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Copyright ©2016 International Mission Board
All rights reserved. No portion of this material may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or any means
—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—
except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior
written permission of the publisher.
All verses and passages quoted in this material are taken from
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), unless otherwise noted.
Writers: Rodney Calfee and Paul Sheaffer
Editors: Amanda Phifer and George Siler
Interior Design: Ben Cornatzer
O
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Why — To prepare students for missions! — 3
Group Bible studies
Introduction — 5
Session 1: This is why we call it the gospel — 7
Session 2: This is why we witness — 13
Session 3: This is why we make disciples — 19
Session 4: This is why we serve — 25
Session 5: This is why we plant churches — 31
Session 6: This is why we go to difficult places — 37
Session 7: This is how (evangelism training) — 43
Student devotions
Introduction — 49
Week 1: This is why we call it the gospel — 51
Week 2: This is why we witness — 58
Week 3: This is why we make disciples — 64
Week 4: This is why we serve — 71
Week 5: This is why we plant churches — 78
Week 6: This is why we go to difficult places — 85
Mission project preparation guide
Introduction — 93
Step 1: Build your team — 95
Step 2: Prepare your team — 102
Step 3: Serve with your team — 117
Step 4: Bring your team home — 122
TO PREPARE YOUR
STUDENTS FOR
MISSIONS
On behalf of the IMB staff and all who work with us to send students to serve in mission projects, welcome to this free annual
resource. We hope it will help connect the hearts of your students
with the mission of God. We are thankful and excited you have
chosen to engage your group in missions and look forward to what
God is going to do in and through your students.
Why this resource?
This material is primarily intended to help you prepare high school
and collegiate students spiritually for an international mission project. The group sessions and devotions can also be used for mission
education, such as in a retreat, a Bible study series, or other opportunity. In any case, we hope it leads you, your student ministry, and
your church into greater involvement in international and cross-cultural missions. Please go beyond the classroom to actually engage
students in missions. This generation of young people will not
tolerate “all practice and no game,” nor should they. The opportunities for them to serve cross-culturally and overseas are abundant.
If you need help in making this connection, please contact us at
[email protected] or 800-999-3113!
Use the app
Be aware that most of this material is available in the IMB Students
MyMission app (available free for most platforms). This may come in
handy especially for distributing the devotionals to your students.
This material is also available as free download in PDF and Word
documents. Look for it at imbstudents.org/resources.
Lead them to witness
The thing we hear very often from missionaries about volunteers is
“make sure they can share the gospel and testify to a meaningful,
worthwhile faith in Christ.” What do you think a missionary host
would say about your students after they came to serve? We offer a
witness training session in this material, but again, you must supply
Group Bible Studies 5
the encouragement and point out the opportunities your students
have right now to witness.
Our contributors
We adapted material from messages that IMB president Dr. David
Platt presented in chapel services at IMB (Richmond, VA) in 20152016. We thank writers Rodney Calfee and Paul Sheaffer for elaborating these ideas into this creative studies and devotions. Editor
Amanda Phifer provided dedicated effort in shaping this material as
well. Thanks also to Dr. Chuck Lawless for his theological review.
6 Why
GROUP BIBLE STUDIES
Introduction
Jesus shared a story recorded in Matthew 7:24–27 about
foundations. “The right one,” he might say, “is imperative.
The wrong one, detrimental.” He spoke about a couple of
houses: one built on sand and the other built on stone. When
the inevitable storms arose, the house on the solid foundation stood firm, while the house on the foundation made of
sand crumbled and fell into utter destruction. Christ referred
to His own words as the foundation on which our lives are
built, but His point is transferable in all parts of our lives.
A rock solid foundation is absolutely necessary in order to
build any structure that lasts.
About the author
Rodney Calfee served as a local church
pastor for 12 years before joining the
Upstream Collective, where he has
served as a part of the Executive Board
for six years. He has led numerous
global trips as a part of the Upstream
Collective, served regularly as a writer
and teacher for churches around the
world, and co-authored Tradecraft:
For the Church on Mission. He recently
joined the International Mission Board
as the content leader for IMB.org and
We typically assume an existing house’s foundation is good
until proven otherwise, but wise buyers know otherwise.
They inspect it and test it. The Bible studies provided here
will serve to help you examine and if needed, construct a
biblical foundation for your group’s missionary engagement.
Each of the sessions answers a fundamental question regarding missions with a “This is why we…” answer. Together they
will lead you through essential missionary terminology and
ideas, defining them as the blueprint of missionary activity.
Beginning with an answer to the essential question, “Why do
we call it the gospel?” the studies then move on to explore
the critical concepts of evangelism, conversion, disciple-making, calling, church, and unreached people and places.
By engaging participants in these sessions, you will help
them develop a lasting foundation for understanding and engaging in missions. Not only will they grasp what they should
be doing, but why, so that when storms arise — and they certainly will — a sure foundation will ensure that they weather
the storms healthily. Questions, struggles, problems, doubts,
and failures will certainly be a part of every Christian’s story
as they embark on God’s global mission. With a core understanding of these concepts, however, they can be overcome.
lives in Birmingham, Ala. with his wife
and three daughters.
Group Bible Studies 7
8 Why
Session I: This is why we call it the gospel
Focal passage
Ephesians 2:4–5 — “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the
great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in
our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace
you have been saved.” 1
Objective
Students will grasp a right understanding of the gospel, so that
they may clearly communicate it with others who have not yet
understood its truths.
THE DEFINITION
The gospel is the good news that our
Creator God, who is perfect in every
way, loves His created people, even
Advance preparation checklist
1.Prepare a computer and/or whatever else you will need to
play the Schoolhouse Rock video “Conjunction Junction”
(found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPoBE-E8VOc) and
the Shane and Shane song “Though You Slay Me”
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyUPz6_TciY).
though we are sinful (not perfect like
2.Provide pens and paper for students to write their
Him). His Son, Jesus, came to earth
3.Practice the “impossible chair” activity in advance to see
as the perfect person, to do what we
“gospel” definition.
how it works.
could not – live a perfect life and pay
Overview
our sin debt. He died, defeating sin,
sions. Paul was so concerned about this that he wrote, “If anyone
and rose, defeating death. Everyone
who repents of sin and believes in Him
to save and lead them will have their
sins forgiven and be restored to relationship with God forever.
A proper view of the gospel is the essential starting point of misis preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received,
let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:9). These are strong words, and
deservedly so. Believers must understand the gospel for both its
belief and communication. Misunderstanding certain aspects of the
gospel narrative can cause confusion, which can be dangerous and
cause a belief in something that is not actually the gospel. We must
be clear about our understanding of the gospel story presented in
the Scriptures.
Opening prayer
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4:
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached
to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which
you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached
to you — unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you
as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died
for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was
buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance
All Scripture references are English Standard
Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.
1
with the Scriptures.
Group Bible Studies 9
Pray simply that the Lord would bring clarity to the gospel for the
students through His Word and by His Spirit, for both their own
edification and in order to fuel their endeavors in mission.
Activity: Our definition
Invite each participant to take a few minutes and write a definition
of “gospel” on paper. Afterwards, ask each participant to share with
the group and make note of similarities on a white board or note
pad. As people share, pinpoint common themes in the definitions
offered, craft a collective definition, and question the group about
any perceived gaps in the collective definition. Compare it to the
definition above and allow students to ask questions.
Activity: “Conjunction Junction” video clip
One of the most powerful words found in all the pages of Scripture
is a coordinating conjunction. Its purpose is to act as a connecter,
giving continuity to two otherwise disconnected thoughts. Three
tiny letters form an anchor for the best news ever communicated
to humankind: “but.” Apart from that small but incredibly weighty
word, the gospel would lose its power.
Show the short Schoolhouse Rock video, “Conjunction Junction.”
“But” is a coordinating conjunction with the responsibility of connecting a couple of ideas in order to show contrast. “Not this, but
that,” explains Schoolhouse Rock. In the context of Ephesians 2, it
communicates that, though things were one way, another way was
made possible through Jesus, which is amazing news for people
who are hopelessly dead in sin. “But” is a word rife with possibility
in Scripture. It promises life for the spiritually dead, peace for the
fearful, rest for the overwhelmed and weary, and a gracious call for
the lost and alone to join a family as an adopted child in the household of the King.
The full context of Ephesians 2, from which the focal passage for
this lesson is taken, is shaped by our heroic conjunction that turns
things around. The beginning of the passage finds people dead in
their sin, and Paul actually calls them “children of wrath.” However, verse 4 is a pivot point. “But God,” it begins, and commences
revealing in vivid detail that God has offered salvation by grace
through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. That’s the gospel.
10 Why
BECAUSE IT’S GOOD NEWS
Why do we call it “the Gospel?” Because
the word gospel actually means “good
news.” It summarizes the grand narrative
woven throughout Scripture, from creation,
through God’s perfectly self-sacrificial love
for humanity, and ultimately to the gathering of the redeemed into God’s presence
around the throne as co-heirs of Christ’s
kingdom. “Good” does not seem a weighty
enough word to convey the surpassing
excellence of the news that God the Son, by
whom all things were created and are sustained, came in flesh to people who rejected Him, in order to bear the Father’s wrath
for their sin in His own body, die an excruciating death, and be forsaken by the Father
to repair the relationship we had broken.
If that is how we understand “good,” then
nothing other than this God-glorifying
rescue mission deserves such a descriptor
more. Literally, nothing.
The really “good” news for us is that we’ve
been invited into God’s story as the recipients of God’s extravagant grace. God’s
story is now ours; not that we own it, but
we’ve been invited in as participants in and
curators of the greatest story ever told. As
its heralds, rightly understanding the gospel
is foundational work for us. Below is an
acrostic for the word “gospel” to assist in
our understanding.2
G – God’s character
The gospel is good news about God. It
begins with an eternally-existent God in
perfect community who expands that
Acrostic developed
by David Platt and
the International
Mission Board.
2
3
Romans 5:9-11
community through the creation of people
made for relationship with Him. It ends with
a throng of people from every tribe, tongue,
and nation gathered around His throne
in perfectly orchestrated eternal worship.
Throughout the narrative, God’s perfect
character, from which His every action
springs, is displayed. God’s character stands
in direct contrast with ours. He is holy, and
His every action is right and good, whereas
we are vulgar and unholy (not “set apart”
by our character, which is what “holy”
means) and revel in our sin. Though we
have hated Him,3 His character is displayed
through His love, mercy, and lavish grace toward us. Therefore, a right understanding of
the gospel echoes the greatness and glory
of God by trumpeting His perfect character
and activity throughout.
O – Offense of sin
The gospel is a story, but it’s also a solution.
It’s the solution to our sin problem. We have
offended God through our sinful rebellion.
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s
command, they didn’t simply disobey a random rule about which trees they could visit
during lunch. They offended the sensibilities
and rejected the lordship of an eternally
perfect, holy God, for which the only just response is an equally severe, eternal punishment. Sin is willful disobedience, by which
we fall short of the perfect character and
glory of God, our standard. God’s justice
demands a response to our guilt. His wrath
is rightly provoked by our rebellion, leaving
every sinner bound for eternal separation
from God in a very real hell.
Activity: The impossible chair
Enlist a few volunteers to follow these
instructions: “Stand with your back against
the wall and take three steps forward, heelto-toe with each step (so you are about
three feet from the wall). Face the wall, and
place a chair between it and yourself. Bend
at your waist (90-degree angle) and lean
the top of your head against the wall. While
in this position, raise the chair to your chest.
Group Bible Studies 11
Then try to stand up straight while holding
E – Eternal urgency
the chair.”
Rebellion is costly, and its results far-reaching. Eternity literally hangs in the balance.
S – Sufficiency of Christ
The gospel message is one that painstak-
“Sufficient” means “adequate” or “enough.”
ingly describes the high cost of salvation
Whereas humanity succumbed to our
paid by Christ in His life and death, and the
sinful nature and could not live up to the
eternal implications for those who reject His
perfect standard of God’s character, Je-
lordship. As ambassadors of Christ’s king-
sus could, and He did. Thus, Christ is the
dom, we then are heralds of urgent news in
gospel’s central character, the hero. He, fully
prayerful hope that the narrow path would
God, wrapped Himself in our human flesh,
grow crowded and rebellion would cease.
became one of us, and, in a glorious colli-
Christ has won, and He will return to cast
sion of heaven and earth, broke into human
out all darkness and crush every revolt. That
history, purveying the reality of His kingdom
remains good news for those who claim
and lordship all the while. He accomplished
allegiance to His kingdom, but it is not for
what we could not: He lived a perfect, sin-
those who do not. There is no more urgent
less obedience in full compliance with God’s
message to be shared.
4
character and Law. He also accomplished
5
what we dared not: He absorbed the full
L – Life transformation
force of God’s wrath in response to our re-
The gospel promises incredible gifts to
bellion as it was poured out on Him on the
those who respond to its call, gifts far
cross. He was our substitute in both life and
greater than worldly possessions. Forgive-
death, defeating sin forever. Death cowered
ness, right standing in relationship to God,
in the presence of Christ, unable to hold
and Christ’s righteousness in place of our
Him captive. He became the firstborn of the
sinful failures – these are just the beginning.
dead through His resurrection and stands
Having been raised from death to life, we
as our Advocate before the Father. He will
are transformed into new creatures.8 We are
come again in all glory as eternal King.
reconciled to God, adopted into His family,
Where we were not, Christ is sufficient, and
the Church, and given the Holy Spirit as
He alone is the central figure of the gospel.
both a Comforter9 and a down payment10
6
on the promised inheritance yet to come.
John 1:1-14
4
P – Personal response
We are kept by God’s power in salvation
The gospel not only communicates a story,
until we are together with Him.11 Therefore, a
it also demands a response. It calls enemies
right understanding of the gospel produces
of God to abandon their sinful rebellion
believers who treasure Christ above all.
5
Matthew 5:17
6
Colossians 1:18
is an invitation to “repent and believe,”7 to
7
Mark 1:15
turn from sin and striving and trust in the
Activity: “Though You Slay
Me” Song
finished work of Christ. It offers the oppor-
Play the Shane and Shane song, “Though
tunity for sinners to accept the gracious gift
You Slay Me.” The gospel is good news no
of salvation, offered without cost, and place
matter the circumstance, because its real
full faith in its Giver.
treasure and greatest promise is the abiding
Ephesians 2:1-8;
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
8
9
John 14:16
Ephesians 1:14
presence of Christ. Read the words in Job
1 Peter 1:5
13:15 and relate them to Job’s story. (Also
10
11
and become part of the family of God. It
reference Philippians 3:7-10.)
12 Why
Lead students to discuss in pairs or as a
group: “Is this is honestly how you view the
gospel? Even if all else falls away, will Christ
remain your treasure? Why or why not?”
(Note: This discussion could be a matter
of great concern for one or more of your
participants, especially if they do not have a
trusting relationship with Christ. Recognize
the opportunity to inquire about this and
follow up.)
Practice GOSPEL
The glorious gospel of Jesus, who offered
Himself freely and completely for us, is the
gospel we must declare to others. Lead
participants to gather in small groups and
practice repeating the GOSPEL acrostic to
one another before closing out the time
together. In effect, they will be learning a
gospel presentation.
Encourage students to spend time throughout the week studying and meditating on
Ephesians 2:1-10. The six aspects of the gospel that make up the acrostic above may be
clearly seen within it. As they study, have
them write out the gospel story in their own
words utilizing the acrostic as a guide.
Closing prayer
Pray very simply, “Father, may we understand and believe the gospel that glorifies
You alone and counts Christ as our greatest
treasure. Amen.”
Group Bible Studies 13
14 Why
Session 2: This is why we witness
Focal passage
Acts 16:14–15 —
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city
of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of
God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was
said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household
as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be
faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she
prevailed upon us.
Objective
Students will understand what it means to truly come to know
Christ (conversion) and to lead others to Christ (evangelism).
Advance preparation checklist
1.Prepare note cards for “Scrambled definitions” activity. Write
out the definitions of evangelism and conversion (see above) on
the cards, using one card for each word. Keep the two sets of
definitions separate, but mix up the cards for each one, making
sure they are out of order.
2.For the “Spirited speech” Scripture reading activity, you may
wish to list these references on a slide or cards to give to the
readers: Luke 1:13-17, Luke 1:39-44, Luke 1:67, Acts 2:4, Acts 4:58, Acts 4:31, and Acts 13:8-10.
3.Determine and gather the objects you will use for the obstacle
course and place them in the room. Have two handkerchiefs or
THE DEFINITIONS
Evangelism is the proclamation of the
gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit
with the aim of persuading people to
repent and believe in Christ.
bandanas (for blindfolding) available.
Overview
The gospel is the greatest story ever told. It is powerful and purposeful. Its truths lead people to lay down their own lives in exchange for one that is infinitely better. For that sort of change to
occur in an individual, however, the story must first be heard. It
Conversion is the divinely enabled
personal response of individuals to the
gospel, in which they turn from their
must first be told.
sin and themselves (repent) and trust
Opening prayer
in Jesus as Savior and Lord (believe).
Read Romans 10:13-14:
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be
saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have
not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom
they have never heard? And how are they to hear without
someone preaching?
Pray that the Lord would enable the students to more fully understand their roles as divinely appointed and empowered messengers
Group Bible Studies 15
and witnesses to the redemptive work of
If no one is telling the story, it will not be
Christ.
heard, and no others will believe and call on
Activity: Scrambled definitions
Take out your prepared note cards that,
Jesus for salvation.
Enter evangelism.
when assembled in order, spell out the
definitions of the terms, conversion and
IT’S SIMPLE, REALLY…
evangelism. Divide the participants into two
groups and assign each group one of the
definitions to unscramble. As an option, you
We “witness” because (1) we intimately
can make this a competition to see which
understand a story that bears repeating,
group can unscramble theirs first. You
and (2) such is the manner God ordained
can also have the groups rescramble the
for the world to learn of His redemptive
definitions and switch. Encourage discus-
love. Let’s unpack that a bit, beginning with
sion by asking, “What do you think of these
what evangelism (witnessing) is not. It is
definitions? Can you think of other words
not “living a life that shows people Jesus”
to explain these terms?” Once complete,
(i.e. being loving, kind, happy, and gener-
set “conversion” aside for later, and discuss
ous while doing good deeds). Those traits
“evangelism” with the entire group.
should be common among believers as
the Spirit develops His fruit in our lives
DIRECTIONS NEEDED
(Galatians 5:22-23), but they do not
constitute evangelism.
“Some assembly required.” These words can
Consider a witness testifying in court. She
be the bane of every young parent’s exis-
bears one responsibility – to tell her story
tence. On any given Christmas Eve, dads
about the events and people on trial. As
too numerous to count sit cross-legged
participants in Christ’s story, we do the
on their living room floors, scratching their
same. We’ve seen, heard, and believed the
heads and guzzling coffee, immersed in the
gospel; as its witnesses, we must tell of its
unbearably lengthy, and yet completely un-
glories. Simple, right? Even so, we are not
helpful, direction booklet for their children’s
left to our own devices to communicate the
big Christmas surprise. It is a rite of passage
story. One of the primary reasons we have
for parents. Every now and then, the box
received the Spirit is so that he might em-
of some complicated plaything somehow
power us to proclaim the gospel. In Acts 1:8,
gets passed over by the instruction fairy,
we read, “But you will receive power when
and there sits a dad in complete frustration
the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you
inside a knee-deep ring of parts and pieces,
will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all
frantically working to make sense of the
Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the
mess and finish the task at hand.
earth.” Jesus emphasized that the Spirit
would come to enable witness.
The comparison only goes so far, but it is
16 Why
reminiscent of Paul’s words to the Romans
Activity: Spirited speech
that we considered during the opening
Enlist individual students read the following
prayer. As bad as it is to have no instruc-
Scripture passages and ask the group to
tions to put together a complicated toy,
listen carefully and find the common thread
imagine how much worse is the situation
that runs throughout all of them:
with one who has yet to hear the gospel.
•
Luke 1:13-17
•
Luke 1:39-45
•
Luke 1:67
•
Acts 2:4
•
Acts 4:5-8
•
Acts 4:31
•
Acts 13:8-10
DEAD PEOPLE DON’T HEAL THEMSELVES
Ask: From these passages, what do we see
that John the Baptist, Elizabeth, Zechariah,
the disciples at Pentecost, Peter, Saul and
the others share in common? If needed,
point out the clearly established pattern in
these passages, namely, that the Holy Spirit
fills people and they all speak–they proclaim
some particular truth in His power.
Nothing we say or do in and of ourselves
can convince anyone to turn to Jesus.
The Holy Spirit changes hearts, not we
ourselves. Even so, because the Lord has
established His people as the conduit for
His gospel, we persuade, we urge, and we
plead with the lost. We use language they
clearly understand, so that through our
Spirit-empowered words, they might hear,
understand, repent, and place their faith in
Jesus, which brings us to another concept
we need to understand…
Activity: Scrambled again
Display the index cards with the “conversion” definition on them again. This time,
remove a key word or phrase, one at a time,
and ask the group how the loss changes the
definition. (Listen carefully to the group’s
responses so you can address insufficient
understanding through the teaching that
follows.) How does our understanding of
conversion change if we take away…
•
divinely enabled?
•
personal response?
•Individuals?
•turn from their sin and themselves
(repent)?
•
trust (believe)?
•
Jesus as Savior and Lord?
What makes each of these components
essential?
The zombie phenomenon that has taken
hold of the entertainment industry and
won our collective affection over the past
several years is pretty amazing. Dead people walking around is cinematic gold, and
Hollywood is cashing in. Pastors everywhere have hopped on the zombie train,
as well, tying the imagery to Ephesians
2:1-5, in which Paul says that we were once
dead in our sins, but now we’ve been made
alive with Christ. Fair enough. The thing
is, though, zombies are reanimated dead
people; they’re not really alive. Paul’s words
communicate the opposite idea. You were
dead, but now you’re alive! He explained
it to the church at Corinth a bit differently,
writing,
For the love of Christ controls us,
because we have concluded this:
that one has died for all, therefore
all have died; and he died for all, that
those who live might no longer live
for themselves but for him who for
their sake died and was raised…
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is
a new creation. The old has passed
away; behold, the new has come. 12
This is what happens when we are “saved,”
or what is known in theological terms as
conversion. Conversion, simply put, is a divinely enabled response to the gospel. It is
when God breathes life into dry, dead bones
so that they may live and know the Lord.13
According to the Scriptures, apart from
God’s initiative, we cannot experience conversion.14 In short, dead people cannot bring
themselves back to life. Conversion is only
possible when God enables people to hear,
understand, and respond to the gospel.
2 Corinthians 5:14–15, 17
12 13
Ezekiel 37:1–14
14
John 6:44
Group Bible Studies 17
SINNERS MUST STILL RESPOND
Though conversion is enabled by God,
sinners still bear the responsibility of
responding to the gospel. That sort of
response is seen throughout the New
Testament as a two-fold process. Sinners
who have heard the gospel call repent and
believe. Repentance is more than asking
forgiveness for sin, though that is involved.
It is also turning away from sin and self and
moving toward God. It marks a turn from
a life lived in rebellion towards God to one
lived in obedience.
Likewise, to believe is more than simply
agreeing that God is who He says He is.
Biblical belief is placing one’s faith in
Christ as both Savior and Lord. It requires
trusting Him for salvation, and entrusting
one’s whole life to Jesus. Repentance must
be accompanied by faith in Christ, else
sinners would turn from one sin to another.
Start with the first volunteer, who you will
verbally guide around the obstacles and
across the room. The volunteer must begin
by facing you (the caller) and then follow
your instructions. Each time you give a new
instruction, the volunteer must respond by
stopping and literally turning to face you.
While the next volunteer waits blindfolded
(outside the room), lead the other participants to quietly clear a path through the
mess. Position the volunteer directly before
the cleared path, and direct him or her to
walk across the room step-by-step in a
straight line through this path. (The volunteer, having seen the messy path, will be
tested as to his faith in the leader.)
Following this activity, ask the volunteers
these questions:
•Was it difficult to trust my
•How did you overcome urges to
directions? Why? (This is faith.)
go your own way? (Repentance
Faith in Christ cannot happen when one is
requires that we turn to God, not
still in rebellion (sin) against God; therefore,
repentance is vital for biblical belief
to occur.
Activity: Obstacle course
Set out an obstacle course across the room
using chairs, tables, backpacks, etc. Enlist
two volunteers who get to see the obstacles
but then leave the room to be blindfolded.
to go our own way.)
•Would you be willing to continue to
follow me? (Both faith and repentance are lifelong pursuits.)
Remind the group that repentance and belief are both necessary parts of conversion
and the continued faithful life of a believer.
RESPONSE TO WHAT? AND HOW DO I KNOW?
Thus far we have seen that conversion
in Christ. If the “gospel” that is proclaimed
is a response that requires belief, but a
and believed is anything less or a distorted
response to what? The gospel. Recall from
version of those truths, it is not the gospel
the first session that the gospel is a very
presented in the Scriptures and does not
specific message that centers around the
lead to true, biblical conversion.
life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It por-
18 Why
trays Jesus as fully God and fully man, and
For those who do hear and respond to
sinful, rebellious people as the problem. It
the gospel, the subsequent conversion is
speaks of salvation that is only available to
evident. When someone is saved, he or she
us by God’s great grace and through faith
is changed completely. The Bible speaks of
death to sin and self, crucifixion with Christ,
and new life being breathed into a new creation. There is new birth, which means that
everything that was is no longer. That sort
of change plays out in relationships, changes in belief, speech, and deeds. There is no
part of the human life and experience that
is not touched by conversion and, therefore,
changed. It is a powerful, noticeable occurrence with lasting effect. Nothing will ever
separate from Christ those who have placed
their trust in Him.
Paul wrote,
For I am sure that neither death nor
life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things
present nor things to come, nor
powers, nor height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be
able to separate us from the love of
God in Christ Jesus our Lord.15
Some may profess faith in Christ and then
fall away, but their doing so demonstrates
that they were never truly converted. Those
who have experienced conversion cannot be
taken out of the strong, loving arms of the
gracious God of their salvation.
IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU, BUT IT REQUIRES YOU
Look back at the focal passage of the
Either as a group or in pairs, encourage
session. It is a succinct story of evangelism
students to express their own conversion
and conversion. Paul proclaimed the gospel
stories and/or stories in which they’ve been
to a group of women, and God opened
able to share the gospel. If possible, point
Lydia’s heart to hear. She and her house-
out specific instances of repentance and
hold repented and believed in the Lord.
belief as they are shared.
We can take away from that story at least
two important reminders. First, we must
Closing prayer
proclaim the gospel. That is our part in the
Father, may the same love that drew us
redemptive work of God in the world–to
to faith in You compel us to share our
simply point others to the God of salvation.
faith with others. Draw people to Yourself
Second, we can relax. Conversion is not our
through Your people. May we be passion-
responsibility; it is the work of God. Only He
ately engaged for Your glory among all
can save.
people, everywhere. Amen.
15
Romans 8:38–39
Group Bible Studies 19
20 Why
Session 3: This is why we make disciples
Focal passage
Matthew 4:19 — “And He said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make
you fishers of men.’”
Objective
Students will understand what it is to be a disciple of Christ and
to make disciples.
Advance preparation checklist
1.Prepare to show these videos for this session (such as
obtaining an internet connection and a viewing device):
a.“Why many Christians are deceived”
b.Clip from “Inside Out”
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xG_4LuyLZE)
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W6rntBADUQ)
2.Prepare to play the song, “From the Inside Out,” by Hillsong
United (either download beforehand or use internet ready
device with Internet connection).
Overview
A disciple is much more than a person with the right beliefs. A
disciple is someone who has been transformed by the gospel,
turned from his sin, and begun to follow after Jesus. Evidence of
discipleship can be seen in transformation that begins in the heart
and radiates into every part of life, resulting in a new creation with
THE DEFINITION
Disciples are followers of Jesus.
a new purpose: to make other disciples.
Opening prayer
Pray that God would help students understand that being a disciple
of Jesus is not defined by a single moment of commitment; it is a
lifelong transformative work of all that we are into the likeness of
Christ, including His character and purposeful work in God’s mission.
Activity: Deceptive definition
Show this short video clip to the group: “Why many Christians are
deceived” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xG_4LuyLZE). David
Platt makes this key point: “People who profess to be Christians,
but whose lives look just like the rest of the world are deceived.”
Take time to discuss the thought presented in the clip. Ask:
•What does Platt mean when he says that people should
look different when they follow Jesus?
•
•Are there changes (fruit) that you can point to in
What should change? How does change occur?
your life?
Group Bible Studies 21
MORE THAN A MOMENT
We learned in the previous session about conversion, which is the
“moment” of spiritual change in the life of a believer. It is when
someone is empowered by God to hear and believe the gospel,
turn away from sin, and believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Often,
in evangelistic situations, emphasis is placed on salvation as rescue .
That Jesus can save people from sin and death is a wonderful
and amazing truth. However, salvation as lordship is somehow
minimized or even eliminated from our message, which creates
emphasis on a momentary experience and hollows out the gospel
of Jesus.
Jesus as Savior cannot be separated from Jesus as Lord and King.
To accept one aspect is to accept Christ wholly and fully. His salvation is not offered apart from His lordship. He must be not only your
Savior but also the Ruler of your life. The moment of salvation is the
advent of a lifelong journey in which you follow His lead.
FOLLOWERS OF JESUS
When Jesus called His disciples to Himself, He did not mention a
moment or a decision or a specific prayer to pray. He said simply,
“Follow Me.” That was the moment – the encounter with Christ –
and following Him required complete life change for the disciples.
They set down fishing nets and tax books and literally followed Jesus. They encountered the living God in flesh, and something about
that moment changed every moment thereafter. They were willing
to surrender their lives to His leadership. They were willing not only
to hear, but also to take to heart difficult teachings about what was
to come for them.
