Albert Einstein was one day asked the definition of insanity from a frustrated worker. He responded, “It is when you keep doing the same thing in the same way, yet expect to get different results.” Does that apply to Sunday School and Small Group Bible Study?
Can we have the attitude “We will do whatever it takes to grow our people, grow our Sunday School/Small Groups by growing multiplying disciples? “ This will mean some adaptations, change some of our habits, get out of our comfort zones and look beyond ourselves to the needs of others.
I have just read a manuscript by Nathan and Kari Shank, former missionaries to India, entitled “Four Fields of Kingdom Growth from Mark 4:26-29”. It is a very refreshing approach to a biblical plan to impact any community for Christ, grow any church, and build multiplying disciples. BUT, it will require being willing to “Do whatever it takes”.
Their approach simply begins by looking at any community, region, or people group to be reached and asks some basic questions:
- How many people live there?
- How many households?
- How many believers?
- How many Bible study groups are needed to reach them?
- How many leaders needed for the Bible study groups?
- What is the goal for the next year?
- Are you willing to do whatever it takes to reach that goal?
That is bold, out of the box thinking for most of our churches, but when you read what has been done by this approach, you will stand amazed. But remember Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
We have a choice, status quo or great and mighty. It is time to choose the latter.
A friend from high school recently posted a quote on her Facebook page from her pastor’s previous Sunday sermon. “As long as we can be satisfied with anything less than God’s best, WE WILL.” Ouch
Let’s pray we will be bold in prayer, determined in action, and willing to do whatever it takes to grow multiplying disciples.
Kiely Young
Mississippi
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