image © Ryan Thompson
888-338-7810 888-338-7809 www.believerstewardship.org www.ecsministries.org
Emmaus Bible College 2570 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52001
Journey | From the President Principles in Decision-making
New Testament believers seeking to follow Christ are often faced with lifestyle choices that are not specifically addressed in Scripture. They could be huge questions such as, “Should I go to this college?” or, “Should I take this job?” They may be more minor ones, such as, “May I see this movie?” or, “May I attend this party?” The New Testament contains a number of principles that can be applied to a wide range of choices that we confront. Proper application of these principles demonstrates maturity in discipleship.
1. I will make the same choices in life that Christ would. 11. I will avoid activities that feed my fleshly appetites. 1 JOHN 2:6 “Walk in the same manner as He walked.” ROMANS 13:14 “Make no provision for the flesh in regard 2. I will choose activities that will help me to become to its lusts.” more Christ-like. 12. I will prevent my mind from thinking ungodly ROMANS 8:29 “Those whom He foreknew, He also pre- thoughts. destined to become conformed to the image of His Son.” 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5 “We are taking every thought 3. I will avoid activities that make it harder for me captive to the obedience of Christ.” to follow Christ. 13. I will avoid activities that will form enslaving habits. HEBREWS 12:1 “Let us also lay aside every encumbrance.” 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12 “I will not be mastered by 4. Everything I do will be in His power and for His glory. anything.” COLOSSIANS 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed, 14. If it bothers my conscience, I know it is wrong for me. do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” ROMANS 14:23 “Whatever is not from faith is sin.” 5. I will choose activities that will help me grow 15. I will do what is best for the other person. spiritually. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:24 “Let no one seek his own good, 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12 “Not all things are profitable.” but that of his neighbor.” 6. I will be ready for Christ to return at any moment. 16. I will avoid activities that offend others. 1 JOHN 2:28 “Abide in Him, so that when He appears, 1 CORINTHIANS 10:32 “Give no offense either to Jews we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him or to Greeks or to the church of God.” in shame at His coming.” 17. I will limit my freedom so as not to offend a weaker 7. I will devote myself to God, not the things of brother. the world. 1 CORINTHIANS 8:13 “If food causes my brother to 1 JOHN 2:15 “Do not love the world nor the things in stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not the world.” cause my brother to stumble.” 8. I will use my body as a tool to serve the Lord. 18. I will avoid activities that hurt my testimony 1 CORINTHIANS 6:20 “Therefore glorify to the unsaved. God in your body.” 1 CORINTHIANS 10:33 “Not seeking my own 9. I will treat my body respectfully. profit but the profit of the many, so that 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 “Do you not they may be saved.” know that your body is a temple of 19. I will choose the activities that the Holy Spirit who is in you?” make for peace. 10. I will remain in control of my ROMANS 14:19 “Let us pursue the bodily appetites. things which make for peace and the 1 CORINTHIANS 9:27 “I building up of one another.” discipline my body and make it my slave.”
Kenneth Alan Daughters President, Emmaus Bible College Journey | magazine Features/Departments
Journey Magazine, volume 4, issue 2, Spring 2006 Page 10: The Making of Disciples An introduction from our Editor Journey Magazine is published by Emmaus Bible College, Dubuque, Iowa, USA.
Opinions expressed in articles published in Journey Page 18: Overlooking the Obvious Magazine are not necessarily those of Emmaus Dr. Daniel Smith addresses the primary sphere of making Bible College. disciples—the family. Mom and Dad have the greatest Subscriptions to Journey Magazine are sent free opportunity to make true disciples of the children God has of charge to addresses in the United States and Canada, as well as to those serving the Lord entrusted to them. full-time overseas. Please contact “Subscriptions” at the address below for additions, corrections, or deletions. Page 21: Discipling on the Mission Field Kenneth Fleming traces the methods of bringing new converts to Editor: David A. Glock spiritual maturity—a missions pattern that grows out of the work Assistant Editors: Ken Daughters, Ken Murray Bible Editor: Dr. David J. MacLeod in Ecuador and is worthy of duplication at home. Circulation Manager: Angie DeArment Design, Lay-Out: Jesse Lange & Angie DeArment Contributing Editor: Heidi Tanacea Page 24: Mentors that Matter Online-Journey: Mark Woodhouse Read the testimonies of individuals who have been touched by the ministry of a mentor with a life long impact. Become such How to contact us: a mentor! Journey Magazine Emmaus Bible College 2570 Asbury Road Dubuque, IA 52001 Page 26: A Teenage Disciple of Christ Jesse Lange develops approaches to discipling youth of the (800) 397-2425 postmodern era that will be helpful in the local church and in www.emmaus.edu the youth outreach in the community. Editor: [email protected] Subscriptions: [email protected] College Admissions: [email protected] Page 39: Generational Succession Alumni: [email protected] Alex Strauch addresses the subject of transitioning leadership in Correspondence School: [email protected] Believers Stewardship Services: [email protected] Church life while maintaining the unity of the body. A must read! Other: [email protected] A continuing series by Alex Strauch (edited by Dave MacLeod) from messages delivered at Iron Sharpens Iron. Journey Magazine is available on-line at: www.online-journey.com Fellow Travelers...... 2 Journey Magazine will consider, but is not responsible for,unsolicited articles. Send submissions to Editor at Travel Guides...... 4 the address above. Submissions cannot be returned unless accompanied by SASE. Advanced query is To the Praise of His Glory...... 6 recommended. A Word along the Way ...... 13 Dr. MacLeod Asks ...... 51 News From Emmaus ...... 56 On The Road...... 58 Journey | Fellow Travelers TravelersFellow
Although I no longer attend a Christianity they portray, more intent Myrue Spivey made me realize that “brethren assembly,” I was born, on “brethren distinctives” than on I am okay but not great on the pur- raised, and bred “brethren” for the Jesus! Ultimately perpetuating the poseful part of discipleship but fall first 36 years of my life. My husband focus of that mentality and practice way down on the prayerfully part and I are passionately involved with of “correctness” is a violation and and I need to work on that. Daniel a church camp owned by local assem- assault on our Lord’s command to Dominguez Jr. from Houston, TX hit blies, and consequently have main- make disciples. One clear result is it out of the park for me with his tained close and loving relationships the inability of many to “have love answer for “What does it mean to with these churches through the for one another” (John 13.35), part- be a disciple of Christ?” years. From our vantage point we icularly toward those outside the The article “Musical Expressions in have been able to consider trends “brethren movement”. I believe the Local Church” by Alex Strauch in their growth and (more often) that many in the “movement” have was great. I just wish that the elders decline. Our hearts break to see so crossed that gulf and accepted the in every assembly and evangelical many of them dying. “ways” of non-brethren, but the local church would read this article. assemblies in decline are tenaciously Although we understand that the The church I am at in Lancaster, CA defending distinctives that keep eyes autonomy of each assembly forbids is doing everything suggested but from focusing on Jesus and His inter church meddling, we watch with most churches in the area do not. amazing power to save. amazement as we see many of their There is even one more element that lights flicker faintly. It occurs to me The future of the brethren assemblies they have added; they make sure the that your influence, via Journey, may seems ominous. It’s time to speak songs chosen relate to the message. be the only acceptable input that clearly. I come away from the service each could open their hearts to new ideas. week with something new from the In His Love, Visiting one such dying assembly message and would have to give Brenda Spiro recently, I heard someone recommend credit to the music for much of the Everett, WA your article on Musical Expression by preparation. The suggestion for Alexander Strauch. Bless you! I blended music is great. We really appreciated the Fall ’05 applaud your efforts and encourage issue of Journey. The magazine is This whole attitude about the im- your bold confrontation of issues. A “growing into real maturity” and is portance of music has spread to every thorough reading and sincere consid- meeting needs of Christians and group in our church. The Awana eration of the points made in that assemblies. Varsity has their own worship team article could begin to reverse the using many instruments and usually decline at some assemblies, though it The articles on discipleship were very sings ten songs each night. The high would take a bold step. good. However, it was the article on school youth does the same when music by brother Alex Strauch that We were blessed by the warmth, good they meet during the week. The really struck a chord with us as we ministry and sincerity of the believers Spanish services do the same and I have been “working through this” during a recent visit to a nearby don’t know what they are singing but in the past two years. assembly. But even so, their course I love to listen when I get there early seems to be inevitable demise if they Larry Deeds to set up for Awana. I have heard continue their present course. Elder/Pastor complaints about the message in Somehow there is a total cultural dis- Bethany Bible Chapel some songs but when I compare them connect that hampers their effective- Conway, SC to some of the choruses we sang 60 ness. I asked an elder’s wife if there years ago the message is much better was any interest in evangelizing the The Fall ’05 Journey is the slickest now. It is such a good article that I neighborhood, and she admitted that issue you have put out! William would be tempted to try and attend although they’d tried, there had been MacDonald, my favorite professor Iron Sharpens Iron. no interest. Small wonder! It’s hard way back in 1954 is thought provok- Ian Denham to imagine anyone drawn to the ing, asking “Does the Bible teach that Lancaster, CA it was God who died at Calvary?”
2 Journey: Spring 2006 CONTACT THE EDITOR Journey Magazine welcomes your letters and e-mails. Please send letters to: Journey Magazine, Emmaus Bible College, 2570 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52001. Send e-mails to: [email protected]. Please include your full name, town, state, Emmaus class year (if applicable) and daytime phone number.We reserve the right to edit letters for length and suit- ability. Opinions expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect those of Emmaus Bible College.
JOURNAL TOPICS In the Current Issue of the Emmaus Journal (volume 14, number 1)
David J. MacLeod, “The Sufferings of Christ: Exemplary, Substitutionary, and Triumphant” S. Lewis Johnson, “The Greatest Commission: An Exposition of Galatians 4:1-7” Kenneth A. Daughters, “The Trinity and the Christian” Robert Spender, “Obadiah: Accountability in Relationships” Paul T. Jensen, “Reclaiming the Center: A Review Article” The Emmaus Journal is available for only $7 a year ($10 Canada and overseas), and each issue contains thoughtful and scholarly articles on issues facing the church today. For subscription information, please write to The Emmaus Journal, 2570 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52001, e-mail [email protected], or call (800) 397-2425.
Journey: Spring 2006 3 Journey | Travel Guides TravelGuides
The Disciple Making Church in the 21st Century Dr. Gary E. Tangeman Christian Literature Crusade, 1996
Disciple Making Teachers:How to Equip Adults for Growth and Action Josh Hunt, Larry W. Mays Group Publishing, 1997
The Disciple-Making Church Bill Hull Revell, 1998 All of us, church leaders and laypeople alike, have been called by Christ to reach out to the world with the gospel. In this book, Bill Hull explains why disciple making must be the focus of every believer’s life and tells how each of us can do it.
The Lost Art of Disciple Making LeRoy Elms Zondervan, 1978 This book examines the growth process in the life of a Christian and considers what nurture and guidance it takes to develop spiritually qualified workers in the church.
Making of a Disciple: A Study of Discipleship from the Life of Simon Peter Kenneth Frederick BJU Press, 2001
The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples Win Arn, Charles Arn Baker Books, 1998 Identifies, illustrates, explains, and applies Christ’s principles of disciple-making, building on the web of friendships which already exist.
4 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time Greg Ogden InterVarsity Press, 2003 Drawing on Jesus and Paul’s models of discipling a few at a time, this book provides the biblical foundation behind the influential “Discipleship Essentials.” (Church Life)
The Disciple’s Manual William MacDonal Gospel Folio Press The Disciple’s Manual is pure, undiluted Christianity. What every disciple is called to is as radical as it comes. For more than half a century, practicing and proclaiming biblical discipleship has been the author’s heartbeat. This is that life’s ministry captured for you in a book. Hundreds of practical helps on the key issues.
The Adventure of Discipling Others: Training in the Art of Disciplemaking Ron Bennett, John Purvis Navpress, 2003 Readers can learn to share their lives with new believers as Jesus did, helping them grow spiritually and fulfill their unique niches in God’s kingdom, while discovering their own passions for one-on-one discipling.
Down to Earth Discipling: Essential Principles to Guide Your Personal Ministry Scott Morton Navpress, 2003 This is a personal ministry book that anybody can use. The practical, friendly, workable guide delivers everything readers need to know about being a disciple, without terrifying themselves or those they want to reach. It divides the process into simple, manageable steps based firmly on biblical principles about reaching the world for Christ.
The Ministry of Nurture: A Youth Worker’s Guide to Discipling Teenagers Duffy Robbins Zondervan, 1990 In this thoughtful, comprehensive guide you will find ideas for encouraging spiritual growth in young people by one of the most authoritative voices in youth ministry today. To order contact John Rush at the Emmaus Bible College Library ([email protected] or 563-588-8000 ext. 1003)
Journey: Spring 2006 5 Journey | magazine
To the Praise of
His Glory! Lisa Beatty Part 2 Is Singing Optional?
ince its earliest days, the congregational singing in their congregational hymns are chosen Church has been character- services, but what place does just minutes before the service or S ized by singing. In approxi- music—specifically singing—have only a limited number of songs are mately 111 AD, just eighty or so in church life? Is singing an impor- sung (the song-leader’s favorites, years after the Church was estab- tant element in the life of the local for example), and so congregations lished, a Roman official named church, or is it a peripheral, a non- may be familiar with only a small Pliny the Younger sent a letter to essential? percentage of the songs and hymns Emperor Trajan in Rome about Most church leaders would in the hymnbook. In some local the practices of this new religious affirm the place of singing in the churches, people continue to talk movement, in which he wrote, program of the church; however, in in the foyer until the song service “On the appointed day they had been many cases, little time or attention is over! accustomed to meet before daybreak, is given to planning meaningful The Bible gives considerable and to sing a hymn antiphonally to music ministry. Without clear emphasis to singing in the life of Christ as to a god.” Even outsiders direction from church leadership the believer. In the Old Testament, recognized that singing had an regarding the ministry of music, singing was part of the fabric of life important place in meetings of congregations are often left with for the children of Israel. The New the early Church. the impression that singing is some- Testament affirms the importance Would the 21st-century how less important than other ele- of singing in the lives of the Church be characterized in the ments of the service. This inatten- redeemed and in the corporate life same way? Certainly most, if not tion often leads to a casual attitude of the Church. Following are just all, local churches include some toward the song service in which a few reasons why church leaders
6 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
should give significant attention Him with a harp of ten strings. Sing to the Lord a new song; to the ministry of singing in their Sing to Him a new song; play skill- sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing local body: fully with a shout of joy. (Psalm to the Lord, bless His name. (Psalm 33:1 – 3) 96:1 – 2a) 1. The Psalms (the hymnbook of O clap your hands, all peoples; Sing to the Lord a new song, Israel) strongly emphasizes singing shout to God with the voice of joy. for He has done wonderful things. in response to the Lord for who (Psalm 47:1) (Psalm 98:1a) He is and what He has done. Shout joyfully to God, all the Oh give thanks to the Lord, These are imperative statements, earth; sing the glory of His name; call upon His name; make known not language that encourages per- make His praise glorious. (Psalm His deeds among the peoples. sonal choice. 66:1 – 2) Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Sing praises to the Lord, who Sing for joy to God our speak of all His wonders. (Psalm dwells in Zion; declare among the strength; shout joyfully to the God 105:1 – 2) people His deeds. (Psalm 9:11) of Jacob. Raise a song, strike the Praise the Lord! For it is good Sing praise to the Lord, you timbrel, the sweet sounding lyre to sing praises to our God; for it is His godly ones, and give thanks to with the harp. Blow the trumpet at pleasant and praise is becoming. His holy name. (Psalm 30:4) the new moon, at the full moon, on (Psalm 147:1) Sing for joy in the Lord, O you our feast day [the Feast of Praise the Lord! Sing to the righteous ones; praise is becoming Tabernacles]. For it is a statute for Lord a new song, and His praise in to the upright. Give thanks to the Israel, an ordinance of the God of the congregation of the godly ones. Lord with the lyre; sing praises to Jacob. (Psalm 81:1 – 4 ) (Psalm 149:1)
Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name.
