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Discipling the Laity for Disciple Making (11)
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Paul Jang
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2008-03-24 03:35:12, hit : 3,628 |
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Discipling the Laity for Disciple Making (11)
In fact, the knowledge apart from application falls short of God's desire for His children. Knowledge must result in change and growth (Swindoll 1988, 9). This Bible study, therefore, must be very different from an ordinary study of the Bible. Its study must not be a simple reading and writing. Its program must involve a pious and practical trainings for the people.
In the classroom, the practice of godliness such as reading and writing the Bible, meditating, praying, prasing, and relationship will be exercised, while the practical trainings such as an evangelism and services to the people will be carry out in the fields. Growth in personal depth may depend on a deepening of a daily encounter with God through prayer and meditation (Clemons and Hester 1974, 61). Spiritual ministry furthermore must begin with prayer and be carried on in the spirit of prayer (Stube 1982, 73).
In the classroom the knowledge of the Bible can be gained through reading and writing. Rev. Soon Hwa Hong suggested a concentration on what to know, what to recognize, what to feel, and what to do (Hong 1983, 11). Meditation gives a quiet time to be able to communicate with God. Many gifts and much grace of blessing will be given by God through praying in the name of Jesus Christ. Especially, intercessory prayer can be a real experience of spiritual growth and commitment (Kemp 1974, 39). God will gain glory through praising. As putting a little water into the pump system causes the mechanism to pump up the deep waters of the earth, praise causes one's praise to want to come forth (Dargatz 1991, 40). And the relationship between the people will make this fellowship in Christ. In fact, relationships take on a much deeper meaning when people realize they need each other (Furey 1986, 24).
Training is the practical one. It is the process by which pastor helps the disciple learn a particular skill to practically put the principles the pastor taught him into practice in the field. The lay training will have to be initiated by the pastor or it will not be done at all (Lindgren and Shawchuck 1981, 117). Training requires the transmission of learned skills. Training exercise helps the disciple to put the words of God which he has been taught by his pastor (discipler) into practice in the field.
Jesus said, "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (NIV), "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (KJV). The "to obey" and "to observe" mean practical action. "Christ was more action orientated; his disciples learned by doing as He did" said John Wimber (Wimber 1992, 191).
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Introduction
Ch Growth 