Previously I referenced the first four of ten propositions that Tony Payne is outlining at the Solapanel website. The propositions will, I assume, form the chapters of the forthcoming book that Payne is co-authoring with Colin Harrison.
There are now three more to consider. The last three will be considered later.
5. To be a disciple is to be a disciple maker.
The essence of this proposition is that to be a disciple of Jesus, we must be “both reaching out to non-Christians and encouraging fellow Christians to grow like Christ.”
To be sure this is quite intimidating if we focus on someone like Billy Graham as our model of evangelist and Martyn Lloyd-Jones as our model Bible teacher. Rather we should consider our own uniqueness, along with our particular situation and contacts, and, training and equipping ourselves diligently should share the Gospel and encourage other Christians.
This leads us to the next proposition:
6. Disciple-makers need to be trained and equipped in conviction, character and competence.
Being a disciple-making disciple is not something that is learned in a course book. This is because being a disciple is not something that is learned from a course book either. Discipling is relational. As a church we need to be thoughtful about not falling into the mindset that having a number of courses or programs running makes us a healthy disciple-making church.
So, if that’s true is mgpcpastor out of a job?
7. There is only one class of disciples, regardless of different roles or responsibilities.
This proposition recognises that the church is not divided into those who carry out discipling and those who support them in that work, but that within the church God has called certain individuals to lead, teach and nurture an environment that enables everyone to share the Gospel and help encourage Christians in their growth.
As I wrote above, I’ll look at the last three when they’re posted.
I’m looking forward to the book.
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