(Psalm 30:4)
Journey: Spring 2006 7 Journey | magazine
2. Christ and His disciples sang at through the singing of psalms, as can be seen in the Revelation the institution of the Lord’s hymns, and spiritual songs while to John. Heaven appears to be a Supper. Believers are commanded at the same time singing with grat- place of unceasing song offered in to remember the Lord in this way itude in their hearts to the Lord. praise and worship to God and to until He comes. And do not get drunk with the Lamb by angelic beings and by And after singing a hymn, they wine, for that is dissipation, but be the servants of God from all ages, went out to the Mount of Olives. filled with the Spirit, speaking to nations, and tribes. (Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26) one another in psalms and hymns And when He had taken the and spiritual songs, singing and book, the four living creatures and 3. Psalm singing is included in making melody with your heart to the twenty-four elders fell down Paul’s list of the appropriate com- the Lord. (Ephesians 5:18) before the Lamb, having each one ponents of public worship. Let the word of Christ richly a harp, and golden bowls full of When you assemble, each one dwell within you, with all wisdom incense, which are the prayers of has a psalm, has a teaching, has a teaching and admonishing one the saints. And they sang a new revelation, has a tongue, has an another with psalms and hymns song, saying, “Worthy art Thou interpretation. Let all things be and spiritual songs, singing with to take the book, and to break its done for edification. thankfulness in your hearts to God. seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst (1 Corinthians 14:26) (Colossians 3:16) purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue 4. Believers are called to teach 5. Singing will be a primary occu- and admonish one another and people and nation. And Thou pation of the redeemed in heaven hast made them to be a kingdom
8 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
and priests to our God; and they marriage of the Lamb has come and will reign upon the earth.” His bride has made herself ready.” (Revelation 5:8 – 10) (Revelation 19:6 – 7) And every living thing which Throughout the Scriptures the is in heaven and on the earth and people of God are people of song. under the earth and on the sea, and God Himself is a singer (Zephaniah all things in them, I heard saying, 3:17) and He calls His own to lift Lisa Beatty “To Him who sits on the throne, their voices to Him in worship, is the Dean for Academic Affairs at Emmaus Bible College and has been a faculty member in the Music and to the Lamb, be blessing and praise, adoration, and thanksgiving. Ministry department since 1992. Lisa graduated honor and glory and dominion for- May our churches be characterized from Clarke College with a B.A. in Music and ever and ever.” (Revelation 5:13) by fervent love for the Lord obtained her M.A. in Vocal Performance from the University of Iowa. Lisa is married to Kevin and After these things I looked, expressed in psalms, hymns, and they have two daughters, Erin and Gwen. and behold, a great multitude, spiritual songs. May we enjoy just a which no one could count, from glimpse of our heavenly occupation every nation and all tribes and peo- as we labor together awaiting ples and tongues, standing before His return! ✟ the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and God of my life, through all my days they cry out with a loud voice, say- ing, “Salvation to our God who sits My grateful powers shall sound Thy praise; on the throne, and to the Lamb.” My song shall wake with opening light, (Revelation 7:9 – 10) After these things I heard, And cheer the dark and silent night. as it were, a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory When anxious cares would break my rest, and power belong to our God; And griefs would tear my throbbing breast, because His judgments are true and righteous; for He has judged the Thy tuneful praises, raised on high, great harlot who was corrupting Shall check the murmur and the sigh. the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His bond-servants on her.” (Revelation But, O when that last conflict’s o’er, 19:1 – 3) And I heard, as it were, the And I am chain’d to earth no more, voice of a great multitude and as With what glad accents shall I rise the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty peals of thun- To join the music of the skies! der, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, Philip Doddridge reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the
Journey: Spring 2006 9 Journey | magazine
The Making of
Disciples Dave Glock
10 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
n the previous issue of Journey, be complete, thoroughly equipped touched me. An east coast youth the subject of being a personal for every good work. conference, Ernie Tathum speaking I disciple of Jesus Christ was the on Samuel, a closing hymn, a focus—not making others disciples The Church challenge: as in the Great Commission, but Regular and active participation in being a personal learner of our church life was a major ingredient O give me Samuel’s ear, Savior and a consistent practitioner in becoming a disciple of Jesus The open ear, O Lord, of the faith. This issue will focus Christ. Leaders of the church Alive and quick to hear each on the making of disciples. taught me and others by precept whisper of Thy word, What are the various influ- and practice. We were taught (we Like him to answer at Thy call, ences that lead to salvation and used Emmaus Correspondence And to obey Thee first of all. subsequent making of disciples? courses), we were guided in service I prayed that prayer! A May I reflect on the experiences (mission work, hospital visitation, conference that I had helped plan of my life of discipleship? literature distribution, evangelism), became a means of discipleship in and we were entertained (picnics my own life. The Home and parties and camping). The Another specific ministry for The primary and lasting influence mentioning of these means of mak- discipleship became part of my of my discipleship began in the ing disciples brings to my mind a life—Emmaus Bible College! home of my youth. I learned of my flood of individuals—unknown to need for salvation, the importance most and by now with the Lord— Acts 19:8-10 of Holy Scripture and obedience to who discipled me in a very natural And he went into the synagogue it, and the necessity of sharing the way in the context of church life. I and spoke boldly for three months, truth of the gospel with the lost. I didn’t realize I was being discipled, reasoning and persuading concern- learned of the ethics of Christianity and I’m not sure they knew they ing the things of the kingdom of to be practiced in every aspect of were discipling. They just did it! God. But when some were hard- life. The primary function of a ened and did not believe, but spoke Acts 2:42 Christian family is to make disci- evil of the Way before the multi- And they continued steadfastly in ples of the family members. tude, he departed from them and the apostles’ doctrine and fellow- withdrew the disciples, reasoning 2 Timothy 3:14 – 17 ship, in the breaking of bread, and daily in the school of Tyrannus. But you must continue in the in prayers. things which you have learned and And this continued for two years, been assured of, knowing from Hebrews 10:25 so that all who dwelt in Asia heard whom you have learned them, and Not forsaking the assembling of the word of the Lord Jesus, both that from childhood you have ourselves together, as is the manner Jews and Greeks. known the Holy Scriptures, which of some, but exhorting one another, are able to make you wise for salva- and so much the more as you see Specific People tion through faith which is in the Day approaching. Discipleship takes a very specific Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given form in most settings when a per- by inspiration of God, and is prof- Specific Ministries sonal relationship develops. Two itable for doctrine, for reproof, for As my life progressed, specific min- specific people influenced my life correction, for instruction in right- istries directed to making disciples over that three-year period of Bible eousness, that the man of God may came along. Particular individuals School—William MacDonald and
Journey: Spring 2006 11 Journey | Magazine
Dr. Chester Woodring. They taught Matthew 28:18 – 20 me by word and example, mentored And Jesus came and spoke to me, and directed my life to future them, saying, “All authority has education and ministry—which been given to Me in heaven and advice I followed. on earth. Go therefore and make Dave Glock disciples (emphasis added) of all Dave is a graduate of Emmaus, Philadelphia College 2 Timothy 2:1 – 2 of Bible, and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has the nations, baptizing them in the taught at Emmaus since 1968 and has served as You therefore, my son, be strong Dean of Education for most of that period. He name of the Father and of the Son in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. serves as an elder at Asbury Community Chapel. and of the Holy Spirit, teaching He and his wife Melsie have worked together at the And the things that you have heard them to observe all things that I College. They have four children, all of whom serve from me among many witnesses, in Assembly ministries, and twelve grandchildren. have commanded you; and lo, I am commit these to faithful men who with you always, even to the end will be able to teach others also. of the age.” ✟ In this issue of Journey we will consider the various methods and influences that combine to produce true disciples of Jesus Christ. Con- sideration will be given to the con- tribution of the home, the church, specific ministries, and individual one-on-one discipling. Have you filled in your names on the cover of Journey—the names of those that you are discipling both formally and informally? Jesus had one, and three, and twelve, and seventy. He mainly trained the twelve. Paul went through life with a similar number. The resurrected Lord tells us to do the same in all the world.
12 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
AWord along the Way...
oday, Christians use the is an inappropriate phrase “to disciple people” assumption to think T to mean teaching them that someone else, the truths of the faith and raising perhaps in the func- them up in the Lord’s things. It is tion of youth min- an obsolete to use the noun istry, is responsible to “disciple” as a verb (you won’t find take care of the men- it in your collegiate dictionary). toring in the church. specific reason, and the long-term Perhaps “to mentor” is better suited In raising our own children, Nancy goal of mentoring extends beyond for us. Mentoring carries with it and I often realized that there were the mentor/mentee pair. Mature the connotation of one who pur- other adults outside of the family believers must recognize that this posefully “comes alongside to com- who could and did have a major process is eternal work with eternal fort, encourage, instruct, exhort, impact on our children as they got consequences, not merely for spiri- discipline, and guide” a young older—especially during their jun- tual benefit in this life. Paul writes believer in need of training and ior high and high school years. in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, growth. This is much the same Often we have heard, “May the my beloved brethren, be steadfast, intent that one reads about in John ones who come behind us find us immovable, always abounding in chapter fifteen when the Lord Jesus faithful.” This, of course, is good to the work of the Lord, knowing that refers to the Holy Spirit as the strive for in our lives, but I believe your toil is not in vain in the “paraclete,” sent to perform the it is not merely a forward looking Lord.” In the ongoing process of same loving, wonderful function in goal to keep as we press on. I recognizing and developing leader- our lives. choose to believe that it is our ship in the church, and through responsibility to be aware of those the guidance and direction of the The Responsibility behind us—and to model mature Holy Spirit, the task of preparing So, who is responsible to men- lives in Christ Jesus that reveal leaders for the future requires tor younger Christians? We are… the love of Christ, the love of the prayer, dedication, and replication. men and women who are commit- Word of God, and the love and dis- Eldership is not the responsibil- ted to the body of Christ and to the cipline of walking by faith. The ity of all men, but leadership in the raising up of our spiritual children. continuity of the teaching of the home and in the church is. Mature Our first responsibility is to those in Word, the raising of spiritual chil- men and women in Christ are our families, and then we are to dren, the spreading of the gospel, responsible to commit to the rais- look for opportunities to encourage, and the need for mentoring must ing of younger men and women of strengthen, counsel, console, and be ongoing. the faith. This cannot be “someone teach those youths whom God has God uses people who will men- else’s job.” put within our “spiritual reach.” It tor other younger people for a very
Journey: Spring 2006 13 Journey | magazine
Facing the Problem local church responsibilities. This is to a deeper walk with the Lord as It is part of the history of the all the more reason why mentoring we seek to help others. Our lives local church that many churches requires self-replication. Young peo- are honed as we share our victories have languished under the burden ple being mentored must also real- and defeats and grow together.” of the lack of young people assum- ize that their training is not merely The reality is that our youth need ing responsibility in church life. for the moment, not merely for to “hear and see” our lives lived out Godly mentors, committed to the them. Their godly training is to be in the discipline of faith and prac- building up of the body of Christ, passed on as they get older to those tice. Mentoring has no room for are involved in spiritual work that who need to be trained in right- “do as I say, not as I do.” On the honors God and His word. And eousness as well—just as they were other hand, it is often in the diffi- they perform a very necessary min- trained. cult and challenging times in life— istry that is vital to the life of the Often the fear of being trans- when we may trip and stumble our- church. parent with others tends to make selves, or may be at a loss to see “Life happens”…and we do many of us shy away from the com- God’s hand working—that our spir- not know how the Lord will move mitment to mentoring. LeRoy Eims itual walk speaks the loudest to in our future with Him. Believers has said in his devotional book those who wish to grow up in their move away because of jobs and Daily Discipleship, “If you feel that faith and to learn from those older family, some reach their time to be your life isn’t good enough to be than they. It is in these times that with the Lord, and others need rest observed and imitated by others, we may be of great service to the and a break from sometimes intense join the club. No one does. By the Lord in mentoring others. grace of God, we can be challenged Young people don’t want
14 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
perfection in their teachers. They Being want to be near believers who are Transparent honest, approachable, accessible, The ques- and willing to take the time to pour tion is raised: their lives into others. Consider how transparent what the Apostle Paul did with is transparent? Timothy and then consider the Should there be long-term value that this relation- reserve in the ship has had for the church at relationship large! Young people want to see the between men- reality of faith being lived out in tor and the body of Christ. They want to mentee? I see obedience to the Word of God, would say yes, to watch older believers commit to there is a and trust in prayer, to listen to the reserve that struggles and lessons learned along an older the way that older believers have brother or sister must sense con- The lived through and survived. cerning transparency. A relationship Qualifications Mentors who wish to see young of this kind is not meant to break people grow in their discipleship down the walls of respect and dis- Mentors do not have to be cer- training must pray for them, cretion. It is, however, intended to tified counselors, certificated teach- encourage them, and spend time bridge the gap of age, understand- ers, or college graduates. But they with them. Young men and women ing, and trust between generations must have a heart for young people growing up in the faith do not need so that the word of God is not hin- and patience for the often tedious flawless, “perfect” older believers to dered from having the greatest and frustrating path of growth that help them grow. They need real growth in the lives of young believ- young people often take in their people who are not afraid to open ers. Age and wisdom usually deter- path toward maturity. In my experi- up their homes, their jobs, their mine the extent of transparency. I ence I have always maintained lives in love and faithfulness. Men- can’t say that there is a formula. discretion with those I have men- tors need not be “circuit preachers,” Sometimes, though a point could tored, and I have always insisted on church officials, or noted teachers. be made that seems perfectly appro- confidentiality. In any relationship Mentors must be willing to be vul- priate in a mentoring relationship, that the Lord has placed me in nerable, to risk the chance that it is often better to allow the Holy with young people, I have always who they really are may become Spirit to work His work in the life let them know that confidentiality evident to another in a close per- of the young person. There is a fine goes both ways; nevertheless, if sonal relationship. Mentor/mentee line between being a good coun- there is something that the young partnerships can involve shared selor and being a good friend, and person reveals that could or would work experiences (as in short-term mentors learn this. Being a good be compromising to health or safe- missions, landscaping work, hob- teacher doesn’t mean being a good ty, I have responded that I will be bies, sports, Bible study, financial friend always—although it is nice quick to alert whoever needs to planning and related disciplines, when it happens. know of moral or physical danger. vacations, and informal fellowship Mentoring a young person is times) or any circumstance where not a license to share secrets with bonding and trust may grow. each other. This is definitely not
Journey: Spring 2006 15 Journey | magazine the desirable basis for any mentor- cal principles about modesty in and the grace of our Lord was ing relationship. In general it is wise dress and behavior, sexual purity, more than abundant, with the and prudent for men to mentor discretion, spiritual growth, domes- faith and love which are found men. This eliminates the obvious ticity (including the principles out in Christ Jesus. It is a trustwor- conflicts and keeps the relationship lined in Proverbs 31 concerning thy statement, deserving full above reproach. I have mentored excellence in womanhood), it acceptance, that Christ Jesus young women, but it has always is now. came into the world to save occurred in our home with my wife sinners, among whom I am present. Principles for Success foremost of all. And yet for this I would say as well that we The Principle of Grace reason I found mercy, in order have perhaps never seen a more Again, it is not the “flawless- that in me as the foremost, appropriate and needed time for ness” of the mentor that makes for Jesus Christ might demonstrate older women to teach younger good relationships. Paul writes in 1 His perfect patience, as an women. Paul writes in Titus 2:3-5 Timothy 1:12 – 16 the following example for those who would the following exhortation: “Older principle of the power of grace in the believe in Him for eternal life. women likewise are to be reverent life of a believer—and of his or her in their behavior, not malicious ability to be an example to others: gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, The Principle of Servanthood teaching what is good, that they I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, In another passage, Paul reveals may encourage the younger women who has strengthened me, the principles for servanthood in to love their husbands, to love their because He considered me the believer. In 1 Timothy 4:6 – 16, children, to be sensible, pure, work- faithful, putting me into serv- Paul exhorts Timothy to be nour- ers at home, kind, being subject to ice; even though I was formerly ished by the Word and doctrine, their own husbands, that the word a blasphemer and a persecutor stay away from worldliness, be of God may not be dishonored.” If and a violent aggressor. And disciplined physically but more so ever there were a time to mentor yet I was shown mercy, because spiritually, fix his hope on the liv- younger women and to teach bibli- I acted ignorantly in unbelief; ing God, be an example of good
16 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
become disoriented and disillu- been very rewarding both for them sioned with the character and and for me. Often the interest of intensity of the spiritual battle an older adult may cause a major that rages each day all around us. change of behavior in a young man Josh McDowell has had two or woman who is floundering in the books on the market that illus- attempt to grow spiritually. It is a trate just how severe the issues question of being mindful of those are which confront our youth around us. today: Right from Wrong and The In John 17:6 – 8 one reads that Disconnected Generation. Both the Father gave the disciples to the texts reveal how youth, espe- Lord Jesus, I believe, as a gift. They cially those in the church, have were not perfect; they were not been affected by the displace- without human failure. But they ment, apathy, and moral rela- were committed to Jesus, and He tivism of the current secular poured His life into them whether Christian worldview. they understood all of His amazing character and behavior, give atten- Because of this we as believers love and truth or not. I would say tion to the public reading of the must take seriously the challenge that the young men who have come Word of God, attend carefully to of making ourselves available for into my life, some needy and some his spiritual gifts, and to be dedicat- youth. And where are they? They gifted, have been gifts to me as well. ed and persevering in his walk of are usually all around us. I have had They have never failed to point me faith (my paraphrase). As I pursue young men come to me and ask if to a deeper love and understanding this exhortation in my own life, we might have regularly scheduled of the Lord Jesus’ love for me—and diligently giving myself to the work time for discipleship training. Some- of His unfailing faithfulness to me of the Holy Spirit, I can then help times two or three or four will end when I have floundered around in those younger than I along the up meeting with me. I have met periods of my own immaturity and same path. There is no mystique with some for half a year or for a lack of discipline. ✟ about mentoring in regard to trans- full year. Some are still meeting parency and rapport: it is but the with me after four years. Some are loving desire and goal to be a part in different states, and we have cor- of the lives of young people who responded by letter and e-mail for need our guidance and direction. years. Some have gone on in their communities and local churches to The Urgent Need for lead productive and rewarding lives Discipleship with their wives and families. Making commitments is often Others have done the same but also have gone on to accomplish won- Chris Lange hard for us today because our lives Chris is the Chair for the Division of Ministry are so profoundly busy and over- derful and amazing things in public and Professional Development at Emmaus where he has served on the faculty since scheduled. To be sure, in an age ministries for the Lord Jesus—and they continue still. I have also 2000. Chris and his wife Nancy have four when youth often feel that their grown children and are enjoying their first elders are not concerned about (are noted the potential of some young grandson. out of touch with?) their growth men which may be squandered or in Christ—because of the lack of ignored because of a lack of disci- quality time spent with them—it pline or direction and have is no wonder that our children may approached them with the offer of spending time together. This has
Journey: Spring 2006 17 Journey | magazine
Dr. Daniel H. Smith Overlooking the Obvious “…make disciples of all nations.” Mt. 28:19
he heart of the “great com- however, to focus this teaching on A consideration of the word disciple mission” that our risen far-away places. Yes, I have heard in the New Testament will reveal T Lord Jesus gave His follow- a number of reminders that “all that, in its noun form, it refers to a ers is found in one word – nations” includes one’s own nation. taught or trained follower. There This is the main verb in the sen- That too is a necessary emphasis. are many references to disciples in tence. A careful consideration of But how often have you heard that the gospels and book of Acts. The this key action word of our Lord’s it includes one’s own family? As I New Testament epistles indicate command is important. write this I look at pictures of my that the apostle Paul was a special- Thayer1 defines the word, “to children and grandchildren under ist in discipling others—like make a disciple; to teach, instruct.” the glass top of my desk. Surely the Timothy and Titus. Discipling is Specifically, it has to do with Lord’s commission to me includes essential to New Testament church “increasing one’s knowledge.” them, doesn’t it? life and service. And we note that I have heard an uncounted There are other clear and the word disciple is found in both number of devotions, messages, pointed biblical commands and masculine and feminine (Acts and teaching sessions in which the instructions that reinforce the 9:36) forms. great commission was the subject. parental responsibility to disciple Closely related to the concept This is as it should be, because the their families. of disciple or discipling is the com- commission conveys the heart of mand of Ephesians 6:4, “. . . you our Savior for lost mankind, and fathers . . . bring them [your chil- His “marching orders” for His own. dren] up in the training and admo- It is all too easy, too common, nition of the Lord.” The word here
18 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
translated training speaks of “edu- ‘why have you done so?’” The means doing what they ask.” 4 cation, training up, nurture of chil- basic idea in this word is to “make Add to this the many refer- dren, instruction, discipline.”2 narrow” and it is often translated The second word of Paul’s “discipline.” We know that, ences in the book of Proverbs com- command to fathers (admonition, although David in his personal life manding children to listen with NKJV) conveys “to put in mind; to had an intimate relationship with obedience to their parents, such as, “hear the instruction of your father, admonish, warn.”3 This reminds us the LORD, and in his public life he of Paul’s father-like ministry to the “served his own generation by the and do not forsake the law of your Thessalonians, “we exhorted, and will of God”(Acts. 13:36), in his mother” (Prov. 1:8). comforted, and charged every one We also need to note a central of you” (I Thess. 2:11). passage on parental discipling or One of the regrettable prob- Biblically, discipline is discipline of children. In Hebrews lems we have in our western world a teaching-learning 12:3–25 we find an extended dis- relationship in which one life finds its foundation in the fact that cussion of our God as heavenly intentionally influences “discipline” has come to be virtual- Father and His relationship with another in a right and ly synonymous with “punishment.” His children. The use of the Old positive direction. We would be more biblical if we Testament reference (v. 5, 6) tells recognize that discipline is a posi- us that this has been true of His tive function. . . to discipline is to family life we see a glaring and trag- relationship to His redeemed people disciple. Biblically, discipline is a ic failure. This included a lack of all through history. The key word teaching-learning relationship in discipline—he was too indulgent is one already considered in this which one life intentionally influ- and permissive . . . not involved study—child training or discipline. ences another in a right and posi- enough in the training and influ- Note what the passage teaches tive direction. Yes, this includes encing of the young lives in his about the disciplines of our heaven- identifying and restraining wrong family. ly Father for His children: direction, but the heart of disci- A proper understanding of the 1) We are not to despise or mini- pline is positive—the teaching, often quoted passage in Ephesians mize the importance of His modeling, pressuring, loving influ- 6:1 reinforces the biblical urgency discipline (v. 5). ence of another life in the right for parents to disciple their chil- 2) His disciplines are an expression direction. The Bible not only dren. I quote from Ralph Earle, of His love (v. 6). focuses this responsibility on 3) We are to endure His child- fathers, but on mothers as well The Greek word for “obey” training, which He faithfully (Prov. 1:8; 6:20, 23). here is hypakovo. It is a com- brings to every child in His Many other passages of pound of akovo, which means family (v. 7). Scripture deal with this vital sub- “hear, listen.” So it literally ject of discipling or disciplining of means “to listen.” Thayer 4) If we can get by with “doing our your children. We will briefly note defines it thus: own thing” in life heedless of three of them. In I Kings 1:6 a 1. properly: of one who on a His disciplines, we are not really statement is made about King knock at their door comes to in the family (v. 8). David’s fatherly conduct. Unfor- listen who it is…Acts xii.13… 5) Ideally, human fathers pattern tunately it is negative, apparently their child-training after that 2. To harken to a command, giving an explanation for the self- of the heavenly Father, and this i.e. to obey, be obedient unto, seeking, willful behavior of his results in their children respect- submit to (so in Greek writers adult son, Adonijah. We are told ing them (v. 9). from Herodotus down) “…chil- that as a father, David had failed to dren are admonished by Paul to 6) Our heavenly Father has definite “rebuke him at any time by saying, ‘listen to’ their parents, which goals in view in His child-training:
Journey: Spring 2006 19 Journey | magazine
a) that we might really live (v. 9). problem is that they are like me. The apostle Paul, in patterning his b) that we might benefit by Therefore, it is my God-given life after Jesus Christ, faithfully and becoming more like Him in parental responsibility to discipline extensively discipled others, teach- holiness (v. 10). them in the same way and with the ing us that discipling is essential to same standards and goals as my the program of Christ in this age— c) that we, if responsive to His heavenly Father disciplines me. It is building His Church. But let us not disciplines, will produce fruit, also my God-given parental respon- make our Lord’s great commission the “peaceable fruit of right- sibility to disciple them by model- too narrow. Obviously, His com- eousness” (v. 11). ing Christ-likeness with the enable- mand “make disciples” includes our Any true child of God ought ment of the Word of God and the parental and priestly ministries to to willingly and gratefully respond indwelling Spirit of God. our children. Will we obey? ✟ to the disciplines of our heavenly Discipling children for Christ is Father, understanding that His lov- a vital ministry for more than par- ing heart is determined to change us ents. In our ministries to children to make us more like our Lord Jesus. we emphasize evangelism, and Our text continues the theme rejoice when a child “gets saved.” of the disciplines of the heavenly But it is all too characteristic of us Daniel H. Smith Dan has been highly involved with the Father for His children by spelling that our rejoicing over their profes- ministry of Emmaus for 45 years. He is a out seven proper responses (v. 9, sion of salvation is followed by neg- member of the faculty and served as President 11, 12– 4) and four wrong respons- lect, not biblical follow-up. Our of the college from 1976-2000. Currently, es (v. 12–17, 25). Dan teaches classes and serves as the children’s ministries are often terri- Chancellor. Dan holds a Th.B. in Theology It is vital that we take a biblical bly weak in follow-up. We need to and Greek from Midwest Bible Seminary, a perspective of discipline and disci- learn a lesson from the apostle Paul. M.Ed. in counseling from University of pling that is positive—i.e., a teach- He was a specialist in follow-up by: Missouri, and an Ed.D. in Administration and Leadership from Loyola University. He ing/learning relationship in which (a) faithful and continued prayer has served as an elder at Arbor Oaks Bible one life intentionally influences Chapel. Dan and his wife, Martha, have (b) revisiting, making personal another life in a right and positive been married for 47 years and enjoy three contact, and teaching adult children and 8 grandchildren. direction. If we follow the western culture pattern of equating disci- (c) sending someone to disciple them if he was unable to go 1 Thayer, J. H. A Greek-English Lexicon pline with punishment, we will of the New Testament, American Book misunderstand Scripture and set (d) writing to, teaching, and Company p. 386. the foundation of failure and neg- admonishing them 2 Perschabacher, The New Analytical Greek Lexicon, Hendrickson p. 302. lect in our parental responsibilities. Timothy was profoundly influ- 3 Ibid. p. 286. Yes, there is a biblical doctrine enced by a godly grandmother. If 4 Earle, Ralph, Word Meanings in the New Testament, Hendrickson pp. 325, 326. of punishment. This is most pre- you ask my adult children to sum- cisely spelled out in the book of marize the work of God in the Proverbs. Given the fallen, adamic formative years of their lives, their nature of mankind, when one vio- response would surely include lates set boundaries of child-train- grateful references to an aunt who, ing, punishment becomes necessary. unmarried and childless, had a I well remember the traumatic day major and wonderfully positive when I, as a young father, realized impact on their lives for personal that the greatest single detriment and spiritual growth and progress. or problem my children had in life In His earthly life and ministry is the nature that I passed on to our Lord Jesus gave us the ultimate them! In other words, their main pattern and priority of discipling.
