From Nate
“Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” Philippians 3:17
“Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.” 1 Corinthians 4:16
“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
“. . . in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:12
How would CR function if all followed my example? Would leaders speak the truth in love? Would participants find intimacy in Christ? Would there be a growing knowledge and understanding of our Lord and how to handle the brokenness of this world through the truth of scripture? Would coaches, leaders and participants be trained and empowered to go and make disciples of all nations by tapping into the power of God through the Spirit by prayer? If the heart of CR discipleship is to create fully-devoted followers of Christ by helping the hurting/lost/broken children of this world remove barriers to intimacy with God, how do I model and train people to do this and proclaim it to the world with passion? What was Christ’s model for discipleship training? The best I can tell it was through relational time with the disciples; some time with the 70, more time with the 12 and the most time with the inner circle (Peter, James and John).
Effective training is one that is both informational and relational. Information is needed for understanding, but the relational nature of training is what drives passionate devotion to Christ by the power of the Spirit working through one saint to another. It was relational training that moved the hearts of Christ’s disciples to go and make disciples of all nations because they had “hands-on” experience with The Messiah.
Lord, help me to follow your example passionately. Let me lead those you’ve given to me by taking up my cross daily to follow you. Help me to do it first within my marriage and family, and then outward through the ministry. Empty my baskets and help me return to You for refills as we feed inner-circles and the masses through the miraculous power of Your Spirit and Word.
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