Making Disciples

How does a church leader get the people to volunteer for things like teaching a class, participating in a campaign, or taking on any kind of ministry? In short, how do we take one from the point of becoming a disciple (initial conversion) to actually being one (converted)?

The One who tells us what to do says that our central task is making disciples (Matt 28:19). In my experience, that has seemed to be the hardest possible thing to do. I've been teaching and preaching for over a decade, and have seen growth as a result. I've studied with numerous individuals and couples in their homes, and have been blessed to lead a sizeable number to put on Christ in baptism, or rededicate a fallen life. Discipleship is central to our lives as Christians, and I've not overlooked that. I directed a Summer Series this year in which every lesson was about an aspect of "a disciple's heart." I know that God has used me to have an impact on a lot of people, and I'm thankful for that, but I do not think I'm near as effective in his service as I need to be. I'm striving for growth, of course, and have all confidence God will grant me the wisdom I seek to be a better "discipler."

One aspect of my present work has magnified my ignorance of how to effectly influence the saved to enter the work of ministry. I read an article somewhere not too long ago that criticized the church for creating a culture in which the people are comfortable not taking an active part in the work of the church. We've made out like we're just seeking "volunteers," and that they're free to decline the invitation. In truth, no disciple of Jesus is free from immitating him as a minister of one sort or another, but how do we get this accross to the people, and so change the culture of the church?

As a pulpit preacher this didn't trouble me as much as it does now. As long as the people would assemble to hear my preaching, all seemed more or less well. Now that a major part of my work is directing the education efforts of the congregation, specifically the Bible School, I am keenly aware of the seeming apathy of a majority of church members. I end up having a teacher in every class by the time for a new quarter to begin, but that isn't even close to what I am aiming for--what I know Jesus wants. On the one hand, I'm thankful for this increased awareness on my part. It enlightens my preaching, and if and when I enter into a primarily pulpit work again, I'll be a better "team member" for it.

I'm interested in learning about organizational leadership, specifically as it pertains to the church. I want to learn how to more effectively disciple the brethren--to build relationships with them and lead them into active ministry (whether that's as a Bible class teacher or something else). I'm pondering about whether our traditional methods are at all the best ways to go about educating the flock. I'm a new wineskin at this point, and want to be filled. If you have experience, wisdom, knowledge that will help me, feel invited to share it. Also, if you can suggest reading that will help me to learn how to more effectively disciple (teach, model, lead, motivate) God's people into volunteering for work in the kingdom I'm all ears!

If everything were right, it would look like this:

"Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments..."(Psalms 110:3 ESV).

Help a brother out!