20 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
Ken Fleming Discipling on the Mission Field Toki’s story
iscipling cross-culturally is at the heart of Jesus’ Great D Commission to His disci- ples. Before He was crucified He had told them that He would meet them on a certain mountain in Galilee after He had risen from the dead. When He met with them there, He gave them the commis- sion to go to all nations. Specifi- cally they were to do four things: to go, to make disciples, to baptize and to teach. Of these four tasks, He made one an imperative command —to make disciples. The remaining three tasks of going, baptizing, and teaching were to be actions in sup- and churches have been planted port of the principle task of making from Jerusalem to the uttermost it is more difficult in cross-cultural disciples (Matt. 28:18–20). Notice parts of the world. The churches settings because of the difference also that the arena for doing this that have survived and thrived the between the cultures of the disciple was the world of nations. Thus best are those that have been disci- and the disciple maker. Let us con- discipling the nations was their pled best. Discipling is a crucial sider the effectiveness, the impor- number-one task. Their commis- element in the Christian mission- tance, and the challenge of this sion, and ours, is to train disciples ary’s task because it informs, con- task in the case of one national cross-culturally. firms, and strengthens those who worker in the country of Ecuador. have come to believe the gospel. It The churches that have became the modus operandi of Paul survived and thrived the best Cesar Toquiton in his missionary work (Acts 14:21 Cesar grew up the son of dysfunc- are those that have been –22). The biblical principles of discipled best. tional and poverty-stricken parents evangelism, training, and church in the city of Esmeraldas on the planting are valid for the Christian northwest coast of Ecuador. His Down through the centuries missionary’s task to all peoples. But mother was a descendent of black the good news has been heralded the actual doing of slaves, and his father was a tribal
Journey: Spring 2006 21 Journey | magazine
became a faithful disciple absorbing spiritual truth like a sponge. During this time Rocio was also saved and grew in her spiritual walk with God. She and Cesar have not had any children. Rick guided Cesar regu- larly in reading, instruction, and memorizing Scripture. Cesar took every opportunity to testify and to participate in the local assembly. Rick also arranged for him and his wife to go to the Word of Life Institute in Argentina. They spent four years there during which time he had a second mentor who guided him in his studies and in his Christian service at one of the Argentinean assemblies. During this time his spiritual gifts in evangel- ism and teaching became apparent.
Kevin’s Investment When they finished their training at the Word of Life Institute, Cesar and Rocio came back to Ecuador to labor with the assembly workers. He especially began working with Kevin Fitzgerald in the town of Shell on the edge of the jungle in the late eighties. He became Kevin’s right hand man in many trips into Quichua from the Eastern jungle. gospel preached by Luis Palau on the Quichua jungle villages where Soon after Cesar’s birth, his father his radio. When the truth of these the gospel was quickly spreading left his mother and returned to the broadcasts became clear to Cesar, and assemblies were being planted. Eastern jungle, leaving Cesar essen- he was saved in 1984. In the mid-nineties, the Fitzgeralds tially fatherless. In his teens and and the Toquitons moved to Quito to work in the assemblies on the with only a fourth grade education, Rick’s Investment he left Esmeraldas for the eastern Cesar had a hunger for spiritual south side of the city. jungle and found his father at things and soon came into contact Pacayacu, on the Pastaza River. He with Rick Kohl, an assembly mis- Quichua Ministry began living with a teen-aged girl sionary at Tena on the edge of the Cesar Toquiton, now known as named Rocio, who he married two jungle. Rick took Cesar under his Toki, and his wife Rocio now make years later when she was eighteen. wing and trained him in the basics their headquarters near the Bible During this period he heard the of the faith from Scripture. Cesar Institute near Quito where he
22 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
teaches two classes. He is an elder River. Assembly missionaries were Institute in Argentina accepted at the nearby Pomasqui assembly able to establish good relations him and trained him in the things and makes frequent ministry trips with them through medicine. This of God under the watchful eye of in two different areas that are con- was followed by evangelism and a mentor there. Then Kevin nected with his own parental back- there are now about thirty believers Fitzgerald trained him in ministry ground. The first area is among the meeting in the central village of among the jungle Quichuas. Later jungle Quichuas, the tribe of his San Antonio. Cesar is currently he developed experience in the father. God uses him there in a targeting the people of two other Quito assemblies and among the teaching ministry going from vil- villages, one up the river and the people on the Onzole River. Now lage to village through the jungle. other down river. The new San as a discipled man he is being used The assemblies in these villages are Antonio airstrip opened in 2005, of God to disciple others in the glad to profit from his gifted teach- making Toki’s trips there much Eastern jungle communities of ing and counsel. These are among easier. It is now only a 35 minute Quichuas, in the western jungle the strongest indigenous assemblies flight from Quito. It was my privi- communities along the Onzole in Ecuador. This flourishing work lege to accompany him and Dan River, and in assembly leadership in gives me, the writer, great joy, for it Rogers with Liviu, one of the black the urban jungle communities of was my brother Pete Fleming who Christians, on a ministry trip and the capitol city. A large investment with Jim Elliot baptized Carmella, to observe how effectively God is has yielded a large return. ✟ the very first Quichua believer in using him there to build up the Shandia in 1953. In a recent trip I believers there and to reach out to had the privilege of meeting her the village, Colon, where darkness and praying with her, where she still reigns. now continues as a faithful believer at Arajuno. How wonderful that A Discipled Man Discipling Ken Fleming Toki is a well-trained instrument Others Ken Fleming served as a missionary in South of God enabled to encourage In conclusion we can easily observe Africa for 25 years and as the Chair of the Missions Department at Emmaus Bible College Carmella’s assembly and many that the considerable amount of for 25 years until his recent retirement. others among Quichua believers prayer, teaching, time, and money in the eastern jungle! invested in discipling Toki has been used in a significant way by God. Onzole Ministry The result is a man of God who The second area where Toki is can effectively use the Word of effectively being used today is God to build up the people of God. among the black people along the God snatched him out of what we Onzole River in western Ecuador would call a hopeless situation. He thus reflecting the heritage his had a culturally divided back- mother gave him. It is only in the ground, separated parents, a mere last few years that contact has been fourth-grade education, a menial made with these very isolated job, and a live-in girlfriend. But people. Until a few months ago it God intervened and saved him required a ten-hour drive and a through listening to a radio pro- four-hour canoe trip to reach the gram. Rick Kohl then stepped in three villages of these people along and discipled him as a young the upper reaches of the Onzole believer. Then the Word of Life
Journey: Spring 2006 23 Journey | magazine Discipleship Testimonials Reagan Banasky Through the discipleship of my friend Cabe, the Lord questioned my life and what I was really living for. He also asked, “In the end, will you really be pleased with the consequences of this life?” What my friend did to impact me was simple: he cared enough to get involved with my life, he prayed with me, he encouraged me, and he lived a life of godly Christian character before me. The reason for my growth today is not what Cabe said, but the fact that he could Reagan say it, because he lived out what he believed—and that’s what makes a genuine Christian.
Jenny Stevenson Jenny Peggy Dean Williams turned around and greeted me in the old rickety Foursquare Gospel Church one bright Sunday morning, two-and-a-half years ago. Peg is gen- uine, honest, and she loves the Lord. God placed her in my life when I needed a mentor the most, and it’s been a blessing to learn and grow from her example. Her faithful devotion to prayer and her love for people is inspiring to me. Though my visits with Peg and her husband Cal are few and far between, they are so centered on God that I always leave feeling spiritually renewed and refreshed.
Randy Randy Sylvester One of the people who was most influential in leading me to the Lord was Dale Glomski. There were many times in my early growth that I needed someone willing to help me grow up spiritually, and sometimes that involved spiritual discipline. On many occasions he taught me that there are consequences to bad decisions. Even though it seemed like I was wasting his time, Dale never gave up on me. Many times he prayed that God would break me and turn me toward a Christ-centered life. When I finally started making decisions for the Lord’s work, Dale was the first to encourage me in that direction. I’m convinced every believer should have someone they trust to disciple them. Dale has been that for me, and he’s still there for me when I need guidance.
Ben Mathew When I first got saved, I asked one of the elders in my church, Aaron Lynes, if I could help with the AWANA program. I didn’t want to be a leader, just someone to sit for about an hour and listen to kids say their verses. The next week, Aaron came to me with a leader’s uniform in hand and a smile on his face stating that I needed to be a leader. From that point on, I realized that being in service for God is not about what’s easy, but about what’s best. Mr. Lynes continued to encourage me in this thought when I was a counselor at camp, teaching in Sunday School, or sharing my testimony at church. He showed me what true discipleship is…living a life for God, and encouraging others to do the same. Ben 24 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine Rachel Rachel Thorpe Each relationship, conversation, and experience holds a “teachable moment” that can change us if we want to learn! There have probably been more of these moments that I’ve ignored than those that I’ve learned from, but the Lord has still managed to use many people to shape my life. It wasn’t until after I left home that I realized how often I quoted my mom. She would often share insight on the pressing issues of my life, challenge me on wrong thinking, point me back to the Word, or just listen as we sat at the kitchen table, cleaned the house, or weeded the garden together. Many older women, friends, and my own sisters have been a huge part of my growth as well. Each one invested time to listen, pray, counsel, and understand life through someone else’s eyes. You can’t put a price tag on that type of relationship.
Jesse Lange Although I didn’t know it at the time, I was discipled throughout my entire teenage years. As a younger teenager, I spent many afternoons and weekends hanging out with a college-age guy from my local church, Derek Helme. Derek genuinely loved me and treated me like a friend even though he was much older than I. Derek was faithful to the local church and maintained a growing walk with the Lord. It seemed like I was always with Derek—at restaurants, at his apartment, at church, or sometimes even at his work- place. Derek easily earned my trust, and, through his example, solidified my desire to follow Christ. As an older teenager I asked Jay Brady, at that time Director of Camp Elim, to men- tor me. This was going to be a challenge for Jay since we lived two hours apart! But sev- Jesse eral times a month for almost two years, Jay sacrificed his time and money to come and meet with me. Besides chatting with me about my family, relationships, school, and my walk with the Lord, Jay introduced me to the major doctrines of the Bible, to effective Bible study methods, and to the urgency of personal holiness. Derek and Jay both showed me what it meant to love God and to live for Him, and they were used by God in incredible ways to fashion me into a true follower of Christ. I have great admiration and gratitude for them both.
Dan Dan Smith One of the great privileges of my life was that of working with Ernie and Virginia Gross in camps and vacation Bible school ministries in the Southeast. For a number of weeks over three summers they took me into their family like another son, and discipled me in serving Christ in youth ministries. This experience included everything from packing, carrying, and unpacking loads of craft supplies and teaching equipment to teaching Bible lessons. All of this was under the evaluative eye of a servant of Christ with extensive and effective experience in work with children and teens. This mentoring included a lot of “how-to” talks straight from the heart, rebuke when I did and said stupid things, laughter and tears, and commendation and celebration when response and blessing were evident. Now and in eternity I will join with others in blessing God for these dear friends who invested their time and their lives in discipling others for Christ and His service.
Journey: Spring 2006 25 Journey | magazine
Is there any such thing as a teenage disciple of Christ?
Jesse Lange
to find a green permanent marker taped istry seminar at Camp Berea in Hebron, Ahhh...the infamous youth to my hand and large marks running New Hampshire, where Duffy addressed group lock-in. It’s a teen’s paradise. across my face and neck. A small this same question. “Often times we Where else can you spend hours play- feather, delicately lodged in the corner think youth ministry is about getting it ing glow-in-the-dark dodge ball with a of my nostril, was an equal partner in all right.” Yet working with teens can semi-flat basketball? Or stay up all the crime. leave a person wondering if he is doing night and leave your parents at home? anything right! “The process of spiritu- And there’s nothing like a good game Perhaps you have a better story to al growth doesn’t always look like of co-ed Sardines to electrify the mood illustrate the brilliance of the teenage progress,” he admitted. He encour- of the group. There is no end to the mind. Knowing what you do about aged a crowd of over 250 youth leaders imagination of the mighty teen, and teenagers, you may even wonder if to remember that nurturing teenage the lock-in is a breeding ground for there is any capacity for spiritual disciples takes long-term commitment mischievous activity. thought and maturity amidst the mis- and up-close companionship. Results chief, the flirting, and the video games. are usually not immediate and are often I fondly recall one lock-in experi- You may be asking, “Is there any such measurable on smaller scales. ence from my teenage years. After thing as a teenage disciple of Christ?” “Genuine teenage spirituality is almost attempting to stay awake all night like always marked, not by giant steps, but the rest of the cool kids, I gave in to Duffy Robbins, youth guru and by baby steps. It’s not a matter of giant the urge to snooze, crawling into a cor- Associate Professor of Youth Ministry steps of commitment but baby steps of ner of a quiet office to “get some sleep.” at Eastern University, thinks there is. obedience.” BIG mistake. I awoke a few hours later In December I attended a youth min-
Image © Dan Pegoda. Used by permission HomeWord Events 26 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
Up to the Challenge At the seminar I joined eleven couples from across North America who are convinced that God is raising up teenage disciples—convinced enough that each one serves in the youth ministry at their local church to one degree or another. Present with me were: Keith and Betty Leverentz (The Great Adventure Church, Dubuque, IA), Dan and Cyndi Williams (Community Bible Chapel, even during the teenage years. Dallas, TX), Mark and Pam Armfield included a selection of their responses (Shannon Hills Bible Chapel, Duffy reminded the group that in this article, and I trust you will be Greensboro, NC), Kyle and Karen “teenagers’ ‘really committed to Jesus’ encouraged by the conversation, Clarkson (Cornerstone Community may not look like your ‘really commit- whether being exposed for the first time Church, Des Moines, IA), Jeremy and ted to Jesus,’” encouraging youth lead- to youth ministry or gaining new Dana Williams (First Colony Bible ers to acknowledge commitment in all insights into the mind of contemporary Chapel, Sugarland, TX), Randy and of its developmental stages. These youth from those on the front lines. Lori Anderson (Bethany Bible Chapel, eleven couples are doing just that, and Waterloo, IA), Dan and Amy Hickman they want to encourage others to join Lange: So, what does it take to disciple (Westside Bible Fellowship, Hillsboro, them in the work of transforming teens youth? Describe what it looks like. OR), Jeff Riley (Des Moines Gospel into faithful followers of Christ. Chapel, Des Moines, WA), Israel and Jeff Riley: I believe it requires you to Erica Chavez (Asbury Community Getting Involved be consistent and genuine before young Chapel, Dubuque, IA), Jon and Kati But how does one become people. When I disciple youth I dance Glock (Asbury Community Chapel, involved in discipling youth? I inter- a fine line between being a friend, a Dubuque, IA), and Tim and Melissa viewed many of these leaders in order parent figure, and a spiritual guide to Loudon (College Heights Chapel, to provide Journey’s readers with a bet- godliness. Therefore, it requires me to Murfreesboro, TN). These leaders are ter understanding of today’s youth and be genuine, unafraid of what I might serving youth because they believe in the things involved in nurturing them find on their Myspace account, not God’s ability to change hearts— toward maturity in Christ. I have shocked when I see or hear dumb things that they do, and unwilling to withhold from them when I have a concern for their lives and spiritual growth. The face of discipling youth is typically not found at youth group or on Sunday mornings. They are quickly mastering an ability to mask a lot of who they are, or, more importantly, what they are dealing with. But it is important to understand their culture, who they are, what they like, what they buy, why they buy it, how they commu- nicate, why they communicate that way, and how they process and differen- tiate between spiritual Truth and spiri- tual lies. It requires time, love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-con- trol. It requires that you wake up every
Robbins Duffy Journey: Spring 2006 27 Journey | magazine
day to plead with your Savior that you others, the words that we speak, and change occur in a young person’s life will not be overtaken by what so easily the things we spend our lives on. overnight. And if the change comes entangles them! It requires that you overnight, watch out! But praise God actually be a disciple of Christ first. Mark Armfield: Time! They want for the changes that are subtle and take our time as much as anything. They time. These are the changes that Tim Loudon: It takes a lot of time— know time is a premium so they realize last and show that discipleship is spending time with kids. It is displaying you really care when you spend it on happening. a Christ-like life before them, giving them. Caution: Don’t forget the bal- them a Godly example to follow. It ance in not ignoring your own family— Lange: Is there a model for discipleship that means being real in front of the kids they come first. you follow? Describe it. about your own struggles, but also giv- ing them keys to help them live a vic- Kyle Clarkson: Patience. You must Dana Williams: We seek to motivate torious Christian life. remember that people, especially those and lead our students to a deeper rela- recently saved, have no idea what fol- tionship with Christ and a higher com- Cyndi Williams: I think the key lowing Christ looks like. Too many mitment to His people and His things. thing that it takes to disciple youth is times we expect them to do everything time. Because everyone is always so we would do. Knowing the Word and Community busy, it’s important for youth to see that how it tells us to live is something that there is someone out there willing and doesn’t happen overnight. Crowd wanting to take time out of their sched- ule to be with them. It doesn’t matter Randy Anderson: You need to be Committed what you do together—what matters is willing to give of yourself and your that you’re consistent and committed time. Let them be a part of your family to the student. and see how you live out your faith on Core a day-to-day basis. Dana Williams: It takes a willing student and a committed Christian Dan Hickman: Discipling youth adult who is willing to “live life” in takes love, honesty, and patience. It front of and with the student. It is the takes love because love is the “how” rare student who is ready for a one-to- and the “what” to which we are being one discipleship Bible study. Students conformed. Also, if I don’t love him, learn from observing he will be a project for me and not a This concept of bringing them in helps how we interact person. Discipleship takes honesty. I us keep realistic expectations for each with family and need to be completely up-front about student’s development. While Jesus my weaknesses and my doubts. never taught this model specifically, he Discipleship is essentially teaching did seem to live it in his ministry. someone to be like you, which shows There were multitudes who were never how important Christ-likeness is. But healed, who never met him, or who if I am not honest with my young per- never heard him. They are like the son, all discipleship is a joke and a “Community” who are as yet farce. If I can’t be honest with unreached. There were many who fol- him, he can’t very well be hon- lowed him. They listened and learned. est with me. So we would be These are like the “Crowd.” Jesus had wasting our time talking twelve disciples. They interacted per- about theories and ideas sonally with the Savior. He gave them that never grow into responsibility. They are like the our hearts. “Committed” students. Of those Discipleship takes twelve, Jesus had a special intimacy patience. Very with three (Peter, James, and John). seldom He spent special time with them. They does were trained and entrusted with carry- ing on his ministry when he was gone.
