I spoke at the Every Nation Church Planter’s Boot Campus this morning. Here’s what I said.
Jesus promised to build his church. He told us to make disciples. Too many church planters and pastors try to build a church. I have found if we do our job (make disciples), he will do his (build his church).
As you make disciples, remember. . .
1. LESS IS MORE
Do less; accomplish more. I did not say, “work less.” Do less stuff, so you can focus on the part of ministry that really matters—making disciples. Too many church planters and pastors fill the church calendar with everything that can be done in the name of God, but most of it distracts from the disciple-making process. Everything we do in ministry will either underline or undermine the disciple-making process. Eliminate everything that competes with discipleship.
2. SLOW IS FAST
In the 25-year history of Victory-Manila, we have never had a year when we did not grow larger. We grew slow and steady the first fifteen years. Then, in the sixteenth year, the pace picked up and we hit a season where our growth went beyond addition to multiplication. We just refused to quit. I think the reason multiplication is so rare is that most people quit too soon. They may not quit the ministry, but they quit the discipleship strategy and trade it in for the latest get-big-quick pyramid revival scheme. Don’t get in a hurry; slow is fast.
3. DISCIPLESHIP IS RELATIONSHIP
Ministry is about people, not programs. A schedule overflowing with activity is no substitute for face-time with people. Do you spend your time running ministry programs or ministering to and with actual people? Since we are called to disciple people, we must clear our schedules so we can prioritize time with people.
Originally posted on my Facebook “fansite.”
