Making More Disciples

One of the EFCAs Ten Leading Indicators of a Healthy Church is fruitful evangelism.  It states:

We are driven to reach our neighborhoods, our nation, and our world with the gospel of Jesus Christ, regardless of racial, economic, cultural, generational, or political barriers. The budgets, programs, and leaders of our local churches reflect a high commitment to outreach and evangelism, both locally and worldwide. Biblical evangelism normally results not only in numerical growth, but in baptized, committed disciples of Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, many churches don't do a very good job reaching nonChristians.  In a survey of nearly a thousand churches, in fact, it was discovered that 89 percent of attenders believed the church exists "to take care of my family and my needs." Only 11 percent said the church exists to "win the world for Christ."  This is in direct contradiction to why Jesus came to this planet in the first place - to seek and to save what was lost.  However, if it's your desire to follow Jesus' example, here are two practical suggestions.

1. Establish a faith goal for conversion growth

A faith goal is a God dependent goal. It's not a way of forcing God's hand but a tool for keeping ourselves on track.  It's like saying, "We're going to be intentional about reaching people who don't know Christ.  We're going to work and pray to see more people come to faith through the ministries of our church."  

It's helpful to attach a measurement to a faith goal:  e.g., "We're praying to see 10 people receive Christ in the next 12 months."  Producing converts is not something we can control, of course.  But that doesn't mean we can't take steps in that direction.  We can challenge and equip our people to cultivate relationships with the unchurched, for example.  And we can prepare them to share the gospel in winsome ways.  We can also provide ministries and opportunities where these kinds of things can happen.  In addition, we can pray.  Finally, we can align budgets and priorities to our goal. 

Do you see the point?  Having a faith goal is a way of focusing our efforts.  Rightly used, it's a powerful tool to keep our ministries on track.

2. Celebrate the Harvest

When God graces our churches with new converts, it's important to acknowlege publically the fruit he has given. For congregations, a side benefit is this: there's nothing like hearing about new converts who have been reached through their efforts to spur people on to increased love and good deeds. 

One way to "celebrate the harvest" is the practice of one EFCA church. This congregation placed a wooden cross in the front of the sanctuary.  The cross has 100 red nails hammered into it.  Every time there's a conversion, one of the nails is removed and replaced by a flower. It's a great encouragement to the people as they gather for worship every week. They know that they are to grow as a community in Christ so they can reach their community for Christ.  What do you think?  Could something like this work for you?

Resources
Here are some resources that churches have found helpful for making more disciples.  (All the items on this list and the one below are available through NextStep Resources or by calling (800) 444-BOOK.

Biblical Church Growth
Gary McIntosh, Baker.
This is a step by step guide back to the best, basic ideas from the church growth movement.

The Master Plan of Evangelism
Robert Coleman, Revell.
Coleman builds on the premise that Jesus' evangelism strategies (the 'master plan') are still the best for outreach today. By following the pattern set by Christ and his disciples, you can be more effective at spreading the life-changing message of the gospel.

Shaped by God's Heart
Milfred Minatrea, Jossey-Bass.
Minatrea looks at the passion and practices of "missional" churches.. 

The Externally Focused Church 
Rick Rusaw & Eric Swanson, Group.
Rusaw and Swanson guide us to consider how we will answer two questions:   "Who would miss your church if it disappeared from the community?  Whose lives are different because of your church?"

Making Better Disciples

Disciple making is not only about winning new converts. It's about helping them become better Christians.  Unfortunately, many churches don't have a growth process that people can readily grasp. The key to simplified mission is to provide clearly defined entry points so that people can connect with your ministry at their level of spiritual interest and maturity.

Spiritual formation is complex.  But there are four discernible stages that the majority of us pass through on our discipleship journey.  Broadly, these can be summarized like this:

Come and See:  Some people are at the "come and see" stage of discipleship.  They are considering their fundamental relationship with Christ and whether he's the solution to their basic spiritual questions.  The key issue for this group is, who is Jesus and what does he mean to me?  The question for church leaders is, what ministries do we intend to provide for people who are at this "come and see" stage?

Come and Follow:  Some people are at the "come and follow" stage of discipleship.  They are considering Jesus' claim on their life and the difference that will make in their way of living.  The key issue for this group is, what does Jesus want from me and am I willing to pay his price?  The question for church leaders is, what ministries do we intend to provide for people who are at this "come and follow" stage?

Come and Be With Me:  Some people are at the "come and be with me" stage of discipleship.  They are considering their place in Jesus' broader mission.  The key issue for this group is, who am I and can I depend on Jesus to lead me into greater purpose and meaning?  The question for church leaders is, what ministries do we intend to provide for people who are at this "come and be with me" stage?

Go and Make Disciples:  Some people are at the "go and make disciples" stage of discipleship.  They are considering their role as Great Commission leaders.  The key issue for this group is, how can I win, build, and equip others and give the ministry away?  The question for church leaders is, what ministries do we intend to provide for people who are at this "go and make disciples" stage?

Churches who have learned to simplify mission understand this basic growth pathway and help others to keep moving toward deeper levels of growth and maturity in Christ. 

Resources
The following are resources to help you develop a clear path for making better disciples: 

The Purpose Driven Church
Rick Warren, Zondervan.
Every church is driven by something. Rick Warren believes that in order for a church to be healthy it must become a purpose driven church, built around five New Testament purposes given by Jesus.  It tends to be programmatic; but many have found this book helpful.

The Complete Book of Discipleship 
Bill Hull, NavPress.
This is Bill's most seasoned and best work on discipleship.  It comes close to fulfilling the promise of its title.

Growing A Healthy Church
Dann Spader & Gary Mayes, Moody Press.
Looks closely at the four stages of spiritual growth in relation to outreach. This resource will help you focus on the simplicity of Christ's ministry, enabling you to build an effective discipling strategy for your church. Includes study guide.

Growing True Disciples
George Barna, Waterbrook.
Reviews statistics, social foundations, and models of disciplemaking.  One of the best chapters describes how churches are "doing" discipleship in local settings.

(Updated 9/07)