28 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
The three were like the “Core.” This to walk with them, come along side Most often we will talk about some model is a help in remembering that we them, and actually nurture them. future decision. Other times we’ll talk can’t be all to every student. about relationships. But every time we Practically for us: Cyndi Williams: I don’t follow a spe- end up talking about how God has Community = our student’s cific model. I believe that each student been speaking to us through his Word friends, those in the neighborhood is an individual with individual needs. I and in our lives. We always end with Crowd = students who come to usually start by just getting together “How can I pray for you this week?” youth group with the girls…going out to Starbucks, We both tell each other, quite honestly Committed = students involved in going to the dollar theater and spend- and frankly, how we can be praying for Bible study groups ing time together afterward. The key is each other. This is often followed up Core = students serving on the e- spending time. It is during these times by an e-mail saying, “I’ve been praying team (evangelism team)—the ones we that the girls begin to open up to me for you today.” have partnered with to reach the and become vulnerable. After the foun- group’s lost friends for Christ dational relationship is built and I can Kyle Clarkson: I don’t know if there see where they are spiritually, then I is a typical meeting. One thing I’ve Tim Loudon: The apostle Paul was a can determine what other steps need to wanted for anyone I’ve met with is to great example. He knew what God be taken. Sometimes we will go get them excited about sharing their had called him to, and he did it with all through a book of the Bible, other faith with friends and family. I love to his heart and without wavering. Paul times we will go through a study guide get them into a book like Bruchko or also recognized that he was not perfect, appropriate for their age group. some other story of someone devoting and realized that he was still striving to their life to spreading the gospel. be like Christ. While I don’t have a specific model that I necessarily follow, Youth Jeff Riley: Well, we talk, maybe grab Jeff Riley: The model that I follow is Specialties has a line of study guides some lunch or coffee and I ask specific this: get to know the young person you that they have put out for youth which questions about their life, their day, are discipling and figure out where include guidelines for small groups. I their week, their class—and then they’re at in life, school, sports, music, am currently going through this small things open up. I send them emails fears, and goals—anything you possibly group book with two girls. The guide- with encouraging scripture and compli- can. Once you begin to earn their lines have been very helpful for our menting words a few days before we trust, then you can begin to identify study, setting a model for this group of meet. I greet them with a smile or a their needs and where they’re at spiritu- girls. I’ll use it for future studies, too. five or a hug when I see them. I try to ally. Then begin to study the appropri- have consistent contact with them. ate and specific spiritual Truths from Kyle Clarkson: Jesus constantly had Things like these help facilitate good the Word to attack and combat what his disciples following Him, and He was discussion. I try to be up on things that they are dealing with. All of us, no teaching them as they went. they are doing and that apply to them. matter what generational or cultural Discipleship can’t happen just over cof- I also discreetly wear my emotions and background, need to be healed from fee. If we want people to follow dili- life on my sleeve and tell them about our sickness (sin). Some kids are being gently after Christ, they must fol- my own life and my own affected by divorce, others by pornogra- low us doing the same thing. phy, lust, materialism, doubt, fear, etc. that eat away and pulverize any founda- Lange: Describe a typical one-to-one tion they have in Christ. Then they meeting with a young person. What begin to lose hope, then they’re over- does it involve? taken by fear, then plagued by apathy, and then beaten into submission to the Dan Hickman: Starbucks, one world’s hopeless and wicked philosophy venti black House coffee, and of life. I believe if we are going to help one venti ______(whatev- young people not only be secure and er my young man is having, usu- firm in Christ, but actually be equipped ally the most expensive thing for some offensive warfare, we need to served.) We talk about music, be calculated and specific, not just school, sports (depending on throwing any discipleship study booklet who I’m with), and eventually at them and calling it good. We need the life begins to pour out.
Journey: Spring 2006 29 Journey | magazine walk. We walk together through Students have been very open with me attend camp, but are excited about Scripture that we feel would be appro- through this vehicle. serving God in this ministry. priate for our meetings and we pray with specific prayer requests. Yes, that Mark Armfield: I don’t believe there Cyndi Williams: I think that camp requires me to discerningly open up and is a typical one-to-one meeting. All ministries have a huge role in discipling ask them to pray for my wife’s family kids are different. Any meeting youth. The camp that we have been who has been plagued with a whole involves a lot of listening rather than going to most recently runs the pro- storm of trials recently, for example. talking, and true compassion. They gram for us, freeing us up to spend time Basically, I want to be prepared for our have to know you care. with the campers. They also provide meeting, but I don’t have it “script- counselors, again freeing us up to focus ed”—flexibility is what I prefer and Randy Anderson: Some fun, some our energy on the campers. We are have found to work the best for life food, and letting them be a part of our always with the campers along with the in general. family. In small groups we look at counselors. It’s been really neat to see Scripture and debate over what we the way the campers respond to and Tim Loudon: I find that the typical read. open up to the counselors. It’s a unique one-to-one meeting with a young per- experience. The campers know us son is very awkward at first. I think that Lange: What influence does camp ministry (their youth leaders) and trust us. But it takes time to develop a relationship have in discipling youth? when they see other (younger) college where both feel comfortable sharing. It students really excited about the Lord involves finding out what the student Jeff Riley: A good camp experience and His Word, it is exciting to them. likes and dislikes. It involves showing should give a student a mere taste of They often open up to them in a way the student that you care about them as what our walks can be like: filled with that they don’t immediately open up to a person and as a believer. It involves joy, fellowship, prayer, worship, and the their youth leaders. being honest and open with the stu- Word of God—that’s what makes up dent and sharing with them what it the “camp high,” right? We need to Dana Williams: Camp ministry plays means to live for Christ. figure out a way to duplicate that at a major role in establishing “monu- home at a more even pace in our disci- ment” decisions in their faith. Many Cyndi Williams: I try to cater our pleship with them. This can happen would point to camp for their conver- meetings to their interests. For exam- through your church and youth activi- sion or rededication. It’s a great setting ple, one girl that I meet with is a writer. ties, which will enhance your disciple- for “raising Ebeneezers.” She is an amazing girl with an amazing ship with students. spirit and really wants to know the Mark Armfield: Camp reinforces Word of God. Typically we get together Dan Hickman: Not as much as I and builds relationships you have been at a Starbucks and visit for a while. wish it did. But where camp is part of developing all year. After a little while we each pull out our the equation, I have lyrics to write a notebooks and spend some time writing song with. This is because camp expe- Lange: What training materials are the on our own. After we have spent some riences give me somewhere to start most effective in your discipleship ministry? time writing, we put our notebooks from. So many times young men who away, pull out our Bibles, and go have been involved in camp in some Randy Anderson: We’ve just started through a book together. With this girl, way are wanting to re-live the passion with small groups and are using the we go verse by verse trying to under- and warmth that they experienced at book of Philippians. We just gave stand scripture. camp. I want to draw from the gen- everyone in our group the 1 Minute uineness of that experience and help Bible for Students. Many have com- Dana Williams: Some type of activi- them grow roots deeply into their walk mented on how they are liking it, and ty or reason to be together…getting with God. they are actually reading it! coffee or ice cream, working on a proj- ect (particularly for something youth- Tim Loudon: Camp ministry has Dana Williams: Doug Fields’ related), baking cookies, etc. A lot of been one of the tools that most influ- H.A.B.I.T.S. production pack is very my one-to-one meetings happen via enced me as a Christian. It was in that helpful. It can be an ongoing resource. instant messaging. Some factors that setting that I made some of my biggest We pushed it one year, offering an influence this are distances between decisions to live for Christ. I still see incentive to students who completed homes in a large city, young students that impact on kids’ lives and I’m see- our requirements for two of the six spir- who don’t drive, hours of the day, etc. ing more as I see kids that don’t just itual disciplines. It is designed so that
30 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
youth leaders can reproduce it and get dents are going to make mistakes. It’s Jeff Riley: If they are young in their it into the hands of their students so important to us that they understand walk then I would suggest the gospel of they can grow on their own. that we have made mistakes too. We John in order to solidify the great Truth have been where they are and want to that Christ is Lord—He is our savior, Jeff Riley: Practical ministry experi- help them through their hard times. but is also God. What I am seeing with ence, real life training, and learning by We never pretend to be able to relate students more and more is not that actually doing—even if it is ugly, unor- to what we haven’t been through, but they don’t want to please God, but ganized, sporadic, and not that well we are always there for them. rather that they don’t know who Christ planned out. Give them a task and really is. Everywhere they turn the per- help them do it. Entrust them with Dan Hickman: A Bible, coffee, and son and work of Christ is being some aspect of ministry and be there to life experiences. Marriage has also attacked. The world is much more tol- pick them up on the other side. given me my own “Paul Lee Tan’s book erant of God, but absolutely intolerant Whether it’s the youth worship team, of A Gazillion Illustrations About of Christ. Furthermore, all the other greeting on Wednesday night, doing Relationships.” philosophies, religions, and world views announcements, turning off the lights they will be confronted with attack and for worship, running the projector/over- Amy Hickman: Discover the Power of undermine the person and authority head, reading scripture, running a the Bible: How God’s Word Can Change of Christ. game, giving a testimony or short mes- Your Life by Ron Frost (prof. from sage, planning an event, creating and Multnomah). I highly recommend this If students are more grounded, I suggest mailing flyers, organizing a snack—any- book. Another great book for teen girls Romans for appreciating what it means thing that will build them up and allow is Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy. It’s a to be “justified” before God. By provid- them to feel capable of doing some- little graphic at times, so some parents ing historical background of some thing meaningful. We need to take need forewarning, but it is an excellent major pieces of Israel’s history, it helps each kid and find out where they are at look at love and relationships and, ulti- them see how God is working in a way and use anything as a stepping stone to mately, how our most important rela- that they can relate to practically and greater [godly] things. I have found tionship should be with our true connect with spiritually. I think it is that books and formulas and models Prince—the Lord. It’s a challenging essential for a 21st century Christian to and illustrations can be useful, but prac- book that highly impacted me, and I’m understanding their spiritual roots and tical training and the complete council not even a teen! to open the door to the great plan of of God is what does it for me! God with Israel and His Church. Lange: When studying the Bible with a Tim Loudon: There is a book enti- young person, what books do you recom- tled Twelve Ordinary Men by John mend? Why? MacArthur that was a good book to go through. Also www.vdrc.org is a web- Mark Armfield: I like practical site that has tools on discipleship. I also books like James. They need things recommend a basic study on Jesus’ call they can relate to in their day-to-day and charge to be His disciples. lives. I would probably steer clear of anything over their heads. Cyndi Williams: I use online sources for youth and youth leaders. Youth Specialties, Planet Wisdom, and some others—but the most effective thing in discipling the youth is time. It’s being there for them, not judg- ing them…we know that our stu- Journey | magazine
I actually like and use the method of a girls also know that I am pretty much whole-Bible read-through with our at their disposal. If they ever need me, youth. By reading from Genesis to they can call me anytime day or Revelation, it exposes youth to the night…but this is my personal commit- Bible as a whole so they can see all of ment to them, and may not be some- inspired Scripture the way God thing that everyone can commit to. revealed it, and see the big picture of how God worked in the lives of people Dana Williams: It depends on the and nations. It will also get youth into student. Some students are so anxious the O.T. and make the reading of the to grow that they are around a lot. In a N.T. much more meaningful. Through sense, they become an extension of our this you can understand and better family. I had a youth leader who was appreciate the patience and faithfulness that to me…I was invited on family of God, for example. At any rate, hav- outings and to their home by myself. It ing a fixed goal and plan for reading made a deep impact on my life. Other (e.g. 4 chapters a day) helps set up a students can have a lasting impact from consistency for a daily quiet time. It is the occasional or the one-time invest- very valuable for youth to get into this ment. In my same youth group, my The book of James is very good for habit as youth. For one, if they claim youth pastor took me to Pizza Hut for a teaching young people about true spiri- to have a relationship with Christ, they coke after school once. To this day, I tuality. should have one, and two, it sets up a still appreciate the time he took to get good habit for them before they to know me that one day. So, I never Dana Williams: I like going through become adults and get too busy with underestimate what God can do even the pastoral epistles. I think that life to start a good habit at that point. in the one-time commitments. Those Colossians is a great book for our girls The above mentioned book (Discover two people were a huge factor in the to go through. Sometimes they have a the Power of the Bible) is a great tool to ministry I am in today. book in mind that they want to study. help you start a Bible reading program and to understand the value and the Kyle Clarkson: A great time commit- Kyle Clarkson: I’d take them layout of the Bible. It even offers an ment. Not just a once a week thing. through Jesus’ life and ministry. appendix with a little summary of each Phone calls, hanging out, and spending book of the Bible. time together so they can see how you Randy Anderson: Non-believers? follow Christ is very important. John. The Church? Acts. Young Lange: What time commitment is believers and non-believers? Romans. needed to be an effective mentor to a Mark Armfield: Some kids are more Church conduct? 1 Corinthians. young person? needy than others and would consume Encouragement and Exhortation? all your time if you let them. You have Philippians. Jeff Riley: I think you have to be to know the teen then tailor the time involved in their lives. Not just “on based on your family and other ministry Dan Hickman: I recommend call,” but seeing them and interacting commitments—a couple hours a week Proverbs because it’s practical wisdom with them on a regular basis. Seeing if possible. that we can each give at least three them at youth group, Sunday mornings, examples of from the previous week. student leadership meetings, and other Randy Anderson: I believe at least a Also, it is easy to memorize one events really helps improve the quality few hours a week. It’s good for them to Proverb and talk about how we saw it of my time with them one-to-one, be able to spend time in your home in action during the past week. because we have built a relationship. with you and with your family.
Amy Hickman: Because most youth Tim Loudon: I would say between 2 Dan Hickman: I am a volunteer, so I probably haven’t gone deep into the – 3 hours a week on a regular basis. have limited time. I play every situa- Word, any N.T. book would be a good tion by ear. Sometimes we’ll talk for start. Well, maybe not Revelation...but Cyndi Williams: I usually spend a three hours, other times we’ll be out for something like Luke to observe how couple of hours one day a week actually an hour. I can usually afford only one Christ lived, or Ephesians which has with the girls, but there is also some meeting per week (not just the coffee, lots of practical tips on Christian living. preparation time during the week. My but also the time).
