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Lesson Three: Making Disciples

The Second CWG Commandment

Your words shall help make disciples of your readers, using Scripture in each submission to teach them to obey all that Jesus has commanded.

Preparation and Prayer

Bring to the meeting:

» A Bible and your 3-ring binder

» Your second letter to the editor (enough copies for all)

» Letters that have been published

» New letters you may have begun since the last lesson

As you open your meeting, pray:

» For the members of your group

» For your audience

» For editors of your local paper (by name)

» For God to direct you to His Words which will most effectively disciple your readers

Establishing the Vision: How to make Disciples Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

The Greek word for "disciple" (mathetes) means learner. The Bible use of "disciple" implies a teaching relationship as Jesus taught His followers. He instructed not only through His words but also by example. As they grew in understanding, He commissioned them for a life of teaching.

Jesus made Disciples in many ways:

» One-on-one, as with Nicodemus,

» In small groups, as with The Twelve, and

» In teaching multitudes.

His methods were as varied as His opportunities to instruct. Jesus taught with parables, questions, word pictures, irony, hyperbole, hidden meanings, chastisement, and straight-forward sermons. For a culture whose primary "medium of communication" was oral, his diverse use of the spoken word was the finest way to teach.

We Disciple by Example

Bob Briner, author of Roaring Lambs, emphasizes that the "number one way for Christians to be the salt Christ commands them to be is to teach His relevance, to demonstrate His relevance, to live His relevance in every area of life." Our most effective method of discipling is our lifestyle; it will speak volumes. If we have integrity and live uprightly in our own lives and genuinely love, pray for, and try to relate to readers, they will be more willing to believe what we write. God's love and His Word will live through us.

We Disciple By Instruction

Peter and the Apostles never ceased teaching and proclaiming the Good News. In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas earnestly desired to see disciples grow in faith and become "conformed to the likeness of (God's) Son." Paul filled his letters with instruction and encouragement for believers.

Power of the Written Word

Jesus' teachings relied heavily upon the written word, referring to written Scripture 44 times (NIV). The Son of God Himself emphasized the written word to reinforce his teachings!

His disciples knew that a written account of His life was vital to new believers. Thus the Gospels were written for all of mankind by the non-professional, latent writers of the early church.

Paul preached to multitudes, but he has reached millions more through the written word- not only during his day but in the nearly two thousand years since- because he was obedient to God's call to disciple through writing the believers he had left behind.

Today, broadcast media, computer networks, and a wide array of print media are at our disposal. If we are to be effective teachers, we must make use of all the many means of communication available to us that were not available to teachers in biblical times as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission and "teach them to obey all (He) has commanded."

Why Include Scripture?

Effectively and sensitively used, Scripture is the most important element of our written pieces.

» His ways are not our ways; His words will penetrate a soul more effectively than ours can.

» His Word is powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword and vital to instruct, correct, and train.

» God's Word is light to penetrate the darkness.

» God promises that His Word will not return void, but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which it was sent. (Isaiah 55:11)

» The world follows many biblical principles, but people often don't know where these principles come from. A good statement doesn't have power unless it is reinforced with God's Word.

» No human logic that favors omission of Scripture is superior to the biblical authority calling for its use.

In future lessons, we will expand our discussion about effective and appropriate use of Scripture.

Questions for Discussion:

» Consider how writing through the secular press can be an effective discipling tool. How might it fit into God's plan for discipling?

» What makes Scripture so powerful and life-changing? How can this be important to our mission?

 

Perfecting Our Skills

Critique:

Take fifteen to thirty minutes to read and critique written pieces which members of your group have brought. This is an important function of the Church Writing Group and one of the reasons we meet regularly. Spend around five to ten minutes per article. Be affirming and constructive. Remember to use our steps to R.A.C.E! (Refer to Lesson Two)

Becoming a Disciplined Writer

Writing is a skill- unlike dancing, music, or artistry- in which nearly anyone can take part without much training. However, if a writer intends to inspire readers with skillfully crafted words, he must be disciplined. Try following some of these suggestions:

» Write regularly in a journal.

» Make careful notes as you pray about what to write.

» Write only what you know is true.

» Write and rewrite until it shines!