Hear Jesus’ own words about the cost of becoming a disciple:
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and
mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and
even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not
bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” 16
Of course, Jesus was not actually teaching His disciples to hate. He
was simply reminding them of the place of His supreme will, that
which is above all else. He continued on, “So therefore, any one of
16
Luke 14:26–27
17
Mark 8:34
18
Galatians 2:20
1 Peter 4:13; 2 Corinthians 1:5
19 22 Why
you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”
A disciple of Jesus is someone who lays down his own life and takes
up a lifelong burden.17 It is someone who dies with Christ in order
for Christ to live in them.18 It is someone who rejoices in the opportunity to share in the very suffering of Christ.19 In order to endure
such a life with full joy as its reward both
Corinthians 5:21), and we are adopted into
here and in the age to come, a follower of
the family of God. We become sons and
Christ must be transformed by Him from
daughters of God the Father, Himself, and
the inside out, beginning with the heart. We
co-heirs of the kingdom with Christ the Son.
cannot rightly love and serve when our wills
Do not read those sentences as though they
are supreme. To experience transformed
are ordinary; they are far from it.
relationships, our wills must bow. We must,
instead, bow our will to the Father’s will, our
Discussion
affections must be focused on Christ, our
Take a moment to mull these things over
minds must be transformed by being con-
together as a group:
formed to His Word, and our hearts must
•What does it mean to be justified
be transformed by His regenerative work
by Christ, acquitted of sin guilt
within us. This is a lifelong process from
before God?
the point that we are born again, through
growth in our faith, until we are made per-
•What is it like to be adopted by
the Father?
fect in the eternal presence of Christ.
Regeneration (being “born again”) includes
PEOPLE OF TRANSFORMATION
justification (forgiveness of sins–God
remembers them no more—and a new
standing with God). Such incredible grace21
As you present the following six areas of
also generates sanctification (being made
life transformation, consider using slide
into likeness of Christ throughout our lives
images as a visual aid for each: heart, mind,
by the power of the Holy Spirit–holiness)
affections, will, relationships, and purpose.
until the time of glorification (when we
1. Transformed heart
“You must be born again,” said Jesus to
Nicodemus.
20
are finally made perfect in the presence of
God for eternity). We are changed from the
inside out.
A life of following Christ
requires it. Regeneration is the theological
2. Transformed mind
term, and means “rebirth.” As we saw in the
Repent and believe. That was and remains
previous session, Ephesians 2 relates this
the call of Christ to salvation. Turn around,
rebirth to us. We were dead in sin, but by
change your direction, walk the opposite
God’s grace through faith, we are alive in
way, and believe in me. Trust my words as
Christ. In Ezekiel 36:26, God spoke through
the very words of life.
the prophet to the people, saying, “I will
give you a new heart, and a new Spirit I will
This is core to the life of a disciple: he
put within you.” Galatians 2:20 says that we
believes what Jesus says, and it transforms
no longer live, but Christ lives in us. Christ
his understanding and view of the world. At
within us transforms us from the inside out,
conversion, as part of our new lives, we are
beginning with the heart.
given new minds in Christ.22 Throughout life,
our minds are developed through interac-
20
John 3:3
His activity in saving us is powerful, so
tion with God’s Word, which transforms and
much so that it triggers lifelong change.
constantly renews us.23
Consider all that conversion is and does for
21
Romans 5:1–2
us. We are given new life, we are justified
Practically, Christ has made a change in
22
Ephesians 2:5
(our sins are forgiven and we become righ-
us: He is our Savior and Lord. Therefore,
Romans 12:2
teous because of Christ’s righteousness – 2
we base our lives around all that He says.
23
We are molded and shaped by His words,
Group Bible Studies 23
and they become our own. This ordering
throughout the book, and read some of
of our lives begins in the mind, as we “take
them together. You may even assign
every thought captive to obey Christ.” 24
different emotions to be searched out.
For instance, our culture teaches that value
Point out that the Psalms in and of them-
may be measured by wealth or status. Work
selves are worshipful responses, including
hard, climb the ladder, succeed, and become
all the various emotions and mysteries of
someone important. The biblically trans-
life. The Psalms are God-ordained and
formed mind, however, understands that our
God-breathed, and they portray our most
status is secure, not because of anything we
human affections.
have earned or accomplished, but through
the free gift of grace by which we’ve been
In Christ, our souls are fully satisfied, and
made sons and daughters of God.
our desires (what we want or want to do)
3. Transformed affections
are transformed to reflect His. For instance,
our selfishness becomes selflessness as
Watch this short clip from the movie,
we count others more important than
“Inside Out.”
ourselves.26 In Christ we find satisfaction
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W6rntBADUQ)
in our pursuit of peace, joy, and life, and
Christ truly can satisfy our every longing.
Emotions are a part and parcel of every
Our response is to participate in spiritual
human experience, even in things as trivial
disciplines (worship, prayer, Bible study,
as what we eat. The Christian experience is
confession, etc.) with a sense of great de-
no different. Our emotions (affections) are
light. Our joy and satisfaction in Christ be-
a constant reality as we traverse the heights
come the basis for overcoming sin, which is
and depths of the glorious adventure of
rooted in worldly desires. Recognition that
new life in Christ within our broken world.
Christ-centered joy and satisfaction is far
Faith in Christ cannot be separated from
superior to anything that the world has to
feelings for Christ. John Calvin famously
offer is the basis for overcoming sin rooted
described the Psalms as an “anatomy of all
in love for worldly satisfaction. Our self-cen-
parts of the soul.” 25 In them, all parts of the
tered, worldly affections must be crucified
human experience are explored and vividly
daily27 through prayer, Scripture study, and
expressed as worshipful responses to God.
submission to the will of God as He trans-
Psalm hunt
Lead the students to take a few moments
to consider the Book of Psalms. Ask them
to find expressions of different emotions
forms us more into the likeness of Christ,
in order for the fruit of the Spirit to be on
full display.
4. Transformed will
Our minds are changed to understand and
believe the words of Christ so that our ac-
2 Corinthians 10:5
24 tivity will change, as well. We are meant to
be “doers of the word, not hearers only.” 28
John Calvin, Commentary on the Psalms, Christian Classics Ethereal Library,
retrieved October 11, 2016, https://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom08.vi.html
We understand and believe the words of
26
Philippians 2:3–4
obedience displays joyful submission of our
27
Galatians 5:24
28
James 1:22
Walking according to God’s Word conforms
29
John 5:19; 12:49
our wills to His own.
25 24 Why
Christ so that we can act on them. Our
wills to the will of the Father, such as we
learn through studying the life of Christ. 29
Activity: “From the Inside
Out” song
We are meant to love and serve the global
church, the lost, and the poor, and doing
Listen to the song “From the Inside Out”
so carries a great cost. We cannot rightly
by Hillsong United
love and serve when our wills are supreme.
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbGgA2lIDjc).
To experience transformed relationships,
our wills must bow to the Father’s will, our
The second verse begins, “Your will above
affections must be focused on Christ, our
all else my purpose remains. The art of l
minds must be transformed by his Word,
osing myself in bringing you praise.” Discuss
and our hearts must be transformed by his
these two sentences together in the context
regenerative work within us.
of the song. We are being transformed from
the inside out which results in a sacrificial
6. Transformed purpose
submission of our wills to His. It is continual
Paul wrote to the Corinthian church that
work empowered by the Spirit – an art that
“the love of Christ controls us,
is developed over time – and a spiritual act
because we have concluded this:
of worship.
that one has died for all, therefore
Ask:
all have died; and he died for all,
•What does it mean to sacrifice your
that those who live might no longer
will? What are some specific exam-
live for themselves but for him who
ples in your own life (renouncing sin,
for their sake died and was raised”
changing relationships, vocation,
(2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
education, etc.)?
•How does one become joyful in this
sort of submission?
This was a man on a mission, specifically,
Christ’s mission. Compelled by the grace of
God through the Christ he experienced on
the Damascus road, he fully embraced the
5. Transformed relationships
commission of Christ to make disciples of
Disciples of Christ follow in His footsteps,
all nations. Paul chose to be “poured out as
which means that we love others in a very
a drink offering” (Philippians 2:17), giving
specific manner – we humbly serve.
his life to the mission.
Ask someone to read Matthew 20:20–28.
Disciples do just that. There is something
inherent in being a disciple that compels
Jesus was the example for His disciples.
us to make other disciples. We share the
“I came,” he said, “not to be served, but
story of Jesus to unbelievers, baptize new
to serve and to give my life as a ransom
believers, teach them the word of Christ,
for many. To be great in my kingdom, you
and train them to obey it. We bring them
must do the same.” The New Testament
in as members of Christ’s church and send
is filled with admonitions for Christians to
them out as ambassadors of His kingdom
love, forgive, and serve one another without
on mission to all the nations. Disciples are
concern for self. Churches are meant to be
inherently missional because of our trans-
families, of sorts, in which we serve one an-
formed purpose – from building our own
other selflessly and sacrificially, give extrav-
kingdoms to allowing Christ to build His
agantly, share our lives with openness and
kingdom through us.
vulnerability, and practice dependence on
one another. This activity within the church
Read Matthew 4:18-22 and Matthew 28:16-
develops habits by which we learn to love
20. These are the first and final instructions
those beyond our churches in the same way.
of Jesus to his disciples, respectively. As
you read these passages, note that from the
Group Bible Studies 25
very beginning, mission– making disciples
–was central to following Jesus.
Closing prayer
Christ, we thank You for salvation that
comes to us by grace and through faith in
You. Help us to understand that relationship
with You is not limited to salvation alone.
Help us to be transformed by You, to submit
to Your lordship, and to live – and die – for
Your purposes alone. Amen.
26 Why
Session 4: This is why we serve
Focal passage
Romans 8:28 — “And we know that for those who love God all
things work together for good, for those who are called according
to his purpose.”
Objective
Students will see that Christian serving flows out of identity, and
identity is determined by God’s call, so that who we are in Christ
determines what we do.
Advance preparation checklist
1.Provide two paper cups, string, and tape for each pair of
students in the “Define it by phone“ activity. Also, for each
pair write on an index card a simple task to perform.
2.Gather nametags (the sticker kind) and pens for the
“Who am I?” activity.
3.Prepare a way to play the song “I Will Follow”
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Sx_U0Ztr8). You may
want to print the lyrics for discussion.
Overview
In our individualistic and action-oriented society, we tend to
identify ourselves by our abilities, what we do, and the roles we
play. Every believer struggles with life-altering decisions, and most
THE DEFINITION
Calling is the gracious act of God by
which He calls His people to salvation,
mission, station, and service.
ask a familiar question in the quest to determine God’s will in those
decisions: “What am I called to do?” The deeper question is “Who
is calling me and why?” It is from this identity that we then go and
do. Calling is not meant to be a mystery, but the manner in which
God beckons people to Himself and engages them in service within
the world.
Opening prayer
Read the opening Scripture (Romans 8:28 ) together. Pray that
the Spirit would guide the students to understand their identity in
Christ. Pray that they would first be confident in who they are and
let that inform what they should be doing.
Activity: Define it by phone
•Divide your group into pairs. Lead each pair to construct a cup
and string phone using two paper cups and some non-stretching string (kite string works well). This is done by poking a small
hole in the bottom of each cup and then threading the string
through the holes to be tied or taped off. Utilize the longest
piece of string that may be stretched tight in your space. Lead
the pairs to test their devices.
Group Bible Studies 27
•Spread the teams out as much as possible in the room. Using
index cards, give one person in each pair a simple instruction
to communicate to the teammate at the other end of the line
(e.g. jump up and down on one foot and spin three times, sing
“The Star Spangled Banner,” or say the alphabet backwards).
It is best if each pair gets a unique instruction. The teammate
receiving the instructions through the string phone should
demonstrate that the message is received by acting on the
instructions, not just repeating them. If you wish to make this
a competition, then announce that the first team to correctly
complete the task wins.
•Discuss: How might this exercise reflect God’s calling in our
lives? (Students may mention things like: the need to listen
carefully, that calling requires obedience, and sometimes we
get the message wrong.)
•Ask the group to help you define “calling” together in a crowdsource way (each person contributes something.) Write down
the various thoughts and lead the group to refine this into
a collective definition. When the group believes the word is
sufficiently defined, assess it together. It will likely lean heavily
toward “the direction of God for what we do.” Like many other
believers, they may wish that calling would be a clear, audible
voice with specific direction, rather than a barely distinguishable voice muttering unintelligible words at the end of the
“line.” There is a necessary foundation that comes first…
MORE THAN WHAT WE DO
Most conversations about calling usually revolve around some
form of the question, “What is God’s will for me in __________
situation?” The Bible, however, speaks of calling as far more than
spiritual decision-making. In fact, calling is discussed in at least four
foundational ways in Scripture: a call to salvation, call to mission,
call to station, and call to service. Each of these will be addressed
individually in this lesson, beginning with the most foundational
type of calling seen in the Scriptures.
Ask someone to read Romans 8:28-20 (and notice the emphasis
added here):
And we know that for those who love God all things work
together for good, for those who are called according to his
purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to
be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might
be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he
predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also
justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
28 Why
1. Call to salvation
make disciples of all nations. To be a Christ
First and foremost, calling is the gracious
follower is to follow Him into His mission.
act of God by which He draws people to
No matter the believers’ place in life, he or
become disciples of Jesus and members
she has a specific place in mission. Whether
of His church. That sort of calling is seen
a student, professional, full-time minister,
in the above passage of Scripture. Those
or stay-at-home mom, every Christian has
God predestined, He called. Called to what?
been both called and empowered for
Salvation. Those He called, He justified.
mission.31 Every one. As mentioned above,
Justification is God’s removal of our sin and
salvation makes us sons and daughters of
declaration that we are righteous because
God, by which we become ambassadors
of Christ’s atoning work on the cross. Sin-
and representatives of His kingdom for His
less Christ became sin for us on the cross.
glory and purposes among the nations.
In return, we become the righteousness of
Mission is implicit to our identity.
God.30 That exchange occurs at salvation.
3. Call to station
The call to salvation is a call to family. It
What?! Station? What does that even
makes us children of God and forms the
mean? Station simply speaks to the
foundation of a Christian’s primary identity
God-given roles you may have in life,
both now and forever. It is what makes us
especially in regards to marriage, family,
who we are, which is why it is foundation-
and community. The thing is, God places
al. It sets us apart from the world, frees us
us where He does so that we might exalt
from our sin, and enables us to suffer for
Him on mission. As a son, daughter, moth-
the glory of Christ with great and enduring
er, or father, you are accountable to God in
joy. When we come to know Christ as Savior
how you fulfill that station. As a neighbor,
and Lord, we gain intimate knowledge of
employee, or citizen of a particular state
Him that changes us – Christ is in us, we are
or country, you represent Christ to others.
in Christ, and Christ is in God; that is the
Indeed, you are such for God’s glory among
promise of Scripture.
the nations. You are single or married, a
parent or not, and citizen of a given place
That foundational identity is key for consid-
for the sake of Christ.
ering other “types” of calling. This one thing
– our identity in Christ that comes through
Stations in life are deserving of honor. God
the call to salvation – is the one thing that
has designed you for them, and some of
will never change. We will be sons and
them are meant to take priority over and
daughters of God in this life and for eterni-
above other places of service. It is why
ty. Everything that follows is possible only
someone who is a husband, father, and
because of our eternal identity.
pastor should honor such roles in that particular order. To attend to the pastoral role
2. Call to mission
above the husband and father roles is to
The call to mission and the call to salvation
elevate service above identity. It is impera-
are inextricably tied, at least as it pertains
tive that a pastor first be a good husband to
to life here on Earth. As we discussed in
his wife and father to his children. Then, and
the previous disciple-making conversation,
only then, is he qualified to rightly lead his
from the beginning to the end, discipleship
people. We will always be citizens of some
includes mission. That said, it bears repeat-
country. If we are married, we are meant to
ing that everyone who answers the call to
always be faithful husbands and wives. If we
salvation also receives Christ’s command to
30
31
2 Corinthians 5:21
Acts 1:8
Group Bible Studies 29
are parents, we are meant to be so con-
the “What do I do?” questions. Do I study
tinually. These things become part of our
architecture, mathematics, cosmetology,
identity.
or plumbing? Do I pursue full-time voca-
Who God has called you to be
tional Christian ministry? Certainly, these
are weighty decisions; however, they are in-
Each of the above “callings” speak not to
formed responses to prior, identity-shaping
what we do as Christians, but who we are.
callings. Our identity in Christ determines
We are Christians – sons and daughters of
what we “do for Christ.” When we wrestle
God, co-heirs with Christ, and ambassadors
with the area(s) of service to which God is
of His kingdom. We who were once not a
calling us, we should be encouraged to re-
people are now a people who have a clearly
member who God is, what He has done for
defined mission because we’ve been made
us, and how that leads us to respond.
a people for His glory. We are daughters,
sons, fathers, mothers, and citizens. Those
Our first step toward understanding what
are not things we do, but people we are.
God wants for us is to remember who He
Activity: Who am I?
is—Creator, Redeemer, forgiver of sins—and
who we are in light of who He is—forgiven,
Pass out blank nametags (the kind that are
redeemed, and creatures made for His glo-
stickers). Ask each person to write down
ry. He is our Father and we are His children,
a name (e.g. celebrity or someone in the
co-heirs with Christ in His kingdom, and
room) on a small piece of paper, being care-
ambassadors of the same. Just like He did
ful not to let others see it. Have each person
for the children of Israel in Egypt, God has
place the paper face down on the floor or
made a way for rescue and called us to be
table, slide it to the person to his/her right,
His people for His own glory.
and then take the paper now in front of
him/her and, without looking at it, stick it
Because He has done those things for us,
to his/her forehead.
He expects a particular response – surrender to His lordship. Surrender means that
Lead the group to get up and “mingle,”
we do not tell God what He wants for us;
trying to guess whose name is on their fore-
we listen to His direction for our lives. We
heads. Players can give hints to each other,
study Scripture, pray, and fast. We listen
but only based on things the person named
to Him, and go where He leads. We trust
has done or accomplished (authored the
God, not ourselves, by obediently listening
Bill of Rights; invented the electric type-
and discerning His desires. Honestly, that is
writer; won the most Grammies ever; still
not always easy. It requires that we recog-
collects Beanie Babies).
nize His voice and be familiar with how He
speaks. That only comes as we spend time
John 15;
Proverbs 3:5-6
32 33
Exodus 15:22-25;
16:1-8; 17:1-7;
Numbers 14:2
30 Why
Connect this activity to the lesson: “As we
in His word and prayer – we abide in Him as
have discussed, who we are informs what
we “lean not into our own understanding,”
we do. Conversely, what we do, as in this
but trust Him, instead.32 The result of trust-
activity, portrays who we are to others.”
ing His leadership in our lives is simple – we
4. Call to service
rest. We trust that He knows better than we
do what is best for us. We do not need to
Let’s be straight: this is the part of “call”
fret, because He is good, loving, kind, and
that people wrestle with the most. Unlike
wants to lead us.33
our identity in Christ, this can change. The
call to service is the place we deal with
Activity: “I Will Follow You” song
lives in us, directing, leading, and empow-
Play Kristene DiMarco’s song, “I Will
ering us. He not only gives us direction; He
Follow You”
gives us the Director. He wants us to know
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Sx_U0Ztr8).
what we are “called to” more than we want
Discuss the lyrics. As worship songs are
to know it.
meant to do, this song recalls the character
and activity of God and responds. Particular-
Group discussion
ly, this song lauds the faithfulness of God’s
Read John 10:14, 27 – “I am the good shep-
promises that lead to restful and complete
herd. I know my own and my own know
surrender. How do we remember, surrender,
me… My sheep hear my voice, and I know
abide, and rest in Him, practically?
them, and they follow me.”
He wants what He wants
Make the connection about sheep knowing
We can treat understanding God’s desires
the shepherd’s voice. Discuss what it means
as an Easter egg hunt, as if God has hidden
to recognize the voice of Christ (knowing
them away. But why would God hide His will
how He speaks through knowing His Word).
from His children? What would it gain Him
Emphasize that we not only hear His voice
to make His people guess and not freely
and follow, but we are known by Christ.
offer His direction? He wants His desires
Who better to lead us?
far more than we do; therefore, hiding it
from His people – His hands and feet in the
Closing prayer
world – would make absolutely no sense. In
Jesus, help us to hear and understand Your
fact, He desires that people know and do
voice. You know us and have made us Your
His will so much that He not only gave us
own. Make us bold to follow Your faithful
His direction, He gave us Himself. His Spirit
direction as You lovingly lead. Amen.
Group Bible Studies 31
32 Why
Session 5: This is why we plant churches
Focal passage
Matthew 16:18 — “And He said to them, ‘And I tell you, you are Peter,
and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall
not prevail against it.’”
Objective
Students will understand the importance of church in the Christian’s
life and God’s mission, and therefore, the importance of planting
new churches.
Advance preparation checklist
THE DEFINITION
According to the New Testament,
a church is a local congregation of
baptized believers connected by the
gospel and living according to its
principles. Churches share a common
mission that involves every single
member. Churches (God’s people)
are God’s plan to communicate the
gospel among all nations.
1.Choose topics for the “Story Time” activity and write them
on paper.
2.Plan to use a whiteboard or poster to write down collective
definitions and answers for the “Discussion: So, what is a
church?”
3.Gather two large sheets of paper and some colored markers for
“Blind Drawing.”
Overview
There is no New Testament precedent for “Lone Ranger” Christians.
Spiritual maturity happens in community, and mission is meant to
involve the whole of Jesus’ Church. This is why we plant churches
among every nation.
Opening prayer
Pray that students would understand the importance of the church
for spiritual maturity, biblical community, and mission.
Activity: Story time
Choose several topics or subjects from which your group will
construct stories. Use your imagination; some subjects to stir your
thinking are: sports, food, vacation, school, and history. Write these
topics on small pieces of paper and fold them.
With the group sitting in a circle, ask someone to choose one of
the papers and identify the topic. Lead the group to start telling a
story, going around the circle with each person contributing one
word or phrase at a time. Each consecutive person should add their
contribution as quickly as possible, helping to construct sentences,
and finally, a story. Allow a little time for the story to develop. Then,
ask someone to choose another paper and begin telling a new story
based on its topic. Run the exercise on several topics, but at some
point, choose no topic at the beginning; just let someone start with
a word or phrase.
Group Bible Studies 33
Follow this activity with this discussion:
Missiologist Chris Wright posted that the
earliest Christians were driven to world
•Which story made the most sense?
Why?
•Could any of us have created these
stories alone?
•Was it easier to join in the story
mission because “they knew the story they
were in. And they knew the story because
they knew the Scriptures. They were Jews.
They knew the story so far, and they un-
when you knew the topic or when
derstood that the story had just reached
you did not?
a decisive moment in Jesus of Nazareth,
•Do you feel like you shaped the
direction of any of the stories?
and they knew what the rest of the story
demanded.” 38 All those wonderful commissions in the New Testament, from which
THE STORY WE’RE IN
If you are part of a biblical church,
you are not only in a local congregation, but
also something much more. The church is:
•the community of all true believers
for all time;34
•
the people of God;35
•the New Testament continuation of
God’s people as begun in the Old
Testament.36
The Church is God’s people – born again
and adopted.37 The Church is part of the
story of God. From the very beginning
He’s been crafting it for His glory among
all the people of the world. And bringing
sinners into His own family is at the core of
the story! In each of the aforementioned
definitions, the Church is tied to something
bigger; it is part of a people that existed
before its humble beginnings.
we draw our impetus for mission, are firmly
rooted in a sending that began in the Old
Testament. The advent of the Church in
Acts was not the beginning of the story,
but the next step in the narrative of God’s
activity in the world.
Your story-telling in the previous activity
was likely better when you actually knew
the topic. In the same way, the Church must
understand the story, because in it lies her
identity and purpose. When we understand
those things, we also understand the importance of planting new churches as a part of
participating in God’s mission.
Discussion: So, what is a church?
Ecclesiology is the study of the church.
Every believer, whether he/she realizes it
or not, has an ecclesiological framework:
his/her own beliefs about what a church is
and does.
Take a few minutes to lead the group to
flesh out the idea of the church. What are
the essential components and activities of
a church? What makes it a church? Encour-
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), 853.
34 David Bosch, Transforming Mission (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2011), 373.
35 age the students to help you make a list,
writing down their responses, and requiring
them to give some sort of biblical and
practical reasoning for their answers.
Christopher Wright, The Mission of God’s People (Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
2010), 28-29. .
(Point out that they are not focusing on
1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9; Galatians 4:5-6; Romans 8:15; Romans 11:17;
1 Peter 2:10
on individual churches.)
36 37 Wright, The Mission of God’s People, 36.
38 34 Why
the universal Church as a whole here, but
“OOPS… A CHURCH!” SAID NO ONE EVER!
Churches do not happen by accident.
were on one list but not the other. Discuss
Christ-followers covenant with God and one
things on the list above that they did not
another to carry out the unique, biblical-
mention and work together to decide if
ly-identifiable activities of a church to-
they should or should not be on the list.
gether. There are a number of markers that
Turn to the Scriptures as needed to help
reveal this sort of covenant relationship:
students understand their biblical basis.
•
Identifiable membership
•
Observance (practice) of Christian
Ask: How should knowing what a church
ordinances, such as baptism and
should be affect your decision of what
the Lord’s Supper
church to join?
•
•
•
•
•
Adherence to Scripture as the
authority for all the church believes
Important on both ends…
and does
As it pertains to mission, local churches are
Regular gatherings for worship,
both ends of the equation: the senders as
prayer, Bible study, and fellowship
well as the outcome. On the front end, we
Mature, vulnerable relationships
need one another for direction and sup-
that include meeting one another’s
port in carrying out the common goals of
needs, building one another up in
mission. The local church sends her people
Christ-likeness, accountability, and
for the sake of the mission into both local
even church discipline
and global contexts. As those who are sent
Recognition of biblically-qualified
make disciples among unreached peoples
leadership
and places, they gather them together in
A common, identity-shaping
groups that become local churches that
mission, including both a local
share the characteristics mentioned above.
and global focus
They become the local expressions that
form biblical community and send their
Did these markers surface in your list? They
own out on mission. This is why we plant
are important, because they are not simply
churches – they are the God-ordained
rules or guidelines for building a church;
vehicle for Christian community and
they are identity markers. Scripture is quite
method for organizing on mission.
clear that we need one another to rightly
carry out Christ’s mission. We also need
Activity: Blind drawing
one another to encourage and spur
Divide participants into two equal-sized
spiritual growth in a world that encourages
groups. Give each group a piece of paper
the opposite. We need fellowship, account-
and a variety of colored markers. (Be sure
ability, and a common focus. In His wisdom,
to give the same colors to each team.).
God ordained the avenue through which all
Assign one group as Team 1 and the other
of those things would occur. He instituted
as team 2. Give team 1 a minute to confer
His glorious Church, which organizes into
together and decide on a simple diagram
diverse, local expressions of community
or picture to draw on their paper. Then give
and mission.
them another couple of minutes to draw the
picture. Every person must contribute, and
Compare the list you created together with
every color must be used, though they do
the one above. Point out things that are on
not have to be used equally.
both lists first. Then move to things that
Group Bible Studies 35
Send a messenger from Team 1 to carry
church functions on mission. Some points
the drawing to Team 2. The person can-
to seek in the discussion are:
not show the picture to Team 2, but only
•The local church (Team 1) has
describe it to one person from Team 2,
a common goal in missions (the
who will then describe it to the rest of the
drawing).
group and lead them to draw the picture as
mission in various ways.
1 can answer any questions and talk to the
one who received the message in Team 2
•People with different gifts/talents
(colors) should be involved in the
best they can. The messenger from Team
•The church collectively sends some-
as much as needed, but cannot talk to the
one to communicate their message
whole group.
(the picture) with others.
Debrief the activity by asking the group
to discuss how this is similar to how the
•Someone must receive the message
and help in sharing it with others.
When finished, compare the two drawings.
•Others join in and a new local
church with different people,
talents, and involvement is born.
The church is needed on both ends, and the
cycle continues…
NOW YOU ARE GOD’S PEOPLE
The Apostle Peter’s first letter was written
rejected by His people. It was on the cor-
to scattered believers who were likely part
nerstone-once-rejected that God laid the
of churches that had sprung up in the after-
foundation for a people He would call to
math of persecution. Part of Peter’s reason
Himself. Out of God’s people, Israel, came
for writing them was to encourage them in
the Messiah, who made a way for those
their pilgrim wandering. He addressed the
outside of Israel to come in.
letter to the “elect exiles of the dispersion...
according to the foreknowledge of God the
Peter’s audience was not a new people;
Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for
they had joined an ancient people – God’s
obedience to Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:1-2).
people. Peter employed Old Testament lan-
He encouraged them in their station by
guage to encourage the fledgling churches.
reminding them that it was God who had
He called them “chosen,” the same word
sent them by way of the dispersion caused
used of Israel in the book of Deuteronomy.39
by persecution. What better consolation for
He labeled them a “priesthood” and a “holy
their exile than that God had chosen them
nation,” also descriptors of Israel.40 God’s
to go and sent them for His own purposes?!
people had been a people for His glory for
generations. They had been exiled and lived
39
Deuteronomy 7:6
40
Exodus 19:6
36 Why
He also wanted to remind them that they
among the nations far from home. They
were part of something larger – they were
had been used by God to draw the nations
not alone. Throughout his letter, he turned
to worship. Peter encouraged these new
their attention to Jesus, but he did so via
churches to remember the story they were
the Old Testament. He used the words of
in and do the same.
the prophet Isaiah and the Psalmist to remind them that Christ was also
Ask someone to read 1 Peter 2:9-12 aloud.
The local church
“The church-in-mission is, primarily, the
local church everywhere in the world.” 41 Do
you grasp it? The local church is the instrument through which God accomplishes His
purposes in the world. It is not an ethereal
“church” that sends Paul and Barnabas in
Acts 13; it is the very tangible Church at
Antioch. That is the way of the New Testament. Mission extends from the local church
to the world. And so it goes…
Encourage students to explore the Scriptures over the coming week looking specifically for the activity of the local church
in mission. Sample passages could include:
Acts 13:1-4; 15:30-15; Romans 15:18-29; Philippians 4:10-20, et al.
Closing prayer
Like the early churches to which Peter
wrote, may You teach us first, Father, who
we are, which will lead us to character and
activity that proclaim Your excellencies
among the nations. Teach and enable Your
churches to conform to the biblical image
of community and mission for which they
were created for Your glory. Amen.
41
Bosch, Transforming
Mission, 378.
Group Bible Studies 37
38 Why
Session 6: This is why we go to difficult places
Focal passage
Romans 15:20–21 —
Thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where
Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s
foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been
told of him will see, and those who have never heard will
understand.” (emphasis added)
Objective
Students will understand the importance of sending believers to
people in places that have not yet been reached with the gospel.
Advance preparation checklist
1.Obtain coins for the “Lost Coin” activity. A option is to obtain a
bag of the gold foil-covered chocolate coins available in a party
goods store. Hide one of the coins in the meeting room.