32 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
Lange: What activities are the most effective Cyndi Williams: The girls that I meet M.Armfield: No. I don’t believe the in mentoring youth? with love getting together for coffee. “standard youth group meeting” should Usually I pick them up and we go to be used for discipling. Dan Hickman: Besides drinking cof- Starbucks. We drink coffee and talk for a fee? Playing music together, listening to while and then go through our study. Randy Anderson: Not sure what music together, involving them in some Occasionally we have gone back to my “standard” is, but I think that discipling ministry, or playing basketball. place and I’ll make lattes. Dan plays is more effective one-to-one. Frisbee Golf or plays music with the Dana Williams: First, anything can guys. The activity isn’t as important as Dana Williams: No. Our primary pur- become a teaching moment if you are the time. pose in our standard youth group meet- looking for one. ing is evangelism. Fellowship and Bible • Go out for coffee or ice cream Anderson: Spend time together in teaching and worship also happen there. • Complete a project together your home. Share weekends away. I The audience is simply too broad to “go • Plan an event together like backpacking and camping retreats. deep” with the students. In the sense of • Run some errands together serving alongside each other, disciple- • Share a meal together Lange: Is the standard “youth group” ship happens with our e-team, but it’s • Play board games meeting sufficient for effective discipling? not the purpose—it’s a byproduct. • Take a road trip together (Discover Emmaus Weekend, retreat) Tim Loudon: I don’t think the typical Kyle Clarkson: The youth group • Read a book or watch a movie or lis- youth meeting is, except for any kind of probably meets some need, but effective ten to music and engage in thoughtful small group activities that are done discipling takes more time and energy. discussion about it there. At the end of each youth group • Girls: work on a craft or cook meeting we break into small groups to Dan Hickman: No—but it can go a something together talk about the lesson and to pray togeth- long way toward it. I have noticed that • Guys: play paintball or X-Box together er or just chat. It probably isn’t suffi- the young people I’ve spent outside time • Drive somewhere together (have them cient, but it is very beneficial in disci- with listen far more intently and will sit in the front seat on a trip, help a pling our kids. learn the most from a lesson. single mother by giving her kids rides to the orthodontist or to Jeff Riley: It is not the greatest time for Lange: Do youths respond to discipleship in driver’s ed, etc.) building a personal connection with groups? Describe why or why not. anyone you are discipling, although it Jeff Riley: It’s always good to mix it can help you get a good start for effec- Kyle Clarkson: The smaller the up—eating a meal, praying in your tive discipling! The problem is that group, the better. If you want to be office, serving together, or just doing there are a number of other leaders, par- open and honest then you need a something fun that interests them. One ents, and students wanting your atten- smaller group. of the best things that I’ve found to be tion, plus that time is usually pro- effective is just calling them up and ask- grammed, which means you are on a Cyndi Williams: ing them if they would like to help pull tight schedule and really don’t have time Youths will weeds, make a run to the dump, etc. for any one person. Youth group can be respond to Those are great informal times of disci- helpful, but it’s not at all sufficient—not discipleship pleship. even close! in groups depending on who is Tim Loudon: Sharing a meal with a Cyndi Williams: Standard “youth in the group. I have a student is effective. People tend to be group” meeting is a great place for the group of two girls I more open when food is involved. kids to hang out with other kids their meet with. They are Inviting kids into your home can be very age. There can be great teaching, but I both in a place where effective, too. think being one-to-one or in a small they want to grow and are group can be more effective. It gives excited when we get Mark Armfield: Down time—low you more intimate time and allows you together. Not only is this a key, non-pressure time works best for to focus on the needs of individuals good time for them to grow me. Just being available and willing to rather than the group as a whole. individually, but it also causes listen is effective. them to be vulnerable with each other about spiritual things. They
Journey: Spring 2006 33 Journey | magazine
can see were they may share the same Dan Hickman: I haven’t had any Jeff Riley: Being a person who is sold struggles, which is important for youth. really positive experiences with guys in out to Jesus Christ, without one single It’s also helpful if the group already has this regard. I think that is mostly due area of life that hasn’t been laid bare to some sort of bond established between to high school guys wanting to have a Him. They will have a passion for them. machismo aura. But community is a Him, for their life in Christ, and for huge part of what we are calling people others’ lives in Christ. You don’t have Dana Williams: Absolutely. I think to, so I will keep trying. to be cool, young, hip, or anything else that teenage discipleship begins in that characterizes “new” in our culture. those “real life” settings where they Jeff Riley: I think they do. We have a You have to act like our Savior and observe my faith in action. When stu- guys study right now that is mostly our genuinely love people. dents discover that we’re “for real,” young freshman; they love it and may they give us permission to speak into not do as well in a one-to-one meeting Tim Loudon: Patience, compassion, their lives God’s truth from the Bible in time. It can be intimidating and over- forgiveness, genuineness, openness, a group Bible study. We also make a whelming. What we have isn’t a “for- leadership, and Christ-likeness. point in our group to hear each individ- mal” discipleship group, but that is ual’s prayer/praise requests and to pray what the leader is “secretly” doing with Dana Williams: Essentials? Integrity, for each person. Our students have them. (shhhhhh—don’t tell them we’re faith, and care for others. Helpful? A really responded to that and have actually discipling them!) Groups like sense of humor, ability to listen, ability grown as a result. this can be very effective, safe, and sup- to ask questions, and a passion for the portive. things of God. Mark Armfield: I don’t think so. Discipleship for me needs to be more Tim Loudon: Often it depends on Kyle Clarkson: Being someone who personal. the student. Some students thrive in a loves Christ and wants to invest his/her group setting and are very open, but life into seeing other people love Christ feel very closed in a one-to-one too. Obviously some personalities are situation—other students are just the going to mesh better with some people opposite. I would say that kids respond than with others. better in one-to-one or small-group settings. Mark Armfield: Compassion, being a good listener, confidentiality, and avail- Lange: What qualities are helpful in a ability. Also, you can’t just love person who wants to disciple youth? youth—you have to actually like them!
Cyndi Williams: Wanting Randy Anderson: Having a loving, to do it—the kids will know caring heart for kids, a growing faith, if you don’t really want to and a growing knowledge of the Word be there. Flexibility—there is important. have been times when I’ve gotten together with Dan Hickman: Love, humility, hon- my girls and haven’t esty, and patience. Wisdom never hurts cracked open the the dynamic either. Book, but I don’t think that time was ineffective— Lange: What other resources can you the girls just needed some- recommend for help in reaching youth? thing else that day. Commitment and consis- Randy Anderson: I like a lot of Doug tency. Being real, open, and Fields’ and Duffy Robbins’ resources. vulnerable—being yourself. Our kids seem to be enjoying the 1 They need to know that Minute Bible for Students. Kids that you have struggled, too, so weren’t reading are now reading. they know that you can relate to them. Dan Hickman: John Mayer, Blink 182, MTV, Kelly Clarkson, Nickelback, etc. Journey | magazine
Jeff Riley: Pray like crazy! Get a Tim Loudon: Outreach or service Mark Armfield: Sorry to sound neg- MySpace account so you can see what ministries are very effective in disci- ative, but from my perspective and they have on theirs (don’t tell them), pling youth. Our students get excited speaking of young people in general: and so you can know how to pray for and are very willing to help people and selfishness, disrespect, and lack of male them. Observe how they act and what to do something that matters. It helps leadership. the wear, and listen up to what they are give them a purpose and an identity. saying to their friends when they come Dan Hickman: Cultural distinctives to youth group or when you see them at Dana Williams: Church-wide mis- of the current high school generation: church. The Bible is our “living” sions and outreach efforts are very • accustomed to broken relationships resource that promises it will not return effective in discipleship. The older and • greatly affected by pop culture void in our lives. Ken Davis, Doug younger have a common goal and com- • speak differently than previous gener- Fields, and Walt Mueller have some mon experience. They work side-by- ations (common to each generation) decent resources out there. Rose side and grow to appreciate what the • enjoy music as a life-soundtrack—not Publishing and Illustra Media are also other brings to the group. Going out of necessarily as “entertainment,” but excellent resources for a variety of dif- our “comfort zone” helps people focus just as part of life ferent topics. Ron Rhodes, Ed Decker, on the things that really matter. • don’t deny the importance of and Josh McDowell provide great spirituality resources about cults, religions, and Randy Anderson: Men’s fishing • are tired of seeing Jesus marketed like other apologetic topics. trips, Super Bowl parties, and baptisms. a product Other than those three, it would be Tim Loudon: I would say being youth group. A lot of the regular Tim Loudon: Today’s kids want to mentored yourself. Find someone to teaching seems to be too deep or too know and to embrace what is real. disciple you. long for most youth. They not only want to know what to do but why they need to do it. They Lange: In your opinion, which ministries Dan Hickman: I think youth groups want to know what the point is. of the local church are the most effective in are the most effective tool in discipling discipling youth? Why? youth because they relate to them in Kyle Clarkson: I believe this is a their language and don’t bash their cul- generation that wants to experience Cyndi Williams: One activity that ture like many of the other ministries of Christ and not just to know about Him. we do with our youth is serving home- the local church. Also, for a young They want to make a difference in a less people a meal once a month. This person to have something that is geared needy world and not just within the is a great activity for the youth. Youth completely toward them shows them doors of the church. group is important because it lets the that the church cares about them and youth hang out with other kids their that their spiritual development is Jeff Riley: They are one of the most age in a safe environment. We also do important to more than just a few. privelaged, technologically sophisticat- gym night which the kids love! ed, tolerant, savvy, exposed, ill- Lange: Are there any cultural distinctives equipped and community oriented gen- Jeff Riley: The key is to get them that noticeably mark this generation of eration that I’ve observed or studied. involved in ministry at a young age. young people? They look for many different “things” We have Action Club for little kids, JV to satisfy them but still desire to be for middle school kids, Day Camp Dana Williams: Blatant compart- loved and to be useful. (Summer VBS) where teens serve and mentalism. Their parents hide who minister to children, and a great Bible they might be outside of church. Our Randy Anderson: Music and videos camp. These things greatly enhance students say, “You can’t say/do that— are huge. They are open to many my ministry in general and my effec- you’re in church!” They feel freedom beliefs. Most seem to be very intimi- tiveness in discipleship. Other people in sharing their issues—sins, faults, and dated by adults. from our body have invested in them struggles are announced without shame long before I get them in a one-to-one to a group. They expect this in each Lange: What place does music have in meeting or our student leadership team. other. Things might be kept private for the spiritual growth of the youths you As the saying goes, “it takes the whole a time, but once they’ve opened up influence? What place should music have village to raise a child.” with one person, they’re more likely to in a young person’s spiritual growth? just go ahead and tell the whole group about their problem.
Journey: Spring 2006 35 Journey | magazine
Kyle Clarkson: Music has an unbe- drawing closer to God. I think there numb to the Word because it’s been lievably significant role, and will have needs to be balance. And I think such a big part of their lives. However, that role whether we want it to or not. music can and should have a place in a the key is in the efforts of The question becomes how we can use student’s spiritual growth because music our entire church. it to shape their spiritual lives. can be used to encourage Christians and to worship God. Tim Loudon: I think they have a Mark Armfield: I think it plays a big moderate hunger. I think many of them part in the spiritual growth of our Dana Williams: In terms of our wor- still love to learn, but there is a lot of youth. They relate just about every- ship music, the students enjoy their complacency and a sense of “we’ve thing in life with their music. We need music. They learn from it. Mostly I heard it all before,” especially among to guide it in a positive direction if pos- think they like the unity it brings to kids that have been going to church sible and to offer advice on any area the group. It should be a pouring out of since birth. I see more hunger among that would compromise the honor of ourselves and our hearts in worship to the young women than the young men our Lord. God. Unfortunately, very few songs in our group. speak to the hearts of our young stu- Randy Anderson: I don’t know dents in that type of meaningful way. Cyndi Williams: Some do, some exactly what place it should have. don’t. Some really want to know God’s Almost all seem to be very influenced Lange: Do the youth you influence demon- Word; some aren’t at that place yet. by it, so I think we need to give them strate a hunger for God’s Word? Why or Some are just trying to figure out life better alternatives than the garbage why not? and trying to deal with what they are that is on most radio stations. going through! Pretty similar to adults! Jeff Riley: I would say overall “Yes,” Jeff Riley: Music plays a key role in due to the fact our youth ministry isn’t Dana Williams: Some do. The most the spiritual health of our youth. Music an island; it’s a part of our church. We passionate are those to whom God’s has the unique ability to describe exact- have really encouraged discipleship in Word is fresh and brand new. There ly how someone is feeling in a way that our church and have connected elders, are some who are well-taught regarding cannot otherwise be expressed. It joins deacons, parents, young adults, and scripture, but as for hunger, they almost people together—even if they can’t other people outside of the ministry seem to have a “No thanks, I’m full,” communicate very well emotionally or with the discipleship and sharpening. attitude. For them, I want the fresh- verbally, they can through music. As mentioned before, we have various ness of new believers. Still others are Music helps put the emotion and life other programs and ministries that outwardly indifferent to or turned off by into our words. It takes words that begin emphasizing the Word of God at the Bible. would otherwise be one or two dimen- an early age. sional and makes them three dimen- Occasionally Kyle Clarkson: This is an area in sional. It’s much more important than this can be a which this generation needs tremen- many of us realize or like to admit. Just disservice dous growth. The older generation mention changing the music in your to some as knows their Bible—something we need church and you will see how important they grow to learn from them. it is! For young people, music apathetic should be central to their spiritual and Dan Hickman: Some do—the ones growth, because they can under- who have a relationship with God. I stand it and relate to it and own had one who said that he enjoys taking it and react to it. We just need in something that he doesn’t have to to be there to help them “filter” (like TV, music, etc). Some process it! don’t—they have a formula-based faith and have lives that are defined by “I Tim Loudon: I think music don’t care.” is a big part of kids’ lives and can be a great tool to minister to them. I don’t think it should be the only thing a stu- dent uses for growth or for
36 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
Lange: Describe key areas of difficulty discerning between what is • The fact that it’s flat-out intimidating weakness in today’s Christian youth. urgent and what is important. They to disciple youth! struggle in being organized and think- • The reality that sometimes those who Dan Hickman: Today’s youth have a ing ahead. In our culture it’s easy for are willing are not ready to disciple need to feel truly loved. This translates them to be materialistic and regularly someone! into messy relationships that go way have things given to them, so they • Not having the support of parents too far, way too fast. It can be good don’t have to work for much. As a for their teen’s accountability— when it is directed toward the Lord. result, a trend of misunderstanding the when they either don’t value it as a Also, depression. I have counseled importance of giving or what it means believer, or they are unbelievers who more young people about depression to be hospitable has begun to steamroll don’t care. than any other major issue. throughout their culture and our churches. Cyndi Williams: Today’s youth are Tim Loudon: Some key areas of incredibly busy with other things. weakness that I see are: Most of all they are broken. They have Many times it’s hard to find a time that • Kids just want to have fun. They been abandoned and let down by their we can get together because they are so don’t want to take things seriously. families, teachers, coaches, and some- involved elsewhere. It’s also difficult • There is a tendency to want to be times, by the Church. When 50% of when these activities are over-encour- outrageous and dramatic and to draw American marriages end in divorce, aged by the parents. It’s difficult and attention to themselves. you end up with broken, confused, discouraging when extracurricular • There is apathy and complacency angry, and unloving youth (and these activities are given more priority then among young people. They don’t care are just the ones whose parents actually church activities. and they want everyone to know that got married). They don’t know how to they don’t care. love because they haven’t been taught Dana Williams: We have so many by example. They don’t know modera- girls and only one female leader. I need Mark Armfield: They are shallow tion, self-control, stewardship, integrity, others to see that behind the mask of and show a lack of interest in spiritual and the value of hard work because anger or indifference are young women things. these things haven’t been modeled for who need someone to tell them that them, and few are holding them God made them unique and has a Dana Williams: Dual-living—they accountable to any of these virtues beautiful purpose for their lives. It may are one person in the building and of Christ. sound difficult, but it’s simple. They another person elsewhere, even among want someone to love them, to listen their friends in the group. Many do not Randy Anderson: Many students to them, and to speak truth to them. have a heritage of Bible teaching from today lack Bible knowledge and appli- the home. Many have a hunger for cation. They have weak relationships Kyle Clarkson: Commitment from love and affirmation which leaves them with adults. They are weak in serving the youth. Sometimes they don’t show vulnerable to those who would destroy in the body of Christ. up, sometimes they don’t care. them. Lange: What are some primary hindrances Randy Anderson: Time. I work part Kyle Clarkson: They are very emo- to your ministry of discipleship? time with youth, as well as having a tionally driven. That is both a good full-time job and five kids of my own. and a bad thing in my mind. They lack Tim Loudon: Myself. I get selfish It’s hard to plan, administrate, study, a deep understanding of the Word. and don’t want to take the time or and hold the three weekly meetings don’t feel like getting involved. And that we do, and still have time to disci- Jeff Riley: Our culture has convinced not seeing fruit—I think it’s easy to get ple kids. many of them that they need to be discouraged if students don’t seem individualistic, so they are always look- interested. Mark Armfield: My own time—how ing for the next extreme and can to balance time with other youth when become self-centered—hence making Jeff Riley: Hindrances? I have a teen of my own. I see my chil- the eternal consistent truths of the • Inconsistency on the part of adults dren as my first responsibility. A Word look boring and dull. who are doing the discipling. younger youth worker will have a dif- • The lack of adequacy many adults— ferent perspective, I’m sure. Many also seem to be poor managers of especially men—feel when it comes their time and resources. They have to discipling others.
Journey: Spring 2006 37 Journey | magazine
Lange: How do I identify a young person Kyle Clarkson: I believe anyone has spending time with you. They may not who is ripe for discipling? the potential to be a leader. We want be at a place where they want to study to be leaders training leaders. Disciples scripture, but you can still influence the Cyndi Williams: Start spending time training disciples. Sometimes you can youth by living out your faith with with young people. It won’t take long tell who is ready. Sometimes you just them. to see. have to grab them and go. Conclusion Mark Armfield: They will exhibit a Lange: Who should I not choose Is there any such thing as a teenage genuine interest in spiritual things. to disciple? disciple? Absolutely! And yet, listen- You will recognize growth and poten- ing to this dialogue has left me with a tial and sometimes they will seek Jeff Riley: Someone who: few compelling observations. First, we you out. • doesn’t want to be discipled. must acknowledge that teenage spiritu- • will not be accountable to you. ality looks different than adult spiritu- Randy Anderson: They ask ques- • is the opposite gender. ality. Small steps of obedience are the tions. They have a desire to learn the • does not know you, or has had very most common signs of genuine spiritu- Word. They want to serve. They ask little interaction with you. ality. Second, today’s young people are for more time with you or with another • needs more attention, time, or help starving for authentic relationships. adult. than you can give. They want to spend real time with real • is more mature in their walk than Christian adults who show a real com- Dana Williams: I look for students you are. mitment to the Lord. Third, formal who have a teachable heart and poten- training and dynamic resources are not tial. As in physics, the energy (talent) Tim Loudon: I don’t think you required to have a successful ministry needed to do the work is there—they should cast pearls before swine. I think to young people—what they want the simply need a nudge to get moving. there are students who are totally most is our time. Lastly, the typical rebelling against God, and sometimes weekly youth meeting is not sufficient Tim Loudon: I think the first thing you have to let those kids go and focus to raise up mature disciples of Christ— is a young person who has a hunger for your energy and time on the students much more of a personal investment is the Word and a hunger to serve. Also that are faithful. needed. We must not defer the burden if it doesn’t seemed forced, but very of raising disciples to one or two lead- natural when you are with the student. Dana Williams: Unbelievers, unwill- ers in a church. ing students, and those of the opposite Jeff Riley: You won’t know until you gender. Challenge actually try it with that person. Are you a Christian adult with a gen- However, there may be some signs that It’s tough to disciple Kyle Clarkson: uine love for the Lord? Are you will- you could look for, such as: somebody who doesn’t want to do it or ing to be transparent with a teenager, • Are they consistent in attendance? just doesn’t care. sharing everyday life experiences with • Do they show interest in serving or them as you model Christ-likeness and participating in the functions of the Anybody who Mark Armfield: maturity? Can you carve out space in church? doesn’t want to be! You always have your busy life to simply hang out with a • Are they asking you if you would to have a willing participant. The young person? If you don’t already disciple them? worst failure I ever had was picking have someone in mind, go to the Lord • Are they the only Christian in their someone who didn’t want my help. and ask Him to give you a burden for a family? He liked me as a person, he just had teenager you know. • If so, then they are “ripe” for no interest in discipleship. discipleship! You may have noticed that most teens I would choose Randy Anderson: today share your love for a good coffee Try a little experiment. Pick out a anyone who is willing. Males should shop—a comfortable way to strengthen teen and purpose to talk to him for five disciple males, females should disciple a relationship with a young person you solid minutes, regardless of how much females. know. The hardest part is making the time is spent in awkward silence, to see first contact, but soon enough you’ll how responsive and receptive he is. If Start spending time Cyndi Williams: find yourself at a youth group lock-in. he doesn’t say more than a few words, with young people…but remember, Don’t worry, though—most stores then he may do better in a group set- while they may not be ready for “disci- don’t even sell green permanent ting as opposed to one-to-one. pling,” they can still benefit from markers anymore. ✟
38 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
Generational Succession: The Imperative of Alex Strauch Edited by Dr. David J. MacLeod Biblical Mentoring
Editor’s Note: This article is an edited (paratithe-mi) means “to entrust for 1970s they sang, “Let It Be,” with transcription of a message delivered by safekeeping, give over, entrust, the lyrics, “Whisper words of wis- Alex Strauch at the 2003 “Iron commend” (BDAG). It has the dom, ‘Let it be.’” I’m not even sure Sharpens Iron” Conference held on sense of committing someone or what those words mean, but the campus of Emmaus Bible College. something into the care of another. whether I do or not is unimportant. The thought in this verse is that However, it is important that we The Mandate what is entrusted will be passed on determine exactly what the Word God’s Word Commands to others for safe-keeping and of God says. Yet many read our pas- Us to Train transmission to others. The REB sage with the same careless atten- The very important subject of translates, “hand on that teaching.” tion they give a pop tune. They generational succession is relevant The verb is used here in the imper- read the text and they spiritualize to every local church. The apos- ative mood, so Paul’s comment it. The training of men is the tolic mandate for such succession should be taken as an explicit apos- Spirit’s work, they say. We as in church leadership is found in 2 tolic command, directive, or man- humans cannot do this. But our Timothy 2:2, “The things which date. text undermines such an interpreta- you have heard from me in the By using this verb, Paul envi- tion. There is a human element in presence of many witnesses, entrust sions a process—someone is to do the training of men. these to faithful men who will be something. Too many of us have a The same thing is true of evan- able to teach others also.” The key “Doris Day theology.” In the 1950s gelism. Some read our Lord’s words word is “entrust” (NASB, NIV, she sang, “Que Sera Sera” in John 16:8, “And [the Spirit], NRSV), which is translated “com- (“Whatever Will Be, Will Be”). A when He comes, will convict the mit” in some English Bibles (KJV, more recent generation has adopt- world concerning sin,” and they NKJV). The Greek verb ed a “Beatles theology.” In the conclude that it is the Holy Spirit’s
Journey: Spring 2006 39 Journey | magazine job to evangelize. But we cannot of training believers have ended up A. B. Bruce in his classic work, The remove the human element. The doing nothing. Training of the Twelve, writes, “The Lord Jesus also said that the Holy I am intimately familiar with great founder of the faith desired Spirit would empower His followers churches that are waiting for the not only to have disciples, but to and they would be His witnesses Holy Spirit to evangelize, and they have about Him men whom He throughout the earth (Acts 1:8). have done nothing in thirty years. might train to makes disciples of The best example of what I am Well, the Holy Spirit has chosen to others…Both from His words and saying is the Bible itself. It is a work through people. So there is a from His actions we can see that divine book authored by God task for us to do and we do it in the He attached supreme importance to Himself (2 Tim. 3:16). Yet it is a power of the Holy Spirit through that part of His work which con- human book reflecting the person- prayer. But just as there is a com- sisted in training the twelve. In the alities, the eras, the places, and the mand and a directive to evangelize, intercessory prayer (John 17:6), for concerns of the human authors (2 there is also a command to train example, He speaks of the training Pet. 1:21). A beginning Greek stu- believers for the work of the Lord. He had given these men as if it had dent can tell you that two different If we are obedient to the Word of been the principal part of His own men wrote the writings of John and God we shall not remove the earthly ministry. And such, in one Paul. Yet the words they wrote were human element from these tasks. sense, it really was. The careful, guided by the Holy Spirit. The Now this means that we are not painstaking education of the disci- Bible is a divine-human book. given a choice as to whether we ples secured that the Teacher’s I bring this up because many shall train future leaders. It is a influence on the world should be leaders seem to have a guilt com- divine mandate. Kent Hughes says, permanent.” plex if they train anyone. They “Entrusting the apostolic deposit At the very beginning of His have been led to believe that such to others is our God-given task association with them, in Matthew training is wrong because it is doing and joy.” 4:19, He said, “Follow Me and I what the Holy Spirit should do. will make you [I will train you to Such reasoning is unbiblical as our The Lord Jesus Christ be] fishers of men.” In effect, He text clearly indicates. It eliminates Trained Men promised to help them to become the human element when the apos- Mentoring and training others— the kind of men who could capture tle clearly intended for men to committing the truth to them—is people for the kingdom. They had train other men. It is a matter of thoroughly Christian. The Bible much to learn about people, faith, sobering significance that those provides several examples. First and and teamwork, and He would teach churches which have eliminated foremost, our Lord Jesus Christ was them. the human element from the work the master trainer of men.
