Hirsch on Disciple Making
From Alan Hirsch in The Forgotten Ways (pg. 103 if you are following along at home):
"It is interesting that when we really look at the dangerous stories of the phenomenal movements, at the most uncomplicated level, they appear to the observer simply as disiple-making systems. But the rather funny thing is that they never appear to get beyond this - they never move beyond mere disciple making. This is because it is at once the starting point, the abiding strategic practice, as well as the key to all lasting missional impact in and through movements." Amen and Amen.
Two observations.
1. In Crusade, I believe we would say this used to be our strong suit (along with evangelism).
2. I believe we have suffered as a movement / organization as a result of moving away from this staple and replacing it with complex issues of personal growth and theology (not bad, but maybe as essential).
It is interesting to me that over time our methods have become more complex and at the same time less effective. We think people need more information to grow and yet the rapidness of this growth seems to have decreased. Is this a false observation? Is this simply the aging of us as an organization? How are we missing this key component? Or are we?
3 comments:
So true. The more we complicate our approach, the less effective it becomes. One of the challenges I face as a missionary is constantly trying to simplify what it is we present to those we are working with. Neil Cole puts it like this...
"Simplicity is the key to the fulfillment of the Great Commission in this generation. If the process is complex, it will break down early in the trasference to the next generation of disciples. The more complex the process, the greater the giftedness needed to keep it going. The simpler the process, the more available it is to the broader Christian populace."
Three cheers for simplicity!!!
Guy - so true. I think this is what has happened Crusade over the years - we started with writing out the principles on the back of a napkin and then began to graduate to headier type of stuff - in the process we became more theologically astute, but slower in our ability to create disciples and advance the kingdom. Thanks for bringing up Neil's comment - right on the money!
Shane, What a great commnent. For some reason, I only go it today. We have spent 2 - 1/2 days with Dann Spader talk about movement building from the Life of Christ and the emphasis on multiplying disciples was the dominant them. Great timing and entirely right on.
Here is his website for more info on this http://www.globalyouthinitiative.com/cm2007/
Roger Bruehl
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