Passionate, pointed, boisterous, sometimes loud – these words characterize our discussions in Course 3, our first of two courses on church leadership. We led this course in two cities in central Haiti earlier this month, and 186 church leaders diligently studied and passionately discussed!
In Course 3, titled Leading Jesus’ Church – Mission and Strategy, we focus on foundational biblical truths about the church. In our study of key Scriptures, we ask questions to stimulate thinking and discussion such as:
- The church belongs to Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18), what did He intend His church to be and do?
- How would the 11 apostles have understood Jesus’ command to the church – “Make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).”
- What is a “disciple” according to Scripture?
- How does the Lord tell us to “make” them? What would the apostles have understood?
- What is Jesus doing now? (Yes, interceding for us but also leading His church.)
- What are good “tests” or “measures” of how a local church is doing in making disciples – again according to Scripture?
- How is YOUR church doing in making disciples? In what ways could your church be more effective in fulfilling the Lord’s mission?
We conclude the course with Jesus’ two “all” statements in Matthew 28 (“all authority” in verse 18 and “with you always” in verse 20) and two assignments. Assignment 11 guides pastors to write a specific plan for effectively making disciples in their church.
Then we ask church leaders to share thoughts and concerns about their churches with their study group and pray for one another and their churches. And, man, they pray! This final assignment is a highlight of Course 3, a time of surrender to and trust in the Head of the church. Church leaders hold hands and lift their voices together to God. After their amens, groups often sing, and we typically conclude this special time by singing a song of the Faith all together.
Paul writes in Romans 10:11, “Those who trust in Him will never be put to shame.” The apostle draws this encouragement from a recurring theme in Scriptures such as Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 22:5; and Isaiah 45:17. (By the way, “put to shame” is a good, instructive study in the Bible.) As we trust God and rely on His Word through problems, poverty and persecution (Haitian church leaders face all these things!), we won’t be disappointed. We will have no regrets. Our trust is not misplaced! Our hope is anchored in the right Person! That’s the encouragement and joy we see in church leaders as we conclude Course 3. That’s the encouragement and joy each of us can experience as we follow Christ and live for His mission.
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