40 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
The Apostle Paul Trained Men The Men meet this standard. The apostle Paul is another great In this article I am addressing the They Must be example of someone who was a men of the local church, that is, Competent to Teach trainer of men. Throughout his life the males. I want to add, however, We have many commands in the he had Timothy, Titus, that these men need partners in New Testament to teach the great Epaphroditus, and others who were ministry, so we must not neglect truths of the Bible. The whole very important to him and whom women in our training, education, church is to be taught (men, he trained. At the very end he and development of servants of women, and children), and a vari- called for another of his young Christ (Rom. 16:1–2; Phil. 4:3). ety of believers will be involved in trainees, John Mark, to be with Christian leaders need wives who the task. There is a difference, him (2 Tim. 4:11). are trained to serve. however, between the person who teaches his children, his Bible class, The Ascended Christ Gives Their Character or his Bible study the basic truths of Gifted Men to His Church to The apostle Paul gives two marks the faith and the gifted brother Equip the Saints that should characterize those who who trains people to teach. There One of the present day ministries of are to be trained. First, they are to are men who are great orators and Christ is to give gifted men to the be men of character. He says they gifted speakers who do not measure church that they might train and are to be “faithful men,” that is, up to the qualifications Paul sets prepare others for the work of serv- men who are trustworthy or reliable forth. The gifted man that Paul ice. Paul writes to the Ephesians, (2 Tim. 2:2). This quality is in describes has the capacity to under- “And He gave some as apostles, marked contrast to the false teach- stand ideas and difficult concepts. and some as prophets, and some as ers in Ephesus who had been Furthermore, he enjoys spending evangelists, and some as pastors and unfaithful and had fallen away hours studying and learning the teachers” (Eph. 4:11). In the next (Acts 20:29–30; 1 Tim. 1:19–20; 2 Scriptures. verse he states the Lord’s purpose Tim. 2:17–18; 3:1–9, 13). Timothy We can illustrate the difference for giving these men. They were is to entrust the sacred treasure of by considering the doctrine of the given “for the equipping of the the Gospel—the very revelation of atonement. A young child can saints” (v. 12). The word “equip- God—to faithful, reliable men of comprehend and believe a simple ping” can be translated, “prepar- character. The term “faithful,” inci- text like John 3:16 or a chorus like, ing.” The Lord Jesus gives certain dentally, is a good summary word “Jesus Loves Me,” and come to sal- gifted men, men with utterance for all the moral characteristics of vation. The child learns that he or gifts, for preparing or equipping the an elder. In short, the apostle says she is a sinner who needs a Savior. saints “for the work of service, to that the choice of the appropriate God has provided such a Savior in the building up of the body of people is essential to this task. The the Lord Jesus Christ. But a study Christ.” The gifted men equip right men are the key. of the atonement can be a very other believers so that they, too, complex thing as we seek to grasp will serve the Lord. Their Ability concepts like substitution, propitia- To sum up, my first proposition The second mark of those to be tion, and reconciliation. A study of is this: Training, mentoring, or dis- trained is their ability. Paul says the Old Testament sacrificial system cipling others is thoroughly they must be “able to teach oth- with all of its foreshadowings of Christian. The pattern was laid ers.” The word “able” (ikanos) can Christ and His work is a demand- down by the Master Himself who be translated, “fit, competent, ing study, and not all are able to do gave a great part of His public life qualified, able” (BDAG). The it. A wonderful example of the to the training of men to insure basic idea is that of someone who kind of hard work I am talking that His message would continue. meets a standard. He is fit or capa- about is to be seen in John Stott’s ble for the task. Not all believers classic study, The Cross of Christ.
Journey: Spring 2006 41 Journey | magazine
They Must be Able to fruit to their teaching—except for a The Lord Jesus said that we should Communicate to Others good nap by several in the congre- pray for laborers because the labor- The gifted man who trains others gation! ers are few and there is much work has the ability to speak plainly, log- to do (Luke 10:2). On my personal They Must Want to Teach and ically, and understandably so that prayer list I have a regular prayer are Ready to Do It people can hear him and grasp the request that the Lord would raise The gifted man has a desire to truth. Not everyone can do this. up this kind of men in our local understand and communicate the Some people do not have an ability assembly and that we would have truth, and he is willing to invest to explain things in a clear under- an eye for them and not miss them. the time and effort to do it. Writing standable way. Instead they get We need men of character and to Titus (1:9) Paul speaks of the things mixed up, and they leave men of ability—ability to teach and man who manifests the abilities he their audience in the same con- communicate the Word. wants to see in a gifted man. He fused state. Incidentally, we need to be praying holds “fast the faithful word which the same kind of prayer for future They Must see Fruit as the is in accordance with the teaching, missionaries. Our missionary force Result of Their Efforts so that he will be able both to is aging, and we need replacements People sit under their ministry and exhort in sound doctrine and to around the world. actually learn something. Listening refute those who contradict.” to such a teacher is not a chore; it Let’s be very clear, then, about They Need to Be Identified is a joy. His listeners hear him and what Paul is saying about these Such men need to be identified— realize that his abilities are some- men. They are a select group—men marked out by name. Let me warn thing they have not encountered who are leaders and future elders— you of one thing you must not do. before. J. I. Packer said that when, and when you find them you are to You must not generalize and say, as a 22-year-old, he heard Dr. D. invest in their lives by placing in “Yes, this is a good biblical idea Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the preaching their trust the wonderful truths that that I agree with,” and then do came to him “with the force of you have received. Notice the nothing specific about it. No, you electric shock.” Even on the print- future tense: “[The] faithful must identify the men by name ed page such ability brings forth men…will be able to teach others that you want to train now for the fruit. George Verwer said Lloyd- also.” In the future these men will future. You must single them out Jones’ volume on The Sermon on the be able to pass the truth on to oth- for special instruction that the Mount was the greatest thing he ers who will in turn pass it on to great truths of the faith might be had ever read. I am not suggesting, others. This kind of spiritual repro- imbedded in their hearts and of course, that every gifted man is duction prepares the church for the minds. We need to make sure that of the caliber of Dr. Lloyd-Jones. future. The true “apostolic succes- if we dropped dead today there What I am suggesting is that when sion” is not accomplished by bish- would be others who have been we hear a gifted man we know it. ops laying hands on the heads of trained to carry on the work. It is We can tell that he is competent, younger clerics. True apostolic suc- vitally important that we do not knowledgeable, and clear, and we cession takes place when the apos- leave this issue in the realm of the come away having learned good tolic truth is communicated to gift- theoretical. things from the Word and having ed men who are able and willing to When you finish reading this again been impressed with the pass it on to others. article get together with the other goodness and wisdom of our God. elders of your church and say, “Let’s Sadly there are numerous people The Applications get this nailed down; let’s put some who aspire to be teachers, and they We Should Pray about the names down on paper.” Do not will apply all kinds of pressure in Matter of Finding These look for perfect men, because you the assembly to be allowed to speak Select Men yourselves are not perfect. Jesus from the platform, but they see no It is Scriptural to pray about this. picked twelve men to be His disci-
42 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine ples, and they were not perfect. He panies survive into the second gen- we get very possessive, and we have assessed them and depended on the eration. There were two failures this feeling of ownership, and we Holy Spirit to mould them into that accounted for this disturbing really don’t trust anyone to carry it able, mature leaders. When you trend: (1) They lack confidence in on. We are afraid that they won’t look for men of character and abili- their young people. They do not do the Lord’s work just like us. ty, remember that their training trust the next generation. (2) They We’re afraid they won’t be our may take five, ten, or fifteen years. were too busy to train them. clones. Just be assured of this, they You are preparing them for the The same thing is true of many will not be our clones. They won’t future when they will take their of our local assemblies. We, too, are do it exactly like us unless they are place as leaders. in business—the Gospel business, complete non-thinking people. and unless the Lord comes soon, it They are not going to do it like you They Need to be Trained by will be evident to all whether or and me. They are going to do Gifted Men not we have been successful in pre- things differently, and as long as Who is going to train these future paring the next generation to carry they keep the truths of the Gospel leaders? The mentors need to be on. It is the job of the elders to and the fundamentals, they should identified just like the trainees. oversee the flock and provide for it change things. Will we take some Write down the names of the men so that it does not die out in the time to train them so they will in your local assembly who meet next generation. Speaking for know how to make changes that the two qualifications of character myself, I would like my children to are for the good of the saints and and ability. This process of spiritual be in my assembly after I die. I pleasing in the sight of the Lord? reproduction will not take place by don’t want them to leave and go osmosis. It will happen as gifted some place else. So we have to METHOD # 1: Parents men walk by them and help them think about the future. Will we Must Train Their Children to pick up the joy and fulfillment of take the time with our prospective The first method is the most obvi- Christian service. Someone has to leaders, and will we place our confi- ous and must not be neglected. spend time with these future lead- dence in them to carry the work Parents are to train their children ers just as Jesus spent time and ahead? at home. Do you realize that the effort with His disciples. You know we have to be very first place we get training is from careful. Sometimes in the The Methods local church Here is where we often fail. We have no plan, no philosophy, and no thought given as to how we will develop these men if we find them—even if they trip over our feet. There was a very interesting article in U.S. News and World Report a number of years ago on the family-owned business in America. Economists estimate that such busi- nesses account for nearly 50% of the nation’s gross national product. The authors listed all the attributes of family-owned businesses and why they are so successful. Towards the end of the article they noted that only a third of family-owned com- Journey | magazine mom and dad? They teach us how and the first training comes from document permitting them to bring to speak, how to dress, and how to dad and mom. in 5,000 Bibles. They brought them groom ourselves. They teach us our We need to understand this and in, but no one asked for the docu- basic attitudes toward country, peo- embrace it as a God given responsi- ment of permission, so they used it ple, and work. And they help form bility (Deut. 6:7–8). We are train- to bring in another 5,000. Again our moral compass. ing future leaders and missionaries. no one asked for the document, so It appears that Paul was the So, fellow dads and moms, let’s be they kept it for future shipments. person who led Timothy to Christ thinking in terms of teaching your There is a church in Iraq today, and (2 Tim. 1:2). Yet he acknowledges children godliness, leadership, dis- we need to pray that it will grow the important role played by cipline, responsibility, balance, and and prosper. Afghanistan has a sim- Timothy’s home life. “For I am a world vision. You should be con- ilar story. The church was just mindful of the sincere faith within sciously modeling these things for about extinguished there, but you, which first dwelt in your them. You should be bringing mis- Christian believers are serving grandmother Lois and your mother sionaries to your table. You should there at the present time. We Eunice, and I am sure that it is in be talking to them about how the should be praying for these coun- you as well” (2 Tim. 1:5). The best Gospel is going worldwide. tries in our homes that God would training for our future elders, dea- You should talk to them about raise up a body of people who cons, preachers, missionaries, and world events (for example, the situ- would valiantly serve Christ there. writers is dad and mom. ation in Iraq) and how these events And we need to pass this con- Many today are unfamiliar with are going to affect the Gospel. This cern on to our children. We need the name, J. Gresham Machen. He is exciting. Did you know that to encourage our sons to be was a brilliant man and a devoted Operation Mobilization has already Christian leaders. They need to be Christian. He taught at Princeton gotten over ten thousand Bibles lovingly told, “Don’t just follow Seminary and later founded into Iraq? It is a really long the crowd. Be loyal Westminster Theological Seminary story. It is an incredible to your in Philadelphia. In the great story of how they church. Be a debates between liberalism and got a govern- help and evangelicalism in the early twenti- ment support. eth century, he was a great champi- on of the truth, writing important articles and books defending the historic Christian faith. In one of his books he wrote these telling words, “I did not get my knowledge of the Bible from Sunday School or from any other school, but I got it on Sunday afternoons with my mother at home. And I will venture to say that…I had a better knowledge of the Bible at fourteen years of age than is possessed by many students in the the- ological Seminaries of the present day.” The best training
44 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
Do not be a complainer.” And we 4:11–12 says that there are those class or a Sunday school class so need to teach them the Book of who are gifted to equip and prepare that he regularly and consistently Proverbs, introduce them to these prospective leaders. The two has to produce messages. That is Christian biographies, share with passages (2 Tim. 2:2; Eph. 4:11–12) the best training. Get him operat- them examples and stories from the need to be read together. There are ing. He must be told that unless he Scriptures, give them books on people gifted of God in the local is regularly teaching on a weekly leadership, and let them know we church for equipping and preparing basis, his gift won’t grow and it expect them to be involved. others. won’t flourish. The reason for this Certainly some of those equip- is that even though God gives METHOD # 2: The Local pers should be the elders. The apos- someone a gift, it still has to be Church Must Train its tle indicates that this is so in 1 developed, and it takes a lifetime to Children and Young People Timothy 5:17–18 where he speaks develop some of our spiritual gifts. Beside the home, the next best of certain elders who labor until So direct people into their gifts. training place is the local church the point of weariness in word and Direct them into positions of lead- family. The apostle Paul calls the doctrine. So, when we put all three ership. Let them take responsibility. local church, “the household of of these passages together, we see So when you see someone with God” (1 Tim. 3:15). What do you that within the local church there these potentials of leadership and do in a household or home? It is the are those set aside for the equipping teaching, you as a group of elders place of fundamental education, and the training of the saints. need to find a way to put that per- and so is the church. The local How is this done practically? son in a strategic place of leader- church is a Gospel school, a place How do you actually do this if you ship. Give him a big job. Put him of education and training. Paul goes are one of those people who over a group of people. Let him further and adds that the local equip—if you have a burden for lead a particular program. church is “the pillar and support of passing on the great revelation of Now I want to talk to you the truth.” The pillar and support of God to the next generation? Let about age. I don’t know where this the truth is not a government me offer some simple suggestions. idea came from, but we have got it organization, a state university, or in our heads that we are to look for Direct Potential Leaders and even Emmaus Bible College. The men in their 40s and 50s. No, you Teachers into Regular “pillar and support” of the truth is must start with people in their Ministries in the Church the local church. We need a vision teens. Teenagers are people. When Have an eye for people like a shep- for being a teaching church—a we look at the history of all the herd has for his flock. Direct them church that teaches the Bible, great men and women of God, we into places of service. Give them sound theology, and practical find that they did not start at forty jobs and responsibilities. Suppose, Christian living. This vision should and fifty. The vision for what they for example that you see a young include our Sunday services, Sunday accomplished started in their teen man in his late teens and you School, youth programs, home years. One of the greatest mission- observe that he enjoys the study of Bible classes, classes for seniors, etc. aries the Brethren assemblies ever the Word and has an ability to had was Bill Deans, who died a communicate the Word. Don’t just METHOD # 3: The Elders number of years ago. Many today say yourself, “Ho, hum; that is of the Local Church Must do not know his story and all that interesting.” “Good luck.” “Que Disciple Others he accomplished in Africa. God did Sera Sera” (“Whatever Will Be, great things through that man. He According to 2 Timothy 2:2, cer- Will Be”). Instead of benign indif- tain men are selected, based on established over ninety assemblies ference, take action! Speak to him (some of them very large), he character and teaching ability, to about a regular weekly responsibili- be trained so that they will pass on founded a hospital, and he built a ty of teaching in the church. mammoth printing press. His the truth to others. Ephesians Suggest something like a youth
Journey: Spring 2006 45 Journey | magazinezine efforts were recognized even in the teenage shoulders soon, so go after together. They will be delighted secular world—he appeared on the the teenagers. And go after the that their church, their body, and cover of Life magazine, and he was young men and women in their their family operates in this way. knighted by President Mobutu Sese twenties who show character and And some of them will catch a Seko of Zaire (now the Democratic ability. Do not think in terms of vision for the eldership. We also Republic of the Congo). We think looking for men in their thirties, have men who are in our mentor- of Mr. Deans as an old man, but he forties, and fifties. Most men in ing program who can stay as long as was sixteen years old when he went their fifties are just dreaming about they want to watch and train. But to Africa with his father. He retirement. Their energy level has the best method is for a select learned French and Swahili and dropped significantly. You have got group to come, observe, and watch started his missionary labors at a to think of those young minds and for a time. very young age. One doesn’t start lives. If we look honestly at the The elders that we have even- learning foreign languages in his New Testament, we learn that lead- tually taken on have already sat in forties and fifties. To pick up a for- ership development must be aimed on the meetings for a number of eign language and begin to under- at the young. Jesus Himself was years. As a result, when they come stand a new culture you must be only thirty years old when he start- on as elders, they just come right in young. ed, and the men he picked were all without a long period of transition. We need to put the challenge young. It is probable that most of They know how we operate, how before our teenage young men and them were in their twenties or late we interact, how we argue, and women for future leadership. I will teens. The early Christian move- how we make decisions. They have never forget one day seeing Dr. ment was in the hands of young watched it, and they have been a Vernon Grounds, President of men so that they would have a life- part of the process, and when they Denver Seminary, walking down time of work. become elders, they just move right the hall, coming up behind two in. It is very natural to them. I per- young men (students), and putting Have Them Attend the Elders’ sonally believe the elders’ meetings his arms on both their shoulders Meetings for a Time are one of the best training grounds and saying, “Very soon the respon- The method Jesus used is, “Follow for a young man. So, if you have sibility of the church of Jesus Christ me, hear my instruction, and potential elders, they should be will be on your shoulders.” And observe my life and actions.” He watching you and working with they looked at him as if to say, “Oh, called them to be with him to you before they become elders. no, not us.” Yet what he said was watch Him and hear Him. We Jesus said, “Follow me and observe true, and he was preparing them for have had a program at my home me, and then I will send you out.” reality. assembly for many years called, Paul had the same approach in 1 Some of us meet each other “Elder exposure.” For six to eight Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of after not seeing one another for weeks we try to get all the men in me just as I also am of Christ.” many years and we say, “Where did the assembly to sit with the elders thirty years go.” Dr. Dan Smith, in in their meetings and observe what Elders Should Personally our audience tonight, thinks I came takes place. Hopefully, as they sit Disciple Potential Leaders to Emmaus ten years ago! It wasn’t and watch the elders, they see how In their book, Connecting, Paul ten years ago. It was thirty-five their church is run. They learn that Stanley and Robert Clinton express years ago. When I reminded him of it is not a secretive organization a very interesting idea, one that I that he gasped, “Oh, no…” Yes, where things are done surreptitious- had never thought of before. thirty years have gone by. Where ly in a back room. No, they will see Normally we think that only one did they go? James is right. Life is things done in an open, respectful, person should mentor or disciple but a vapor (James 4:14). It goes by loving, and businesslike way. They another. That, at least, is what I fast. The church will be on those will see what it is like, how hard it always thought. You have one per- is, and how their elders work son, and he is your mentor