2.Obtain index cards for the “Lost in the City” activity. Write out
the words to Romans 10:13 on the cards, using one word per
card. On the other side of each card, write one instruction as
part of a list of directions for how to navigate out of your city or
town. Create a duplicate set of cards, but without the verse.
3.Gather information on the people, culture, and place where you
THE DEFINITION
Unreached peoples and places are
will be working for the “Personalize It” activity.
Overview
The role of the Church in Christ’s mission is to communicate the
those among whom Christ is largely
gospel to every tribe, tongue, and nation. Many people around the
unknown and the church is relatively
be the ambition of the Church to carry the good news to them in
insufficient to make Christ known
world have never had the opportunity to hear the gospel. It should
order that they might hear and believe.
in its broader population without
Opening prayer
outside help.
have neither heard the glorious gospel of Jesus nor have any hope
Father, help us understand the state of many around the world who
of hearing unless we purposefully act. May we develop a loving
concern for them that will compel us to do whatever is necessary
to reach them with the gospel. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Activity: Lost coin
In advance of the session, hide one of ten coins (all the same)
somewhere in the room. Display the nine remaining coins and
tell the group that you “lost” one coin and need their help finding
it. For fun, you could use the gold foil-covered chocolate coins
(like pirates’ treasure) and let participants enjoy them as a
treat afterwards.
Group Bible Studies 39
After the coin is found, enlist several students to help in reading
all of Luke 15 aloud (the parables of lost sheep, lost coin, and
prodigal son).
GOD CARES DEEPLY FOR THE LOST
The purpose of the parables in Luke 15 is to reveal the heart of
God for those who are lost in rebellion against Him. In the passage, Jesus is challenged by the religious leaders who question His
knack for constantly keeping company with sinners. Jesus explains
Himself by pulling back the curtain a bit on the heart of the Father.
In the first two stories, the main characters walk away from what
they already had to search for what was lost–one sheep out of one
hundred, and one coin out of ten. Finding what was lost is cause
for celebration, says Jesus. In the third story, a wayward son rebels
against his father, squanders his inheritance, and returns humbled
and broken only to find a father who eagerly awaits his return, runs
to embrace him when he arrives home, and throws a party because
the lost son was found.
In light of the celebration over finding a lost sheep, Jesus said there
would be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting than
over 99 righteous people who do not need to repent. This is the
metric of God’s kingdom. God sacrificed Himself for those who
were far away, for those who were lost. Jesus said that He was sent
to the lost sheep of Israel.42 Our lostness provoked the heart of God
in such a way that He sacrificed Himself for our reconciliation. He
cares for the lost and was willing to sacrifice everything in order to
find us.
Here’s the thing, though: God’s concern should be ours, as well. In
Matthew 9, we find Jesus traveling around preaching the gospel of
the kingdom, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Verse 36
begins, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them,
because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a
shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but
the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the
harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” He was moved with
compassion because the people were lost and wandering like sheep
without a shepherd. His response was to call His disciples to action,
to pray for the Lord to send people with the gospel of the kingdom,
knowing full well the disciples would be some of those to go. Other
people wandering in darkness should spur us to respond in the
same way.
42
Matthew 15:24
40 Why
Activity: Lost in the city
Prior to the activity, come up with some
directions from your meeting place to
somewhere else out of the city or area, and
divide these into 11 instructions, such as
“turn left at the light,” “go straight for two
blocks,” “go over the railroad tracks,” and
turn right at the Shoney’s.” Write out these
instructions, one each, on 11 index cards. On
the other side of the cards, write out the
words to Romans 10:13, using only one word
per page: “Whoever calls upon the name of
the Lord shall be saved.”
Make a matching set of 11 index cards that
has only the directions without the verse.
Enlist a volunteer and give him/her the
cards with only the directions. Disperse
the other set of cards (the ones with both
the directions and the verse) to 11 people
in your group and have them stand around
the room randomly. (If you have less than 11
people, you can give more than one card to
a person.)
Explain that the volunteer is “lost” in the
city and must ask for directions from others
to find the way out. He/she will do this by
choosing a card and reading aloud the
direction given. The person with the corresponding direction will read out the word
(from the verse) on the back of the card.
The “lost” person has to put the people and
their cards in order according to the Bible
verse in order for the directions to be accurate and lead the way out of the city.
Once the game is complete, simply make
the point that being lost can be a frightening and lonely experience. Having someone
else to show you the way is often the only
way to make it back where you need to be.
The same is true with the gospel.
WHAT IF NO ONE IS LOOKING
The only thing worse than being lost in a
frightening place is being lost and knowing no one is looking for you. I remember
being lost in a department store as a child. I
wandered away from my parents and found
myself alone. I was immediately frightened,
but I was comforted when a store employee
found me and called for my parents over
the intercom system. Why would that comfort me? Because I knew my parents were
looking for me, and I would eventually be
found. The world is filled with literally billions of lost people. Some of those people
unfortunately have no one looking for them.
A large number of those people are in places that are difficult or completely closed
off to the gospel. We go to those places to
shine the light of hope in darkness.
A few definitions are helpful here. (You may
wish to prepare and display slides with this
and other terms discussed below.)
1. People groups
First, ethnolinguistic people groups are
groups of people who self-identify and
share common traits related mainly to
ethnicity and language. This is important,
because when Jesus relayed the Great
Commission to His disciples, He directed
them to take the gospel to people of every
nation (ethne).43 Revelation 7 also divulges
a picture of worship in Heaven that includes
people from every tribe, tongue, and nation
(ethne).44 People groups are also important
to missions strategy because they create
barriers and bridges for the gospel. Language and culture can be deterrents for
communication of the gospel – you can’t
preach the gospel in a language you don’t
know, and a misunderstanding of cultural
practices can cause miscommunication
and misunderstanding. On the other hand,
rightly understood cultural practices can
create bridges for gospel communication,
43
Matthew 28:20
44
Revelation 7:9
Group Bible Studies 41
from things as simple as sports and food to
no organized effort to make disciples and
things as complex as religions and systems
plant new churches. These are the lost peo-
of education.
ple that, as we mentioned above, no one is
Personalize it
looking for.
If your group will be serving on a mission
The type of research that leads to informa-
project, spend some time discussing the
tion and definitions such as the ones above
particulars of the people and culture among
is very useful in determining missionary
which you will be working. Bring in infor-
strategy, but it can become problematic if it
mation on your people – articles, websites,
is the only methodology employed. The 2%
books, music, art, etc. Try to identify five
number, though helpful in some ways, has
potential barriers to sharing the gospel
been chosen and implemented simply on an
among them (language, societal roles of
anthropological basis, not from some bibli-
men vs. women, class systems, etc.) and
cal directive. It is a way to assess and focus
discuss how you might overcome them.
missionary efforts, strategizing accord-
Try to identify five bridges into gospel
ing to the needs of people groups. There is
conversation, as well (naturally spiritual
significant biblical precedent, however, to
culture, music, literature, culture that values
organize mission effort around places, not
beauty of nature, etc.) and practice using
just people. Most of Paul’s missionary jour-
those things in conversations that may lead
neys were based on his desire or specific
to the gospel.
direction to take the gospel to particular
places.45 It is both biblical and helpful, then,
2. Unreached
to recognize the unreached in terms of both
A second helpful definition is unreached.
peoples and places, for both realities bear
Unreached people groups refer to eth-
uniquely upon mission strategy.
nolinguistic groups in which the number
of evangelical Christians is less than 2%.
As we discussed above, people groups
Missiologists and sociologists identified
draw our attention to the challenges and
that number as the percentage needed to
opportunities we face in making disciples
spread an idea to the larger population. In
because different cultures present various
other words, unreached people groups are
bridges and barriers to the gospel. Thinking
those that have too few Christians within
about the unreached in terms of difficult
the population, per sociological norms, to
places affects the manner in which we plant
spread Christianity into the larger popula-
churches. The New Testament present us
tion without outside help. Many unreached
with the idea of a heterogeneous church—
people groups are unreached because they
one that includes people from various
are in difficult places – places that may be
tribes, languages, and nations. The perfect
dangerous for Christians.
picture of this is the vision in Revelation 5:9-
3. Unengaged
10. This should inspire us to plant churches
in places where multiple people groups live,
One final definition that is helpful here is
and in a manner that breaks down cultural
unengaged. An unengaged people group
and ethnic barriers.
is one that has no current active evangelical church planting effort in place. So,
unreached unengaged people groups are
those in which less than 2% of the population is Christian, and among which there is
42 Why
45
Acts 1:8; 8:1; 9:31; 11:19–21; 13–21; Romans 15:18–24
This is why we go to unreached people and
difficult places. Christ was compelled by
Closing prayer
Father, give us Your desire to search out
His love for people to come to the lost, be
the lost regardless of difficulty or sacrifice.
rejected by His own, and suffer to the point
Use us as ambassadors of Your kingdom
of death to reconcile us to Himself. His l
and purposes, and draw many people to
ove for us must also compel us to go in
Yourself through our efforts. May Your love
the same way, to carry a redemptive mes-
compel us to go. In Christ’s name, Amen.
sage of hope and reconciliation to every
nation, even those that may reject us or
even take our lives. This is why we go to
the difficult places.
Encourage students to study further the
people and places where they will be going,
pray, and ask for discernment regarding
barriers and bridges to the gospel.
Group Bible Studies 43
44 Why
Session 7: This is how (evangelism training)
Overview
Thus far, we have focused on the underpinnings for mission–the
answers to many “why” questions regarding missionary activity. In
this session, our attention turns from foundational truths to practical tools for developing and practicing a method of evangelism.
Evangelism is an extremely personal exercise for both the one
sharing and the one receiving the good news. No exclusive right
way to evangelize exists. The method contained herein is one way,
but students should be encouraged to think and pray about how
their own stories of faith fit in with the gospel. Take time to practice
sharing the gospel and equip them to practice including themselves
in the story.
Advance preparation
1.For the Creation to Christ activity, visit www.imbstudents.org/c2c
where you can watch the presentation and download the images
associated with the twelve stories used. (The description of each
story follows this session.) Prepare handouts of the stories, and
decide if you wish for your group to prepare one or more versions
of the images.
2.For a particular mission project, your missionary or host may
wish for your group to use another approach of gospel presentation than the ones presented here. Use this session to introduce this and train your group in its use.
The gospel
Review with the group the elements included in the gospel
lesson (session 1) together as a whole or in smaller groups. Recall
the acrostic:
•G–God’s character (The gospel is good news because it is
•O–Offense of sin (The problem in the story is us, particular-
about an ultimately and perfectly good God.)
ly, our sin, the result of which is eternal separation
from God.)
•S–Sufficiency of Christ (The sacrifice of Christ was the
once-for-all-time payment for sin. No other sacrifice is
required; His was sufficient for salvation.)
•P–Personal response (The gospel is a story, but its hearing
demands a personal response. Acceptance or rejection are
the only options; there is no middle ground.)
•E–Eternal urgency (Eternity hangs in the balance of this
story; therefore, there is no more urgent message to
be shared.)
Group Bible Studies 45
•L–Life transformation (Forgiveness,
reconciliation with God, and new
Making it practical
If your group will be serving on a mission
life in Christ are part of the glorious
project, help them wrestle with specific
results of the gospel in our lives. We
cultural considerations for the people
are literally transformed.)
among whom they will be sharing. Be sure
Be sure that every student understands and
to obtain information like this from the
can relay each part in his own words.
missionaries with whom you will be work-
Creation to Christ
IMB Students has often employed and
ing. Some questions to consider are:
•
•What type of culture is it
What religious barriers exist?
encouraged the use of an evangelism tool
(patriarchal/matriarchal)?
called Creation to Christ (C2C). This session
What ethnicity?
presents it with a bit of a twist. In the past,
students have used the predesigned artwork
for telling the story. For this experience, your
•What is the setting (rural, urban,
etc…)?
students will design their own set of images
•What type of people are you
working among (students, families,
for their use.
parents, only children, etc.)?
•How do these things affect how you
For each of the twelve stories provided in
communicate the gospel? What
this resource (see next), lead your students
other factors might affect how you
to design an image for each that demon-
communicate the gospel?
strates and helps communicate that particular part of the story. These may be artwork
that students create, photos they stage and
Prayer
Spend time praying for one another in
shoot, images they collect from the internet,
anticipation of the opportunity to share the
designs made in creative software, or any-
gospel with others. Ask for wisdom regard-
thing else the student may create to help
ing how you can witness across cultures.
them communicate the story. It is likely that
Ask for opportunities to meet with people
your students can use their smart phones
with whom your stories will resonate. Ask
and apps to create an actual presentation.
for understanding of the gospel and clarity
in your presentation. Plead with the Lord
Depending on the size of your group, you
that many will come to know Christ and the
may wish to divide up the stories and assign
power of salvation through your efforts.
them to students in smaller groups. Another
option is to have two or more groups each
create all the images so that you will have
multiple options to use.
When the groups are finished, let each present and explain their images. Use this also
as an opportunity for students to repeat
and learn all the stories.
Have the students practice sharing their
faith in pairs using the C2C material and the
images they created.
46 Why
Creation to Christ
Description
THE MOST HIGH GOD
I want to tell you a story. This story is from a book called the
Bible. Men did not make up the Bible. It is the word of the
Most High God. These stories are true and reliable because
they are God’s words. There is only one God, and He really is
the Most High God. He is more powerful than any ancestor,
person, government or false god that people worship. This
story is true and reliable because it is the word of the Most
High God.
C R E AT I O N
The Most High God is the Creator. He existed before there
was anything else. He created everything on earth and in
heaven and is all powerful over everything. When God began
to create things, He just used His words. He spoke and everything came to being. He created angels to worship and serve
Him. They were very beautiful. He also created everything we
can see – the sky, land, water, mountains, oceans, sun, moon,
stars, all plants and animals. Finally, He created man according to His image. God created man to enjoy all that He has
created. God created everything and saw that it was good.
GOD AND MAN TOGETHER
God placed the man and woman in a beautiful garden to live.
They had a very good relationship with Him and with each
other. He told them to take care of the garden and enjoy
everything. He gave them a special command: they could eat
from every tree in the garden except one. If they ate from
that one tree, they would be punished and die. At first, the
man and woman listened to God and had a wonderful relationship with Him in the garden.
S I N A N D S E PA R AT I O N
One of the angels God had made was very smart and very
beautiful. This angel became very proud. He wanted to be
like God and to have the other angels worship him instead of
God. Only God deserves all the worship and service. Therefore God cast this bad angel, now called Satan, and all the
other angels who listened to him out of heaven. These other
bad angels are known as demons.
Key Points
•This is a true story from the Bible
• There is only one God
• He is most powerful
1 Chronicles 16:25–28
•God spoke and made everything
•God made man
•All he made was good
Genesis 1:1; 26–27
•Man and woman were in a garden
• One rule to follow
•They had a good relationship
with God
Genesis 2:16–17
• Fall of the devil
• Temptation came
•The man and woman disobeyed
God
•Broken relationship and eternal
punishment
Genesis 3:1–8; Isaiah 59:2
One day, Satan tempted the woman to eat the food from
the tree that was forbidden. The woman listened to him
and ate the fruit and then she gave it to her husband to eat.
Both of them disobeyed God’s command. Disobeying God’s
Group Bible Studies 47
command is known as “sin.” God is righteous and holy. He
must punish sin. God cast the man and the woman out of the
garden and their relationship with God was broken. Human
beings and God were now separated forever.
Like the first man and woman, all people since then have
sinned by not listening to God’s commands and are separated from God. The result of sin is eternal punishment in hell.
We cannot live forever with God as we were designed.
COMMANDMENTS
Over time, the number of people on earth multiplied. Yet
God loved them very much and wanted them to have a
relationship with Him. He gave them ten commandments to
follow. Remember God is perfect and holy, so we must be
perfect and holy to live with him. The Ten Commandments
teach people how to relate to God and how to relate to other
people. Some of the commands were: do not worship other
gods or make idols; honor your parents; do not lie, steal,
murder or commit adultery. However, no one was able to
obey all of these commands.
SACRIFICES
So, when they sinned, God allowed them to turn away from
their sins and offer a blood sacrifice to take the place of their
punishment. This sacrifice was shedding the blood of a perfect animal like a lamb. If they would repent (turn away from
sins) and offer the blood sacrifice, God would forgive them
and let the animal die in their place. Only by the shedding of
blood can a person’s sin be forgiven. However, people kept
sinning, and the sin sacrifice became a ritual rather than
something from their heart. God became tired of their insincere acts. People were still separated from God. We cannot
come back to God on our own no matter what we do.
GOD SENDS JESUS
God loves people and wants a relationship of love and trust
with them, so the time came when He sent them a perfect
way to reconnect to Him. God sent Jesus to show us the way
back to Himself. Who is Jesus? Jesus is God’s son, His one
and only son. He became human like us: God in the flesh.
JESUS, GOD’S SON
Even though Jesus lived as a man, He resisted temptation.
He never sinned, and He remained obedient to God. Jesus
had great compassion for people, especially those who had
no hope. He was a wise teacher. He performed many miracles proving He was God’s Son. Jesus had power over nature,
over disease, over evil spirits, and even over death.
48 Why
• People multiplied
• God still loved them
•God gave the Ten Commandments
• No one was fully obedient
Exodus 20:1–3
•God provided a way to repent
(turn away from sins)
• Blood sacrifices
•Soon became an insincere ritual
Hebrews 9:22
•
•
•
God loves people
A perfect way was needed
Jesus is God in flesh
John 3:16
•Jesus:
…never sinned
...was a miracle worker
...had power over all things
Acts 10:36–38
JESUS THE SACRIFICE
Many people loved Jesus. They believed Jesus and followed
Him. However, some leaders hated Jesus and they were
jealous of Him. They made plans to kill Jesus. Jesus willingly
allowed Himself to be arrested, tried, and condemned to die.
Soldiers placed Him on a cross. A cross is made from two
large pieces of wood formed together. They took His hands
and His feet and nailed them to the cross. His blood flowed
from His hands, feet and body. He suffered much pain and
He died on the cross.
•Jesus:
...was unjustly treated
...willingly suffered
...died on a cross
...was the perfect sacrifice
Acts 2:22–23; John 1:29
Because Jesus never sinned, Jesus is the perfect blood
sacrifice. He did not deserve to die, but God sent Him to die
on the cross and take the punishment for the sins of man, all
people. He died on the cross in our place. Only through the
shedding of His blood is God willing to forgive our sin.
RESURRECTION
Jesus’ death demonstrates God’s love for us. However, this
story doesn’t end here. After Jesus died, he was placed in a
secure tomb. On the third day Jesus rose from the dead and
showed Himself to His followers! He proved that He has the
power over death. Then He returned to His Father in heaven.
Jesus took our punishment and now provides a way for us to
come back to God!
R E P E N TA N C E
God wants you and your whole family to return to Him. Jesus
is the perfect sacrifice, and He is the only way to restore our
relationship with God. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth,
and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through
me.” You must go through Jesus to return to God.
•Jesus:
...died and was buried
...has power over death
...restored the way to God
Luke 24:46-47
•
•
•
You need to return to God
Jesus is the only way
Admit, believe, trust
John 14:6; Romans 10:9-10
How can you go through Jesus? You must admit to God
that you have sinned against Him. You must believe that
Jesus died in your place. You put your trust in Jesus to bring
you back and give you eternal life as God’s son or daughter.
From that point on, you let Jesus be your Master and obey
His word.
Do you want to let Jesus bring you back to God?
KINGDOM
Jesus continues His work in the world through His Spirit and
through His followers. God has set a day for Jesus to return
to earth in all His glory and to judge all people. He will welcome His followers and turn away those who oppose Him.
His kingdom will have no end. Until then, His followers are
to pray and work together that the kingdom may come and
God’s will be done on earth. We are to carry the good news
of Jesus to others and serve Him in all that we do.
•
•
•
Jesus works through us
Jesus will return
We can share Jesus with others
Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:10
Group Bible Studies 49
50 Why
STUDENT DEVOTIONS
Introduction
Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).46 He also
said, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the
whole creation” (Mark 16:15), “make disciples of all nations”
(Matthew 28:19), and “As the Father has sent me, even so
I am sending you” (John 20:21).
Before we answer the question, “Why?” it is important to
know the “What” that will be driving our investigation. What
are we to be doing? Jesus had made it clear that His followers are to multiply. The good news must be shared—everyone in the world needs the opportunity to hear. Lost people
must be converted. New believers are to be discipled and
churches planted. God’s people will need to make sacrifices
of time, effort, and comfort to see this happen, especially in
the hard places in the world.
Be careful when you ask “Why?” It is very possible that
the answers will propel you into casting aside your agenda
to take up Christ’s. That is our hope in presenting these
devotions to you.
About the author
Paul Sheaffer was born and raised in
“Amish Paradise,” that is, Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania. He currently
lives in Richmond, Virginia and serves
as student pastor at Grace Community
Baptist Church. He is married and has
two children. One of his favorite things
to do is explore new places and meet
new people.
46
Here is the layout for the days ahead:
•We will begin with a week of defining the gospel: why
do we call it the good news? Why is it so important
and valuable that we cannot keep it to ourselves?
•In week two, we naturally will explore witnessing—
learning about evangelism and conversion. Why is it
that people must go through such a profound change
in their lives?
•Jesus commands us in the Great Commission to make
disciples, not merely share knowledge, so expect
us to address the “why” of disciple-making in week
three.
•Disciples need to know and follow God’s will for their
lives, so we will focus on God’s call in week four.
ll Scripture references taken from the English
A
Standard Version, unless noted otherwise.
Student Devotions 51
•Church planting may not be a hot topic to you, but
imagine a group of new believers without a faith
community. Let’s discover together why it is critical
for disciples to make disciples.
•Finally, we will wrap up by learning about unreached
peoples and places. After 2000 years of Christianity,
why do these still exist? What must be done?
Defining words and concepts like “gospel” and “conversion”
helps clear confusion and increases learning, so we have included key definitions and concepts from David Platt, president of the International Mission Board president, to guide
our study.
Please use a journal as you work through these devotions.
Record your thoughts, answers to questions, and prayers
each day. Journaling is a great habit to add in a daily quiet
time with God.
Each devotional begins with a pertinent passage of Scripture, so prepare yourself to hear from God by reading His
Word. The section entitled “Know It” expounds on the passage and key ideas related to the topic. Many of the devotionals include a brief related testimony from a cross-cultural
missionary. We conclude each devotional by offering a short
prayer and application (“Own It”). God calls us to be not only
hearers of the Word but also doers of the Word. Don’t pass
over the practical steps and questions to help you in applying God’s Word.
The famous missionary William Carey once said, “Expect
great things from God; attempt great things for God.” I love
that quote, and it’s one of those sayings that inspires me. My
hope is that God uses these devotionals to strengthen your
faith and equip you to make disciples for the glory of Jesus.
52 Why
Week I: This is why we call it the gospel
DAY 1 — GOD’S CHARACTER
Read it:
author of the gospel. Even more important-
Romans 3:21–26
ly, the good news begins with God because
God is good. God is so good that all good-
Know it:
ness starts with Him. As we go and proclaim
Imagine that you have one chance to com-
the gospel, our proclamation is not just
municate to some people for whom you
about a message; it’s about a Person, and
care very deeply, and what you have to say
that Person is greater and more wonderful
would make all the difference in what they
than we can imagine.
know about God. The book of Romans is
such a letter written to Christians, “To all
In your study of the Bible, what have you
those in Rome who are loved by God and
learned of the character of God? Perhaps
called to be saints” (Romans 1:7). The mes-
you have encountered Scriptures that teach
sage? It is the “gospel of God” (Romans 1:1).
about the righteousness of God. Romans
God inspired Paul to write Romans because
3:21-26 mentions this
Christians then and now need to hear, read,
extensively: “the righ-
meditate upon, and appropriate the gospel
teousness of God” (vv.
of God. The gospel is the starting point and
21 and 22), “God’s righ-
substance of our faith.
teousness” (v. 25), and
In your study of the Bible,
what have you learned of
the character of God?
“His righteousness” (v.
What exactly is the gospel? Imagine a
26). The righteousness of God means that
friend asked you that question. How would
His character and actions are always right
you respond? Take a couple of minutes to
and good. In the gospel God’s character
write out your response in your journal.
is on full display. The cross is the greatest
example—the cross is where Christ demon-
Compare your response to this definition
strates that God is both just (He judges sin)
provided by David Platt:
and merciful (He provides the sinner with
“The gospel is the good news that the only
salvation).
true God, the just and gracious Creator of
the universe, has looked upon hopelessly
There is a saying: “The news is only as good
sinful men and women and has sent His
as its source.” In our culture, source and
Son, God in the flesh, to bear His wrath
authority are closely tied together. What
against sin through His substitutionary
people think of God, their understanding
death on the cross and to show His power
and perception of Him will influence their
over sin and death in the resurrection from
reception of the gospel. Sadly, the starting
the grave so that everyone who turns from
point for many is a concept of someone
their sin and themselves and trusts in Jesus
much less than the God of the Bible—the
alone as Savior and Lord will be reconciled
God of righteousness and ultimate good-
to God forever.”
ness. In missions, quite often the starting
47
place in sharing the gospel with people is to
Did you notice that his definition began
introduce them to the character and wor-
with God, not our need for salvation? The
thiness of the One True God. He is Someone
gospel begins with God because He’s the
47
avid Platt, “Key
D
Terms and Concepts” (International
Mission Board
Chapel Messages,
2016), 1.
Student Devotions 53
they can trust to deliver both justice and
As I go and proclaim the gospel, remind
mercy. As you go and proclaim the gospel,
me to help others to come to know Your
begin with the character of God.
character.
This is why:
Own it:
One overseas missionary recently shared
Using a journal will really help you make the
this testimony: “Two weeks ago a local
most of this devotional journey. Write your
friend told me he had read the Gospels of
responses to these items:
John and Matthew over a two-day period.
•How has God revealed Himself to you
He shared that as he read the gospels he
recently? Jot down two or three of His
wept as he experienced the beauty of Christ
characteristics for which you can praise
on display in the gospels. God transforms
sinners as they engage in the reading of His
Him.
•Consider your earlier response to “What
Word.” God is the author of the gospel, and
is the gospel?” Do you need to rewrite
in the gospel He manifests His character.
it to include the character of God?
•It is a great practice to turn Scripture
Pray it:
into a prayer back to God. Choose one
Father, thank You for revealing Your char-
of the psalms from Psalm 120-134 and
acter to us in the gospel. Help me as I work
use it as a guide for your prayer time.
through these devotions to grow deeper in
(See desiringgod.org/interviews/
my love, appreciation, and awe of who You
how-to-pray-the-psalms for help in how
are. You are holy, just, merciful, and patient.
to pray the Psalms.)
DAY 2 — THE OFFENSE OF SIN
Read it:
Romans 3:9-20
hood of man.” From a biblical perspective,
Know it:
that does not even come close to the truth
Have you heard of the famous song, “Imagine,” by John Lennon? In case you need a
clue, Lennon was one of the Beatles. Think
about these lyrics:
“Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...”
48
rudem, Wayne A.
G
Systematic Theology: An Introduction
to Biblical Doctrine
(Grand Rapids,
Zondervan Publishing House, 2004),
p. 490.
54 Why
at the time with his hope for “a brother-
Throughout the song Lennon identifies
what he considers the problems for humanity (i.e., countries, possessions, religions)
and then offers the solution (give up those
things and live together in harmony).
Lennon expressed the sentiment of many
it is clear that “Imagine” is wishful thinking
about humanity’s problems and the solution
to those problems.
For the Christian, our highest authority for
what we believe and how we live is Scripture. According to Scripture, humanity’s
fundamental problem is sin. Sin is “any
failure to conform to the moral law of God
in act, attitude, or nature.”48 The gospel
addresses this fundamental problem. Read
Romans 3:9-12 and circle the words “all,”
“both,” “none,” and “no one.” Paul teaches
that “none are righteous,” “no one seeks for
God,” and “no one does good.”
“Why can’t we all just get along?” Lennon
Pray it:
might ask. The answer is that humanity has
Father, I thank You for the living hope
a very serious sin problem, and we really
which You have given me in Christ. I humbly
don’t understand what it means to be righ-
acknowledge that this applies to me: “By
teous. Our pitiful sense of righteousness is
works of the law no human being will be
far below that of God’s. Consider that Jesus
justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20). I am so
said when you lust after someone in your
grateful that I am “justified by his grace as a
heart you are guilty of adultery, and when
gift through the redemption that is in Christ
you hate someone you are guilty of mur-
Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
der (Matthew 5:22–30)! We live in a world
where people constantly try to “lower the
Own it:
bar” for what is acceptable behavior and
•Scripture speaks of our sin offending
thought. God is not amused.
God and others. How have you offended God recently? Remember, the pur-
Romans 3:19–20 tells us no one will be
pose of confession is for you to repent
made right in God’s sight because they
(turn from your sins to God) and seek
obeyed God’s commandments. Even when
His forgiveness. How have you offended
we try diligently, none of us can follow the
others recently and have you asked for
rules perfectly and consistently; our best
their forgiveness? How can you make
efforts can’t save us from judgment. God’s
things right today between you and
law spotlights how far short we fall of His
those you offended? Take time to write
standard of perfection. As you go and
about this in your journal today.
proclaim the gospel on mission, whether
•There is much about joy in the Scrip-
in your community or overseas, remem-
tures, but sin is never a joke or a
ber that the bad news comes before the
laughing matter. We should never take
good news. If there is no sin, than we have
sin lightly. Review the words to the old
no need for a cross, and we can join in the
hymn written by Isaac Watts entitled
dream of John Lennon. The message of the
Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed. As you
gospel only makes sense as we acknowl-
consider the weight of sin and its of-
edge the truth about sin.
fense, let it help you rejoice in the grace
This is why:
and mercy of God shown in Christ.
Why does Scripture call it the gospel?
Here’s how one missionary answered: “It is
the good news that Jesus loves sinners, that
His death on the cross saves completely,
and that there is assurance in Him! The gospel message is very different than the ‘be
a good person’ message. Thank God! The
good news of the gospel of grace is that it
brings peace, freedom, and hope because
it all depends on Him and His finished work
on the cross, not on my own goodness
or works.”
