Revival God’s Way – Disciples’ Invitation
Revival God’s Way –
Disciples’ Invitation
Major Anita Caldwell
Retired Officer
USA Southern Territory
In 2001 in Moldova, we did not speak the local languages or know much about the city of Chisinau, so corps members helped us. On one occasion, a young man from a corps was cutting my hair. He was well trained and enjoyed cutting hair. Because he spoke English, we started a conversation about his journey of faith. In the middle of that haircut, he said something profound that I will never forget, “The Salvation Army does well at leading people to Jesus but then what?” Over the years, I have realized that this is one of our great failures. We know it is necessary to disciple new believers, but we do not take time with people and often they shift to other churches to find out the next steps in their journey of faith. True revival will include a plan to disciple those who give their lives to Christ.
What is your priority?
The first question to ask is, what are you prioritizing today? Is it your clerical work, your visitation, fundraising or taking care of people? These are all important but if we do not lead people to Jesus and then intentionally disciple them once they come to Christ, how will they know?
What does it mean to disciple?
First, we need to know who God is asking us to disciple. Pray about this and let Him guide you to the two or ten people you should disciple. Note in Luke 9:23 – 25, the call to discipleship means that we “deny” ourselves and follow Christ.
Second, commit time to disciple. We can talk about it all day but until we disciple people for God’s Kingdom, it is all talk and not honest discipling.
Third, what does your group need? There is so much material available for discussion today that material should not be your challenge. There is also the Bible. God’s Word is the best place to start.
Discipling is inviting people into your Christian Walk so that they can learn how to love Jesus every day and share Him with their friends.
The Discipleship Call
Jesus called His disciples in Matthew 4:19 with the simple words, “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Note that not only would they watch Him and learn from Him, but they would learn how to bring others to Christ.
In Matthew 28:18 – 20, Jesus calls us to make disciples. He does not say, “if” you want to disciple, but go, and disciple. He says “go” and disciple others.
Discipling New Believers
One great tool is Billy Graham’s “31 Exercises in Discipleship.” This simple study gives you Scriptures and questions to discuss and includes all topics from the Church, to tithing, and Heaven. New believers today know so little about these things.
Discipling Christians
Those who have been on the way of faith for years still need to have the same opportunity to gain experience and discuss faith issues outside of the Sunday morning message. This often takes place through Sunday School, but it is important to be sure your material is biblical and helping your people grow. If they have lost interest in attending Sunday school, find another time in the week when people can be disciples and learn from you.
Revival Starting Point
While you have prayed for revival and planned for revival, be sure that this follow-up of discipling is part of your plan. What will you send home with the believer the very day he gives his life to Christ the first time? Who will agree to disciple him or her? Be sure your plan includes discipleship from the start. After all, Jesus knew this was important for His disciples from the start. They ate with Him and walked with Him. They saw how He lived His day-to-day life and how He lived in difficult days and good days. They saw Him go to the mountain alone to pray.
Pray as you Disciple
Pray daily for the disciples you have agreed to mentor. Pray that the radical life change continues. As they learn about Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, pray that they will overcome the temptation to return to their old life. Pray that nothing moves them away from their journey of faith. Meet with them regularly and pray with them about their life battles. Be transparent and let them see your dependency on God through prayer.
One of our great opportunities was to disciple the homeless in Gulfport, MS. Ten to thirty homeless or formerly homeless would come on a regular basis for a sausage biscuit, coffee, and a discussion about an aspect of the Christian walk. They would read the Scripture and answer the questions. They could have taken their biscuits and waited outside but they did not. They sat down and shared around the table.
Friends, disciple people. It is the one of the richest opportunities God will give you.
Our Corporate Prayer
Dear Father, Help us to follow the example of Jesus who carefully discipled the Twelve and of Paul who continually discipled the young believers in the churches long after he left them. As our own children need our attention over a long period of time until they reach maturity, help us to be sensitive to the needs of new believers and be willing to mentor and nurture them in the faith. There were people who came alongside of us and we are so grateful they did. Help us to be that one for someone else. Guide us, because a lot of times we don't know what to do or say. But if your Holy Spirit will show us, we know You will direct us in the right path. Make us faithful, for Christ's sake. Amen.
Our Worldwide Prayer Meeting
USA Central Territory
Thinking It Through
Who was there to help you on your spiritual journey? A parent? A Sunday school teacher or local officer? A corps officer? What did they say or do that made a spiritual impact on you? Are you willing to do that for someone as they grow strong in the Faith?
Notable Quotables
“When the church becomes an end in itself, it ends. When Sunday school, as great as it is, becomes an end in itself, it ends. When small groups ministry becomes an end in itself, it ends. When the worship service becomes an end in itself, it ends. What we need is for discipleship to become the goal, and then the process never ends. The process is fluid. It is moving. It is active. It is a living thing. It must continue to go on. Every disciple must make disciples.”― Robby Gallaty in Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples
A song that speaks to becoming a disciple and being a servant is "Make Me a Servant."
We would appreciate any feedback and/or suggestions on how to improve these devotionals. Please email comments to: SpiritualLifeDevelopment@uss.salvationarmy.org or by going to our website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/uss/spiritual-life-development.
We would love to hear from you.
Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee
Territorial Spiritual Life Development Officer/THQ Chaplain
USA Southern Territory