46 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine throughout life. Clinton says that is Send Potential Leaders on In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Moses not how life works. He suggests Short-term Mission Trips. writes, “These words, which I am that we have different mentors for Get young people out there to see commanding you today, shall be on different things in life. For exam- the world. I really believe in short your heart. You shall teach them ple, one elder may mentor you for term mission trips. I think of how diligently to your sons and shall your teaching ability. He will many of our missionaries in the talk of them when you sit in your observe what you do and then sug- CMML Handbook are out there on house and when you walk by the gest ideas that will help you the field right now because they way and when you lie down and improve. Another elder, however, went on a short term mission trip. when you rise up.” This passage will mentor you in the area of fami- They got exposure. God works doesn’t say that only the father can ly life. He may be a very good hus- through means. Their participation teach the son. That is not the band and father and very good at in such a trip will give them a intent of the passage. Moses is not offering counsel on these areas to world vision, and their response to saying that if an uncle or aunt are people in the church. So, we have the trip will help elders determine walking down the street or visiting different mentors for different areas their interest in Christian service. our house, they can’t say anything of our lives, and we seek out broth- about biblical things to their nieces ers and sisters who have had a Send Potential Leaders to or nephews because only their measure of fruit and success in their Emmaus Bible College father can teach them. Some peo- own lives in these areas, and we ask I was not paid to say this, but future ple think that is what the passage them to mentor us in that area. teachers, elders, and leaders should says. Certainly the father should Bobby Clinton offers another consider some time at a Bible discipline, teach, and instruct his interesting idea, namely, that we College. I really believe in the one children. But this does not mean are mentored by reading biogra- year program at Emmaus. Two of that only the father can do that. phies. Biographies are important my daughters went to Emmaus for a There can be supplementary teach- because in them we watch a life whole year. Another of my daugh- ing in the local church, for exam- unfold with all of its ups and downs. ters had said she would come, but ple, or in a Bible study, Sunday Another approach to mentor- she then went off and got married! School class, Bible College, or sem- ing is having a meal with a man. I I told her husband that after the inary. I personally know people learned the importance of this from children are raised, she has to go to who will not use Sunday Paul Sapp, with whom I worked at Emmaus to fulfill the Pine Bush Bible Camp. Paul was promise. great at having lunches with men. Some people just want human con- tact with you—not just the Sunday-morning-only kind of contact. Journey | magazinezine school or youth groups because be isolated islands. That would be Consistent and they believe only the father can unhealthy for your local church. Be Persistent Bible Reader teach his own children. Why can’t a part of the worldwide brother- The sad reality is that many people the father teach his children and hood as Peter calls it. You can call in our local churches are not con- others teach them as well? The on other churches to provide help sistently and persistently reading Bible doesn’t say that it must be for your young men and your young the Bible. This must not be true either-or. It is worth noting that women—and for your own training. of leaders and prospective leaders. the same Jews who read and prac- The apostle clearly says that it is ticed Deuteronomy 6 also sent their The Materials through our assimilation and prac- children to the synagogue schools Our Material For Training tical application of the Scriptures for instruction in the Torah. I point Others is Found in Holy that “the man of God may be… that out to you because many peo- Scripture. equipped” for the work of the Lord ple today say that the local church In 2 Timothy 2:2 Paul speaks of (2 Tim. 3:17). Encourage your cannot take the place of the father “the things which you have heard trainee, therefore, by guiding him in teaching the Bible to children. It from me in the presence of many in the habits of Bible reading. is true that the father is to instruct witnesses.” The “things” of which Make sure that he has a good Bible, his children, but it is also true that the apostle speaks are the teachings and a plan of action, and that he the risen Christ has given gifted he received from Christ directly (1 understands the importance of hav- men to the church to teach and Cor. 15:3). This is the apostolic tra- ing a regular place and time to train its members. This brings me dition, the standard of truth we study. As he progresses acquaint back to my point that a year or find in the Scriptures (2 Tim. him with the many valuable aids to more of intensive Bible training is 1:13–14). Paul’s words imply the help him in his studies (a concor- very profitable for a young person, continuing authority and validity of dance, a Bible dictionary, various particularly if the Bible College has his teaching. It is not esoteric and commentaries, an atlas, a systemat- the proper spiritual leadership. known only to a few. ic theology or two, some word The writings of the New study books, and a volume on the Use the Resources of Testament are our great treasure. history of doctrine). Other Churches They are divinely revealed truth Some of our local assemblies do not that is “the power of God for salva- Encourage Your Trainee to have the resources to train people. tion” (Rom. 1:16). Paul says his Make Use of Bible Teaching There just may not be any gifted teaching has the support of “many Tapes and CDs men available. If your local church witnesses,” a warning against any Bible teaching tapes and CDs are a has this problem you must remem- attempt to falsify what the apostle powerful tool for helping boys ber that there is only one body, and has said. It is also a reminder that become men in their knowledge of there is such a thing as inappropri- any lapses of memory could be the Word. Ask your trainee to ate independence in a local church. remedied by appealing to such wit- record how much time he spends in Local churches are to be nesses. Paul’s words are also an the car. Tell him that that time can autonomous, self-governing, and encouragement to Timothy that be used to study the Word by self-determining, but they are not when he preaches he might means of CDs and tapes. Supply to function as isolated islands with- remember that what he proclaims him with some good Bible teaching out any sense of connectedness to came from the Lord Himself (cf. 1 tapes or CDs. Young preachers and the Body of Christ as a whole. Cor. 15:3) and is backed up by the teachers need good role models to Churches are to interact with other church at large. guide them in the dos and don’ts of churches. That is what we see in biblical exposition. Fortunately the New Testament. Churches help There are Practical Ways to such aids are available. We have churches. They can profitably share Make Use of This Material made use of the tape ministry of their gifted men. So, we must not Challenge Your Trainee to be a Believers Chapel in Dallas which
48 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine offers the great teaching of men doctrine. Some, like Charles Ryrie’s in these things, for as you do this like S. Lewis Johnson and William Basic Theology, cover all the doc- you will ensure salvation both for McRae. Tapes by other excellent trines; others, like John Stott’s The yourself and for those who hear role models are also available (John Cross of Christ, cover one doctrine you” (1 Tim. 4:16). Paul had said MacArthur, Eric Alexander of (in Stott’s case, the atonement) in the same thing earlier to the Scotland, John Stott of England, depth. He should be introduced to Ephesian elders, “Be on guard for James M. Boice, etc.). Many groups the great commentators, and he yourselves and for all the flock” send tapes free of charge and others should read a good theological jour- (Acts 20:28). ask only a minimal fee. nal or two and some Christian The tragic fact is that most I have been listening to such magazines. men don’t guard their own spiritual tapes for thirty years—in my car development and growth. Bobby and when I work out at the gym. THE MENTORS Clinton, in his studies on Christian Have your trainee start with a good The process of mentoring begins leaders, says that most do not end series on Romans or Galatians. with the mentor. In our text (2 Tim. their Christian lives well. His study Then have him work through the 2:1–2), Paul is the mentor, and he of every leader in the Bible con- Gospel of John and the Book of is encouraging Timothy in his own cludes that “only 25% ended well.” Revelation. He will certainly grow role as mentor. And, through the Clinton writes, “We have observed as he hears an excellent expositor written word, he is encouraging us that most people cease learning by take him verse-by-verse through today in this important work. Paul’s the age of forty. By that we mean Ephesians and First Corinthians. counsel to Timothy is his counsel they no longer actively pursue to you and me if we are in the posi- knowledge, understanding, and Have Books on Hand for tion to develop others. To be a experience that which will enhance Evangelism Training and mentor, one’s own life must be their capacity to grow and contrib- Encouraging Spiritual Growth growing, learning, and committed. ute to others. Most simply rest on I have already mentioned Bobby We cannot lead others if we cannot what they already know. But those Clinton’s advocacy of biographies. lead ourselves. You cannot care for who finish well maintain a positive Christian biographies of great others spiritually if you do not care learning attitude all their lives.” Christians (George Muller, Robert for yourself. That is why Paul tells Paul the apostle Chapman, Jonathan Edwards, Timothy “to kindle afresh the gift was a growing Robert Murray McCheyne, etc.) of God which is in you” (2 Tim. Christian. He was challenge believers in their 1:6). He admonishes him, “Do not part of the 25% Christian walk. Paul Sapp, our fear- be ashamed of the testimony of our of biblical lead- less leader at Pine Bush Bible Lord…but join with me in suffering ers who ended Camp, was always making his for the gospel” (2 Tim. 1:8). He well. He said trainees read biographies. Horace challenges him to “retain the stan- of himself, Clink had a ministry in the New dard of sound words” (1:13), to “Though Jersey area with young men. He “guard…the treasure which has our outer gave books away to help young been entrusted to you” (1:14), and man is people. He helped Paul Sapp build to “be strong in the grace that is in his library, and Paul did the same Christ Jesus” (2:1). for us. Before Timothy can develop In addition to biographies, your others, therefore, he must be strong trainee should be made aware of and growing and doing the job books that give instruction in evan- himself as a Christian leader. Paul gelism. He should be encouraged to says, “Pay close attention to your- read classic books on the spiritual self and to your teaching; persevere life. He should read good books on Journey | magazine decaying, yet our inner man is growing, everything about them influence others if you are not grow- being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. communicates the same opportuni- ing and excited about your faith. 4:16). In the same epistle he makes ty to other people. They’re excited, Possibly you are reading this the startling statement, “We all, they do things differently. One of article and you realize that you with unveiled face, beholding as in the most profound—and unusual— need to get back on track spiritual- a mirror the glory of the Lord, are experiences people can have on the ly. Perhaps the words of the Lord to being transformed into the same job is to see their leaders grow.” the Ephesian church send an arrow image from glory to glory, just as The New Testament also that wounds your heart, “I have from the Lord, the Spirit” (3:18). emphasizes the need for continual this against you, that you have left What Paul is describing here is an progress and growth in the Christ- your first love” (Rev. 2:4). If so, ongoing process that does not end ian life. Paul often uses the athletic Jesus’ words of counsel are just for when one is forty. metaphor to describe Christian you, “Repent…remember from The Christian life is a life of growth. The Christian is to be con- where you have fallen. Do the growth—becoming more and more stantly in training—exercising his deeds you did at first” (Rev. 2:4–5). like Christ, and less and less like spiritual muscles (1 Tim. 4:7, 8). If we are to bid young men to take your old irritable, impatient, and The great problem that many of us their place as spiritual (mature) stubborn self. Peter says “Like new- have is that we have stopped exer- leaders and teachers, we must first born babies, long for the pure milk cising. We have stopped reading, make sure that we are committed of the word, so that by it you may learning, and reaching forward. leaders who are happily under the grow in respect to salvation” We are resting on the past and yoke of Christ’s authoritative (1Peter 2:2). He later writes, “Grow everyone around us knows it. instruction (Matt. 11:29). ✟ in the grace and knowledge of our Paul says to Timothy and to us, 1 R. Kent Hughes, “1 & 2 Timothy,” in 1 & 2 Timothy Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The “Take pains with these things; be and Titus, by R. Kent Hughes and Bryan Chapell two principles of life are “growth” absorbed in them, so that your (Wheaton: Crossway, 2000), 194. 2 Alexander Balmain Bruce, The Training of the Twelve, or “decay.” You are either growing progress will be evident to all” (1 3d ed. (1883: reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1963), 13. or decaying as a Christian. In the Tim. 4:15). In the Christian life 3 John R. W. Stott, The Cross of Christ (Downers Grove: IVP, 1986). first chapter of Proverbs we read, you are either progressing or 4 John Piper, “Testimonies,” The Banner of Truth 510 “A wise man will hear and increase regressing, but one thing you are (March, 2006): 14. 5 Steve Huntley and Jeannye Thornton, “The Silent in learning, and a man of under- not doing is standing still! We need Strength of Family Businesses,” U.S. News & World Report (April 25, 1983): 47, 50. standing will acquire wise counsel” to understand that our Christian 6 J. Gresham Machen, What is Faith? (1925; reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1962), 21–22. (1:5). Elders/mentors are to be wise 7 Paul D. Stanley and J. Robert Clinton, Connecting: men. They are to be ever growing, service and leadership is directly The Mentoring Relationships You Need to Succeed in Life (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1992), 87–130. listening, and learning. related to our relationship with the 8 Stanley and Clinton, Connecting, 147–55. 9 Bobby Clinton reported this statistic at a conference Lord. Effective service and leader- I attended a number of years ago in Estes Park, Colorado. CONCLUSION ship grows out of effective relation- 10 Stanley and Clinton, Connecting, 222. ship with Him at the core of our 11 This quotation of Douglas K. Smith, which I have in Leaders are to be concerned about my notes, I am no longer able to document. their own personal growth. In fact, being. You can’t minister to others the key to your leadership success what you don’t possess yourself. So is your own personal growth as a take control of your own soul care. Christian. Someone has said a When you are growing and leader is a learner. The fact is that excited about the Lord and His your church will not grow or learn Word you will want to pass that on unless you as a leader are personally to others. You won’t be able to stop Alex Strauch growing and moving forward. The yourself. You will develop an eye Alex is the author of Biblical Eldership and church does not rise above its lead- for people like a shepherd who has The New Testament Deacon. He serves as ers. Douglas K. Smith writes, found green pasture for others. an elder at the Littleton Bible chapel in Leadership is influence. You can’t Littleton, Colorado where he resides with his “When leaders are learning and wife, Marilyn. 50 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | Dr. MacLeod Asks MacLeodDr. Faculty member Dave MacLeod leads us in a public forum Asks to discuss issues pertinent to contemporary Christian life. Last issue he asked the following question:
Much of the teaching in contemporary groups experimenting with non-religious and New Age spirituality is self-help advice, therapeutic or psychological counsel, guidance for relationships, and story-telling about how such spirituality has helped people. Much preaching in evangelical churches is also self- help advice, therapeutic or psychological counsel, guidance for relationships and story-telling about how such “spirituality” has helped people. What does such evangelicalism have to offer these new spirituality groups? By down-playing Bible exposition and doctrinal preaching, do we have anything to offer in a society that is the most religiously diverse in the world? Ross Rainey Responds: By down-playing Bible exposition and doctrine, we really have nothing to offer our so-called postmodern, pluralistic, religiously diverse society. Today, the term evangelical—like the term Christian—has largely lost its meaning. The pro- fessing church has given in to the culture around us and is foundering in a stagnant swamp of worldliness and self-indul- gence. The Word of God and Christ-centeredness are being abandoned for humanistic psychology, cultural theology, excitement and entertainment, a false gospel, pseudo-intel- lectualism (Col 2:8), and worldly wisdom. It was Isaiah who proclaimed to a rebellious, decadent Judah: “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them,” (8:20). We live in a society where many professing Christians believe there is more than one way to heaven; that the Bible is not inspired and not inerrant; that the Lord Jesus Christ is not God; that He could have sinned; that He was
© Ryan Thompson, www.rdtphotography.com Journey: Spring 2006 51 Journey | Dr. MacLeod Asks
not raised bodily from the dead; groups. The problem, however, is Sadly, many times I left church that they can somehow work their that their ears have been tickled wondering if the Bible had been way to heaven; and that those for so long with what they want to consulted at all in preparation for who do not accept Christ as their hear (II Timothy 4:3) that they the sermon. It was evident, Savior will not be condemned to have become deaf to the truth of though, that psychology and men- an eternal hell. God’s Word and to His Son Jesus tal health books, along with per- It was Jeremiah who said to a Christ. sonal feelings and experiences, backslidden Judah: “For my peo- While I have no problem or were explored. My main purpose ple have committed two evils; disagreement with evangelical for attending church is to learn they have forsaken me the foun- churches offering self-help advice more about the Bible, not to learn tain of living waters, and hewed and therapeutic or psychological what others feelings and experi- them out cisterns, broken cisterns, counsel (including guidance for ences are, and not necessarily that can hold no water,” (2:13). relationships and story telling), I what someone else thinks my feel- Even in some assemblies I’ve do have a problem with those ings and experiences should be. been thanked for preaching the approaches if the Bible is not used For those with discernment, Word (2 Tim 4:2) and on more as the filter for the content of such we should readily recognize that than one occasion have been offerings. Additionally, the above an evangelical church, in which thanked for emphasizing the teachings should not be the focus the Bible is not the main focus or gospel with the comment that of presentations offered as part of filter for all of our activities, is not they had not heard it in weeks. the main schedule of preaching. truly an evangelical church. It Are not Christ and God’s Instead, these issues are better pre- may be that there are those Word all-sufficient to meet today’s sented in small groups, special attending (including elders, pas- real needs? Indeed they are! We studies, one-on-one, etc. In other tors, teachers, etc.) who have good need to pray in these last days that words, the main preaching from intentions of speaking the truth of our Lord will raise up a generation the pulpit, podium, or stage in the Bible. That truth, however, is with courage and boldness to con- evangelical churches needs to being muddled by the masses who front our decadent society which is remain firmly rooted in Bible do not want to hear how their sin making tremendous inroads into exposition and doctrinal nailed an innocent man to the the church. As John MacArthur, preaching. cross, or how their actions, based Jr. has aptly said: “We need godly About two years ago, my on the judgement of a just God, men and woman committed to the husband and I left a church that will ultimately send some of them truth that in Christ we inherit seemed to be very “spiritual” in to hell. spiritual resources sufficient for the categories of self-help advice There is a very interesting, every need, every problem—every- and therapeutic or psychological and sometimes arresting, thing that pertains to life and god- counsel. One of the matters which website by Michael Spencer at liness.” motivated our leaving was the fact www.internetmonk.com. He that one did not need to bring a explores many issues, including Ross Rainey, Plymouth, MI Bible to church, let alone open it the question being considered for any reason. There were many today. In particular, he has a num- Bonjé Lickteig responds: Sunday mornings when I would ber of postings regarding the pastor There is much that Bible wait to see how long it took for Joel Osteen and his supposed exposition and doctrinal preaching the pastor to mention a passage in evangelical church. By mention- have to offer the “spirituality” the Bible, or refer to the Bible. ing this website I am not endors-
