A Credible Witness

Jim Leffel

1 John 3:16-18

Jim Leffel uses the example of Elijah and the Sidonian woman to issue this challenge: are we, as the Body of Christ, prepared to go where the gospel needs to be preached? God not only calls us into uncomfortable places that are overwhelmed and overrun with needs, He also calls us to learn from the very people we're called to serve. Leffel speaks frankly on our position of economic prosperity as the American church and teaches on how to handle wealth with maturity, humility, and under grace.

What Does the Future Hold?

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

Paul contrasts depression and the fear of death with the hope believers have in Christ's resurrection. Death for people who have put their faith in Christ will look much different than the picture many people fear. God has established clues for when the entire planet will reach an end, so believers have evidence that there is an urgency to telling other people about God.

The End of Paul's Life

Dennis McCallum

1 Timothy 4:6-8

Acts 21 follows Paul's arrest in Jerusalem to close to the end of his life in Rome. While this long trial of his seems disheartening and unnecessary, this time becomes one of the most important in Paul's ministry; this narrative describes how God worked to spread the Gospel further in new parts of the world.

Evangelism Strategies for Leaders

Mark Ashton

1 Timothy 4:6-8

How do we develop home groups and leaders who are focused on evangelism? Four keys are: 1) prayer, 2) training, 3) teamwork, and 4) utilizing small groups.

The Seeker Small Group: Unleashing the Power of Community to Reach the Lost

Mark Ashton

1 Timothy 4:6-8

Mark Ashton, Associate Evangelism Director at Willow Creek Community Church, explains what seeker small groups are and how to start and lead one. These groups begin with relationships we already have with people and are seeker targeted, discussion oriented, and an extension of personal evangelism. Mark provides ten helpful "laws" for seeker small groups, including material and resources that are available for guidance and for use in the group.

World View Model of Discipleship

Gene Getz

1 Timothy 4:6-8

Gene Getz explains his World View Model of Discipleship and how to help a church grow. He begins by explaining his succession plan and how others will step in to take over when he retires. He also explains four key functions of a growing church and defines fellowship segmentation. The emphasis is on understanding where people are at and seeking to get them involved in community. Gene concludes by encouraging people to learn to think about life through a biblical lens.\r\n

Building Leaders Through Mentoring

Waylon Moore

Isaiah 60:22

Waylon Moore describes avenues of mentoring and how to incorporate them in practical ways. Mentoring is a deliberate relationship of trust and the spurring on of another believer. Following Jesus' example in his private ministry is spiritual work everyone can do. This involves intercession, witnessing, nurturing, and discipling. Jesus modeled these things often and well. Following Jesus' example is the way we can experience duplication in our discipleship.\r\n

Making Disciples in the Context of Christian Community

Gene Getz

Romans 15:5-6

Making disciples requires living in Christian community. Three key aspects of Christian community include: 1) basing it on of the Word of God; 2) having vital relationships with one another and with God; and 3) being involved in dynamic witnessing. These things can be done anywhere and are essential to live out New Testament Christianity. We will not mature in Christ or help others mature in Christ without living in community.\r\n

Why the Church Exists

Gene Getz

Ephesians 1:3-3:14

Why does the church exist? The church exists so the world will believe God sent Jesus. Through the Great Commission and other New Testament texts it is clear that the purpose of the church is to make disciples and to teach them. Faith, hope, and love are ways to measure the maturity of a disciple/church. True effectiveness of a church (or a disciple) can be measured by the demonstration of these three qualities. Faith is to live like Jesus; hope is to be stable and unwavering in what is true; and love is a reflection of who Jesus is. Love is the greatest of these. We are God's workmanship, created to do good works and reflect Jesus' love in order to draw people to God. God uses the love and unity of believers as the greatest miracle to show Himself to the world.\r\n