» Keep a small notebook or tape recorder nearby to jot down thoughts as they come to mind.

» Write whether you want to or not. We are called to speak out even when we don't feel like it!

Before you begin...

...determine your purpose. In one sentence state your theme for this piece. What response do you want to elicit from your reader? Identifying this will help you stay on target. As you write, constantly re-examine your original goal and eliminate unnecessary points.

What topics are possible?

The list of possible topics is virtually endless. Here is a few to get your imagination started:

Abortion Adoption Biblical Principles Business Childcare Crime Economy Education Euthanasia

Family Feminism History Homelessness Law Liberty Loneliness

Media Medicine Morality Politics Pride Racism Religion Science Sexism Sexuality Truth

What are you FOR?

Evangelical Christians are known more for what they are against than what they are for. We must not back down on the important issues, but we need to find a way to be positive. Turn the tables and be pro-active. For example, instead of being against divorce, be for strong, healthy families.

Bob Briner encourages us to have "a positive loving response to evil, distortions, and error. We are to speak out for what is true and right (This) requires more than just railing against evil. The call is for rational, cogent, well-crafted presentations of positive alternatives gleaned from the Scriptures."

Getting Ideas For Writing

It is important to go beyond the "mainstream" causes which have defined us in the eyes of the secular world- issues such as homosexuality and abortion- and spread the salt to every other area of life. To do this:

» Read
as much as you can, both secular and religious.

» Ask questions.
Ask several people how they interpret an issue. This might spark some interesting conversation.

» Get on mailing lists.
Contact your congressman and groups which interest you. They often publish fact sheets about current issues.

» Keep a clipping file.
Photocopy or tear out articles that interest you and file them topically.

» Pray.
Ask God to show you what saddens His heart. Ask Him to give you a burden for certain issues (be careful; He will!). Pray for discernment so you can avoid fruitless arguments. Be willing to listen to His voice. Pray, "God, let me be Your mouthpiece. Show me what is important to You." After a time you will find that God is showing you exactly what you need to write about.

 

Application

1. Polish the letter to the editor you critiqued during this meeting. Have you kept to your original goal? Have you included at least one Scripture? Mail it!

2. Write a letter to the editor on a new topic which God has brought to mind. Write your theme for the letter, then adhere to this goal while you write.

3. Study the range of topics discussed in your local paper. On one side of a page give a brief description of the issue. In a second column list the scripture(s) which address each issue.

 

Technical Tips

Punctuation: Commas & Quotation Marks

» Use a comma to separate words in a series. Do not use a comma before the conjunction.

Ex: Some fruits of the Spirit include love, joy, peace and kindness.

» A comma must separate an introductory clause from a main clause.

Ex: If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

» Always place commas and periods inside the closing quotation marks.

Ex: She likes to read "The Robe," her favorite novel.

» Place semicolons and colons outside the closing quotation marks.

Ex. Also included in "The Greatest Commandments": Love your neighbor.

» Place question marks and exclamation points inside or outside, depending on the function: if the mark punctuates only the quotation, place it inside; if it punctuates the whole sentence, place it outside.

Ex: I enjoy the song, "Have You Seen Jesus My Lord?"

Ex: Why do you call me "Lord, Lord..."?

 

Thoughts to ponder:

"Unless we make the gospel central to our public activism, then our culture will never repent of its sin. Never. The Holy Spirit works with the gospel, and without the Holy Spirit there is absolutely no chance that our nation will turn from its downward course. None." Mark Home, World, July 30, 1994.

"Our responsibility as the church is not to protest but to proclaim." -Bob Briner, Roaring Lambs

 

Scripture References:

» Deut 30:11-14
» Ps. 119:105
» Isa. 55:8-11
» Matt. 14:14
» Matt 20:29
» Acts 5:42
» Acts 14:21-22
» Rom. 15:4
» 2 Tim 3:16-17
» 2 Tim 4:1-5
» Heb. 4:12
» 2 Pet 1:20-21

 

This is the third of twelve lessons in the "Church Writing Group" curriculum. Reproduction of this lesson is permissible.

For more information contact The Amy Foundation, P.O. Box 16901, Lansing, MI 48901, (517) 323-6233.

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