52 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | Magazine
ing all that Michael Spencer has churches stay in a siege mentality, Rob Taylor responds: to say, but I am mentioning it as a blaming their ineffectiveness on There’s nothing intrinsically springboard for more “food-for- the syncretism of other churches wrong with relationship guidance thought.” “that steal people away who have and personal advice. Even secular In conclusion, by downplaying itching ears,” (2 Timothy 4:3). We wisdom works when it is consis- Bible exposition and doctrinal would be better served by evaluat- tent with general revelation. It is preaching, we do not have much ing the kind of teaching occurring also true that the Bible’s instruc- to offer our society, as our society in our local assemblies. More tions meet the many needs of is already feasting on the milk that emphasis needs to be placed upon man. However, it seems the barri- they cravenly seek after. So, if we preparing the teacher for the min- ers this ideology seeks to overcome entice them into the church, but istry of proclamation. In the early are not the primary business of then do not feed them with spiri- church much support was placed Christianity; godliness is. What tual truth, what are they gaining? upon preparing selected teachers many self-help prophets fail to rec- Another social venue? The evan- for the task (Acts 6:4; Gal.6:6; 1 ognize is that the vast majority of gelical church did not arrive at its Cor. 9:11; 1Tim. 5:17, 18). It is my our relational and psychological historical status by being “soft” to opinion that we have many PB problems are the result of our fail- the world. It called “sin” sin, and churches looking down on this ure to pursue godliness. As preached the gospel of Jesus Christ type of support; and as a conse- Christians, one of our primary to those who would be damned. quence they have ill-equipped tasks is to align our character qual- teachers. Churches end up with ities with God’s moral attributes. Bonje’ Lickteig,Wichita, KS topical messages from multiple eld- For example, we are to be holy ers barely able to keep up with the because He is holy, we are to love Daniel Laos responds: time pressures of our society. The our enemies as Christ did, and we I don’t like how the question teaching ends up abstract and the- are to display humility in our lives is framed. It is a loaded question oretical with little application to after the pattern of Jesus. These that pretty much answers itself, the world we live in. The Lord are just a few samples of the by- and seeks confirmation of a posi- Jesus used stories to bring alive products of living a life with the tion. I do agree that many church- abstract theology, and we are well cross as its locus. With many it es today have become so very served to do the same. I believe seems there is a disconnect “seeker sensitive” that they lose there is a mentality among many between our relationship with God sight of the Biblical message. The of our churches that has confused and our relationships with our- problem of syncretism in the syncretism with contextualization, selves and others. When this church today is evident by the and it continues to marginalize the occurs, the solutions offered often emphasis on a system of psycholo- PB movement from what the Holy lean towards comfort at the peril gy that is contrary to Biblical Spirit is doing within the conser- of the virtues to which the truth. Yet, it has been my experi- vative evangelical world. We do Scriptures point. The theology ence that in many Plymouth need exposition and doctrine. But that undergirds the wisdom that is Brethren churches today the major to think one cannot have exposi- applied to man’s relational and problem is poor teaching that fails tion and doctrine in the form of psychological problems must be to contextualize the Scriptures to a narrative story telling about proper revealed in order for it to be new generation. Bible doctrine at relationships is to ignore how the termed “Christian.” its core is about relationships Lord Jesus taught. (Luke 10:27, 28). I fear many PB Rob Taylor, Raleigh, NC Daniel Laos,Tuscon, AZ
Journey: Spring 2006 53 Journey | Dr. MacLeod Asks
Dan Holloman responds: made foolish the wisdom of the Dan Marquez responds: There is no end to our perpet- world?” I Cor. 1:20. Verse 25: Treat the Sickness, not the ual delving into the expert opin- “Because the foolishness of God is Symptom. ions of the fields that have so wiser than men, and the weakness If a Marine buddy of mine I earnestly possessed us, and there is of God is stronger than men.” and were walking a patrol together no lacking of resources to do so. Pragmatically are our churches and he stepped on and anti-per- An impassioned individual will a better place since we have begun sonnel mine and had his leg blown whole heartedly seek and consume doing so? Did Israel benefit by sub- off, the first thing I would need to the advice of the expert by which verting God’s word for what they do would be to stop any arterial to catapult themselves ever further thought was true religion? Are we bleeding from his leg or lower in the pursuit of their desired dis- so vain as to think that God’s torso. If I couldn’t manage this cipline. words in the apostles and prophets soon enough, he’d certainly bleed In evangelicalism biblical illit- can only be understood by “the to death. eracy is at an all-time high (see educated” of the Christian culture? What if, immediately follow- data from George Barna), and Is not the Spirit of God able to ing the blast, I ran up to my buddy strangely enough so is immorality reveal the deepest thoughts of God and referred him to a prosthetics amongst evangelicals. The in the scriptures to all mankind? specialist that I knew back in the divorce rate is the equivalent of Do we really doubt this and think US? He’d be dead before I could the secular; Christians are con- that God needs our help and write down a name and a number. sumed by debt, overwhelmed by counsel? The fact that he can’t live a nor- immorality, and want relief from a “God’s word is shallow enough mal life with one leg is, after all, burdened lifestyle. God is not for children to play in and deep the problem he faces, is it not? interested in our ingenious opin- enough for elephants to swim in.” By treating a peripheral incon- ions on these matters for he has —Augustine venience instead of desperately already expressed His will in 66 Christ died to deliver us from trying to stop the bleeding, I am divinely inspired books. ourselves, not to indulge it’s world- treating the symptom and ignoring “My people are destroyed for ly desires. The new man is to die the real problem that he faces, the lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6 daily to self, not seek help for its namely bleeding to death. “When the word of God is own success. The new man is no All of the “help” offered by again taught from the pulpit, then longer concerned with his own the groups mentioned in Dr. the world will recede from the needs, wants and desires, but MacLeod’s question, is a man- Church.” Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones rather that of the divine, provi- made remedy to treat the physical Is the church expounding dential will of God. or emotional symptom of an man’s genius in lieu of God’s? Has The desire we have for self- underlying spritual problem. not God answered every necessary help and worldly success is to Many people seek help for question regarding mankind with desire what Christ has saved us things like loneliness, inadequacy, His opinion on the matter in the from, the very things that made us fear and freedom from vices. At no Bible? Dare we speak on God’s the enemies of God. time is the root of these problems behalf using our own ill-conceived “...are our harlotries really so ever addressed in either of the ideas? small a matter?” Ez. 16:20b aforementioned settings. “Where is the wise man? Loneliness, inadequacy, fear and Where is the scribe? Where is the Dan Holloman, Colorado Springs, CO freedom from vices are all symp- debater of this age? Has not God toms of a spiritual problem. Until
54 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | Magazine
this spiritual issue is addressed, no are doing that? I don’t think so. glory and goodness.” That “every- amount of self-help will cure what I personally want to use the thing” is found in God’s word. The ails us. Sunday service to reach the lost beauty of God’s word is that it I would submit that by “down- and I think in that context the addresses diversity in all times and playing Bible exposition and doc- message is a lot more effective if it places. An example is the model trinal preaching” we have has those elements. I’d save the of the New Testament church absolutely nothing to offer such a college level Bible exposition and found in Acts 2:42. The model “self-help” society. Sure, we could doctrinal preaching for another can be followed in China, Africa, tell John that the reason his wife is setting such as a small group or a the USA or the South Pole! The leaving him is because he didn’t mid-week class for those who are same with the Lord’s command try hard enough to “spice up” their spiritually ready for the tough stuff. concerning the Breaking of Bread. marriage, or because he didn’t take He didn’t give details as to how her on enough couple’s cruises. I Jeremy Hoy, Dubuque,IA chairs should be situated, should could tell Jeff that he should prob- there be music, should it be in the ably take his son to a couple of Tom Freeman responds: morning or evening but could be baseball games before he tries to In regards to the question, “By followed by diverse peoples, every- take his own life again. But just as downplaying Bible exposition and where. Self help advice, therapeu- all of the spiritualistic groups men- doctrinal preaching, do we have tic or psychological counsel, guid- tioned in Dr. MacLeod’s question, anything to offer in a society that ance for relationships and story we’d be missing the mark. is the most religiously diverse in telling about spirituality is exactly the world?” I believe we do not. the “itching ears” that II Timothy Dan Marquez, Baghdad, Iraq And that answer by no means says 4:3 & 4 is talking about. The that we lack anything. Only by “itching ears” will not put up with Jeremy Hoy responds: “up-playing” what we know to be sound doctrine but the command I don’t think there is much left the true answer to man’s problems is still “discharge the duties of your if we down-play Bible exposition can we offer society what it really ministry” and that means “preach and doctrinal preaching, but does needs. II Peter 1:3 says, “His the word.” the use of self-help advice, thera- divine power has given us every- Tom Freeman, Hamilton, NJ peutic or psychological counsel, thing we need for life and godli- guidance for relationships and ness through our knowledge of story-telling always mean that we Him who called us by His own
NEXT ISSUE’S QUESTION: I hope you will read Alex Strauch’s splendid article,“Generational Succession,” in this issue of Journey. I wrote a much shorter article entitled,“The Failure to Train Leaders” several years ago in another magazine. At that time a reader wrote me and asked,“How can elders train leaders when by their example they need training themselves?” How would you have answered that question? As you think about your answer, put yourself in the shoes of an elder who sees the need of training his assembly’s young men, but hasn’t the faintest idea where to start. Please send responses to Journey Magazine, Emmaus Bible College, 2570 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52001, or e-mail to [email protected]. Include name, city, state and daytime phone number. Letters may be edited to yield brevity and clarity.
Journey: Spring 2006 55 Journey | News from Emmaus
EmmausNews from
Ensemble Tour 2006 this academic year. In November, Commission of the North Central The Emmaus Ensemble enjoyed Emmaus hosted an evaluation team Association of Colleges and a wonderful time of ministry, fellow- from the State of Iowa for re- Schools, a regional accreditor. ship, and fun as we traveled West approval of our Elementary The college enjoyed a very success- (and South!) during spring break. Education program for state licen- ful visit from NCA and has great Six local churches hosted Ensemble sure. The team was very enthusias- news to share. The site team is concerts including, Littleton Bible tic about the El Ed program at going to recommend Emmaus Bible Chapel, Littleton, CO; Northeast Emmaus. In fact, they said that the College for initial accreditation! Bible Chapel, Colorado Springs, senior year of our program should This is the beginning of a three-step CO; Hutchinson Gospel Chapel, be a model for the other colleges process that will take several Hutchinson, KS; Westside Bible and universities in the state! On months to complete. The process Chapel, Wichita, KS; Fenton March 1, 2006, the Iowa includes a review of the self-study Crossing Bible Chapel, Fenton, Department of Education unani- materials by a reader’s panel and an MO; and Cape Bible Chapel, Cape mously approved the Emmaus official vote by the Higher Learning Girardeau, MO. We logged about Elementary Education program for Commission board. Continue to 2500 miles on this trip, driven by continued accreditation. pray for the successful completion our faithful bus driver, Del Sendt. In early these final steps to regional accredi- This was Del’s final trip with us as March, the tation for Emmaus. he is retiring in October, but we college wel- have enjoyed making him a part of comed a site Faculty Position the tour for the past ten years. We team from Emmaus Bible College is seek- had some wonderful experiences the ing qualified applicants for a full- including a day at the Garden of Association time faculty position in the the Gods in Colorado Springs (a for Biblical Education department. The posi- rather cool day!), a visit to the Higher tion includes classroom teaching Smithsonian Cosmosphere in Education. The and field studies supervision. The Hutchinson, and a trip up the St. team was on campus to evaluate applicant should have a master’s Louis Arch. As always, we enjoyed Emmaus for continued accreditation degree in Education with a mini- the privilege of ministering in local with ABHE. The team was very mum of three years experience at churches and honoring the Lord positive about the college and the elementary or middle school together in song. God blessed us included a number of commenda- level. Nominations, letters of inter- with safety, relatively good health, tions in their report; and although est, and resumes should be sent to and wonderful fellowship with the Association will not formally the Dean for Academic Affairs at believers across the country. We vote for re-approval until February [email protected]. praise Him for His faithfulness! 2007, we expect to receive another 10-year reaffirmation of our ABHE Accreditation Visits 2005/06 accreditation. Emmaus hosted a site team The college has successfully from the Higher Learning completed three accreditation visits
56 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | Magazine
Campus Changes Special thanks to Bryce Davis The “upper commons” has and his staff for completing these recently received a much-needed campus projects. facelift! The walls received coats of paint, new furniture was installed, and artwork and acces- sories completed the renovation. The upper commons is located directly outside of the Robby Pyle Front reception area Dining Hall, and serves as a high- traffic meeting place for students on campus. The new Science Lab was completed in January and is already being put to good use for the Physical Science course this semester. The new lab is well- equipped with natural gas, elec- Upper commons tricity, water, and an internet con- nection at each lab station. Emmaus students are enjoying this new active learning environment. A complete renovation of Classroom A has just been com- pleted. The project included many aesthetic and technological updates. The classroom has a ceil- ing-mounted media projector and Science Lab computer center complete with network access. New windows, carpet, desks, and dry erase boards were also installed. The college plans to update the remaining classrooms as funding is available. Emmaus’s front reception area Classroom A was renovated over Spring Break. The old carpet was taken out and the terrazzo floor was restored. Marble slabs taken from elsewhere on campus were installed as a countertop, new cabinets were hung, and the walls received a new coat of paint.
Journey: Spring 2006 57 Journey | On the Road
Emmaus On the Road
Name Location/Events City/State Dates
John Jimo Woodside Bible Chapel Maywood, IL July 2, 9, 16, 23 Verdugo Pines Bible Camp Wrightwood, CA July 30-Aug 5
Mark Stevenson Oak Lawn Bible Chapel Oak Lawn, IL May 7, 14, 21, 28 Iron Sharpens Iron Conference Dubuque, IA May 25-28 Woodside Bible Chapel Maywood, IL June 4, 11, 18, 25
Steve Witter Greenwood Hills Gospel Chapel Fayetteville, PA May 21 Iron Sharpens Iron Conference Dubuque, IA May 25-28 Horton Have Christian Camp Chapel Hill, TN May 29-June 2 College Heights Chapel Murfreesboro, TN June 4 Oak Lawn Bible Chapel Oak Lawn, IL June 11 North Star Bible Camp Willow, AK June 14-16 Living Waters Bible Camp Bryson City, NC June 18-24
Dan Smith Shannon Hills Bible Chapel Greensboro, NC May 7 Oak Ridge Bible Chapel Milan, IL July 23
Ben Mathew Iron Sharpens Iron Conference Dubuque, IA May 25-28 Horton Haven Christian Camp Chapel Hill, TN June 4-10 Warrenville Bible Chapel Warrenville, IL June 18, 25 Camp Li-Lo-Li Randolph, NY July 30-Aug 5
Ken Daughters Warrenville Bible Chapel Warrenville, IL May 7, 21 Iron Sharpens Iron Conference Dubuque, IA May 25-28 Sandy Creek Bible Camp Washington, TX June 11-17 Lakeside Bible Camp Clinton, WA June 19-23 Koronis Bible Camp Paynesville, MN July 24-29 Upper Peninsula Bible Camp Little Lake, MI July 30-Aug 5
58 Journey: Spring 2006 Journey | magazine
Ken Fleming Missionary Orientation Program Greenwood Hills, PA June 10-16
Jon Glock Des Moines Gospel Chapel @ LBC Clinton, WA May 5-7 Iron Sharpens Iron Conference Dubuque, IA May 25-28 Sandy Creek Bible Camp Washington, TX June 4-10 Mountain Top Youth Camp Pinnacle, NC June 11-17 Iowa Bible Camp Manson, IA June 18-24 Lake Geneva Youth Camp Lake Geneva, WI June 25-July 1 Horton Haven Christian Camp Chapel Hill, TN July 9-15 Koronis Bible Camp Paynesville, MN July 24-30
Dave Glock Iron Sharpens Iron Confernece Dubuque, IA May 25-28 Iowa Bible Camp Manson, IA June 23 Oak Lawn Bible Chapel Oak Lawn, IL July 2, 9 Upper Peninsula Bible Camp Little Lake, MN Aug 13-19
Dave MacLeod Countryside Bible Chapel Lexington, MA June 4 Cedar Rapids Bible Chapel Cedar Rapids, IA June 18 Littleton Bible Chapel Littleton, CO June 25 (AM) Northeast Bible Chapel Colorado Springs, CO June 25, July 2 (PM) Fairview Bible Chapel Boulder, CO July 2
Chris Lange Die Mureck Gemeinde Murek, Austria June 11
If you would like more information about having faculty speak at your assembly, retreat, conference or camp please call 1-800-397-2425 or e-mail [email protected].
Some images © Ryan Thompson, www.rdtphotography.com
Journey: Spring 2006 59 Emmaus BIBLE COLLEGE Since 1941
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies Certificate in Biblical Studies (1 year) Bachelor’s degrees offered in: Bible Exposition & Theology (Certificate of Biblical Studies one-year) Biblical Counseling (minor) The top three reasons to consider Emmaus Bible College… Biblical Languages (minor) 1. Solid Academics Computer Information Systems* In all of our programs, you’ll find God’s Word at the center. All students graduate with a degree in Biblical Studies, but can double major in other areas. A popular option is our Elementary one-year Certificate in Biblical Studies. Teacher Education* Intercultural Studies* 2. Student Life (major or minor) Great activities are a big part of college life and Emmaus offers many. Over 90% of our students participate in Intramural sports and a third of our student body is involved in Music Ministry (major and minor) our music programs. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (minor) 3. Close Relationships With a relatively small student body, students quickly develop meaningful friendships — Youth Ministries* not only with each other, but also with our caring faculty. You may learn more outside *Features a double major of the classroom than inside! in Biblical Studies Come discover Emmaus for yourself at one of our Discover Emmaus Weekends.
Dubuque, Iowa • 1-800-397-2425 x5 • www.emmaus.edu ✁ Please help us update our mailing list! If you moved this year or have changed your mailing address in any way, please fill out this form, detach it from the page and return it to: Emmaus Bible College, Journey Magazine, 2570 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA, 52001. Thank you for helping us keep our mailing list current.
Name Address Email Phone
Subscriptions to Journey Magazine are sent free of charge to addresses in the United States and Canada, as well as to those serving the Lord full-time overseas. Emmaus incurs an average cost of $10 per yearly subscription. Those desiring to make an investment toward this ministry of Emmaus may do so by enclosing their contribution with this form.
60 Journey: Spring 2006 Some images © Ryan Thompson Emmaus Bible College Charitable Gift Annuity
Would you be interested in an investment that increases income, saves taxes, pays for life, and provides support to the work of Emmaus Bible College? If so, perhaps a charitable gift annuity is right for you. We know many of our supporters desire to support the work of Emmaus financially, but they must balance that desire with the prudent planning for future income needs. A charitable gift annuity purchased to support the work of Emmaus provides one option for bridging the gap between what may look like competing desires. A gift annuity is a contract between the donor and the issuing organization where an irrevocable gift is given in exchange for a lifetime income stream. In addition to receiving a current income tax deduction, the donor receives a stable income for life (part of which is tax free), generates a better return than some comparable investments, and mitigates the effect of applicable capital gains taxes-all while helping in the future with the Lord’s work. Emmaus works through Believers Stewardship Services, Inc. to issue and administer charitable gift annuities. For more information without obligation, please call or return the form below to: Believers Stewardship Services, Inc., 2250 Chaney Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, (888) 338-7810. ✁ Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Birth Date
Joint Annuitant
Birth Date
Relationship to First Annuitant
Phone ( )
Annuity Amount
Periodic Payout: _____ Quarterly _____ Semiannually _____ Annually