Are You Making Disciples- Why Not?

Are You Making Disciples?- Why Not?

by

Bryan Craig

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

Today, the United States will inaugurate a new President, amidst the backdrop of division, safety concerns, hatred.  COVID-19 is still on the loose, with at least 53,014 deaths and 4,331,016 new cases in this new year.  Depression, alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, sexual perversion are at all-time highs.  Most churches cannot meet in person and thus, people are starving for community and fellowship.  Lots of complicated issues like immigration, racial reconciliation, the economy, and sexual misconduct are causing confusion and a quest for Truth. I don’t mean to be a “Danny Downer,” but I speak the truth, and I’m sure you already recognize the dark things I mention.  I also can tell you that we are getting more and more requests from people who are finding our ministry and are intrigued and interested in what we are doing.  When we talk about finding an “intimate, abiding relationship with Christ” this is speaking deeply to their hungry souls.  We know that when an individual goes through The Journey and begins to abide, it transforms their hearts, their perspective, their sphere of influence.  Last year, people in over 240 U.S. cities went through a Journey group.  God is inviting us to more! In our 20-year history, thousands of men and women have gone through The Journey and been transformed, but…. Only hundreds have stepped up to guide a group and help others find what they have found. There could be many reasons for this:

• No one told them they could or should lead a Journey Group.
• They were intimidated.
• They didn’t think they did a good enough job as a participant and needed to go through it again.
• They didn’t want to be held to a higher standard.
• They were too busy.
• They didn’t feel gifted to lead.
• They didn’t know who they would invite.

The list could go on and on, but I want to tell you that there is a need, like at no other time, for Journey groups in this country.  We have been given a sacred message and a proven process, and I believe Jesus is challenging us to be bolder in proclaiming it and offering it. As I talk to our Regional Directors, they tell me one of the biggest challenges they have is finding men and women who are willing to lead. If you have been through The Journey and have never gone on to lead a group, I speak to you:

• Are you abiding in Him?
• Are you making Disciples of Jesus, for this is what He asks you to do?
• He promises that He will be with you?
• He will equip you if you answer His calling.
• Would you pray about possibly guiding a Journey Group, whether it be in your hometown or on-line as a Virtual Group Guide?
• Would you start praying now about who could co-guide with you and who you would invite?

The times are critical, the fields are ripe for harvest, and Jesus is looking for laborers.  One way to be a laborer is to lead a Journey Group.  If you pray about it, and God tells you this is His idea and not our idea, would you be faithful and obedient and pursue this calling on your life?  We will help you with Guide mentoring, and we know God will arrange the details. But remember, you are never in a better place to do God’s work than when you feel inadequate and fully dependent upon Him. After praying, if you would be willing to lead a Journey group, send me an email at [email protected] and I will connect you with your Regional Director, with a Champion near you or with our Virtual Director to discuss a Virtual Group. The time is now!