DAY 3 — LIFE AFTER BAD NEWS
Read it:
Ephesians 2:1–10
Know it:
Imagine that somehow you owe $100,000
in school loans. You’re flabbergasted that
you allowed this to happen. It was a slow
process of semester after semester, buying
things here and there, accumulating the
debt, and not thinking about the consequences. Now the loan company is calling
Student Devotions 55
and you can’t pay up. They are coming to
when we rebelled against Him. God has
repossess whatever you and your family
provided the cure for us spiritual zombies.
own. Your job, your home, and your finan-
He has made us alive together in Christ.
cial future is in jeopardy.
Furthermore, He has raised us up and given
us a place of great honor in His kingdom,
No illustration like this can actually capture
and if that is not enough, turned us into
the seriousness of our sin. The Bible speaks
masterpieces and prepared us for a life of
of our sins against God as a debt (Colos-
good works.
sians 2:13-14). We owe God our obedience,
but we fail to give Him what is due; we incur
Take a few minutes to circle all the verbs in
a debt. How can we possibly pay back a
Ephesians 2:4–10 and note the subject of
debt to the King of the universe? The Bible
those verbs.
teaches that we are inadequate and unable
to make ourselves right with God. Only
What does this little exercise teach you
Jesus is sufficient to make us right with God
about the nature of our salvation? Notice all
and cover our sin debt.
the times “in Christ” or “with Christ” is used
All people who trespass
and sin against God are
spiritually dead.
in these verses. Those who are in Christ or
Debt is not the only
experience a salvation that is by grace and
way to understand our
not their own doing; it is a gift of God and
dilemma. Ephesians 2
not a result of our works. We cannot save
states that people are
ourselves, only Jesus can save, and we re-
spiritually dead or alive;
ceive this salvation by faith.
there is no third option. All people who
trespass and sin against God are spiritually
Imagine again that credit card debt and the
dead. To trespass is to “commit an offence
feeling you would have if a friend stepped
against a person or a set of rules.”
in and paid it off. Multiply this immeasur-
49
Remember that sin can be defined as “any
ably. That is more like the real good news.
failure to conform to the moral law of God
in act, attitude, or nature.” 50 Scripture
Pray it:
teaches that “all have sinned and fall short
Father, You are so merciful in that You don’t
of the glory of God” (Romans 3:10) and that
give me what I deserve. Thank You for
those who deny their guilt try to make God
sending Jesus to cover the offense of my
out to be a liar (1 John 1:10).
sin. Please teach me to know and abide in
Your grace. Keep me away from the attitude
Those who go by the code, “Live for your-
of self-reliance. Help me to live by faith.
self,” are actually following what Paul calls
the “prince of the power of the air,” and
Own it:
are “sons of disobedience” and “children
•Listen to the song “In Christ Alone” by
Keith and Kristyn Getty and savor the
of wrath.” No matter how we look at it,
sufficiency of Christ.
humanity has earned an “F” before God.
oanes, Catherine,
S
and Angus Stevenson, eds. Concise
Oxford English
Dictionary (Oxford:
Oxford University
Press, 2004).
49
Grudem, p. 490.
50
We have failed to live a morally perfect life,
and we have failed to conform to the moral
law of God.
Are you ready for the good news yet? Perhaps now you can see better the richness
of God’s mercy as described in Ephesians
2:4–10. God mercifully chose to love us even
56 Why
•
Memorize Ephesians 2:8–9.
DAY 4 — GOSPEL RESPONSE
Read it:
personally accountable for how we respond
Mark 1:14-15
to the gospel.
Know it:
Jesus asked his disciples one day, “Who do
Jesus came into Galilee, and note that Mark
people say that I am?” but He then made it
says that Jesus proclaimed the gospel of
personal and asked, “But who do you say
God. The gospel is meant to be spoken.
that I am?” (Mark 8:27, 29). Peter responded
Some people approach evangelism like a
to Jesus here by saying, “You are the Christ”
haircut: They hope people will notice some-
and elsewhere, “I am a sinful man, O Lord”
thing different about them and ask about
(Luke 5:8). So what do you believe? Who do
it. God’s good news is a matter of initiative,
you say Jesus is? Have you repented of your
and it is meant to be shared with words. If
sins and put your faith in Him? Please an-
we are to make disciples, we must go and be
swer honestly because God already knows.
among non-believers and use our words to
communicate the gospel of the grace
The gospel continues
of God.
to be relevant for the
believer. It constantly
Proclaiming the gospel
is not just passing along
information.
Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the
reminds us that we
kingdom of God is at hand; repent and be-
needed Jesus to come
lieve in the gospel.” Proclaiming the gospel
and rescue us from God’s judgment and
is not just passing along information. We
give us life. That truth flies in the face of
might share with our friends about a new
our rugged independent spirit that says, “I
restaurant, but we aren’t asking them to eat
am my own savior.” The gospel also speaks
there exclusively. The Bible uses the words
to us when we are tempted to doubt God’s
“repent” and “believe” repetitively when
care and take matters in our own hands.
speaking of gospel sharing (Acts 2; 3:19;
Have you ever been tempted in the face of
17:30). These are actions necessary for a
adversity or trials to “save yourself” and not
person to accept the gospel. Repentance is
wait on the Lord? While I was interviewing
“a heartfelt sorrow for sin, a renouncing of
for a pastoral position, I worked at a job
it, and a sincere commitment to forsake it
that was fulfilling but paid little. I wanted to
and walk in obedience to Christ.” 51 As you
“save myself” and jump on the first oppor-
endeavor to make disciples in your commu-
tunity that came my way, but God called
nity, school, and on your mission project,
me to trust Him and wait for Him to provide.
strive to evangelize like Jesus and challenge
It was hard! Scripture teaches us to “cast
people to respond to the gospel with re-
all our anxieties on God because he cares
pentance and faith.
for us” (1 Peter 5:7). I learned that, just as
in the beginning of our walk with Jesus,
But wait a moment. Have you responded
we are called to trust in Him every day for
to the gospel? Maybe some time ago you
His provision.
made a heartfelt decision to confess your
sin, turn from it, and follow Jesus. Perhaps,
on the other hand, your choice to “follow”
Pray it:
Father of mercy and compassion, thank You
Jesus has simply been appearance only—
for sending someone to proclaim the gospel
something you did because your parents or
to me. Thank You for opening up my eyes,
friends did it. The truth is that each of us is
giving me an ability to understand the
51
Grudem, p. 713.
Student Devotions 57
gospel, and enabling me to respond in faith
God does not have life” (1 John 5:12). The
to the gospel. I pray for boldness to pro-
gospel calls sinners to repent and believe
claim the gospel faithfully by calling sinners
in the gospel because it is a matter of life
to repent and believe in the gospel.
and death.
Own it:
This passage also describes the branches
•“There’s a point when you finally look
that abide in the vine. Trees and vineyards
in the mirror at an image that you are
bear fruit. As well-connected branches,
simply tired of seeing.” Watch Brian
Jesus’ disciples are to bear fruit. What is
Welch’s testimony on I Am Second.
this fruit? Christians bear good works (e.g.,
While Brian’s story may be far different
attitudes, words, actions, and behaviors)
from your own, how does your life also
that line up with the new nature God has
reflect surrender, repentance and faith?
given us. Just as it would be odd to see an
•Consider this paraphrase from John
apple tree producing pears, it is odd – and
Calvin’s work Institutes of the Christian
wrong – when a believer acts, speaks, and
Religion, “The human heart is an idol
behaves like a non-believer. God saved us to
factory.” 52 What idols do you struggle
become more and more like Jesus. A fruit
with? How is God leading you to repent
that we are to bear, according to this pas-
of your idolatry? For help in identifying
sage, is a love for one another. How are you
idols please read the following article:
doing with loving other people? What does
jamedders.com/heart-idols.
your love for others say about your heart?
Fruit is a sign of life. Hear the words of John
DAY 5 — GOSPEL URGENCY
Read it:
John 15:1-17
Know it:
A vinedresser is a person who tends or cultivates grape vines. Jesus is the vine, God
the Father is the vinedresser, and we are
the branches. As the vinedresser, the Father
comes upon branches that are disconnected, detached from the vine, and withered
and dead. The Father (like a vinedresser)
throws the dead branches into the fire.
There is cause for alarm in this passage:
who wants to be nothing more than a dead
branch thrown into the fire by God?
If you are thinking, “I want to be a part of
the vine. I don’t want God to throw me into
the fire to be burned up. I want to live!” then
52
Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian
Religion (Bellingham,
WA: Logos Bible
Software, 1997).
58 Why
you recognize that the gospel is a message
of eternal urgency. “Whoever has the Son
has life; whoever does not have the Son of
15:5, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he
it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me
you can do nothing.” Like a branch abiding
in a vine, drawing nutrients from the vine, we
are to abide in Christ and “live off Him.” The
opposite is to remain disconnected from Jesus and be dry and dead. There is no in-between—no real life independent of Jesus.
The gospel tells us that the stakes are high.
Jesus has taken the initiative to graft us
back into the vine. Our message to others is
to abide in Jesus.
This is why:
God is glorified when we abide in Christ.
Says one missionary serving in South East
Asia, “We make disciples to see God glorified, like He is in Chris’s life. As a new believer, Chris left his internship because his firm
asked him to perform illegal tasks. Chris
struggled with this decision because the
firm provided him with a salary and gave
him a university scholarship. Chris said,
‘Jesus has taught me that I cannot read the
Own it:
Bible in the morning and cheat a widow
•Visit a garden shop or plant nursery and
out of her inheritance the same afternoon.’
ask about the practice of grafting. Make
Chris chose to serve the Lord with his whole
notes about this in your journal and
life although it cost him his job, school, and
connect what you learn with what it
girlfriend.”
means to abide in Christ. As you do so,
Pray it:
Lord, thank You for adopting me and grafting me into Your life. Help me to abide in
re-read John 15:1-17. In what ways did
this exercise help you to better understand this passage?
•In light of the truth that God “burns up”
You day by day. With both my words and
branches not in Jesus, how urgent are
deeds, help me to show others how good it
you to share the gospel with non-Chris-
is to know You and bear Your fruit in my life.
tians? What might that say about what
Show me the true status of those who don’t
you really believe?
abide in You so that I can pray for them and
reach out to them with gospel.
•Is fruit-bearing something you strive to
do, or is it a natural outgrowth of abiding in Christ? What is the difference?
Student Devotions 59
Week 2: This is why we witness
DAY 1 — GOSPEL SENT
Read it:
Romans 10:13–15
Know it:
One Christmas I managed to get an incredible deal on a Lenovo laptop. That laptop
lasted me all through my seminary education. I confess that I would have never known
of the deal had it not been for advertisements. Companies advertise because they
want people to know about their product,
see the value of their product, and buy
their product. Most companies don’t leave
it up to the consumer to discover all this for
themselves; they take the initiative to get
the word out. Likewise, if we want others
to know God and find eternal life, we must
share the gospel with them.
Imagine that a man falls into a raging river. A
friend of his on the riverbank has a line that
can be tossed out to pull him into safety.
What does the man in the river do? He calls
out the name of his friend to rescue him
from danger and death. Everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved from
God’s judgment (Romans 10:13). If sinners
are to be saved, they must know the name
of Him who can save them. Note that the
apostle Paul says “will be saved” not “might
be saved.” Jesus hears our cry and is faithful
and sure to save us from certain doom.
In this grand statement of good news, Paul
asks a series of questions related to verse
13. Notice the order here: To call on the
name of the Lord one has to believe, to
believe one has to hear, to hear one must
be preached to, and if the preachers are to
preach they must be sent by God.
53
Platt, 3.
60 Why
David Platt says, “Evangelism is the proclamation of the gospel in the power of
the Holy Spirit with the aim of persuading
people to repent and believe in Christ.” 53
Evangelism uses words to convey the truths
of the gospel. Our lifestyle ought to faithfully represent God’s character and the truth
of the gospel, but it’s never a substitute for
using our words to share the gospel. To be
saved, non-Christians must hear the gospel. A famous saying is, “Preach the Gospel
at all times. Use words if necessary.” As a
teaching, this falls short. Christians should
always preach the gospel with words, and
their life ought to conform to the message
they preach.
Paul finished his teaching with these words,
“How beautiful are the feet of those who
preach the good news.” Consider a town
of people waiting to hear news about a
terrible war that has surrounded them. They
are cut off from help, their fate is uncertain
and the enemy could be on the way. Now,
imagine a soldier who comes over the hill
and announces, “We have won!” What good
news for those people! Good news brings a
certain emotional gladness. We love good
news! God invites us to join Him in the great
work of delivering good news. Pray it:
Father, thank You again for sending someone my way to share the gospel with me. I
want to be a good news bearer for others.
Help me to be faithful to share the gospel
whenever and wherever You send me. As
I go, I pray that You would root the gospel
deep in my heart and lead me to find great
joy in it. I pray for courage to proclaim the
gospel. Use me to help others find peace
in You.
Own it:
•Begin now to consider and write out
•Write out the names of three people
your testimony as something you can
whom you believe are non-believers.
share with others. Cru offers this article
Pray for their salvation. Take steps to
to help: “Your Testimony: How to Pre-
share the gospel with them. What might
pare and Tell Your Story.”
that involve?
DAY 2 — SPIRIT-EMPOWERED EVANGELISM
Read it:
the gospel of their sin and their need for
Acts 1:8, 2:2-4, 4:8, 4:31, 9:17–20, 13:8–10
repentance. He does so much more, but
hopefully you get the point. The Spirit lives
Know it:
in us to proclaim the gospel through us. The
Are there people in your life who empow-
practical implication of such a truth is that
er you? In my junior year of high school,
we should have great courage and confi-
I began to ask what God would have me
dence in our efforts to reach others with the
do with my life. I believed God was calling
gospel.
me into the pastorate, so the pastors of
my church gave me opportunity to preach,
Recently I was on a mission trip and trav-
teach, visit the sick, and engage in various
eled with my team to neighborhoods to
ministries. They taught me how to study
share Christ. As we formed into small
Scripture, the importance of character,
groups before leaving, I noticed my group
and the nature of faith. In many ways they
was relieved that a pastor was with them.
tested my call, and as a result, the church
They were thinking, “If we get stuck or
affirmed my calling. It was an incredible ex-
need help, we have a pastor!” I don’t share
perience; they allowed God to work through
that story to boast, but rather to illustrate a
them to empower me for ministry.
point. If a pastor’s presence gives us confidence, courage, and assurance in evange-
We use the word “empower” today to talk
lism, how much more can we gain knowing
about enabling or equipping someone to
the Spirit of God lives in us and is with us in
succeed or lead. The Holy Spirit’s empower-
our evangelistic efforts?
ment, however, is more dynamic. The Spirit
empowered Christ to preach and to pro-
Dr. Ernest F. Scott said, “The Book of Acts
claim the gospel (Luke 4:14–19). The Spirit
could be called The Acts of the Spirit, for
does the same with us (Acts 1:8; 2:37–39).
the whole purpose of the author is to show
This is the pattern we observe in today’s
what happened to the apostles when they
reading. Jesus’ disciples were filled with the
were filled with the Spirit.” 54 Consider what
Spirit, and they proclaimed the death and
God accomplished through His Spirit work-
resurrection of Jesus.
ing in His people in the Book of Acts. If you
submitted to the Spirit and welcomed His
The Spirit empowers us for missions. He
work in your life, what could God accom-
gives us insight into the person we are
plish through His Spirit in you?
speaking to and the courage needed to
be a faithful witness. He brings to mind
Pray it:
the truths and verses we have memorized
Father, thank You for sending Your Spirit.
from His Word. He convicts those who hear
Use Your Spirit to empower me for mis-
54
ones, G. Curtis.
J
1000 Illustrations
for Preaching and
Teaching (Nashville,
TN: Broadman &
Holman Publishers,
1986).
Student Devotions 61
sions. Help me to live by the Spirit and to
reach a goal of so many calls? Or did He
submit to His work in my life. Cause my
have in mind that we would earnestly seek
heart to listen to and follow what the Spirit
to persuade people to turn from sin and
is saying to me about sharing the gospel.
trust Jesus as Savior and Lord?
Own it:
As a prisoner, Paul preached Jesus before
•Spend at least 15 minutes alone lis-
King Agrippa, his sister, the governor of
tening to the Spirit. Do nothing else:
Caesarea, Roman military commanders, and
silence your phone, take out your
prominent men of Caesarea. Paul identified
headphones, and find someplace quiet.
Jesus as the Christ who suffered and rose
As you begin, ask, “Spirit, what are You
from the dead. He shared his conversion,
trying to teach me? What do You want
but to what end? Was Paul merely sharing
to do in my life?” Write in your journal
information? Notice verse 27: “King Agrip-
how He responds. Test whatever you
pa, do you believe the prophets?” Paul’s
hear by what is in Scripture.
aim was to persuade Agrippa to repent and
•To be empowered by the Spirit is to live
believe in Christ. Hear Agrippa’s response in
by the Spirit. See Galatians 5:16–26 for
verse 28, “In a short time would you per-
what it means to do this. Contrast the
suade me to be a Christian?” How did Paul
“works of the flesh” with the “fruit of
respond? “Whether short or long, I would to
the Spirit.” Do you see more “works of
God that not only you but also all who hear
the flesh” or “fruit of the Spirit” in your
me this day might become such as I am.”
life? How might this affect you being
empowered by the Spirit for missions?
David Platt urges us: “Evangelism has the
aim of persuading people to repent and
believe in Christ. Evangelism is more than
DAY 3 — GOSPEL PERSUASION
Read it:
Acts 26
Know it:
I once tried my hand as a telemarketer. My
job was to sell OSHA safety material to
companies. Worst job ever! It was horrible.
I was a terrible salesman because I wasn’t
persuaded by the product I was trying to
sell. I never really tried to persuade a caller
to buy the product; I just shared information.
Eventually, I quit.
When it comes to sharing the gospel, is
it truly your aim to persuade people to
repent and believe in Christ? Maybe you
don’t share the gospel because you’re not
really persuaded by its truth and gravity.
Did Jesus call us to share information about
55
Platt, 3.
62 Why
Him like some bored telemarketer trying to
mere presentation of the gospel; it is persuasion with the gospel.” 55 As we go out on
mission, with the intent to share the gospel,
we need to make sure that we aren’t going
through the motions and merely presenting
the facts of the gospel. Let’s join Paul in
passionate effort to call people to repent of
sin and believe in Jesus. Pray it:
Father, my prayer is that “Christ would be
honored in my body, whether by life or by
death” (Philippians 1:20). “For me to live is
Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
I want to “live a life worthy of the gospel
of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). As I share Your
gospel of grace, work through me to persuade people to repent of sin and believe in
Jesus. Fill me with the joy of salvation and
help me speak of Your mercies. Amen.
Own it:
you resist this temptation and practice
•Theologian J.I. Packer says, “Evangelism
is the issuing of a call to turn, as well as
persuasive evangelism?
•Watch the actor Kirk Cameron share
to trust; it is the delivering, not merely
Christ with a young couple: https://
of a divine invitation to receive a Savior,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=--bcu-
but of a divine command to repent of
4JHVBot. What are your thoughts after
sin.”
56
Why is it so tempting to just share
watching the video? How did Kirk per-
the points of the gospel without calling
suade the couple? What can you take
people to repent and believe? How can
away to help you in sharing the gospel?
DAY 4 — GOD INITIATES OUR SALVATION
Read it:
I work in a church with a Nepali tutoring
Acts 16:11-15
program. It was started because several
church members noticed Nepali children
Know it:
struggled in school because English was
When Paul and his companions arrived in
not their first language. Our church decided
Philippi, on the Sabbath day they found
to take the initiative to develop a tutoring
a group of women who had gathered to
program to help the children succeed in
pray by the riverside. One of the women,
their schooling. It is not likely that either
Lydia, was a worshipper of God. Paul and
the children or parents would have taken
company sat down and begin speaking to
the initiative and asked for help. In order for
the women. We’re not told what Paul said,
the children to succeed in school someone
but Luke mentions about Lydia, “The Lord
needed to take initiative to meet some ba-
opened her heart to pay attention to what
sic needs like teaching the children English.
was said by Paul.” Lydia was baptized,
A dead person cannot
choose to come alive.
meaning Paul must have preached the gos-
Likewise in salvation,
pel to her. The Lord opened Lydia’s heart
God takes the initia-
and she believed. God took the initiative in
tive. Now, the Nepali
Lydia’s salvation: He sent Paul to preach the
children might have
gospel, and He opened Lydia’s heart so that
learned English on their own, but the Bible
she paid attention to what Paul said. What
says that apart from Jesus, “we are dead in
a great God we serve! Our God is a mission-
our trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). A
ary God. The truth that God takes the ini-
dead person cannot choose to come alive.
tiative in our salvation is taught throughout
If we are to live spiritually, we need a su-
the Bible in passages such as Luke 15:1–10,
pernatural miracle to occur, that is, for God
John 15:16, and Ephesians 1:3–6.
to breathe His life into us again. And this is
precisely what the Bible teaches, “But to
Concerning conversion, Platt says, “Conver-
all who did receive him, who believed in his
sion is a divinely enabled
name, he gave the right to become children
personal response of individuals to the
of God, who were born, not of blood nor of
gospel in which they turn from their sin and
the will of the flesh nor of the will of man,
themselves (repent) and trust in Jesus as
but of God” (John 1:12–13).
56
J.I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty
of God (Downers
Grove: Intervarsity
Press, 1991), 40.
57
Platt, 3.
Savior and Lord (believe).” 57
Since conversion is a divinely enabled
response to the gospel, we can be encour-
Student Devotions 63
aged and look to see how God is at work
Give me encouragement when I see no
when it comes to sharing the gospel. While
evident growth for my work. I rejoice in
we are to go and make disciples, and peo-
the great truth that You are working in the
ple are to repent and believe, only God can
hearts of those I proclaim the gospel to. I
make a believer. We should have the same
pray that You would remind me to consis-
attitude as the apostle Paul: “I planted,
tently pray for those in my life who do not
While we are to go
and make disciples, and
people are to repent
and believe, only God
can make a believer.
Apollos watered, but
know Jesus as Savior and Lord. I rejoice
God gave the growth”
in the truth that You rule as King over the
(1 Corinthians 3:6).
human heart.
Remember that when
you share the gospel
Own it:
there’s no need either
•How has God taken the initiative in your
to “hound” someone
life? Who did He send to you to share
or “throw in the towel”
the gospel? How did God open your
because God enables people to respond
heart to the truth of the gospel? Take
to the gospel. You are not alone in making
some time to journal about this.
disciples; God the Creator is working in the
•How are you doing with your three
hearts of those who hear the gospel.
non-Christian friends you identified
earlier this week? Continue to pray
Pray it:
for them and ask God to prepare their
Father, You have called me to plant and
hearts for the gospel. Ask God to lead
water; help me to trust You to give growth.
you to find some ways to invest in them
and show His love.
DAY 5 — RADICAL CONVERSION
Read it:
one day and heard a child’s voice repeating,
Romans 6:1–4; Galatians 2:20
“Take up and read.” On a table lay a collection of Paul’s letters so he picked it up
58
alli, Mark, and Ted
G
Olsen. 131 Christians
Everyone Should
Know (Nashville, TN:
Broadman & Holman
Publishers, 2000).
64 Why
Know it:
and read the first thing he saw, which was
It’s told that one day Augustine of Hippo
Romans 13:13–14. He later wrote, “No further
(354–430 AD) and his friends stole some
would I read; nor needed I: for instantly
pears from a neighbor’s vineyard “not to
at the end of this sentence, by a light as it
eat them but simply to throw them to the
were of serenity infused into my heart, all
pigs.” As a young man, he was a womanizer.
the darkness of doubt vanished away.” 58
A well-known prayer of his at that time in
Augustine’s conversion was radical,
his life was: “Lord, grant me chastity and
noticeable, and permanent. (Read his
self-control, but not yet.” Sometime later,
Confessions!) He championed the gospel
Augustine found the hedonistic lifestyle
and worked tirelessly to defend the faith.
void and meaningless, so he switched to a
He became celibate as a result of the Spir-
morally religious lifestyle. This too, however,
it’s leading and gave himself entirely to the
gave him no fulfillment, and his heart was
Church and God’s kingdom.
restless.
The Bible uses extreme language to deAugustine’s conversion to Christianity
scribe conversion. “I have been crucified
happened as he was walking in his garden
with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but
Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
commands. If you ask someone, “Are you
As believers we have been crucified with
a Christian?” listen not only to what they
Christ—we have died to our old selves and
say they believe about the gospel, but look
sinful desires and Christ has come to live
also to see if they have a love for God’s
within. Platt sums it up this way, “Some-
people and a habit of obeying God’s com-
one who has been converted has died to
mandments. Conversion is permanent in
everything they used to be and received
that God never lets go of or loses anyone
new life in Christ. They have been created
who has been truly converted (John 6:37-
all over again. They have been born again.
40). All those who are truly born again
Conversion to Christ is neither casual nor
by God may struggle with sin to lesser or
superficial.” 59
greater degrees throughout life but nonetheless will persevere in faith and grow in
As we go and make disciples, we preach
Christ-likeness. that conversion to Christ is neither casu-
Conversion is noticeable
and permanent.
al nor superficial; rather, it is radical. Our
Pray it:
hearers must learn that to follow Christ is to
Father, thank You for
die to self. When Christ comes to live within,
breathing new life into
He does a complete renovation within the
me. Work in me a deep desire to live for
home of our hearts and bodies. As those
You and to please You every day of my life.
who make disciples, we ought to expect
I confess that I am not my own; You have
from a person who has decided to follow
bought me with a price. Help me to die to
Christ a change (i.e., becoming more like
myself and to live for You.
Jesus). Christ makes the greedy generous,
the liar honest, the sexually immoral pure,
Own it:
and much more. Christ transforms the aim
•Ryan Ries spent a decade as a profes-
of our hearts so that whatever we do, we do
sional skater. He was considered suc-
to please God.
cessful but found himself addicted to
drugs and alcohol before God changed
his life. Watch and listen to his story at
Conversion is noticeable and permanent.
www.iamsecond.com/seconds/ryan-ries.
Conversion is evident in what the person
says and how they live. A person who has
•
been born again believes the gospel, has
•For your life, what does it mean to die
a love for God’s people, and keeps God’s
Memorize Galatians 2:20.
to self and to live for Christ? Journal
your thoughts.
59
Platt, 4.
Student Devotions 65
Week 3: This is why we make disciples
DAY 1 — A TRANSFORMED HEART
Read it:
John 3:1–8; 1 John 3:9
Know it:
I grew up about an hour outside of Philadelphia, and I would go into Philly for the
sights and the food – mainly cheesesteaks.
A true Philly cheesesteak uses finely
chopped beef and is served on a freshly
toasted Amoroso roll with Cheez Whiz. The
goodness from the cheesesteak drips out
onto your plate, and it’s glorious. Occasionally I’ll order a “Philly cheesesteak” outside
of Philadelphia just to see how close they
are to the original. I have never found it replicated; they usually miss all the marks (e.g.,
the beef is thick, the roll is not toasted, they
use American cheese, etc.). There are certain characteristics of a Philly cheesesteak;
likewise there are certain characteristics or
marks of a follower of Christ.
Take a moment to answer this question:
“What are the marks of a disciple of Jesus?”
What is the “Cheese Whiz” of a real disciple? Make a list of characteristics. Think of
Scripture verses that describe a disciple.
Platt says, “Christ now lives in [His disciples], transforming everything about them
from the inside out.” He has identified six
primary marks of a disciple: a transformed
heart, a transformed mind, transformed
affections, a transformed will, transformed
Platt, 5-7.
relationships, and a transformed purpose. 60
Ibid, 5.
The first characteristic, a transformed heart,
60
61
62
Grudem, Wayne
A. Bible Doctrine:
Essential Teachings
of the Christian
Faith, kindle edition,
(Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan, 2014).
66 Why
is what defines a disciple and occurs the
moment a person places their faith in Jesus.
Can you see how a heart change would be a
necessary first step before the other things
can happen? The other five marks “are
found in increasing measure as a disciple
grows through faith in Jesus as a member
of the church.” 61
Notice what Jesus said to Nicodemus in
the reading today: “Truly, truly, I say to you,
unless one is born again he cannot see the
kingdom of God.” When Jesus speaks of
being born again, He is referring to regeneration or a transformed heart. Regeneration
can be defined as, “A secret act of God in
which he imparts new spiritual life to us.” 62
A helpful analogy is found in 1 John 3:9:
“No one born of God makes a practice
of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him,
and he cannot keep on sinning because
he has been born of God.” Think of it this
way: when a sperm or “seed” fertilizes an
egg, new life occurs, and genes are passed
along. So it is when a child is conceived, her
cells already have all the genetic material
for her to develop fully as a human being.
A child resembles his parents because he
has their genes. Similarly, God gives us His
spiritual DNA, so to speak.
Christians are called God’s children because
we have been born of Him and have His
genetic character and nature. The change
we undergo at the moment of faith in Christ
occurs instantly at the most fundamental
level, and as we grow as God’s children
we should increasingly look like Him. The
wonderful truth is that we are not becoming
God’s children but we are His children. Just
as with our physical growth, we cooperate
in the process, but we don’t make the process happen. It is already there inside us as
believers. As God’s child, trust that He will
lead you to become more and more
like Jesus.
This is why:
Pray it:
Here is a story from South Asia: “A disciple
Father, thank You for causing me to be born
was beaten at a local mosque because he
again. Your seed abides in me. Help me co-
refused to deny his Christian faith. During
operate with You to let my identity as Your
his beating, he shared the gospel with
child become more apparent in my life. I
the people. The imam (the teacher at the
pray that my life would reflect Your life.
mosque) who was leading the persecution
came to Christ right there and then. The
Own it:
disciple died days later, but the gospel
•A friend asks you, “What does it mean
lives on now through the imam.” God gave
new birth to the imam and caused change
to occur at the most fundamental level, a
transformed heart.
to be born again?” How would you
answer them?
•Listen to this sermon from Ray Ortlund
Jr. entitled, What does it mean to be
born again? https://www.thegospel
coalition.org/article/what-does-itmean-to-be-born-again.
DAY 2 — A TRANSFORMED MIND
Read it:
His Spirit, transforms our minds so that in
Romans 12:1–2
our thoughts, attitudes, reasoning, and desires we become more and more like Jesus.
