Alan Hirsch’s reminder that disciplemaking is part of the missional DNA–the Apostolic Genius–of all Jesus’ movements struck a chord played often during my early days of following Christ. We studied, taught and practiced, what Robert Coleman called, the Master Plan of Evangelism. Coleman’s description of Jesus’ ministry philosophy flavored everything we did.
As leaders, we tend to lose our flavor, to get separated from the fight. I’m afraid that’s somewhat true of me. Today, I’m not sure I’d be able to answer the question I easily answered years ago. That question was (and is): “Where are your men?”
So the following review is meant to challenge me to “find those men” and to remind me that all movements require the hard work of “head to head, eyeball to eyeball, across the table” investment in others.
In the his book, The Master Plan of Evangelism, Robert Coleman comments, “When His (Jesus’) plan is reflected upon, the basic philosophy is so different from that of the modern church that its implications are nothing less than revolutionary…His concern was not with programs to reach the multitudes but with men whom the multitudes would follow…Men were to be His method of winning the world to God. The initial objective of Jesus’ plan was to enlist men who could bear witness to His life and carry on His work after He returned to the Father.”
If we are to be like Christ, not only in character but also in ministry methodology, we must prioritize the investing of our lives in the lives of those people who will bear the maximum responsibility for the future ministry of the kingdom. In Coleman’s model of leadership development based on the example of Jesus Christ, we find a helpful and challenging guide to the training of the next generation of transformed disciples and multiplying leaders.
Selection (People were His Method)
Just as Jesus took very seriously the selection of those he trained, so must the movement builder. He must look for those who are faithful, available and teachable. He must seek to find those who have a genuine heart to grow in Jesus Christ.
Association (He Stayed with Them)
Since Jesus became intimately involved in the lives of His disciples, so should the movement builder be in the lives of those leaders he is seeking to develop.
Consecration (He Required Obedience)
Jesus sought to create in His disciples a lifestyle of consecrated obedience.
Impartation (He Gave Himself Away)
In developing His disciples, Jesus gave himself to them by imparting to them spiritual truth about life.
Demonstration (He Showed Them How to Live)
One reason Jesus had such a lasting impact on His disciples is that like no other man, He practiced what He preached.
Delegation (He Assigned Them Work)
Jesus developed His leadership team by delegating major ministry responsibilities to them. An ancient Chinese proverb says, “Tell me- I forget, show me- I remember, involve me- I understand.”
Supervision (He Kept Check on Them)
Jesus made a point to get with His disciples following their ministry tours in order to hear their reports and instruct them in light of their experience.
Reproduction (He Expected Them to Reproduce)
Jesus imparted vision to His disciples. He made them feel as if they were part of something much larger than themselves. He fully expected them to reproduce their lives in others and thereby play a major role in making disciples of all nations.