I assume that most preachers, especially when starting out, have grand visions of one day preaching to the masses. In fact, we are exposed to mission's magazines and crusade pictures that show thousands of people gathered in fields and stadiums.
Not long ago, I received an invitation to join a group of preachers who were invited to preach in such a meeting. I was told that if we would go, the missionaries would arrange a big crusade for us and we would be able to preach to the thousands. Obviously, there would have been lots of pictures taken and bragging rights about how many people came to Jesus.
I'll have to admit, it did sound exciting. However, it seems to me that if I had the opportunity to travel to a foreign county, I would much rather spend a few days with a small group of local pastors, encouraging and resourcing them, so they can go out and preach at the big meetings. Their connection to their culture would probably give them the greater impact anyway.
Don't get me wrong…MASS EVANGELISM is certainly effective! However, I feel like I can personally make a bigger impact discipling the FEW to reach the MANY.
What did Jesus do? Most of the conversations He had in ministry were inner conversations with His small group of twelve. Even when He did big meetings, He used His small group of disciples to minister to the crowds. He spent three and a half years investing in them in a personal way…not as a teacher…but as a friend. Can you imagine being part of that team? They weren't mass produced through a seminary warehouse…they were hand-carved by Jesus Himself!
If it worked for Jesus…it will work for us! One person at a time. That's what we call RELATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP. However, in our "CHURCHY CULTURE" we've prided ourselves in producing a performance based environment that thinks that bigger is better. We invest thousands in big events while ignoring relationships. We want to mesmerize our senses with sensational meetings, bigger platforms, hyped up gimmicks and instant results!
It may look spectacular on opening night, but the show fades fast!
Is this mindset killing our long-term results? Do we truly think that Christianity at it's best is most effectively communicated ONLY by preachers who stand behind pulpits? Preaching is definitely important…but without personal discipleship, leaders aren't formed and Christians don't develop true character. As a result, Christianity, at least in the U.S., is a mile wide and an inch deep and our faith has become programmed, superficial and even fake.
I'm not impressed in attending one more flashy conference where everyone dresses the same, has the trendiest haircut, fake glasses, skinny jeans, knows the latest urban lingo and hob nobs with the who's who. I'm much more interested in making an impact with a covenant few who have the ability to multiply themselves in others.
How do we do dismantle the idea that MINISTRY has to be MASSIVE to be effective? At what point will the church realize that it's not the multitude that hung around the cross…but it was the "one" (John the beloved) that remained with Jesus?
Here's a few things to consider when focusing on the few.
1. Discover
- Jesus handpicked His disciples. Paul did the same when he chose Timothy, Silas, Aquila and Priscilla to be his ministry companions. Have you discovered who you are called to disciple? Is there anyone that you feel drawn to? We must also remember that Jesus had a Judas on his team. Not everyone who starts with you will continue with you.
2. Invest
- Discipleship is more than a program. It's a personal relationship that flows out of love and genuine friendship. Investments require time, finances and patience. Isn't that what Apostle Paul was doing with the Thessalonians? "We were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us." (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
3. Share
- Sharing ministry and time together is essential in developing relationships. It's more exciting to bring people with you on the journey, whether it's travel, events, ministry opportunities, etc., then to do ministry all alone. Some of our most memorable moments will come from shared time together.
4. Train
- When Jesus needed to address an issue in the lives of His disciples, He didn't lecture them, He creatively used illustrations that related to the events of their lives - a storm, the death of a friend or an encounter with a needy beggar. His teaching flowed out of His relationship with His disciples. Discipleship doesn't happen in a classroom setting. It can happen at Starbucks, during a ride in the car, etc. It happens naturally when TIME is spent together.
5. Prayer
- Prayer is a vital part of mentoring and personal discipleship. Apostle Paul told Timothy that he constantly remembered him in his prayers "night and day" (2 Timothy 1:3). On my personal calendar, I have certain times during the week marked for intercession for those I'm mentoring.
Today's fatherless generation is looking for more than the latest musical trend, coolest stage design or the hippest techno-pastor. They just want authentic role models who will spend time with them.
Who are you discipling right now?
Who is coming behind you?
Who are you pouring your life into?
Something else to think about:
- Relationship goes both ways. If you want someone to pour into you…you have to begin pouring into someone else.
- Relationship requires reciprocation. We're inclined to allow others to invest in us…however, relationship requires us to be just as willing to invest in others.
- Communication - Who in the relationship is making the phone calls, sending cards, texts, emails, speaking encouragement, etc.?
- Investment - Who in the relationship is buying the meals? Never allow yourself to become the "taker" and the other person to remain the "giver." Investing in any relationship requires mutual exchange.
Focusing on the FEW will maximize our ability to reach the MANY!