Know it:
When I got married a mind change had to
To go a little further in explaining what it
occur. I could no longer think of myself as a
means to have a transformed mind, Platt
single guy. Once we said “I do,” my wife and
offers this instruction: “Disciples are bib-
I were united and belonged to one another.
lically grounded in that they believe what
I had a wife I needed to think about before I
Jesus says. Disciples of Jesus trust the
bought whatever I wanted or before I made
truth of Jesus and view the world around
weekend plans with the guys. Getting mar-
them through the lens of God’s Word. As
ried to my wife was one of the best decisions
disciples abide in Jesus, reading, hearing,
I ever made, but it meant transformation. I
studying, understanding, memorizing, and
have found that throughout our marriage, I
meditating on God’s Word, He molds their
have needed to “renew my mind” to become
minds to become like His. They are contin-
more of the husband God wants me to be.
ually being renewed in knowledge after the
Likewise as Christians, throughout life we will
image of their Creator.” 63
need to renew our minds and remember, “I
am no longer my own but I belong to Jesus.”
A transformed mind results in more than
thinking the right thoughts; it leads to
Romans 12 marks a turning point in the
attitudes and actions. A disciple with a
book. In light of the mercies of God (Ro-
transformed mind serves and is interested
mans 1-11), Paul urged the Romans to offer
in meeting the needs of others. Sometimes
themselves to God as living sacrifices. To be
we are more interested in how others can
a living sacrifice involves not being con-
serve us. We want someone else to do the
formed to this world but being transformed
dishes, take out the trash, and mow the
by the renewing of our minds. God, through
lawn. It’s not a new struggle – the disciples
63
Platt, 5- 6.
Student Devotions 67
wrestled with this selfish attitude (Mark
Pray it:
10:35-45). So, we need to have our minds
Lord, You have begun a good work in me
renewed when it comes to service by med-
by transforming my heart. You redeem the
itating upon the realities that Jesus washed
heart and the mind because You are a God
His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-20) and that
of mercy. In light of Your mercies, help me
He came “not to be served but to serve and
see that it is a privilege to offer myself as a
to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark
living sacrifice. Lord, let me not be con-
10:45). Christ inspires us to cast off selfish
formed to this world but be transformed by
attitudes and put on His attitudes
the renewing of my mind.
It’s not about doing,
but “being.”
of service.
Own it:
Be careful that you
don’t think of the qual-
•Read Colossians 3:1–15. According to
these verses, how does your thinking
ities of transformation as another to-do list.
need to change and be aligned to what
It’s not about doing, but “being.” Change
Scripture says about who you are and
happens from the inside out as a disciple
how you are to live?
keeps his focus and affections on Christ. If
•There are many things that can influ-
Christ gave His own life in service to God
ence your mind. Review the music and
and us, what then is cleaning some dirty
other media you consume. The music
dishes or taking out the trash? Even the
you listen to and the movies you watch
most tedious or menial service can become
will impact your mood, thoughts, and
a joy to you because you know the Son of
even how you act. What is being taught
God humbled Himself to wash feet. The ser-
and celebrated in the songs and shows
vice and sacrifice of Christ lay the founda-
you love? How do they align with the
tion for the disciples’ service to others.
truths God has revealed in His Word?
DAY 3 — TRANSFORMED AFFECTIONS
Read it:
When it comes to desire, all of us are thirsty
John 4:1–15
people and nothing in this world quenches
that thirst for long. The glory of the gos-
Know it:
pel is that Jesus quenches our soul’s thirst
The fourth of July in Washington, D.C. is a
for all eternity by giving us “living water.”
sight to behold. You can enjoy the parade
Metaphorically, He stands on the street
down Constitution Avenue and the fireworks
corners of our world and says, “If anyone
on the National Mall. One of the downsides is
thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John
that it is so hot! I remember one year’s visit
7:37). Jesus offered a Samaritan woman
when we ran out of water. Everyone was so
this living water (i.e., Himself) and told her
thirsty; it was like a desert in our mouths. A
it would eternally satisfy her affections and
man selling water on a street corner yelled,
desires. When we come to faith in Christ, he
“Water is life; life is water!” We made a bee-
transforms not only our minds but also our
line to him and bought a couple of bottles of
affections.
water to quench our thirst. It was wonderful
at the time, but it did not last long. The wa-
Take a moment to consider some things
ter didn’t provide eternal hydration.
that provide you with contentment. Make
a list of “Ten Things That Make Me Happy”
68 Why
in your journal. Enjoy making the list, and
out to meet him. The more time you spend
thank God for such things.
with God, enjoying Him, the more you will
be changed to love what He loves and hate
Before moving on, review your list and put
what He hates.
a “T” by the things that are temporary or
easily taken away in your life. Put a question
This is why:
mark by anything that might be unhealthy or
One missionary has observed this about
even contrary to what is best.
his assigned people group: “Despite a growing economy in my country, high standards
It may cheer you to know that God created
of living, and low unemployment, people
your ability to desire and be satisfied. He
often wonder why they work. They struggle
wants to redeem and transform this part of
with purpose of life. Outside of the gospel
you that has been spoiled by sin. “Disciples
there is no hope for true and lasting peace
are deeply satisfied in that they desire what
and joy. We hear their story and share our
Jesus desires. Their pursuit of peace, joy,
story and watch how God’s great story
and life has led them to Jesus, who has not
continues to change lives.” In missions, one
only saved them from their sin, but also sat-
of our great privileges is the opportunity
isfied their souls. Disciples, therefore, grow
to see people who have struggled to find
to participate in spiritual disciplines not
satisfaction discover their soul’s satisfaction
out of a sense of duty, but out of a sense
in Jesus.
of delight; enjoying the exaltation of God
in worship, craving communion with God in
Pray it:
prayer, hungering for God’s Word more than
Father, You are the God who always tells
daily food, confessing sins with grateful
the truth. Your Word is truth and in You
contrition, and loving God’s glory more than
there is no error or wrongdoing. You delight
their own lives. Such love for God contin-
in faithfulness, in friendship, in kindness
ually pushes out love for the things of this
because all of these are found in You. Cause
world. Disciples daily crucify the desires of
my affections to be kindled by the glory of
the flesh as they bear the fruit of the Spirit
who You are so that I continue to grow in
and long for the return of the Son.”
love for You and others.
64
Perhaps one of the most famous books on
Own it:
“religious affections” comes from Jonathan
•Spend some time celebrating God’s
Edwards. Consider his words from A Trea-
goodness, beauty, and holiness. One
tise Concerning Religious Affections: “Saints
way to do this is to write your own
and angels behold the beauty of God’s
paraphrase
holiness and this sight only will melt and
of Psalm 63 (or similar) in your journal.
humble the hearts of men, wean them from
the world, draw them to God, and effectually change them.”
65
How are our affections
•Listen to I Will Glory in My Redeemer by
Sovereign Grace Music.
•Share with a friend or family member
or desires changed? According to Edwards
something about God’s moral character
it is by beholding—gazing at the beauty
that you found praiseworthy. Remem-
of God’s holiness. Do you struggle to love
ber that
God? Meditate upon and believe that God
a good gospel presentation will focus
is perfectly just, forgives your sin, and has
on God’s character. If
loved you despite your rebellious ways. Put
you share with a fellow Christian, it
yourself in the story of the prodigal son as
should open a worship
he returns home and sees his father running
opportunity!
64
Platt, 6.
65
Edwards, Jonathan.
The Works of
Jonathan Edwards.
Vol. 1 (Banner of
Truth Trust, 1974).
Student Devotions 69
DAY 4 — A TRANSFORMED WILL
Read it:
“That is, they do what Jesus commands.
Disciples of Jesus do not merely hear the
Know it:
The Great Commission is one of the most
referenced passages of Scripture. Because
of that, we tend to read it on “auto-pilot.” I encourage you to read the passage
in several different translations. Notice
the authoritative context; the risen Christ
gave a command for His people to follow.
He has been given all authority in heaven
and earth—He is Lord—and He issued a
command to be obeyed just like the Ten
Commandments. As His followers, we are
to obey Him in going and making disciples,
baptizing them, and teaching them to obey
God’s Word.
Obedience to Christ
requires a transformed
will. By default, we
want what we want
and we do what
we want to do. The
“natural” thing for an
resist Jesus as Lord because they have
rebellious hearts (Ephesians 2:1–3). Our
wills must undergo a dramatic change in
allegiance, turning from self to allegiance to
Christ. This shift begins at the moment of
salvation but must be worked out over the
course of our lives.
One way your will is transformed is through
your worship of Jesus. Notice that the
Great Commission begins with the disciples
worshipping Jesus. The disciples would
obey Christ’s command over the course of
their lives because they had worshipped
Him. The fuel of missions is the worship of
Jesus. The reason we go and make disciples
Platt, 6.
Word and so deceive themselves; they do
what it says. Disciples see imperatives in the
Scriptures as invitations from the Savior to
experience the joy of active submission to
Him. The more they walk according to God’s
Word, the more Jesus conforms their ways
to His will.” 66
I sometimes find it hard to obey God; my
will or my desires are at war with His ways.
I want to follow Jesus, and then a few minutes later I want to follow my heart. Have
you ever wrestled with such things? Let’s
thank God that He has given us a new heart
and has broken the power of sin over our
unsaved people is to
66
Commission is a love for Jesus.
“Disciples are humbly obedient,” says Platt.
Matthew 28:16–20
One of the best prayers
for a Christian is to ask,
“Lord, give me the desire
and the power to do
what pleases You.”
and Lord. Our motivation to fulfill the Great
is because Jesus is the resurrected Savior
lives. I find this verse encouraging: “For it
is God who works in you, both to will and
to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians
2:13). One of the best prayers for a Christian
is to ask, “Lord, give me the desire and the
power to do what pleases You.”
Pray it:
Father, thank You for creating in me a new
heart so that I can will and work for Your
good pleasure. Work on me as a sculptor on
clay to make me more like Your Son. Thank
You for the gift of the Spirit and His leading
me into truth. Fill me with Your Spirit so
that I cheerfully obey Your commands.
Own it:
•First John 5:3 says, “For this is the love
of God, that we keep his commandments.” In your journal, see how many
of God’s commands you can write
down from memory (write references if
you’re able).
•Which of God’s commands are you
cheerful about following? What commands are a burden to you and why?
Identify one of these to present before
70 Why
God and to ask Him to turn it from a
burden to a delight. Be sure to journal
this so you can come back later to
acknowledge how God has worked.
•Christ commands you to “Go and make
disciples, baptize them, and to teach
them to obey God’s Word.” On your
upcoming mission project, learn how
you and your team will work to fulfill
this command.
DAY 5 — TRANSFORMED RELATIONSHIPS
Read it:
grant us to sit, one at your right hand and
Mark 10:35–45
one at your left, in your glory.” Like James
and John, followers of Christ are tempted to
Know it:
seek a position of greatness, influence, and
The life of Martin Luther King Jr. has always
power over others. As fallen creatures we
inspired me. This past year when I was in
desire a place of prominence and status.
Atlanta, Georgia, I visited his home and
church. While I viewed the exhibits and sat
As God transforms our minds, hearts, and
in the pews at Ebenezer Baptist Church, I
wills, He also seeks to renovate our relation-
was struck by how the man gave himself
ships. In Mark 10:35-45, Jesus said some-
in service to others. King once said, “Life’s
thing that runs entirely contrary to the ways
most persistent and urgent question is,
of the world: “I am not alive to be served
‘What are you doing for others?’”
67
I’m
but to serve, to give my life for others, and
afraid many people have forgotten that
to become a slave of all.” If you started
King was a follower of Christ and a Baptist
saying this to people, how long would it be
minister. He truly cared for people, and his
before they consider you crazy? And yet,
work for civil rights was inspired by the
followers of Christ must have this same
King of Kings.
attitude toward others. Have you thought
about your life in these terms? As a follower
Hear Jesus’ words given almost two thou-
of Christ, are you willing to be a servant and
sand years before King’s: “But whoever
slave of all?
would be great among you must be your
servant.” King’s life was taken from him by
Jesus’ disciples are “sacrificially loving in
an assassin; Jesus willingly gave His life as
that they serve as Jesus serves.” 68 Unbeliev-
a ransom so that many could be made right
ers might doubt that anyone would really
with God. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice
want to do this, but the motivation comes
as an act of service, and in view of that, Je-
from having Christ meet your needs for ac-
sus calls His followers to serve like Him.
ceptance and being a member of His family.
67
oretta Scott King
C
and Martin Luther
King III, The Words
of Martin Luther
King, Jr.: Second Edition, (San Francisco,
CA: Harper Collins,
2008), p. 3.
68
Platt, 6.
“Having been reconciled to God through
James and John, Jesus’ disciples, were a
Christ, disciples continually work toward
little slow in the “putting others over self”
reconciliation with others in Christ: forgiving
department. They asked, “Teacher, we want
one another freely and serving one another
you to do for us whatever we ask of you…
selflessly. Disciples of Jesus join together as
members of local churches where they love
Student Devotions 71
one another by laying down their lives for
some of the ways that Jesus served
each other. Such sacrificial compassion ex-
and how He gave His life as a ransom
tends beyond the local church as disciples
for many.
care for their families, the global church, the
lost, and the poor.” 69
•Whom has God placed in your life you
can serve? In your journal, write down
the names of three people whom you
Pray it:
can serve this week. Now under each
Father, Your grace amazes me as I meditate
name list one way you can serve them
upon the wonderful truth that Your Son
this week. Get practical. Think about
came not to be served but to serve and to
give His life as a ransom for me. Fill me with
needs they have.
•Do you need to serve by making things
Your grace and transform my relationships.
right with someone? Maybe you said
As I consider Your mercies, transform me
something that hurt someone, or maybe
so that I offer myself to You as a living
someone said something that hurt you.
sacrifice. May I serve as You served and not
Check out Matthew 18:15–20 to read Je-
hold anything back.
sus’ words on reconciling relationships.
If you need to make things rights with
69
Platt, 6.
72 Why
Own it:
someone, who is it and how do you
•Are you a writer at heart? Create a blog
plan to make things right? Peacemak-
or other kind of post titled, “Jesus Is My
er Ministries offers a lot of guidance in
Hero, and I want to Be Like Him.” Share
resolving conflict.
Week 4: This is why we serve
DAY 1 — THE CALL OF SALVATION
Read it:
freedom, holiness, and suffering in Christ.
Romans 8:28–30
The call to salvation forms the unshakable
Know it:
now and forever.” 70
As a parent one of my worst fears is that
I will be at a store and my child will wander away. It’s easy–as you turn to talk with
someone, your kid can just dart away.
Thankfully this has never happened, but
if it did, I would quickly stop the world to
start looking for my child! Forget shopping;
I would seek out my lost child to find them.
Similarly, when it comes to our salvation,
God spares no expense to take the initiative, seek us out, and call us to Himself. The
first calling we experience as Christians is
not a call to a job, a spouse, or a college,
but a call to know a person – God. Before
God calls us to kingdom work, He calls us to
foundation of a disciple’s primary identity
God calls you above
all else to know Him;
your calling is first and
foremost to Someone
not something (like a
vocation). The substance of who you are
is intimately linked to
God calls you above
all else to know Him;
your calling is first and
foremost to Someone
not something
(like a vocation).
your relationship to God. Your identity is
not found in your job, your school, family
status, citizenship, or personal abilities.
Your identity is that you are a child of the
living God.
be His children.
Timothy Keller confronts the faulty idea
As you read Romans 8:28–30, notice the
choice. The call of Christ is much bigger
stages that Paul lists: foreknowledge,
predestination, calling, justification, and
glorification. (For a nice visual explanation
of these stages, check out “The Unbreakable Chain of Hope” at https://visualunit.
me/2011/03/25/chainofhope). Believers
can have a powerful, confident hope in our
hearts because our salvation, from beginning to end, isn’t a result of our works but
that calling is mainly a matter of personal
than that.
“What it means to be a Christian is not
that you’ve decided to adhere to these
beliefs and to move in this direction and to
do these moral values and you’re sort of
proceeding as if you’ve decided to take a
course, you’ve decided to sign up or something. That’s not what Christianity is. People
of the sure work of God.
who really have eternal life sense some out-
God’s call has multiple dimensions, but it
grabbed you. Something is dealing with you
starts with our need for salvation. Platt says,
“First and foremost, calling is the gracious
act of God by which He draws people to
become disciples of Jesus and members
of His church. The call to salvation comes
through the proclamation of God’s Word
in the power of God’s Spirit. Accompanying the call to salvation in Christ is a call to
side agitator has come on in. Something has
in your innermost being. It’s shaking you.
It’s your Maker making you again, and you
sense something is being done to you.” 71
Something, or rather Someone, has
grabbed us as believers. That someone is
God. He has called us to salvation that we
might know and enjoy Him forever.
70
71
Platt, 7.
eller, Timothy J.
K
The Timothy Keller
Sermon Archive
(New York City:
Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2013).
Student Devotions 73
Pray it:
Christ’s command to make disciples of
Father, You have called me out of the
Jesus. Disciple making is thus the God-
darkness of sin to know You. Thank You
given, Christ-enabled, Spirit-empowered
for adopting me into Your family. Help me
duty of every disciple whatever his or her
to understand that You called me to know
station, location, or vocation. In this way,
You, not just to do a job. Help me to not
every disciple plays an integral part in the
root my identity in my job, family, sports,
eternal purpose of God to glorify His name
or school, but to find my identity in Christ.
through disciples made in every nation.” 72
Work through me to proclaim the gospel
To be a disciple is to make disciples. The
and draw sinners to You.
call to mission doesn’t change regardless
of job changes, school changes, moving
Own it:
changes, etc. At all times in all places to all
•Read Ephesians 1:3–14. Using this pas-
people we are called to make disciples.
sage, write out a description of your
identity in Christ.
•Listen to the song Identity by LeCrae,
Does this calling surprise you? Did you think
God called only some people to missions?
and review the lyrics so you can follow
along. What did you think of the song?
Jesus said, “Repentance and forgiveness
What truths most resonated with you
of sins should be proclaimed in my name
and why?
to all nations.” I am convinced that many
•Imagine you lost your job or could no
of us don’t need more Bible knowledge or
longer attend school and get a degree.
evangelism techniques. We just need to get
Would you become a wreck? What
involved in the work of making disciples,
mindset would you need from God to
to be courageous by choosing to obey
survive and even thrive? How does that
God. Jesus told His disciples to wait for the
relate to His call in your life?
“power from on high” (the Spirit). What do
you need in order to evangelize? You need
the Spirit.
DAY 2 — THE CALL TO MISSION
Read it:
Luke 24:36-49
Know it:
God calls His people to go and make disciples. Remember from the previous devotion
that God first calls us to Himself, not something like a job, a school, or a spouse. The
order in God’s calling is: (1) This is who I’ve
called you to be; and (2) This is what I am
calling you to do.
After the call to salvation, we are immediately called to mission. Regarding this Platt
says, “The call to salvation includes a call
72
Platt, 7.
74 Why
to mission, for every person who responds
to God’s call as a disciple of Jesus receives
When people come to faith in Christ, they
receive His Spirit. If we are believers, we
have the Spirit. One of the reasons the Spirit
is given to us is so we can witness and share
the gospel in His power. So, why are we not
making disciples? I believe it comes down
to fear and a lack of will. This is why Jesus
gives the promise to be with us always to
the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
Jesus does not send where he does not
first go Himself. Claim the wonderful
promise that Jesus is with you as you go
and make disciples.
Richard Baxter, a great Puritan preacher of
the 17th century, said this concerning the
call to mission: “We have greater work here
to do than merely securing our own salvation. We are members of the world and
church, and we must labor to do good to
Pray it:
many. We are trusted with our Master’s tal-
Father, again, thank You for sending some-
ents for his service, in our places to do our
one to preach the gospel to me. Help me to
best to propagate his truth, and grace, and
remember that others are waiting for some-
church; and to bring home souls, and honor
one to bring them the gospel. You have
his cause, and edify his flock, and further
called me to mission, help me to answer
the salvation of as many as we can. All this
Your call. Help me to live with a missionary
is to be done on earth, if we will secure the
mindset at all times. Here I am, send me!
end of all in heaven.” 73
Own it:
Indeed we do have greater work here to do
•Spend some time this week researching
than merely securing our own salvation; we
the people group you will engage on
must labor to do good to many.
your mission project. Check out
This is why:
God has sent out many of His people into
the mission field to make disciples. Hear this
www.peoplegroups.org for information.
What is your team’s plan for making
disciples? How do you fit into that plan?
•For a way to share the gospel, try the
encouraging story from an IMB missionary:
free app “The Story” by Spread Truth
“We just moved to a new city in our country
Ministries. Use the app to engage at
after completing a church plant in our first
least one person this week with the
city. We had 25 baptisms in 15 years in our
gospel. They also have another app,
first city. In the first year in our new city, we
called Questions in a Box, to help get
have had seven baptisms with three more
gospel conversations started.
to baptize next month!” God is at work, redeeming a people from all the nations. How
is He calling you to join Him in His mission?
DAY 3 — THE CALL TO STATION, PART 1
Read it:
Let’s review from the previous devotion:
Ephesians 5:22–6:4
you may lose your job, move to a new city,
or change schools, but your call to God and
Know it:
to make disciples never changes. No matter
Many Christians ask, “What is God’s will for
your circumstances, you are always in Christ
my life?” As followers of Christ we rightly
and always called to make disciples. God’s
believe that God has a purpose and direc-
will for you as His child is to know Him and
tion for our lives. However, many people only
then to make disciples. God is not hiding
think of this question in relation to how they
His will like it’s an Easter egg. Have you
might serve God in a particular place, doing
ever stopped to ask someone for directions
a certain job, and among a specific people
only to see the person hop in your car and
group. While God does call us to serve in
go with you to your destination? I’ve never
a certain way, at a certain time, among a
had that happen, but I know an even more
certain people, there are greater callings for
amazing experience. God wants you to know
a Christian that never change regardless of
His will so much that He doesn’t just give
circumstances.
directions; He is already “in your car” (by His
Holy Spirit) and ready to provide guidance.
73
itzema, Elliot, and
R
Elizabeth Vince, eds.
300 Quotations for
Preachers from the
Puritans. Pastorum
Series (Bellingham,
WA: Lexham Press,
2013).
Student Devotions 75
Today the topic is God’s call to station.
disciple the members of your family. This is
Theologians of old used the word “station”
God’s will for your life.
to talk about the roles in life that God has
assigned. For example, all of us have been
Pray it:
placed by God into a family and we have
Father, You have called me to the station
specific roles within that family; this is a sta-
of family. You have sovereignly placed me
tion. If you are scratching your head think-
within my family and called me to certain
ing, “How does God want me to serve?” you
roles. I pray that You would graciously en-
can be sure His will for you includes serving
able me to fulfill my responsibilities in those
those within your family as Christ would.
roles. Help me to serve those in my family
and to do the work of discipleship. I pray
Can you see how the call to station must
that You would fill me with Your Spirit and
come before a specific call to service like
show me how to carry out Your work in
an occupation? God’s call does not ignore
my family.
the God-given roles he has already given in
Own it:
your life.
•Search Ephesians 5:22–6:4 and list the
David Platt explains this idea further:
guidance and commands God gives to
“Christ calls disciples to specific stations
husbands, wives, children, and parents.
in and through which they exalt Him on
Which ones apply to you right now?
mission. One such station is the family,
What convictions should you have re-
where Christians are called to be faithful
sons and daughters, brothers and sisters,
garding your future family?
•In your journal list the roles you play in
husbands and wives, and mothers and
your family (e.g., son, daughter, brother,
fathers for the spread of God’s gospel and
sister, husband, wife, etc.) as column
Scripture also
headings. Under those headings identi-
speaks of a divine call to singleness for the
fy at least one way you will specifically
sake of mission, either for a period or for
serve your family members like Christ
the entirety of one’s life in this world. The
this week.
the display of God’s glory.”
74
question is: “What roles has God called you
to faithfully fill?”
•Who is a relative that you haven’t seen
or spoken to for a while? Find a way
to connect with him or her this week.
You are called by God to make much of
Ask , “How can I pray for you? Is there
Jesus and glorify God within your family.
something I can do to serve you this
The Scripture passage today is about how
week?” Listen, take notes, and commit
the gospel works itself out in the family
to action.
through its members. Each of us is called to
the role of son or daughter. You may also be
a husband, wife, brother, or sister. You may
have grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews,
nieces, etc. God has sovereignly placed you
in your family, and His will is that you make
disciples and exalt Jesus among your family.
So many people think of the “mission field”
as a work outside the family, but the work of
missions must begin in the field called “fam74
Platt, 8.
76 Why
ily.” You are called to serve, build up, and
DAY 4 — THE CALL TO STATION, PART 2
Read it:
as we pay taxes and as we honor and obey
Romans 13:1–10
our leaders (church elders/pastors, principal,
teachers, police officers).
Know it:
I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania.
Another way to glorify God and faithfully live
The school district was composed of four
out the faith in our communities is by “loving
small towns that were all close to one anoth-
our neighbors as ourselves” (Mark 12:31).
er. Whether you went to the grocery store,
That’s broad, so let’s get specific with a per-
the hardware store, the baseball game, or
sonal application. Interact with others face to
the homecoming parade, you interacted with
face. Put away your phone when you’re out
the same people. It was my community. Be-
to eat with someone. Give them your atten-
cause of urbanization, I imagine your com-
tion. Instead of looking at your Twitter feed,
munity may not be that small. In fact, I can
try to have a conversation with the person
guess that you have multiple “communities”:
behind you in the register line. How can we
your subdivision or apartment building, your
possibly make disciples in our communities if
school, your church family, and pehaps even
we refuse to engage and personally interact
workplace. As we explore the call to station
with those living in our communities? To love
further, I invite you to do two things:
our neighbor as ourselves becomes very
difficult if we are constantly looking at our
1.Identify your communities—your
different circles of influence. Where
phones when someone is trying to talk with
has God placed you? Think about
us or serve us.
the routines in your week and
where you spend your time.
2.Identify your mission field in each
As believers, let’s build a different culture
where we actually value the person who’s
community. Who are the people
in front of us over the information on our
you regularly encounter who don’t
screens. It’s a small thing, but in an imper-
have a saving relationship with
sonal world, it might be a way for others
Christ? Teach yourself to see the
to “see your good works and give glory to
people in those places as your
your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew
mission field. God has placed you in
5:16). When we do good in our community,
certain “communities” primarily to
we bring honor to the name of Christ.
make disciples.
This is why:
As you struggle with the question, “What
If you want to be a responsible citizen for
is God’s will for my life?” consider that part
God it will mean getting to know and love
of the answer will involve who you are and
your neighbors. Listen to this story from
what God wants you to do within your com-
an IMB missionary: “Recently I met a man
munities.
named Mufasa who had a stroke about
three years ago and can no longer use the
How do you faithfully live out the faith in
left side of his body. I was able to share
your community and glorify God? For one
stories from the Bible of Jesus healing peo-
thing, Romans 13:1–7 urges us to obey the
ple, and I also shared the Gospel story with
authorities and law over us (such as traffic
him. He was excited to hear these stories
laws, school dress code, deadlines for home-
and continues to ask for more.” God opens
work and papers, etc.). We respect authority
doors when we take steps to get to know
Student Devotions 77
those in our neighborhoods. God’s will is to
for less than the best. Since that time, to
work through you to make disciples in your
God be the glory, the Lord has matured me
community.
and has given me a richer understanding
of His calling.
Pray it:
Father, You have placed me in my com-
Some people are likely to think of God’s
munity to exalt Jesus and make disciples.
will mostly in terms of His call to a specific
Help me to think and see like a missionary
work or occupation or service in life. While
right where I am. Lead me to step outside
calling does involve this, we need to keep
of my comfort zone and get to know my
four words in mind: remember, surrender,
neighbors. Father, I want to glorify You in
abide, and rest.
my community and for Your name to be
•Remember. Before God called you to
honored. Help me to live as a responsible
citizen in my community so that others
would see my good works and glorify You
in heaven.
a specific task, He called you to be His
child. Keep this identity foremost.
•Surrender. Turn everything over to God.
Decide now to go wherever and do
whatever He leads.
Own it:
•How are you doing with obeying the au-
•Abide. Learn to walk with God by listening to His voice every day. When you
thorities in your life (e.g., parents, boss,
don’t know what to do, continue to do
teacher, pastor, local traffic laws)? Are
what God has already revealed to you.
you known for submitting to authori-
•Rest. We must learn to trust in the
ty or as a rebel? How do your actions
Lord (Proverbs 3:5–6). It often involves
affect the honor of Christ among
patience and waiting. Resting in God
non-Christians?
is not sleeping, but taking hold of His
•Choose something to do in your com-
peace.
munity to exalt the name of Jesus before others. Ideas could include picking
Some of you reading this devotion are in
up litter, mowing an elderly person’s
the midst of big life decisions such as where
lawn, hosting a block party so people
to go to college, what career path to take,
can mingle, starting a neighborhood
and who to marry. I hope that in the midst
garden, or going door-to-door to pray
of all those questions and decisions that
for people and share Christ.
you remember, surrender, abide, and rest.
In Acts 16, the Spirit was clearly at work di-
DAY 5 — THE CALL TO SERVICE
Read it:
Acts 16:6–10
Know it:
In high school, I was stressed about God’s
will for my life. I only thought of “God’s will”
in terms of where God wanted me to go to
college and what job He wanted me to do. I
was worried that I was going to miss God’s
perfect will for my life and have to settle
78 Why
recting the disciples. For some reason that
we don’t know for now, He had “forbidden”
and “not allowed” the disciples to speak the
word in Asia and Bithynia. The Spirit, however, did lead the disciples to go and make
disciples in Macedonia. It is clear from this
story and others that God calls believers to
specific places of service in His kingdom.
Concerning this call, Platt says,
“The call to service is the gracious act of
God by which He directs disciples to make
disciples in a certain way, at a certain time,
among a certain people, in a certain loca-
I would encourage you to ask your parents,
tion, or through a certain vocation. Calls
your pastors, mature Christians at your
to service may be fluid, operating at vary-
church, and friends to help you answer
ing levels and open to varying assignments
these questions. Whatever God may call
from God. What must be constant in a
you to, remember that all work is significant
disciple’s life, however, is faithfulness to
when done to the glory of God.
God’s call, no matter the cost, until God
calls the disciple to different service. Calls
Pray it:
to service are discerned and affirmed not
Father, You have called me to know and en-
just individually, but as a member of the
joy You. Help me to abide in You as I strive
church on mission in the world through
to know Your calling to service. God, I want
Spirit-led, Word-driven, prayer-focused
to use my abilities to serve You and others. I
examination of a disciple’s desires, gifts,
pray that You would open opportunities for
abilities, and opportunities.”
me to serve for Your glory.
