Forms and Sources of a Disciple-Maker's Message - Essay Example

?Table of Contents: The Different Sources of A Disciple-maker’s message p 2 Tradition Observation Participation Inspiration The Different Forms of A Disciple-maker’s message p. 2 Subject Matter Environment Life’s Experiences Communicator’s Life Reflection of Mitchell’s principles in relation to 1 Corinthians 2:6 p. 3 Reflection of Mitchell’s principles in relation to 2 Peter 1 p. 3-4 Reflection of Mitchell’s principles in relation to Romans 15:18 p. 4 Application of Mitchell’s sources and forms of Disciple-maker’s message p.4-5 in shaping my own evangelical message Reflective Essay According to Michael Mitchell, there are different sources to which a disciple can shape their message in reaching out to others. These are tradition, observation, participation, and inspiration (Servants of Grace, The Disciple-Maker’s Message). To further discuss these points that the author made, tradition was used to pertain to the teaching and doctrines God relayed to his disciples when he was still alive. This source is a basis of credibility that needs to be established by any evangelist to ensure that the message truly came from God and is not any person’s own understanding or interpretation of God’s word which is subject to error. Also, in being able to cite certain scriptures from the Bible that directly came from God’s word would mean the avoidance of false teachings or prophecies. Observation, the second source to which a disciple-maker should shape his or her message from is also very significant in such a way that one is able to know how to approach one’s audience. People who still do not have any knowledge of God’s word would take a spiritual message differently because of what they were taught, where they came from, what they are currently going through and etc. With this said, being able to shape an effective message that would open their hearts to God would entail knowing which among God’s promises in Bible to highlight. A message that your audience could relate to is a message that would definitely stick to their hearts. 1 The third source is participation. I understood this as not only being a mere spectator of what people have to say about their lives, instead, creating an environment that is open for sharing by telling them what Christ has done for your life. This will not only give them hope but also make them realize that no matter what kind of past they have, it is never too late to get to know our loving God. The final source is inspiration, which for me, means praying and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through you. This for me is also a very important reminder that what you are doing is for God’s glory and not your own. When it comes to the forms of a disciple-maker’s message, Mitchell suggests tackling forms such as the subject matter, environment, life experiences, and one’s own life as a model (Servants of Grace, The Disciple-Maker’s Message). The subject matter is the main message that the disciple wants to convey. Being able to choose a specific topic is key in being able to convey a simple and yet clear message your audience can easily understand and absorb. Environment pertains to one’s choice of audience, where knowing their behavior and experiences can be very helpful in shaping an effective message. The third & fourth form, which is life experience & the communicators’ life/message are basically a sharing of testimonials to help the audience know how to apply God’s word into real life which is at most tricky for all of us and yet is a very good source of inspiration that despite the impossibility of living a Christian life, our loving and forgiving God gives us the grace to do so. 2 With all these said, I could see so many teachings in the Bible that corresponds to the points Mitchell made in shaping an effective evangelical message. According to 1 Corinthians 2:6, “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing” (Bible Gateway, 1 Corinthians 1-2 NIV). This supports and highlights the importance of one of Mitchell’s sources of disciple-maker’s message which is tradition. In providing a message, it is best to not rely solely on what we know but always go back to the written word of God, which is God’s wisdom revealed by the Spirit through real biblical events through the use of angels and of course, the birth of Jesus. This is because of the fact that as mere human beings, we tend to rationalize what we take in depending on what seems to be easy or convenient. Thus, by sticking to the Bible, we get a clear and direct access to what God was willed for us to do without compartmentalizing our obedience to him. Also, it is said in 2 Peter 1:3-9 that, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them 3 is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.” (Bible Gateway, 2 Peter 1 NIV). With this said, I believe that being able to know God’s saving grace and his promise of salvation and the forgiveness of sins is a clear sign that you are one of the chosen people God intended to share the gospel in this sea of lost people. Though we will never be able to comprehend why God chose us over the others, God has fully equipped those He chose to be able to deliver on the mission He has sent them out to do. Also, I would say that being chosen as God’s disciple does not make life easier, instead, it gives you the assurance that every time you fail, you can always go back to God and fill you again with love, compassion, and hope. Lastly, Romans 15:18 poses a very important lesson for us Christians especially in the motive we have in doing God’s work. It says, “18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done” (Bible Gateway, Romans 15:18 NIV). This, in a way, supports one of Mitchell’s forms in shaping a message which is participation. It is important to always remind yourself that in everything you do, always point to God so glory is given to Him and not to yourself. Thus, with all these learning I have been able to absorb from the passages of the Bible and Michael Mitchell’s guide in shaping a disciple-maker’s message, I would certainly be careful and purposeful in shaping the Godly message I deliver. Instead of preparing a generic message to 4 different audiences, I would start to study them by first caring about their situation and their life which will enable me to know how I can effectively approach them without being too aggressive. Also, instead of being frustrated about having other people reject God’s truth, I would start relying on God’s power in changing people’s hearts because I realized, it is my mission to share the gospel and the rest is upon the Lord. 5 Bibliography: Barna, George. "Growing True Disciples: New Strategies for Producing Genuine Followers of Christ: George Barna: 9781578564231: Amazon.com: Books." Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more. http://www.amazon.com/Growing-True-Disciples-Strategies-Producing/dp/1578564239#reader_1578564239 (accessed June 5, 2013). "Growing True Disciples | Notes & Review | vialogue." vialogue | Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Is.30:21). http://vialogue.wordpress.com/2007/06/29/growing-true-disciples-notes-review/ (accessed June 5, 2013). Mitchell, Michael R.. "Leading, Teaching, and Making Disciples - Michael R. Mitchell - Google Books." Google Books. http://books.google.com.ph/books?id=2NN7E1k8JoQC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false (accessed June 5, 2013). "Romans 15:18 NIV - I will not venture to speak of anything - Bible Gateway." BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2015:18&version=NIV (accessed June 5, 2013). "The Disciple-Makers Message | Servants of Grace." Servants of Grace. http://servantsofgrace.org/2011/02/09/the-disciple-makers-message/ (accessed June 5, 2013). "1 Corinthians 1-2 NIV - Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ - Bible Gateway." BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%201-2&version=NIV (accessed June 5, 2013). "2 Peter 1 NIV - Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of - Bible Gateway." BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%201&version=NIV (accessed June 5, 2013). Read More