75
God’s call to salvation and mission never
Own it:
change. His call to station typically is for a
•Take a question you have about God’s
lifetime. His call to specific service, however,
will for your future service and plug it
often varies and changes over time. A prac-
into the “remember, surrender, abide,
tical question is this: How do I know if God
and rest” admonition in this devotion.
is calling me to this or that, such as wash
Apply these in a devotional response or
dishes or preach the Word? There are four
questions that can help give you clarity:
prayer to God in your journal.
•When it comes to discerning God’s will,
(1) Do I have a desire for this?
how well do you already know yourself
(2) Do I have gifts to do this?
and your circumstances? Sit down with a
(3)What are my abilities, education,
trusted adult and discuss these ques-
and skills?
(4)Does this match with a need or
tions: (1) What are my biggest desires in
life? (2) How am I gifted? (3) What are
opportunity that matters
my abilities and skills? What kind of ed-
to me?
ucation am I willing to pursue? (4) What
needs in the world resonate with me?
75
Platt, 8.
Student Devotions 79
Week 5: This is why we plant churches
DAY 1 — SENT ONES
Read it:
Acts 13:1–5
Know it:
One of my favorite missionary stories is the
story of John Paton. Paton was appointed
to serve as a missionary of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church of Scotland to Vanuatu
(a South Pacific nation of islands). In the
first year of his work, his wife died in childbirth along with her newborn child. Paton
struggled to minister to people who were
involved in cannibalism and witchcraft. His
life was threatened on numerous occasions.
Paton persistently kept at the work of missions to the people of Vanuatu, laboring for
15 years on the island of Aniwa.
What would make a man endure all that
hardship and refuse to quit? Hear John Paton’s answer, “As I lay down my pen, let me
record my immovable conviction that His
is the noblest service in which any human
being can spend or be spent; and that, if
God gave me back my life to be lived over
again, I would without one quiver of hesitation lay it on the altar to Christ, that He
might use it as before in similar ministries of
love, especially among those who have never yet heard the name of Jesus...God gave
His best, His Son, to me; and I give back my
best, my all, to Him.” 76
76
Paton, James. John
G. Paton, Missionary
to the New Hebrides
(New York: Fleming
H. Revell Company,
1898).
77
Platt, 9.
78
Ibid.
80 Why
Paton beheld the love of God, and it stirred
his heart to missions. Like the prophet
Isaiah, he exclaimed “Here I am Lord, send
me!” (Isaiah 6:8). In 1858, he accepted the
call to go out to serve as a missionary.
The International Mission Board defines a
missionary as “a disciple of Jesus set apart
by the Holy Spirit, sent out from the church
to cross geographic, cultural, and/or linguistic barriers as part of a missionary team focused on making disciples and multiplying
churches among unreached peoples and
places.” 77 Over the next two weeks, we will
explore different parts of this definition. For
today’s devotional, let’s focus on the idea
that a missionary is a “sent one who goes
out from the church in the power of Spirit
as a representative for Christ.” 78 In Acts
13:1-5, the Spirit selected Paul and Barnabas for the work of missions. The church in
Antioch, hearing the Spirit’s voice, prayed
over and anointed the missionaries, and
sent them off.
My prayer is that as you prepare to go on
a mission trip, you will come to understand
in a profound way that the Spirit is sending
you out as Christ’s representative. I hope
you are being sent out by your local church
and that they commission you for the work
to which God has called you. Sadly, some
people go on mission for the wrong reason.
Some go to see the world or go to feel better about themselves by serving the underprivileged. While God has made the world
to be enjoyed appropriately and it is good
to serve those in need, God is sending you
out primarily to proclaim the gospel and
make disciples.
This is why:
Missionaries are sent by God to make disciples, and they must go with this conviction.
“God has sent us to share the gospel so that
those who hear the gospel and believe are
saved and then tell their family and friends
which leads to discipleship among their
people. Then churches start and lead to
reproduction.” Nothing less than being sent
by God will do. Let God send you to make
disciples who make disciples who start
churches for the glory of Christ.
Pray it:
Father, as I prepare to go on mission to
make disciples, may it be in response to
Your call. Renew my mind so that I have
Your perspective and understanding of missions. As I go, both in my community and
around the world, help me to proclaim the
gospel and lead a life worthy of the gospel.
Own it:
•How is your local church engaged in
your mission project?
Are people other than your team joining
with you in praying for the mission?
Have you enlisted any prayer partners?
If not, make it a priority this week. Work
with your team leader to provide specific prayer requests for your project.
•Explore your reasons for going on your
mission project. In your journal, write
your own version of “This Is Why”
regarding your trip.
DAY 2 — CROSSING BARRIERS
Read it:
Acts 22:1–21
Know it:
Missionaries have a calling to spread the
gospel among the nations. This includes
both short-term missionaries and career
missionaries. Sometimes this may be to other cities within a country, but at other times
it may mean crossing geographic, cultural,
and/or linguistic barriers. Paul’s story is an
example; in Acts 22:21 Jesus said to Paul,
“Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” We already learned that a missionary
is a “sent one who goes out from the church
in the power of Spirit as a representative for
Christ.” 79 Today we add that a “missionary
crosses one or more of these barriers for
the spread of the gospel.” 80
From the outset it’s important to be reminded that missions is a calling to all
disciples of Jesus. The work of missions is
not just for short-term or career missionaries. Right now, wherever you are, you are
not exempt from the work of a missionary.
Wherever you live and whatever you do,
God wants you to make disciples. With
that said, sometimes God calls people,
like the apostle Paul, to cross geographic, cultural, and linguistic barriers to make
disciples. Consider Paul’s background; he
was a circumcised Jew from the tribe of
Benjamin and a Pharisee (Philippians 3:2–7).
Now consider that God called him to work
among a people who were uncircumcised,
didn’t treasure the Law of God, and were
culturally different.
It’s clear from Paul’s words in Acts 22:1–21
that likely he wanted to stay in Jerusalem
to make disciples among his brothers and
kinsmen, and would
The work of missions
rather have not gone
abroad. Simon Kisteis not just for short-term
maker noted that “Paul
or career missionaries.
would rather have
continued his teaching
ministry in Jerusalem, even at the risk of
losing his life.” 81 Others have said, “Paul’s
message should be clear: His love for his
people compelled him to preach to them
first, but he went to Gentile lands because
he was sent there by his divine Lord. He
loves his people, but he loves his Lord
more.” 82 As a missionary, God may call you
to cross geographic, cultural, and linguistic
barriers to make disciples. Could God be
calling you to do so? Will you answer His
call?
This is why:
Jesus said in Luke 10:2, “The harvest is
plentiful but the laborers are few.” That’s
precisely how this IMB missionary described
their ministry field: “Our state in South Asia
is home to more than 72 million people.
Only 2 percent of them, about 144,000,
claim Jesus as their Savior. Although God is
at work, there are still people who will live
and die in our state without any access to
the gospel. We see the harvest is plentiful,
but the laborers are few.” As you hear about
the need in places like South Asia, pray for
God to send out laborers into His harvest.
Consider also that someday you might be
the answer to that prayer.
79
Platt, 9.
80
Ibid.
81
abletalk Magazine,
T
October 2000: Saint
Anselm of Canterbury (Lake Mary, FL:
Ligonier Ministries,
2000).
82
Ibid.
Student Devotions 81
Pray it:
Father, call out people to be Your missionaries and to cross geographic, cultural, and
linguistic barriers to make disciples. Help
me to know where I fit into your mission.
Help me love my own people, but help
me also to love Jesus more. Draw me into
greater worship and give me a greater love
for people. Lord of the harvest, send out
laborers into your harvest fields. If You call
me to go far away to make disciples, help
me to hear and obey.
Own it:
•David Platt likes to share the illustration
of presenting your life to God as a blank
check in which He writes in the details.
Perhaps you might relate better to the
idea of giving your life as your debit card
and PIN to God. “Spend whatever of me
and wherever You want, Lord.” Get a
blank check, either from your checkbook
or a printable from online. In the “Pay
to the order of” line write “God.” In the
memo line put something like “whatever
You want.” Take the next week and keep
that check before you during your devotional time. Ask God to speak to you and
show you want He wants. Listen, and by
the end of the week put in the “amount”
space what He has shown you.
•Study the geographic, cultural, and
linguistic background of the people to
whom you will minister on your mission
project. Note the differences between
their background and your background.
What challenges do you anticipate in
light of this exercise? What practical
steps can you take to cross these barriers and make disciples?
DAY 3 — BE A TEAM PLAYER (THE BIBLICAL BASIS)
Read it:
Luke 10:1-2; Acts 16:1-5
Know it:
This week’s focus is about planting churches.
Now you may be
thinking, “Wait a moment. I thought we were
talking about missions.
I don’t know anything about planting
churches!” We need to see that church
planting and missions are bound together
because both are concerned with making disciples, grounding them in the local
church, and equipping them to make new
disciples. Do you know specifically what
your mission assignment will be on your
project? Whether that purpose is church
planting, hosting a VBS camp during a shortterm project in Africa, or something else,
God’s design is that you would do so as part
of a missionary team.
83
Platt, 10.
82 Why
What is a missionary team? Take a moment
to answer that question in your journal.
What might make a missionary team different from any other team?
David Platt describes a missionary team
as “an identifiable group of disciples who
meet together regularly, care for each other
selflessly, and partner with one another
intentionally to make disciples and multiply
churches among particular unreached
peoples and/or places.” 83 Today we are
going to look at the biblical basis for
missionary teams.
There are two people in the Bible whose
teachings and ministries endorse and promote the use of missionary teams: Jesus
and the Apostle Paul. Jesus practiced a
team approach to missions – that is, He recruited disciples. Jesus did not do ministry
alone; He called and trained others. Consider Jesus’ teaching in Luke 10:1–2, “After
this the Lord appointed seventy-two others
and sent them on ahead of him, two by two,
into every town and place where he himself
was about to go. And he said to them, ‘The
harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are
few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord
of the harvest to send out laborers into his
harvest.’” Jesus teaches us to pray that God
would send out laborers into His harvest.
How would God do this? The same way
Jesus did (i.e., two by two). If the Lord of
the harvest looks at the work and deems it
necessary that the work be done in teams,
who are we to try to go at it alone?
The apostle Paul also modeled a team
approach when it came to making disciples and multiplying churches (Acts 13:2–3;
15:36–41; 16:1–5; 18:18–19; 19:29). Paul partnered with Luke, Silas, Timothy, and others
to carry out the mission of making disciples
and planting churches. Paul rarely if ever
went alone on his missionary journeys.
He certainly did not go about the work all
by himself.
There is no Bible verse that says, “Thou
shalt do missions as a missionary team,”
but when we consider Jesus’ ministry and
the practice of the early church, it’s right to
think of missionary teams as God’s means
for fulfilling His mission. If the practice of
the early church was to send out mission
teams to make disciples and plant churches,
shouldn’t that be our practice today? Michael Griffith observes, “The New Testament
evidence shows churches planted
not by wild individualism or sensational
guidance, but God’s by people working,
praying, and planning together responsibly
for the evangelization of the world.” 84
This is why:
A team approach and team effort has been
crucial to these IMB missionaries in the
Balkans (southeastern Europe); “Each time
a short-term team comes to partner with us
in the Lord’s work, the ministry takes a leap
forward. It has taken six years and now we
are finally seeing a church plant emerge.”
When God’s people partner together in
missions, amazing things happen! Let’s go
to the harvest fields together!
Pray it:
Father, You are the Lord of the harvest. You
have shown that Your design for the Great
Commission is for the work to be done in
missionary teams. Father, I want to be a
team player. I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in the work, and I want to experience that encouragement for myself on
mission. Strip away my pride and individualism. Help me be a faithful and dependable
co-worker in your harvest field.
Own it:
•Take some time to journal your thoughts
about the following questions:
(1) Why are pride and the spirit of
rugged individualism toxic to the works
of missions? (2) How can you become
a better team player when it comes to
the work of missions? (3) How can you
better train and equip others for the
work of disciple making?
•Are you currently working on a ministry
team in your church? Are you already
a team player? Don’t wait until a
mission project to join a team in doing
God’s work!
84
ohn S. Bohannon,
J
“Church-Planting
Teams: A Proposed
New Hermeneutic
for Church-Planting
Strategy,” Faith and
Mission 22 (2004),
42. But the quote
says Michael Griffith
Student Devotions 83
DAY 4 — BE A TEAM PLAYER (THE PRACTICAL BENEFITS)
Read it:
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Know it:
The 1996-1998 Chicago Bulls were truly a
team to behold. Michael Jordan with his
spectacular dunks and shots, Scottie Pippen’s assists and shots–they worked together wonderfully. As a result, the team won six
NBA championships together. Arguably, they
were able to do together what they couldn’t
do by themselves. Did you know that God
has designed the Great Commission to be
fulfilled by missionary teams? Yesterday, we
talked about the biblical basis for missionary
teams. According to David Platt, missionaries
ought to “serve on teams in which different
people have different roles and responsibilities in the missionary task.” 85
I hope you are prepared
to be a team player
this summer!
So, what exactly are
the benefits of missionary teams? If your mission project will involve
you working on a team,
take some time to evaluate the strengths
and qualities of that team. Thank God for
assembling these people together with you.
85
Platt, 9.
86
Bohannon, 42.
87
Ibid.
88
Ibid.
89
Alexander Strauch,
Biblical Eldership
(Littleton: Lewis and
Roth, 1995), 42-44.
90
Bohannon, 42.
91
Ibid.
84 Why
Here are some benefits to consider:
•First, missionary teams capitalize on
strengths. Since one person doesn’t
have to do all the ministry, the ministry can be divided according to
gifts with each person focusing on
that area where they are primarily
gifted. 86
•Missionary teams “bring together
complementary gifts, skills, and experiences that exceed those of any
one individual on the team.” 87
•Missionary teams balance weaknesses. 88
•Missionary teams provide accountability. Alexander Strauch says,
“Authentic accountability among
peers can serve as a safeguard
against pride, abuse of authority,
and laziness.” 89
•Missionary teams see increased
work performance; “As
athletes who train together push
each other to greater heights
of accomplishment, so can a
church-planting team benefit from
pushing each other for the cause of
Christ.” 90
•Finally, missionary teams have a
balanced workload. They shoulder
the workload together, which helps
fight against fatigue and burnout. 91
Missionary teams are both biblical and practical. I hope you are prepared to be a team
player this summer!
This is why:
The spiritual need in the world is so great
that it demands multiple missionary teams.
One IMB missionary reported, “Approximately 2,000 people die without Christ in
our state every day.” Another missionary
serving in South Asia reports, “Our state
needs 100 churches planted every day for
the next 10 years to reach just 10% of the
population.” If you’re like me, those numbers are staggering. Those numbers should
affect our hearts and cause some deep
reflection. I’m thankful that the harvest rests
upon the shoulders of the Lord. However,
I’m reminded that God’s means to reach the
world with the gospel is you and I (Luke
10:1-2). The work is too great to go at it
alone; we need to work together in teams
to reach the world for Christ.
Pray it:
Father, I want to be a team player when it
comes to missions. Rid me of my pride that
says “I can do it better alone.” You made
me for community, and You are calling me
to this task of mission with other brothers
and sisters in Christ. Help me understand
my gifts and know how to use them wisely
on my team. Help me admit my weaknesses and ask others to help me in the task
of making disciples. I pray that You would
open my eyes to see the great benefit to
working on a missionary team.
Own it:
•Make a list of your team members, and
begin to pray for them. Specifically ask
them how you can pray for them. Make
sure they know how to pray for you
specifically.
•Get to know your team members. Invite
them out for a meal or coffee. Host a
group party. Begin now to form the
friendships that will form a foundation
for good missionary work together.
•What spiritual gifts, abilities, or skills
has God given you that could be used
at the mission project? In what ways
can you anticipate using those gifts?
DAY 5 — THE CHURCH, PART 1
Read it:
Acts 2:41–47
Know it:
Richard Hooker said, “Christ could not suffer
[tolerate] that the temple should serve for a
marketplace, nor the apostle of Christ that
the church should be made an inn.” 92 How
many people treat the church like an inn?
They come to church with the purpose of
having their needs met, and they think the
church exists purely to meet preferential
needs. At an inn, one has their food served
to them. They make a mess and someone
else cleans it up; someone else does the
dirty work of cleaning the bathrooms, and
food is available with the push of a button.
How do you treat the church? It says a lot
about what you actually believe about the
church. As believers we need to be concerned with knowing what makes a true
church and a healthy church.
Our ministry involves making disciples and
multiplying churches, and a poor concept of
church means we could be reproducing the
wrong thing.
God sends His people in missionary teams
to make disciples and multiply churches.
Since this is our work, we have to know
what we are trying to build. Imagine someone is told to build a car, but they don’t
know what a car is. Who knows what they
would end up building? If the Lord is calling
us to plant churches, it is imperative that
we know what the Bible teaches about the
church and the characteristics that mark a
church.
Remember the definition for a missionary?
“A missionary is a disciple of Jesus set apart
by the Holy Spirit and sent out from the
church to cross geographic, cultural, and/
or linguistic barriers as part of a missionary team focused on making disciples and
multiplying churches among unreached
peoples and places.” 93 In the next three devotions (in week 6), we’ll study the Church
– the nature of the church and the practical
implications of it. If your work on mission
involves church planting and church growth,
you need to know what a true and healthy
church is.
Consider first these three characteristics
of a church.
•The first is that “A church is intentional about being a church. Members think of themselves as a church.
They are committed to one another and to God in pursuing all that
Scripture requires of a church.” 94
From reading Acts 2 would you say
that the early church was intentional
about being a church and thought
of themselves as a church? Would
you say they were committed to one
another and to God in pursuing all
that Scripture requires of a church?
The answer to those two questions
is a resounding “Yes!”
92
Ritzema, Elliot.
300 Quotations for
Preachers from the
Reformation. Pastorum Series
(Bellingham, WA:
Lexham Press, 2013).
93
Platt, 9.
94
Ibid, 13.
Student Devotions 85
•The second characteristic of a
church is that it “has an identifiable
membership of baptized believers
in Jesus Christ.” 95
•A third characteristic of a church
is that the “church practices the
baptism of believers by immersing
them in water.” 96 For a good defense of baptism by immersion
see the following article by Grace
to You: “The Case for Believer’s
Baptism.”
Pray it:
Father, thank You for pursuing me and
adopting me so that I am no longer an
orphan but I am Your child. As I endeavor to
make disciples with my team, work through
me to multiply and grow churches according to the truth of Your Word.
95
Platt, 13.
96
Ibid, 13.
86 Why
Own it:
•Do you see the need to apply the
charge, “the church should not be made
an inn” in your context? How do you
and others your age view the church?
In your journal, write what needs to
change in your attitude, and perhaps in
others you know. Who at the church do
you need to discuss this with?
•We have covered only three characteristics of a church. If you had to list out the
next seven characteristics what would
you say? Take time to make a list in your
journal to compare later with what you
learn next week.
Week 6: This is why we go to difficult places
DAY 1 — THE CHURCH, PART 2
Read it:
Christ’s blood was spilled for all; anyone
1 Corinthians 11:17–34
can come and be forgiven. The Corinthians
distorted these beautiful truths and brought
Know it:
reproach to the name of Christ.
Jesus said, “By this all people will know
that you are my disciples, if you have love
Yesterday we talked about three charac-
for one another” (John 13:35). The greatest
teristics of a church. Today we look at four
apologetic for the Christian faith is our love
others: (1) a church observes the Lord’s
for one another. Sadly, the church in the city
Supper on a regular basis, (2) under the
of Corinth had forgotten this great truth.
authority of its leadership, a church carries
Some of them used the Lord’s Supper as a
out the ordinances, (3) a church submits
competitive buffet. At this time in church
to the inerrant word of God as the ultimate
history, the Lord’s Supper was a part of a
authority for all that it believes and does,
“fellowship meal.” Certain members of the
and (4) a church meets regularly for wor-
church got their fill as others went hungry.
ship, prayer, the study of God’s Word, and
Some used the occasion to get drunk on
fellowship. Members of the church minister
wine. Paul’s question to the Corinthians was,
to one another’s needs, hold each other
“Do you not have houses to eat and drink
accountable, and exercise church discipline
in?” His command to the congregation was,
as needed. Members encourage one an-
“When you come together to eat, wait for
other and build each other up in holiness,
one another. If anyone is hungry, let him eat
maturity in Christ, and love.
at home.”
The church at Corinth had all these charScholar John Polhill notes that the Lord’s
acteristics. The church practiced the Lord’s
Supper in Corinth had become “a division
Supper because the Word of God was her
between rich and poor, the haves and the
authority. The church met regularly for wor-
have-nots. The Corinthian congregation was
ship, prayer, the study of God’s Word, and
socially diverse, but the scandal for Paul
fellowship. However, the Lord’s Supper had
was that the Lord’s Supper had become a
become distorted, they neglected church
stage for discrediting this diversity. Instead
discipline, and they no longer encouraged
of a time for expressing the unity of the
one another in love.
body, it had become an occasion for dividing it.” 97 Paul declared, “It’s not the Lord’s
As we go, make disciples, and plant church-
Supper you eat!” The church at Corinth ate
es, we must remember that there are marks
the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner
of a true and healthy church. As we inter-
and treated Christ’s death cheaply, rightly
act with disciples, we need to encourage
earning God’s judgment. The Lord’s Supper
them to become members of churches with
is about remembering the gospel, all that
these characteristics. As we go, we need to
Jesus did for His church. Jesus doesn’t give
encourage churches to rightly practice the
more of Himself to the rich. Christ’s body
Lord’s Supper and baptism, as both ordi-
was broken equally for all; anyone can come
nances convey spiritual realities, namely
to Christ and be filled by the “Bread of Life.”
the gospel.
97
olhill, John B.
P
“1 Corinthians: A
Church Divided”
(Southern Baptist
Journal of Theology
Volume 6, 2002).
Student Devotions 87
Pray it:
the world. The apostle Paul says the church
Father, You have sent Your Son to die for
is the pillar and buttress of truth. In light of
the church. Your Son’s body was broken
those architectural terms, what do you think
and His blood was spilled to make peace
Paul is communicating about the role of the
and provide eternal life. God, You have pro-
church? Take a few minutes to write down
vided for my salvation. I am saved by grace
your answer.
through faith and not as a result of my good
works. Help me not take the Lord’s Supper
The church is to hold forth the truth in
or baptism lightly. Whenever I participate in
culture. The church teaches and proclaims
the Lord’s Supper and baptism, help me to
the Word of God. God uses His Word to
understand more about the gospel. Teach
speak truth into cultures to redeem people
me how to teach others the importance of
from the evil in those cultures. By way of
these ordinances.
an example, the church must be faithful to
proclaim the truth that “the love of mon-
Own it:
ey is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy
•What is your understanding of how the
6:10). As the church holds forth such a truth
Lord’s Supper and baptism convey spir-
it stands in stark contrast to most cultures
itual realities, namely the gospel? Can
that praise fame and fortune. The church
you see how these ordinances can be
proclaims that true satisfaction and good-
used on the mission field to preach the
ness are found only in Christ, not money.
gospel to people?
Godliness is foundational to the church be-
•How well does your mission team mod-
ing a pillar and buttress of truth. Godliness
el love and preference for each other?
is the church living out the Word of God
What activities have you engaged in
faithfully. Without godliness, the church is
together as a team that have modeled a
hypocritical and ceases to be a place where
good example of “church”?
people can find the living God.
Church leaders are to lead the church in
DAY 2 — THE CHURCH, PART 3
Read it:
1 Timothy 3:1-16
Know it:
Duke University Chapel is cool architecture.
The chapel is located in the heart of the
University’s campus, was constructed from
1930–1932, and is designed in the Gothic style. The chapel has both pillars and
buttresses, pieces which are crucial in the
support of the building. Church buildings
can be fascinating places, and often say
much about the kind of people who gather
in them.
More important than church buildings is
what the church stands for in society and
88 Why
godliness and in fulfilling God’s design to
act as the pillar and buttress of truth. They
lead under the head, who is Jesus. Ultimately church leaders train the body for
making disciples. For the past two days we
have reflected on seven characteristics of
a true and healthy church. Today we cover
the final three: (1) a church embraces its
responsibility to fulfill the Great Commission, both locally and globally, from the
beginning of its existence as a church, (2)
a church is autonomous and self-governing
under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the
authority of His Word, and (3) a church has
identifiable leaders, who are scrutinized and
set apart according to the qualifications set
forth in Scripture. A church recognizes two
Biblical offices of church leadership: pastors, elders, or overseers and then deacons.
While both men and women are gifted for
sin for us so that in Him we might become
service in the church, the office of pastor-
the righteousness of God. You have made
elder-overseer is limited to men as qualified
us right with Yourself. I pray that my church
by Scripture.
98
All true and healthy churches
have these characteristics.
would be the pillar and buttress of truth in
our community. I pray personally and for my
church that we would
On the mission field, a church is often a
practice godliness. May
work in progress. “As we make disciples
Your name be honored.
among unreached peoples and places
Amen.
and they gather together in groups, these
On the mission field,
a church is often a work
in progress.
bodies of believers may not initially have
Own it:
all of the above characteristics of a church.
•Google “pillar” and “buttress.” Look
Nevertheless, we identify these groups
over the pictures and then re-consider
and intentionally work with them toward
the words of 1 Timothy 3:15. How is the
becoming churches through patient teach-
church the pillar and buttress of the
ing, training, prayer, and guidance. In church
planting among unreached peoples and
truth in the world?
•Should a church have an inward or
places, almost all churches will pass through
outward focus? Considering that God’s
an initial phase as a group that is growing
mission is primary for the church, can
into a church.”
an outward focus be optional? Write a
99
description of a church that minimizes
Pray it:
God’s mission in its existence.
Father, You have redeemed Your people by
making Your Son who knew no sin to be
DAY 3 — UNREACHED PEOPLE
Read it:
geographic, cultural, and linguistic barriers
Acts 11:19–26
to make disciples. I hope by now you have
some idea of the people group you’ll be
Know it:
ministering to this summer. I hope that your
Some high schools have elections for class
research has helped to further equip you for
officers (e.g. president, vice-president, trea-
the task ahead.
surer, etc.). What if there was a girl running
for class president at a very large diverse
It’s exciting to think that you are carrying
high school. Say that her race was in the
on the same work that the apostles and
majority and most people spoke her lan-
the early church carried on from the very
guage. How might she go about reaching
beginning. We see from our reading today
minorities with her message? How might
that the early church had to cross Jewish
she best connect and relate to minorities?
and Gentile barriers. Just the same as today,
In this hypothetical situation, this girl has
the early church had to figure out how to
to think about how to reach people she has
minister to people different from them. I
never connected with before. She has to
believe that one of the reasons Barnabas
cross ethnic, linguistic, and cultural back-
brought Saul to Antioch was because Saul
grounds. The work of missions is very simi-
was a Hellenized Jew. Saul was able to cross
lar. As missionaries God may call us to cross
those barriers because of his experience
98
Platt, 13.
99
Ibid.
Student Devotions 89
and education in both the Jewish and
among the nations. Pray and ask God to
Greek worlds.
send you and others to the harvest fields of
unreached peoples.
Missionaries are called to make disciples
and multiple churches among unreached
This is why:
peoples and places. According to most re-
Hear the heart of one IMB missionary, “In
cent statistics, “There are 6,789 unreached
serving among Unreached People Groups
people groups or 4.2 billion people.”
100
In
in both Kenya and Senegal, we consistently
order for a people group to be declared
were among people who had never heard
“unreached” the number of evangelical
the truth. After serving for many years in
Christians in the group has to be below 2%.
these two countries, we realized that the
Regarding unreached people groups David
task is great but our God is up to the task.
Platt says the following: “Recognizing the
However, the question remains, “Will we be
unreached in terms of particular people
a part of the Great Commission or not?” We
groups has a unique bearing on disciple
have been invited to participate with God
making. Ethnolinguistic barriers often
in mission and yet there has been such a
hinder the spread of the gospel across
shortage of “workers” to give everyone a
people groups. Such barriers are necessary
chance to hear the Gospel.”
for missionaries to consider in evangelism
and discipleship as they contextualize the
Pray it:
gospel for their listeners. Missionaries must
Father, You are the Lord of the harvest.
often learn a language in order to share the
Send me out to the harvest fields. God, help
gospel, and they should always consider
me to attempt great things for the glory
the ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious
of Your name. I am a steward because you
distinctions of their listeners when commu-
have entrusted me with the gospel. Send
nicating the gospel to them and applying
me out! Amen.
the gospel to their lives.” 101
Own it:
It’s easy to understand why recognizing
Get on the website: peoplegroups.org/.
unreached people groups are so import-
Spend some time looking at the information
ant. We will see that it’s equally important
on unreached people groups. Ask God to
to recognize unreached places. However
send you to preach the gospel to an un-
within a certain location you may find sever-
reached people group. I once heard some-
al people groups. You may be in French
one say, “Don’t ask God why you should go
city ministering to a national and then in
rather ask Him why you should stay.” What
the same city to a Muslim man from Sau-
people groups are you reaching in your
di Arabia. Both have different languages
community? How can you begin to cross
and cultures. You would want to know that
those barriers right now where you live?
so that you can better communicate and
apply the gospel to each. As a missionary,
God is calling you to go and make disciples
100
101
“ Why are They Unreached,” last modified July 22, 2016,
http://peoplegroups.org/.
avid Platt, “Key Terms and Concepts” (International Mission
D
Board Chapel Messages, 2016), 11.
90 Why
DAY 4 — UNREACHED PLACES
Read it:
put clear priority on planting churches in
Acts 1:8; Romans 15:18-24
unreached places.” 103 Churches are planted
and begin to grow in places that include
Know it:
Greeks, Jews, Africans, and Asians. What
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “It is
you find are multigenerational and multi-
appalling that the most segregated hour of
ethnic churches. Platt concludes that “the
Christian America is eleven o’clock on Sun-
New Testament does not prioritize planting
King said this in reference
homogenous churches comprised of single
day morning.”
102
to race, and it is still very true today. Our
groups. Across the New Testament, the
churches are divided not only by race but
gospel beckons (even requires) Christians
also by economic status, lifestyle trends,
to bridge ethnic barriers in the church.” 104
and educational backgrounds (e.g. hipster
What a profound thought! There are
churches, university churches, cowboy
churches in America that are homogenous
churches, etc.). Sadly, some have decided to
because they have either willfully resisted
embrace this segregation as a strategy, so
the inclusion of others unlike themselves,
they plant homogenous churches (i.e., same
or they have neglected the opportunities
race, culture, and language) aimed at reach-
around them to reach these others. Like
ing a slice of the population. Instead of
the churches in Acts, our churches need to
trying to cross barriers as the gospel would
bridge ethnic barriers.
demand, some seek to further segregate
and divide the Church by race, culture, and
Where possible, churches should strive to
background.
reflect the reality of Revelation 7:9–10, “After this I looked, and behold, a great multi-
I believe a reason homogenous churches
tude that no one could number, from every
are planted is that it is thought to be easier
nation, from all tribes and peoples and
to grow the church. Unfortunately, it is an
languages, was standing before the throne
error to ask, “What is easiest and most
and before the Lamb, clothed in white
practical?” instead of “What conforms to
robes, with palm branches in their hands,
the gospel?” The gospel goes out to all
and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation
people and draws them into one body.
belongs to our God who sits on the throne,
Their ethnic differences remain, but there is
and to the Lamb!” The glory of Christ shines
unity through one Lord and one faith. In the
brightly when people come from all these
church we can still enjoy our diverse cultural
different backgrounds, and there is unity
heritages while celebrating our oneness in
and love.
Christ. The gospel is that Christ redeemed
a people from the nations; our churches
To make disciples, it is necessary to identify
should reflect this spiritual reality.
and evangelize people groups. In communicating and applying the gospel, we need to
Throughout the New Testament, God called
His people to go and make disciples. In
almost all those cases the early church
was called to a location. Just consider
102
“ The Most Segregated Hour in America?” last modified July 22, 2016,
www.phil.vt.edu/JKlagge/ConductorChurch.htm.
103
Platt, 11.
104
Ibid.
the book of Acts with its emphasis on the
cities, towns, and regions. David Platt notes
that the “New Testament mission patterns
Student Devotions 91
consider ethnic, cultural, and linguistic back-
brothers and sisters from all backgrounds.
grounds. However, the goal is to incorporate
Open my eyes to opportunities while on
people into the church, not plant homoge-
mission to celebrate the unity the church
nous churches. In conclusion Platt says, “To
has in Jesus!
be sure, getting to this point in church planting can be a process which demands much
Own it:
patience and wisdom in disciple making.
•You will likely cross cultural and eth-
But it remains the end toward which we are
nic barriers as you go on your mission
working until the day when all the peoples
project. How can you do that now in
gather as one people to give glory to God
the context of your church and commu-
through Christ.” 105
nity? Are there opportunities already
available? How has the gospel crossed
Pray it:
ethnic, cultural, and linguistic barriers in
Father, You have saved a people from all the
your church? How can you be a part of
nations. Help me not to gravitate toward
making that a reality?
homogeneity; rather, help me cross barri-
•Reach out to at least one classmate or a
ers with the gospel and celebrate unity in
coworker of a different race, nationality,
Christ. God, I want to fellowship with my
or culture. Find ways to get to know
him or her as well as family members.
DAY 5 — MAKING DISCIPLES AND MULTIPLYING CHURCHES
Read it:
Mark 1:16-20
Know it:
Over the past two weeks we have studied
what it means to make disciples and multiply churches among unreached people and
places. These topics and the others have
covered much ground and would be worth
a review.
Remember the definition of a missionary as
“a disciple of Jesus set apart by the Holy
Spirit and sent out from the church to cross
geographic, cultural, and linguistic barriers
as part of a missionary team focused on
making disciples and multiplying churches
among unreached peoples and places.” 106
The components of that definition have
formed the basis for our devotionals for the
past two weeks. We learned what it means
105
106
Platt, 11.
Platt, 9.
92 Why
to be a missionary, about missionary teams,
about what makes a healthy church, and
about the call to cross geographic, cultural,
and linguistic barriers to reach unreached
peoples and places.
I hope that these devotionals have helped
you have a better grasp on some of the
most basic teachings and practices of the
Christian faith. I hope that you are better
equipped to serve wherever God may have
you. Let’s use this last devotion to focus on
some testimonies of missionaries. Hear their
words, and let them challenge you. These
come from real people serving across the
world who have “left their nets” and answered God’s call to “Follow.” He has made
them “fishers of men,” and my prayer is that
you will become the same.
This is why:
In putting together these devotions we first
asked our missionaries to address the statement: “This is why we make disciples.”
One serving in Johannesburg answered,
“Johannesburg affects much of what hap-
pens throughout the entire continent of
difficult time. But, our presence overseas
Africa. Tim Keller said it well, ‘If you change
during such moments provides opportu-
Joburg, you change all of Africa!’ That is
nities to discuss the reality of death with
why I am here.”
locals who don’t know the Prince of Life.
We endure through difficult times....so that
Another missionary wrote, “Afit and Mefat
we can share Life with the perishing.”
are brothers who have lost nearly everything. They were forced from their home-
Pray it:
land and fled a horrible war, but God, in His
Father, I pray for Your missionaries serv-
amazing grace saved them. Now, we get to
ing across the world right now. Strengthen
sit in their home and study the word of God
them by Your Spirit in their inner being. Fa-
with them see their love for Jesus and His
ther, if it’s Your will for me to serve among
gospel as they passionately proclaim Christ
unreached peoples and places, help me
to their cousins and friends.”
answer the call to go. I lay down my life. I
no longer live but You live in me. Amen.
In response to the question, “Why do you
endure through difficult times?” a mis-
Own it:
sionary in Spain answered, “I live in a city
•Who has gone out from your church to
with over 20,000 people and there is no
live as missionaries in other countries?
evangelical church. When people begin to
Pray for those individuals and families
search for God and look for hope they have
specifically right now.
nowhere to go. Sadly there are over 7,000
•Start thinking now about what will be
cities just like mine all over Spain without
different in your life after you return
any evangelical presence. Our job is not
from your mission project. As you make
yet finished.”
your final preparations to go, are you
willing to say to God, “Change me
Another responded, “The ZK people have
however You will on this trip so I will
never heard the Story. They are lost, without
be a better servant for You”?
hope, full of suffering. Many are addicted to
drugs and alcohol. But we are able to offer
them healing and hope through His Word.
We endure sickness and isolation so that
the ZK can know the Creator.”
“People may think Europe is already
‘reached,’ but really only 3-4% of the population of Germany knows Jesus. In Spain
it’s less than 1%! I see God reveal Himself to
college students over and over who, before
they met the believing young adults in our
ministry, did not have a clue about who
Jesus really is. They look ‘together’ and may
have pride and wealth in Europe, but they
are totally lost.”
One couple said, “A believing friend of ours
in the States is passing away, and we long
to be there to provide support during a
Student Devotions 93
94 Why
MISSION PROJECT
PREPARATION GUIDE
Introduction
Congratulations, and take a deep breath! Leading a shortterm team on an international mission project is super-exciting. It’s a lot of fun and a lot of work, with enormous potential to change lives and grow the Kingdom of God. With
prayer, preparation, and patience, you can totally do this!!
Take comfort knowing you are not alone and you are not the
first to wear these shoes. Countless others have led shortterm international mission teams, and they, plus we at the
International Mission Board (IMB), stand more than ready
to offer advice, assistance, a few fair warnings, and lots of
cheerleading as you embark on this adventure.
Who this guide is for:
About the editor/compiler
Amanda Phifer lives in Columbia, S.C.,
and spends her days teaching her
two children, editing manuscripts and
dissertations and other nerdy pursuits,
writing curriculum and playing keyboard for her church band, and generally being astonished at how rich and
hard and glorious her life is. On her
nightstand: Lecrae’s “Church Clothes,”
This guide is for Great Commission Christians leading
a short-term team on an international mission project.
While some of the material in this guide will reference IMB
programs or organizational language, it will nonetheless be
useful whether your project is in conjunction or partnership
with the IMB or not. (It does assume you have already selected a mission project.)
This guide reflects decades of experience of leaders, team
members, and missionaries on the field. Learn from their
past mistakes and draw upon their strengths. Use whatever
is useful, adapt whatever you need for your team and your
circumstances.
Hillsong United’s “Empire,” and The
Faith of Christopher Hitchens. Most
recent read: Way Down Dead in Dixie.
A good day includes a nap, some hot
tea, a hike, a good book, and meaningful conversation (especially on the topics of theology, missions, and travel).
How this guide is arranged:
Mission project preparation is broken down into four steps
(naturally, some of them overlap):
1. Build your team – How to pray, recruit, and fund-raise
2.Prepare your team – Continue in prayer, train in crosscultural skills, and arrange travel
Mission Project Preparation Guide 95
3.Serve with your team – A brief post on ways to
maximize your experience on the field
4.Bring your team home – How to solidify the potential
growth from the project through intentional debriefing
and processing
Need some assistance in
finding an international
project for your student
team? Contact IMB at
[email protected]
or call 800.999.3113.
Crucial to every step in your process is prayer: before recruiting, before fundraising, before training, before leaving and
before coming home. Take Jesus’ words to heart. Apart from
Him, you and your group can do nothing of eternal significance (John 15:4-5). He longs to work through you, but you
must be with Him every day, surrendering your will, seeking
His face. Prayer is your source of power, strength, and boldness. It will be the foundation on which your ministry will
be built. It will be your very greatest need and the source of
greatest blessing.
Again, congratulations on taking this step toward growing
the Kingdom of God throughout the world, by engaging
a particular people and place with the love you have for
Jesus. The Lord will teach you, grow you, use you, challenge
you, empower you, and transform you as you serve Him
in this adventure.
May the knowledge of the glory of the Lord fill the earth as
the waters cover the seas! (Habakkuk 2:14)
96 Why
Step 1: Build your team
RECRUIT PARTICIPANTS
Nine months to six months prior to the project
All the greatest plans for an international mission project amount
to nothing if no participants sign up to go. After dreaming about
strategy and ministry possibilities and working through project
details with a group leader like you, one of the hardest things for a
missionary to hear you say is, “Sorry, but we aren’t coming.” There
are no guarantees when it comes to recruiting people for a costly
Build you team
1.
Recruit participants
a. Determine who is eligible
b. Hold a discovery meeting
c. Screen candidates
2. Raise funds
a. Recognize the benefits
and drawbacks
b. Wisdom in fundraising
c. Other resources
investment like this project, but there are good practices to follow
that will encourage successful recruiting.
Determine who is eligible to participate
The type of project you are embarking upon will dictate specific
criteria for your participants as to age, gender, adult-to-student
ratio, skill sets or physical health requirements, and overall group
size. The following guidelines are used for IMB Students projects
and will likely be helpful for any type of trip.
Student team projects typically include high school and college
students as well as adult leaders serving as sponsors and counselors.
For your project, you can decide to focus on high school only, collegiate only, or both. For IMB Students projects, all participants must:
•Be at least 15 years old or have completed the ninth grade.
•Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We want the
evangelistic focus at a project to be on the people group
being served. Students who are not following Jesus cannot
lead others to follow Jesus.
•Be actively involved in your church or campus ministry. If
you are partnering with other churches or ministries in this
project, make sure they hold to the same standard.
•Complete the IMB Students preparation study and engage
in local missions prior to the project. (The group Bible studies and student devotions included in this guide, though
designed specifically for IMB Students projects, can easily
be used for others.)
In regards to adult leaders and participants on a student team
projects, select:
•On the basis of one required for every five high school
students of the same gender. Less than this ratio invites
problems with supervision and security. Adults must be age
21 or older. You may waive the 1:5 ratio for college students
Mission Project Preparation Guide 97
(18 and up), but we recommend that you still bring at least
one older adult leader for each gender.
•With the idea that they will be full-fledged participants who
•Using a screening process and background check. (See
•Adults you know and trust, who have been members of
work alongside the students.
Step 3, below.)
your church/ministry for at least five years are the best candidates. Make sure the adults participate in every aspect of
your group’s preparation for the project. Realize that adults
will gain as much as the students in this experience.
•With the awareness that all adults, including married
couples, will most likely be housed with students and not
separately.
Hold a discovery meeting
This all-important first meeting regarding your project is where you
cast the vision to capture the hearts and minds of your students
for their involvement in this project. It is also a vital opportunity
to present important information to give interested students,
family members, and adult leaders an opportunity to make a good
decision about participating. Your overview of the project should
include the dates, expected cost, ministry objectives, how many you
expect to take, requirements, deadlines and information about any
fundraising activities you plan to use.
The target audience for this meeting should be broad, including
potential student participants, their parents, and other adults interested in chaperone and leadership roles. Since most everyone who
attends this meeting will have questions and concerns about such
things as purpose of the trip, cost, travel, and safety, be ready to
address these issues with as much detailed information as you can.
It is a good idea to recruit at least one or two individuals, ideally
students, to give a brief testimony of their experiences on a mission
trip. Ask them to speak about what they saw God do in and through
them on the trip.
Find a sample discovery meeting at www.imbstudents.org/iwcmore.
Screen candidates
An international short-term mission project involves too much time,
money, other resources, and most especially spiritual potential to
be undertaken without some screening of those who are interested
in participating. You need to know their character, spiritual maturity,
personal skills and competencies. Child protection is also a major
concern to guide the selection of participants. See below for a summary of the International Mission Board’s policies in this regard.
98 Why
For the sake of your team, your leaders, the field personnel, national believers and congregations, and above all for the sake of the
Kingdom, choose your team members wisely. You need “the right
people in the right seats” on your bus (to borrow from business
guru Jim Collins).
1.Pray.
Ask God to move in the hearts of those He wants to serve
on this project, and for them to be receptive and obedient.
Take notes if you sense Him leading you to approach certain
individuals.
2. Talk and pray with other leaders.
3. Interview interested students and adult leaders.
(Sample interview templates are provided at
www.imbstudents.org/iwcmore.) This doesn’t have to be in
a formal setting with an iPad to take notes, but you’ll want to
cover the questions on the sample template plus any others
unique to your setting or trip. Give the candidates plenty of
time and encouragement to ask their own questions, too. Not
only does this put them at ease about your leadership, it reveals
to you the concerns and/or strengths the interview questions
may not uncover. Interview adult leaders, too; remember, age is
not a default indicator of either spiritual or overall maturity.
4. Gather references.
This is extremely important for adults, and really a good idea
Many churches already have engaged
a company to conduct criminal back-
for your student candidates. There are many reference types:
ground checks. For churches or part-
teacher/professor, professional/work, employer, church staff or
ner groups that do not have a process
other spiritual leader who knows the candidate well. A sample
in place, IMB has established a rela-
reference form is available at www.imbstudents.org/iwcmore.
It’s best for the candidate to give the form to his or her refer-
tionship with Protect My Ministry to
ence, who returns it directly to the team leader(s); this keeps
facilitate the criminal background
the reference confidential.
check process. Protect My Ministry
5.Conduct a background check of each candidate 18 years old
or older.
Many churches utilize a screening process that includes a crimi-
provides discounted rates and a
streamlined online process for con-
nal background check, an interview, and confidential references.
ducting the checks, reviewing the
IMB is requesting that this three-part process be utilized for
results and safeguarding the data.
those participating in a short-term mission project. The sending
church (or other sending organization) should interview each
potential team member, gather and evaluate personal referenc-
Churches may establish their own
account with Protect My Ministry.
es and secure a company to conduct a criminal background
check for each team member. The check should include a county, state and national record check.
6.Conduct child protection training with every team member
18 years old or older.
Children are a precious resource entrusted to us and their care
and protection is a top priority. In a world where
sexual and physical abuse of children is a sad reality,
Mission Project Preparation Guide 99
many churches are taking steps to assure that the children
related to their ministry are safe and secure from sexual and
physical abuse. IMB joins many churches and agencies in
implementing a child protection process. Because almost
everyone serving on the mission field interacts with children,
all short-term mission project participants ages 18 and older
should receive protection training and go through a background screening process. Child protection training materials
are available at: www.imb.org/for-churches/mission-trip-prep.
7.Lead each team member (students and adults) to sign a team
member covenant.
Again, an international short-term mission project involves a
great deal of time, money, other resources, and most especially
spiritual potential. Each member of your team needs to take
seriously his or her role as an ambassador and a representative
of Christ. A covenant simply puts into writing the responsibilities and privileges of participating in this project. (See a sample
covenant at www.imbstudents.org/iwcmore.)
RAISE FUNDS
Nine months until one month prior to project
Benefits and drawbacks of fundraising
“When we seek to raise funds we are not saying, ‘Please, could you
help us out because lately it’s been hard.’ Rather, we are declaring,
‘We have a vision that is amazing and exciting. We are inviting you
to invest yourself through the resources that God has given you –
your energy, your prayers, and your money – in this work to which
God has called us.’”
“Asking people for money is giving them the opportunity to put
their resources at the disposal of the kingdom. To raise funds is to
offer people the chance to invest what they have in the work of
God.” (from A Spirituality of Fundraising, by Henri Nouwen)
Besides the obvious benefit of fundraising, students, leaders, and
others gain other advantages in the process:
•An opportunity to cast the vision for their trip to a wider
audience, strengthening it both within the
students, and the ministry or church at large.
•Discipline and humility from making personal sacrifices,
•Increased sense of interdependence among believers, who
working, and asking for help from others.
can experience the giving and receiving God’s people are
called to exhibit.
100 Why
•Potential better stewardship – not just on this trip,
but in life overall. Keeping track of funds through fundraising increases awareness of the need to steward money well.
There are some possible drawbacks related to fundraising:
•It can draw time away from spiritual preparation. A constant focus on raising money may drain time, energy, and
effort from the important task of preparing spiritually,
learning cross-cultural skill and people group-specific information, and building unity within the team.
•It can cause “donor fatigue” – also known as “wearing out
donors.” Too much time and too many asks can lead to a
point of diminishing returns on fundraising activities.
•It can become a stumbling block for individuals. A great
deal of success can lead to an inflated pride; too much difficulty can lead to withdrawing from the project too early.
Wisdom in fundraising
Some groups have access to budget funds to help students lower
the cost of their mission trip. Others allow fundraising activities.
Some do both and others neither. We’ve compiled a short list of
possible fundraising ideas here for you to consider with the cost of
your project.
1.
Start early.
There is no substitute for ample time to raise funds for your
mission project. Recruiting your participants before Christmas,
for instance, gives them the chance to ask friends and relatives
to support their mission project instead of giving a gift. Allow
as much time as you can for this phase of preparing your team.
Depending on how motivated and disciplined your students are,
they will need to begin raising support as much as nine months
before the trip, with the awareness that fundraising may extend
almost up to the trip itself.
2. Start close to home.
Before asking for support from anyone else, ask yourself (and
your group) what you will sacrificially give to your own support.
You cannot ask others to sacrifice financially if you are not willing to do the same. Consider what you can alter in your lifestyle
that would provide money for the mission project.
•
Give up eating out.
•
Give up movies.
•
Give up money usually spent on new clothes.
•Ask for mission project support instead of
birthday gifts.
Mission Project Preparation Guide 101
•Many churches are very willing to give to students involved
in missions. Talk with your pastor – don’t surprise him or
your church leaders by going to others first. There are several avenues a church may provide to directly support you
and your group.
•Approach your missions committee about possible funds
for which you can apply.
•The student ministry or mission ministry may have a budget
for student mission trips.
•If permitted, make a presentation to the church at which
time a love offering is taken.
•You may be given a list of individual church members to
“I have seen God provide time and
again when groups are diligent, so
contact as possible donors.
•Approach one or more Bible study groups or classes which
could make this a project they support financially.
don’t get overwhelmed by the cost.
Start early! I encourage you to provide
3. Fundraise with events.
the plan, but put the responsibility
If your church or ministry permits it, consider hosting one or
on the students. We always make our
students work hard as part of their
more of these events:
•Chili cook-off – Ask people to bring homemade chili to a
fellowship for competition. Ask attendees to pay for their
preparation for the trip and as a way
to earn the right to go. They also learn
the meaning of service.”
(Veteran student missions leader)
meal with a donation.
•
Spaghetti or pancake meals – Set a per-plate fee.
•BBQ fundraiser – Pre-sell by the pound at catering prices.
•
•Auctions – Promote desserts specially made by church
Bake sale
members. Conduct a silent auction with items donated by
church members and the community. Auction skilled services (such as landscaping, haircuts, interior decorating).
•5k walk/race – A race is a popular event. With an entry
fee and a course, you can have an event for families and
community.
4. Fundraise with labor.
•Car wash – An oldie but goodie. Please make sure the cars
•Work Angels – Advertise that students are available for hire
actually get cleaned.
to do basic yard or house work. Mention that all proceeds
will support the students on their mission trip. Recruit an
adult to coordinate assignments.
5. Consider these other options.
•Online giving through your church – If your church offers
online giving, see about setting up “Student mission project
to _______” as an optional line item for donations.
•Support letters – Assist students in writing letters to potential supporters. Some groups prefer to limit these letters
102 Why
to people outside the church. Asking for support through
prayer and finances is always helpful!
oA sample letter is provided here.
http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/sample.htm
(Check with your church or ministry for specific
instructions on tax-deductible gifts. The rules are
pretty specific!)
oHere is another sample letter.
http://christianteens.about.com/od/
getinvolved/a/missionletter.htm
o
A sample letter that’s actually entertaining at the
same time is provided here.
http://stuffchristianslike.net/2008/05/27/256mission-trip-fundraising-letters-and-why-i-shouldwrite-your-next-one/
•Scripture memory challenge – Each student recruits
sponsors to donate money per verse. The challenge is how
many Bible verses a student can memorize by a certain
date. A bonus on the memory challenge is that the verses
can be Scripture they need to know for the trip.
•Bible challenge – Ask people to sponsor the public reading
of the Bible by specifying a dollar amount for each book.
Then, at a lock in, lead your participants to read through
the Bible, or at least through every book that has been
sponsored.
Other resources
•“Mission Trip Support Raising” (see especially the list at the
bottom of the page)
http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/support.htm
•“Five Tips to Raise Money for Your Mission Trip”
http://www.christianpost.com/news/top-5-tips-tosuccessfully-raise-money-for-your-mission-trip-124650/
•“Social Media Fundraising for My Mission Trip?”
http://www.ywamlouisville.org/2015/03/social-mediafundraising-for-my-mission-trip/
•“Your Funds Won’t Raise Themselves”
http://www.ywamlouisville.org/2014/06/funds-wont-raise/
•“How to Create a Great Support Letter”
https://www.youthworks.com/how-to-create-a-greatsupport-letter/
Mission Project Preparation Guide 103
Prepare your team
1.
Start with prayer
a. Develop a prayer strategy
b. Engage in prayer walking
c. Pray for missionaries
2. Train cross-culturally
a. Research your people
group
b. Develop a training plan
c. Practice cross-cultural
interaction
3. Prepare to travel
a. Make travel arrangements
b. Use best practices for
travel
c. Pack smart and light
Step 2: Prepare your team
START WITH PRAYER
(Seven months prior, through project end)
“Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce
fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you
unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The
one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because
you can do nothing without Me” (John 15:4-5, Holman Christian
Standard Bible).
You can do cross-cultural training that would impress people at the
United Nations. You can fundraise so well there’s leftover money for
future groups. You can sail through customs like a summer breeze,
have every piece of luggage arrive without a stitch out of place, and
spend ten days overseas without a single instance of nausea, sleep
deprivation, or homesickness, so unscathed you never open a First
Aid kit.
But without prayer, it will be just a good field trip.
To build a mission team with any chance of advancing the Kingdom,
the absolute foundation must be prayer. Just as you assemble a
team with the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, so do you
also prepare your team.
Develop a prayer strategy
A prayer strategy is simply a way of being intentional about prayer.
It gives you a plan and some accountability. Here are some ideas of
what this can look like:
1.First, gather a small team and together develop a long list of
prayer requests in regards to the mission project. Keep this
lesson available at every meeting and review it regularly. Ask
yourself, “Have we prayed about this item yet?” Keep a running
tab of prayer answered prayers and review these at each group
meeting. (Include requests and answers from field personnel!)
2.Begin and end every group meeting with prayer. Incorporate
individual, pair, and small group prayer times into each group
meeting.
3.Model for your group prayers that are patterned after Jesus’
prayers – His priorities should be your own. Read and meditate
on John 17 and Matthew 6:9-13.
4.Require every student and adult member to enlist two reliable
prayer partners who will pray for them before, during, and after
the trip.
104 Why
5.Ask your church family to pray corporately for you before and
during your trip. Ask them to continue to pray for you upon your
return. You cannot possibly have too much prayer support.
6.Engage in prayerwalking at least once before your team departs on the project. (See the information below.)
7.Lead your group to engage in a fast. Pick a suitable day for
either a partial or full fast. (Make sure students have parental
permission and are physically/medically suitable for a food fast.
Offer alternative fasts for those who should not go without
eating.) Provide a simple prayer guide for participants to use
during the day as they fast. (A sample is below; customize for
your group.)
8.Help your team members develop their own personal prayer
strategy, usually to include these components:
oDaily devotions with prayer. Six weeks of student devo-
oWeekly (or more often) check-in with their prayer
oAn updated list of prayer requests shared at the group
o
tions accompany this material and can help with this.
partners.
meeting, for personal use.
Other prayer requests related to the project.
Additional resources:
•“Mission Trip Prayer Preparation Guide”
http://www.prayerideas.org/wp/how_to_pray/prayer-lifestyle/mission-trip-prayer-preparation-guide/
•“Eight prayers you can pray for your mission teams”
http://www.lifeway.com/pastors/2015/06/03/8-prayersyou-can-pray-for-your-mission-teams/
Engage in prayerwalking
Prayer can become a rather abstract activity. Isn’t it easier for you
to pray passionately for someone who is close to you – someone
you can see and interact with – than it is to pray for someone you
have never met, living in a country you have never visited? The
strategy of prayerwalking grew out of the recognition that people
tend to pray more effectively for people, situations, and countries
to which they feel connected.
Prayerwalking is taking prayer out of the meeting room and into
the places where life happens. It is founded on the conviction that
prayer is commanded by God and intended to be catalyst that allows the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of people. Prayerwalking
is acknowledging that God must prepare the way for real spiritual
breakthroughs to happen. It is intentional, intercessory, praying onsite with insight, low profile with high presence, and low risk with
high potential. Mission Project Preparation Guide 105
Many missionaries want volunteer teams to start their ministry by
prayerwalking an area. Others, facing such spiritual opposition and
darkness in their setting, even beg groups to spend most of their
mission project in prayerwalking. Prayerwalking is a strategy that
can take place almost anytime and anywhere. It can happen even
while you are in transit to or from your project.
Download a sample prayerwalk from www.imbstudents.org/iwcmore.
Pray for missionaries
Missionaries need prayer more than anything else. Effective prayer
for them and their work must address the core issues of spiritual
battle and the struggles of daily life and ministry. The following
requests can be used as a prayer prompter for those times when
you want to pray specifically but are unaware of the missionary’s
particular needs.
1.An ever-increasing understanding of the character of God and
an ever-deepening love for Him.
2.Self-discipline to spend quality time in daily Bible reading and
prayer and experience of the fullness and power of the Holy
Spirit for their life and ministry.
3.The keeping of short accounts with the Lord, their family, their
co-workers and others, that there would be no
unresolved conflicts, harbored bitterness or other
unconfessed sin.
4.For unwavering moral purity, despite submersion in
immoral societies, extended travel alone, and Satan’s
efforts to compromise their integrity.
5.Good health and wise stewardship of their physical body, including discipline in the areas of diet, exercise and sleep.
6.For couples – healthy, growing marriages characterized by
intentional communication and mutual love and submission. For
singles-companionship and good integration with other single
and married co-workers.
7.For parents – time and skills to be good parents, and
the ability to communicate and model love and truth to
each child.
8.For missionary children – physical and moral protection, spiritual regeneration, ability to make right choices based on biblical
principles, and enthusiastic ownership of their parents’ calling
and ministry.
9.Good stewardship and management of the time and
money God has entrusted to them.
10.Holy boldness and effectiveness in sharing the gospel in a wide
variety of contexts. For those in support roles – insight into
opportunities to share their faith, even if their primary responsibility is not evangelism.
106 Why
11.Dedication to life-long improvement of their fluency in the
language(s) of the people to whom they minister and diligence
in continuing to work at understanding and adapting to the
culture in which they work.
12.Effective discipleship of new believers, both in formal study and
informal mentoring situations.
13.The conversion or discovery of key believers who can be catalysts and leaders around whom an effective ministry can be
built.
14.Favor in the eyes of the government under which they live and
work and wisdom to know how to relate to civil officials.
15.A spirit of cooperation and humility with national Christian
leaders and other evangelical missionaries and church groups.
TRAIN CROSS-CULTURALLY
Three to five months prior to project
“God is not whatever each culture
As you prepare for cross-cultural ministry, take to heart these basic
principles:
•God is present in every culture, already working, already
our cultural perspectives both limit
preparing hearts. There is something of His ways in every
and enhance our understanding of
culture, and no single culture epitomizes all of His ways.
who God is.”
This leads to the second point…
wants to make God be. Instead,
•Look for aspects of your host culture that are Biblical
(whether or not those aspects are like your own culture),
and affirm those. Look also for aspects of your host culture
— David Livermore,
Serving with Eyes Wide Open
that open the door for the Gospel. All of these are there,
and the Lord will reveal them to you.
•Different means different. Not “weird.” Not necessarily
“wrong.” Just different. Each culture has different ways of
providing context, making decisions, relating to authority,
handling uncertainty, and managing time. Different…not
weird.
•Effective cross-cultural ministry involves all of yourself:
heart, motive, mind, actions, and soul. Knowing whether
to kiss, bow, or shake hands isn’t enough. Having a servant
heart isn’t enough. Knowing that Hong Kong used to be
under British rule isn’t enough. Even for a short-term mission project, it takes all your heart, soul, and mind to be an
effective cross-cultural missionary.
•Your cross-cultural exchanges will be hard. And rewarding. And funny. And embarrassing. And memorable. And
life-changing.
•There’s no substitute for practice. Seek cross-cultural interactions as often as possible before your project; contrive
them if necessary.
Mission Project Preparation Guide 107
•Pray, pray, pray. You will make blunders – probably a lot of
them. But with humility, a sense of humor, continued practice, and lots of grace, beautiful relationships and service
can happen. Trust the Lord to work through you as you
work to follow Him.
Research your host culture
1.Gather online information about your people group and setting.
Some good resources are:
•JoshuaProject.net
•OperationWorld.org
•Peoplegroups.org
•CIA World Factbook
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/
•Culture Crossing Guide (good specifics on etiquette,
personal space, etc.) http://guide.culturecrossing.net
2.Communicate in-depth with your field hosts. Don’t badger them
with constant questions (remember, they are engaging in the
mission), but do have a thorough conversation about culture.
Here are a few questions which you can customize as needed:
•
Religion and faith
oWhat religion should we study to help us
understand the people with whom you work?
oWhat witnessing training would be most
helpful to have before coming to the field?
o
oAre there some Christian phrases that hinder the
How can we best share our faith in this setting?
presentation of the gospel in the culture? (Example:
Muslims may be offended and respond poorly to
descriptions of Jesus as the “Son of God.”)
•Food
oWhat are best practices for being safe with food
and drink?
oHow does someone graciously decline a particular
food dish due to allergies? (NOTE: If anyone on
your team has any allergies or medical needs related to food, please make provisions for this and tell
your field hosts in advance.)
oWhat is the most appropriate response if a national
offers or serves us alcohol?
•Customs
oWhat are some resources for researching your
people group and their culture?
oWhat cultural norms do we need to know in order
to avoid making cultural mistakes?
108 Why
oWhat can we expect about an orientation to the
oHow should we treat the different age groups
culture and ministry when we arrive?
(children, youth, adults, older adults) in the
host culture?
oAre small gifts appropriate to give to nationals with
whom we work, visit, or stay in their homes? What
types of small gifts are appropriate in this situation?
•Gender
oHow should we interact with the opposite gender?
What are the norms for interacting with the
same gender?
o
What is appropriate dress?
Develop a training plan
Preparation for your group should include some intentional efforts
to help them grow in cultural intelligence. Some teams like to create
special experiences like a retreat; others integrate cultural training
along the way. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1.
Assess your group with a test.
o
Cultural Intelligence assessment
https://culturalq.com
o
The Culture Test
http://theculturetest.com/group_discussion_guide.pdf
2. Assign a book to read and discuss as a group.
o
Serving with Eyes Wide Open, by David Livermore
o
Before You Pack Your Bags, Prepare Your Heart,
by Cindy Judge
o
Short-Term Mission Handbook, by Tim Dearborn
o
Mack and Leanne’s Guide to Short-term
Missions, by Mack & Leeann Stiles
o
Foreign to Familiar: A Guide to Understanding Hot
and Cold Climate Cultures, by Sarah Lanier
o
Cross-Cultural Dialogues: 74 Brief encounters with
Cultural Difference, by Craig Storti
3.Take a field trip to explore and prayerwalk a local ethnic
community. Include a meal at an ethnic restaurant and practice
appropriate cultural interaction.
4.Invite a language teacher or native speaker to introduce
your group to the host country language and teach some
basic terms.
5.A resource like the Peace Corps “Culture Matters Workbook”
http://files.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/pdf/library/T0087_
culturematters.pdf has some good ideas for culture awareness
activities.
Mission Project Preparation Guide 109
6.Conduct a specific session on a subject particularly relevant
to your host culture. An example is an introduction to honor/
shame cultures (see http://honorshame.com for help.)
Practice cross-cultural interaction
No cultural preparation is better than personal experience.
Explore the possibilities for relevant cross-cultural experiences in
your vicinity. Many churches engage in ministry to immigrants or
international students and would welcome your help. Here are some
additional ideas:
•Get to know (better) those you already know from another
culture. Seek quality time with them in which you ask a lot of
questions and do a lot of active listening.
•Try some culturally uncomfortable role-playing. For example, have each person in your group walk up to a friend and,
during conversation, purposely encroach upon her personal space, following her as she moves away. How does this
difference in personal space feel? How can your team best
handle it? (See p. 159 in Serving with Eyes Wide Open by
David Livermore for a few more ideas.)
•Learn through intellectual and artistic expressions of your
host culture. These will help you get into the mental programming of that culture. For example:
oWatch a foreign language film from the country
oRead books set in your host culture: non-fiction,
you’ll be visiting.
histories, biographies of cultural or religious or
political leaders, and novels – ideally, contemporary
works written by natives (translated, if not originally in English).
oRead English-language newspapers and blogs from
your host culture. Pay attention to language, topics,
and assumptions.
•Interview people who are from the host culture about their
favorite music, novels, movies, pastimes, etc.
•Go to a house of worship of a different faith. Visit the
temple, synagogue, or mosque (research and ask in advance about rules of etiquette!). With an adult, talk with the
religious leaders. Read the literature you find there – what
does it reveal about the centrality of the religion, what’s
valued, what’s taught?
110 Why
•Attend social gatherings of your people group. Look for
relevant Meetup groups at http://www.meetup.com/find/.
Browse the “community information” bulletin boards at
your local public library or coffee shop for relevant gatherings. If you are at a college or university, research social groups or clubs of your people group and ask (don’t
assume) to join a meeting or two. While there – engage.
Observe, ask questions (as appropriate), listen actively.
PREPARE TO TRAVEL
(At least six months prior to the project)
Make travel arrangements
It’s time to work with the travel agent and establish the flight
itinerary and other travel arrangements for your group. Please
review this entire list of steps before proceeding. Remember, we
are more than willing to answer questions you have about international travel and share our experience with you.
•Start early in getting passports! The best international
travel arrangements are meaningless without a passport,
and waiting often results in participants paying high fees
to rush their passport application. The U.S. Department of
State website can help you through the process.
•Gather in advance all the information you will need to
arrange flights. Many folks have made serious mistakes at
this point by not having clear confirmation on these details!
You won’t need passenger names at this point, but you
will need:
oBest U.S. departure airport for your group. Be open
to alternatives. You may need to fly a segment or
drive to get to a gateway airport like Atlanta, Miami,
Houston, New York, or Washington, D.C.
oBest arrival airport in your project country. Be sure
to confirm this with your missionary. Most likely
there will need to be additional arrangements to
get you from the airport to the project location.
oNumber of seats you wish to reserve. Don’t underbook. Additional seats may be hard to come by
later. Don’t overbook by more than a few seats.
Some airlines will impose a penalty if you drop
too many seats.
oActual dates you need to be in the project country.
Remember that most international flights from the
Mission Project Preparation Guide 111
U.S. are overnight, which means arriving the next
day. Many return flights to the U.S. leave in the
morning and arrive on the same day.
•Make contact with a travel agent. IMB Students recommends STG, who arranges all our travel as well as many of
our missionaries’ flights as well. Please feel free to contact:
STG Travel, [email protected]; office: 214-789-9451
Of course you are free to use the travel agency of your
choice, but we strongly recommend an International
Mission Board-approved travel agency.
•
Review options with the travel agent.
oMake sure you can book seats with a deposit rather
than having to buy instant purchase tickets.
oCheck arrival and departure times to make sure
they are acceptable.
oCheck layovers (times between flights). For groups
we recommend at least a 90 minute layover or
more to give your group time to change gates and/
or go through more security checkpoints.
oMake sure the itinerary does not involve “split tickets” – using two different airlines that are not “code
sharing” and require separate check-ins along the
way. While a split ticket can be a cheaper option, it
can create havoc if you are delayed on a flight.
oFind out if there is a visa (passport stamp) or entry
fee required for your project country. This will usually be an additional cost above and beyond airfare.
(For example, Brazil and China require a visa and
Peru, Chile, and Uganda require an entry fee.)
oIMB requires volunteer teams to obtain emergency
insurance as part of their travel arrangements. If
you choose a travel agent other than STG, get this
insurance (from Gallagher and Associates) before
you travel. Contact Student Team for more
information
oBe prepared to pay a deposit for tickets. Airlines
usually require a $100-200 per person deposit.
Deposits may be non-refundable, so be sure you
understand your obligations. Ask for a written
contract from the travel agency that identifies a
deadline for dropping unused seats without a
penalty. Know when the balance and list of passport names will be due.
oAgain, start early to lead your participants to obtain
or check their passports. Most countries require a
passport to be valid for at least six months after the
112 Why
dates of the project. You will need exact passport
names to give to the travel agent when you pay
your balance. A misspelled name on a ticket can be
very costly and problematic!
oGet all required immunizations. Check with your
travel agent and/or the Centers for Disease Control website. Some immunizations require multiple
injections or several weeks for adjustment, so find
out early what’s needed. Most travelers get their
immunizations at their local Health Department.
If this is an IMB Students project, be sure to confirm with us your
final itinerary. We will also need the list of your participants that
goes to your travel agent.
Use best practices for travel
Check all your participants’ passports well in advance of the project. Most countries require a passport to be valid for at least six
months after the dates of the project.
•Check on the current rules and restrictions for luggage for
your itinerary. What can you expect with luggage fees?
Luggage sizes? Carry-ons?
•Does this country require a special letter of parental permission for minors? Is a certificate of immunization (such as
for Yellow Fever) required?
•Carry emergency numbers. For STG, call 251-213-5620 for
24/7 emergency service.
•Arrive early at the airport. In most cases, check in at least
two (2) hours prior to the domestic flight departure time
or three (3) hours prior to an international flight departure
time. Local regulations may vary.
•Keep your passport close and carry back-up ID’s. For international air travel, a valid passport is required. Many countries require a visa to enter in addition to your passport. Be
sure to have all of the proper
documentation.
•Make copies of your passport and put in every bag
you check or carry.
•Know what to do to replace a lost passport:
oLocate the local U.S. embassy or consulate:
http://www.usembassy.gov/. Ask to speak to
the American Citizens Service Department of the
Mission Project Preparation Guide 113
Consular Section and inform a representative that
a U.S. passport has been lost or stolen. Instructions
for obtaining new passport photos and completing
a new passport application will be provided by the
Citizens Service Department.
oFile a local police report if a passport has
been stolen. Although not always required, a police
report may be helpful when replacing a passport.
oContact a friend or relative in the United States and
inform them that they may be needed to help with
identity verification.
oProvide the U.S. consulate or embassy with any
information requested to verify identity.
oComplete an affidavit with the embassy or consulate describing the circumstances under which
the passport was lost or stolen. A replacement
passport will be issued once all documents are
completed.
•Be ready to handle flight cancellations.
oAct quickly. As soon as you receive notice that
your flight is cancelled, get in line as quickly as possible to speak directly with the airline’s gate agent
regarding re-accommodation. It can make
a difference!
oBe courteous but firm. Keep in mind that once you
are a “cancelled passenger,” and should the airline
not have seats available on subsequent flights, you
are now a “stand-by” passenger. It is to your advantage to remain as calm and polite as possible, but
pro-active in determining all your options, such as
traveling on another airline.
oRemain calm! Most likely the airline will rebook you
on the next available flight. Should that be unsatisfactory, contact STG immediately. In extreme cases,
it may be possible to obtain space on another
carrier or obtain permission to refund the ticket
and reissue on another airline. If the reason lies with
the airline and it is the day of travel, the airline is responsible for your meals (and housing if necessary)
until they are able to get you on your way.
oCome ready to handle a surprise overnight stay.
Airlines are not responsible to cover your expenses
if the cancellation is weather-related.
114 Why
•
Know TSA requirements in advance.
o
Do not joke with agents.
oRemove everything from your pockets and any-
thing with metal before screening. U.S. airports
require you to remove shoes, belts, and coats.
oIn carry-ons, only 3 ounces or smaller containers
of liquid or gel are permitted. The container size
is a security measure. What constitutes a liquid or
gel? If it can be poured, pumped, squeezed, spread,
smeared, sprayed, or spilled, it qualifies. Use a
quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag to hold the 3
ounce or smaller containers. Only 1 bag per traveler.
•Follow these important tips to track your luggage in case
you are at baggage claim and your luggage doesn’t arrive:
oKnow a delivery address and phone at your
final destination so you can arrange the
delivery of lost luggage.
oIf your luggage doesn’t arrive, fill out a claim form.
Get the phone number for baggage services so you
can check on your bag. Also ask for the person’s
name who took the report.
•
Keep your money safe.
oExpect pick-pockets in unexpected places. Use a
money belt. Do not put a wallet in your back pocket
or an easy-to-reach zipper pocket in your backpack. Remember: If it is easily accessible to you, it
is also easily accessible to thieves. Purses with thin
straps are an easy steal. If you must have a purse,
use thick straps that fit over your head.
oNever leave any of your luggage unattended…even
oAn ATM card along with some cash will probably be
oDon’t exchange money on the streets. Ask a person
in a restaurant.
the best way to carry money.
you trust for the best place to exchange money.
Pack smart and light
Pack smart:
One of the last things you do to prepare for a mission project is to
pack your luggage. Many seasoned travelers will tell you that poor
effort here can really undermine a trip. Much of the information in
this section is based on the experience and suggestions that come
from field hosts who live and work in overseas and know the cultures. Please take this seriously and do your own research as well.
•Keep your luggage receipts with your travel documents.
Mark or tag your luggage so as to distinguish it from all
others. Label your bags inside and out, include your name,
Mission Project Preparation Guide 115
address, and phone number. If practical, also put your destination address/phone inside the bags.
•Pack extra clothes, glasses, medicines, and toiletries in your
carry-on in case your luggage is lost.
•Remove shoulder straps to prevent catching in the baggage-handling machines. Remove any old airline tags from
previous trips!
•Keep three things in mind when choosing what to pack: the
climate of your assigned country, the culture of your assigned country, and the work of your ministry assignment.
oClimate: Find out about the average temperature
and rainfall for the area. If you are traveling to Slovenia during the winter, you will need thermal underwear, but leave your long johns behind if you’re
going to Uganda. In any case, choose low-maintenance clothes in basic colors and bring washable
fabrics rather than dry-clean only.
oCulture: The way you dress makes a statement about
how you think about yourself, your views of the
country you will be entering and, most importantly,
your view of God. You don’t want to offend people
before you ever open your mouth. Contact your
mission host to ask about the kind of clothing that is
appropriate for church services, social events, work
and tourism.
oAssignment: Carefully consider your ministry
assignment and appropriate dress needs, such as
with sports, construction, and extended walking.
Pack light:
•Take this literally. Pack only what you can carry. You may be
dashing to catch connecting flights, chasing trains pulling
away from stations and hauling your luggage upstairs in
your lodging. You should be able to walk quickly without
being burdened by your luggage. Pack only what you need.
Leave behind everything you can do without.
•Remember your baggage limit. Check with the travel agent
or airline about how many checked pieces of luggage you
can take. The allowable number of checked bags varies by
airlines. Your travel agent will know the amount of checked
luggage you can have and the weight limit per piece for
your airline. You will be charged if your luggage exceeds the
weight limit. These days, airlines are increasingly strict about
116 Why
weight and size limits for carry-on luggage, as well. Consult
your travel agent about limits for carry-on pieces.
•A word to the women. The prospect of having to wear the
same thing twice in a week may be painful to you, but we
promise that no one will be scandalized if you do. Most of
the people in your host country will be doing the same.
Pack sensibly. Three pairs of shoes are enough – tennis
shoes or hiking boots, comfortable everyday shoes and
maybe a pair for dressier situations. If you need one entire suitcase for your shoes, you better think again. Take a
few tops and a few bottoms (pants or skirts depending on
cultural appropriateness) that mix and match. Get several
looks out of a few pieces.
Essential items to bring in a carry-on bag:
•Airplane boarding passes and itinerary (be sure you have
•Passport/visa – Do not pack your passport in your checked
•
•The names and phone number/contact information of your
ticket numbers and confirmation codes).
luggage!
Cash/traveler’s checks/debit card
project coordinator and Field Representative
•
Reading material
•
Eye glasses and/or contacts, if you wear them
•Travel size toiletry items – shampoo, soap, cleansers,toothbrush, toothpaste, comb or brush, antibacterial hand soap
that doesn’t require water, etc. Be aware of the travel
security 3-1-1 rule: All liquids and gels cannot exceed three
ounces (by listed volume), packed together in a onequart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag with a limit of one
bag per passenger. Greater quantities of liquids or gels
must be placed in checked luggage or left behind.
For more information visit:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening.
•Any prescription medications you need (in their original
containers), even if you won’t need it during the flight. If
you packed prescription in checked baggage and your
luggage is lost, you may not have your medications(s) the
entire trip.
•At least one extra set of clothes – your luggage may not
arrive when you do. You’ll be glad for an extra set of clean
clothes (including several pairs of underwear) while you are
waiting for your luggage to catch up to you.
Mission Project Preparation Guide 117
Essential items to bring in checked luggage:
•A photocopy of your passport and visa. (Include in each
bag you check.)
•Clothing – remember the climate, culture and your project
assignment.
•Closed-toe shoes – make sure they’re made for walking and
well broken in.
•Rubber flip-flops or thongs – to wear in the shower.
•Hat – for protection if needed from the sun.
•Sunscreen/lip balm with sunscreen
•Wet wipes/tissues/waterless antibacterial soap
•Toilet tissue - it’s never a bad idea to have some on hand.
Travel tissues work as well.
•Insect repellent if needed– check the recommended
Deet level.
•Feminine products – these aren’t available in many countries.
•Flashlight/penlight
•Towels and washcloths – Check to see if these are necessary for you to bring. Wash cloths are not available in
many countries.
•Ministry-related materials
•Optional: gifts for field hosts. This is typically optional.
•Pictures of your family, friends, city and favorite activities.
Use these to make conversation with new friends at the
project, but not to make a statement about your wealth or
living standards. For example: bring a photo of your family,
but not of your house because your house will seem like
a mansion according to the standards of the people with
whom you work at the project.
The non-essentials—what to leave behind:
•Girls: Most of your make-up – take only what you absolutely can’t live without. You can definitely live without four
shades of eye-liner and five different lip-sticks.
•Jewelry – it is risky to travel with and wear jewelry in
•Hair-dryer and curling iron – high-powered American
many countries.
appliances aren’t likely to work or will blow circuits.
You will not only need an adapter, but also a
transformer just to use your hair-dryer.
118 Why
•Electronics – unless required by your project assignment.
Step 3: Serve with your team
At the project
LEAD WITH EXCELLENCE
A short-term mission trip can be made or broken not so much by
lost luggage or perfect accommodations, as by the interactions
between team members, field personnel, and nationals (believers
or not). All the preparation in the world, as valuable as it is, cannot
overcome poor leadership and miscommunication at the project.
Just as the gospel is about God restoring our relationship with Him,
Serve with your team
1. Lead with excellence
a. Serve with an attitude
b. Consider using
Encouragrams
2. Take time for worship
3. Reflect while on the field
short-term mission trips are really all about good relationships.
Serve with an attitude
Here are some helpful tips to foster a good attitude between everyone engaged in your project during your time on the field:
•
Humility is paramount. Be humble:
oWith your teammates. This might be the hardest humility
to muster: you probably know some of them pretty well,
you’re in close quarters in a cross-cultural setting that can
be unnerving however prepared you are, and you’re going home together. Also, they might be annoying, right?
Humility here – let annoyances go, laugh at as much as you
can, remember your own feet of clay, accommodate as
much as you can. It will save you stress and it will keep a
much-needed peace and unity within your team. And, not
least, it is the way of Jesus and a testimony to His transformation in your life.
oWith your leaders. Not just or necessarily because they
are the experts in all things mission trip-related, but because they’re your leaders. Ask questions, yes, but with all
respect, and then follow instructions. As a corollary, also
refrain from speaking ill of your leaders to your teammates,
even the teammate who is your best friend. Again, this
humble attitude will reduce stress and increase peace and
unity within your team. Also again, it is the way of Jesus.
oWith field personnel and national believers. You and your
team are the guests, not the experts or the cavalry or the
saviors. Remember, you’re there for a few days as a servant;
for the field personnel and nationals, this is home and a
long-term commitment. Maybe your method of evangelism
and discipleship is super-effective back home; nonetheless,
defer to the wisdom of your field personnel and national
leaders who live there, work there, serve there, and are raising their children there.
Mission Project Preparation Guide 119
oWith nationals in general. Your humility among people of
another culture and another faith speaks volumes about
the grace and kindness of Jesus Himself. Share the gospel
at every opportunity, but “do this with gentleness and
respect” (1 Peter 3:16).
•Don’t be flexible – be fluid. Think of yourself as a glass of ice
water. You don’t want to be rigid like a block of ice. You don’t
even want to be flexible like a bendy straw. You want to be
fluid, like water itself, which seeps into every conceivable
crevice to bring life and growth.
•Stay in Scripture and prayer. This can be tough, what with
full days of ministry, late nights, early mornings, and the everpresent cultural adjustments. But do it. Find an appropriate
place and time and guard them zealously. You need time with
Jesus and the Word to stay focused, receive strength and
guidance and comfort, and be empowered to do your work.
(See www.imbstudents.org/iwcmore for daily devotions.)
•Bring your sense of humor. To put it another way, get used
to the taste of foot, because inevitably it goes in your mouth
many times in cross-cultural settings. This is okay – so long as
you laugh at yourself, and learn from it. Have you ever had an
experience (it usually happens within your family) that was just
horrendous at the time but later became a bonding memory
accompanied by lots of laughing every time it came up in conversation? You are likely to have those on this trip – do yourself
a favor, and go ahead and laugh now. It will improve things
drastically. Serve humor with a side of humility for an even
better experience.
•Take time to rest. Basically, don’t skimp. Again, the schedule of
most short-term mission trips is usually jam-packed, but like
your personal time with Jesus, you must guard your rest zealously. You need it; your team needs it; the ministry needs you
to have it.
For additional tips, consult Chapter 13 (“The Heart of the Matter”)
in the excellent book, Serving with Eyes Wide Open by David
Livermore.
120 Why
Consider using Encouragrams
Note: Encouragram artwork for a banner or printed card is available
at www.imbstudents.org/iwcmore.
For years, student mission opportunities like World Changers and
International World Changers have made encouraging notes a daily
part of their projects. The idea is simple: just set up a “mailing station” where each participant has an envelope to receive notes from
others. Make index cards and pens available, and simply invite everyone to use some free time to contribute a bit of cheer or inspiration
or thanks to others.
Some leaders also use Encouragrams to share pre-written notes
from home (parents and other family members), daily devotions,
and or instructions for the day.
Encouragrams work best with larger groups—say 15 or more—where
it’s not all that easy to get to know everyone equally well. For smaller groups, consider “secret pals” where participants are secretly
assigned someone to “bless” all during the projects. This can conclude with a revealing time near the end of the project.
Be sure to include the field representative, missionary family members, national partners, and others who are involved in daily aspects
of the project.
TAKE TIME FOR WORSHIP
The priority for your mission project is to engage in outreach and
ministry, but that is not a good reason to abandon personal and
corporate times of devotion and worship. Participants need time
with Jesus every day. It’s crucial, but it’s not that easy, even in the
midst of the focus and “glamour” of an international mission project
A mission project is a wonderful laboratory of experiences and it is
wise to lead participants in opportunities to process these and not
miss how the Lord is speaking and working
Individual quiet times
Please note: Seven daily devotions for use at a mission project are
available for download at www.imbstudents.org/iwcmore.
We encourage the project leadership team to build into each day’s
schedule time in the morning for participants to be alone with God.
Encourage participants to take time daily to pray and to keep in
mind that their most important ministry strategy is to pray! Bring
them prepared to work through some personal devotions, or at
least a Scripture reading plan for the duration of the project.
Mission Project Preparation Guide 121
Crew times
At many projects, the team will be serving in smaller groups
throughout the day, perhaps even in different locations. Participants
will likely spend most of their time at the project in this group and
experience new relationships, challenges, and opportunities with
their “crew.” Encourage these crews to set aside a brief time each
day to pray together and be encouraged from God’s Word. Enlist
someone, preferably a student, to prepare and present a brief devotion and lead the group in discussion and prayer.
Large group worship
Usually at the end of each day, a group worship experience is an
opportunity for everyone to come together, debrief the day’s experiences, share what God is doing, pray for each other, and encourage one another. These group gatherings are vital for helping participants transfer their experiences from the field back to the local
church. Many groups will invite missionary families, local/national
believers, and translators to join with them in corporate worship.
REFLECT WHILE ON THE FIELD
It’s super-easy to get caught up in the bustle of the project, the
culture shock, the exhaustion and thrill of the day-to-day, without
reflecting on what’s happening inside your team. Even worse, you
can miss moments to acknowledge and rejoice in what God is doing.
Celebrate “God moments”
A wonderful daily ritual at a mission project is to lead a brief “God
moments” review that gives participants a chance to share how
they have seen God at work during the day. This time of sharing
may take a day or two to ramp up, but it will build expectations and
lead participants to go about their day looking for God’s providence and blessing.
Debrief as you go
Below, a list of daily debriefing questions to consider asking of your
team in any 15-minute window you can snatch (preferably at the
very beginning or very end of the day):
•
What have you learned today?
•
Highlight of the past 24 hours?
•
Low point? (Careful to keep this brief and kind.)
•
Who blessed you today? (Make plans to thank them.)
•Whom do you plan to individually bless today/tomorrow?
•
How?
Questions or concerns?
Encourage your team members to reflect upon these questions individually each day as well, particularly if they are keeping a journal.
122 Why
Pray on the spot
Too often we say, “We will pray for you” or “We need to pray about
this” and then put it off to some later time that rarely ever comes.
Make it a practice at your project to look for opportunities to
engage with God directly in a situation: pray for help or guidance
on the spot. This does not have to be long, work-stopping prayers,
but simple, heart-felt appeals to God.
Mission Project Preparation Guide 123
Step 4: Bring your team home
Bring your team home
1.Understand the need for
closure
2.Develop a short-term
strategy
3.Develop a long-term strategy
UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR CLOSURE
Project conclusion
Why follow up?
“An unexamined life is not worth living.” Perhaps strongly put, and
yet an echo of it applies here: “An unexamined mission trip is not
worth having.”
You and your team will have spent months praying, fund-raising,
training, and now several days on the field serving. The Lord will
have taught and challenged and amazed and used you in ways you
did not expect. Now is the time to process, in enough depth for the
lessons to stick, and to transform you in all the ways He intended.
This won’t happen naturally. In fact, “normal life” can squelch that
growth faster than a customs agent can say “Welcome home.”
Hence, the need for debriefing and processing.
DEVELOP A SHORT-TERM STRATEGY
A good short-term strategy includes the following:
1.A brief time to process while still on the field. Gather as a team
to share highlights, lows, questions, and the first inklings of
what the Lord is teaching each person. Be sure to allow time to
encourage each person on the team, individually and publicly.
Encourage students to write down what they think the Lord is
teaching them while there. Prepare them to complete a “on the
way home” devotion (see next).
2.A personal devotion for participants to complete on the way
home. A sample that is a journaling exercise is available on the
My Mission app www.imbstudents.org/iwcmore. Also available
is a “Coming Home” Bible study. Many students process their
thoughts better in writing than they do in speaking.
3.A debriefing session together soon after you return home.
Commit a debriefing session to the calendar long before the
trip even happens, and don’t let lingering jet lag or the return
to “normal” life derail it. Celebrate what was accomplished on
the trip, and discuss the re-adjustment to everyday life here.
Encourage each other, again, to share what the Lord has taught
124 Why
team members. Here are some good questions for students to
address in small groups:
a. Now that I am back home, I feel …
b. I now find it easy to …
c. I now find it hard to …
d. My family says I …
e. My friends think I am …
f.
g.Our church or student group needs to…
h.My next step in following Christ is…
This trip has taught me…
4. Follow-up devotions for students.
There is a week’s worth of follow up devotions on the My
Mission app and on www.imbstudents.org/iwcmore.
5.A report to your church or student ministry (as applicable).
Elements of a good report include:
•Share the basics: who, what, when, where, how. Don’t
assume the congregation or audience knows these details,
but keep this short.
•Share what was accomplished. This is where you can include statistics (how many served, taught, and especially
professions of faith or baptisms, etc.), but focus more on
the relationships that were established or strengthened
(with field personnel, with national believers and leaders,
with community leaders, etc.).
•Present testimonies. Choose one or two from team
members (be sure to include “what and how the Lord
taught me”), and one or two, if at all possible, from field
personnel and/or national believers on the field.
•Share something funny and something sobering. Your
organization needs to know your mission trip was enjoyable
and eye-opening.
•Use creative elements if you can. Some ideas are a video
(music video, time-lapse video, videotaped testimonies,
etc.), the chorus of a song in the language of the country
you visited (preferably a song written there and in that
culture’s style, not just “Amazing Grace” in Swahili), or
teaching a greeting or phrase to the congregation, etc.
•Issue a challenge to the congregation or audience – to
change something in lifestyle, in finances, in career, in thinking, in ongoing awareness, even to participate in the ongoing
partnership or relationships built through this trip.
See “How to tell your story” at www.imbstudents.org/iwcmore
for specific ways to help students share their experience.
Mission Project Preparation Guide 125
DEVELOP A LONG-TERM STRATEGY
A good longer-term strategy takes in the idea of greater
missions engagement, not only for your project’s participants but
other students and the church family as well. Consider
the following:
1.
Incorporate missions consistently into your teaching and
worship. Choose curriculum, missions emphases, and other
efforts to educate about God’s heart for the nations, the
complete biblical narrative of redemption, what God is doing
in the world, and pathways to service.
Don’t let this trip be another notch in
2.
Explore repeat/long-term opportunities and partnerships.
Hopefully your international mission project will not stand
a missionary belt, but a catalyst for
as a “one-off,” but fit into an overall lifestyle of missions.
lasting transformation, on both sides
Ideally, this would include an ongoing partnership with field
of the border.
personnel and local churches in the area where you served.
Missions is not about passport stamps but about relationships,
not about location or language but about hearts open to
service wherever God places us. Look for ways and opportunities to return or get students back to serve on their own
or with a partner for longer periods of time.
3.
Explore local mission opportunities. Continue the missionary
mindset you embraced overseas right here at home. If your
team distributed water and prayerwalked overseas, do that
here. If you conducted relationship evangelism efforts on a
foreign campus, why not try that here? Look for immigrant
peoples who are here from where you served. Get involved in
ethnic church plants.
4.
Lead students to prepare missionally. If some of your team
found they had an aptitude for the language and culture where
you served, encourage them to develop their skills further
and seek to grow in cultural intelligence. Ask students to consider college majors and career paths that can lead to jobs
overseas—especially jobs in a countries that may not like
missionaries but welcome business people, skilled workers,
and educators. Lead students to learn about world religions
and develop relationship-building skills.
5.
Point students to other international missions opportunities
through the International Mission Board. See www.imb.org/go
for options ranging from one week to two years.
126 Why