This soldier’s obituary will rest on an obscure page of the history book of this community because the death of this soldier does not rise to the level of a  banner front page epitaph.  No, this soldier labored in obscurity and is only known by a few good men and women.

I knew this soldiers greatest joy in life was the volunteer work done with very young children, one day each week in a small classroom at 2028 S. Main St,  Crossville, Tennessee.

This volunteer took time off during the week to read and prepare a lesson plan for the children, bought some cookies and juice and some reward trinkets, packaged  it all together in preparation to take it to the classroom each and every week.

This soldier was not an eloquent, well spoken commanding officer, nor was this soldier affluent.  Like the soldiers sacrifice, this volunteer  sacrificed in order to pursue the joy of positively affecting the lives of eight to ten children, one day a week.

The return of this soldier’s labor of love was giving these children the ground work to be good sons and daughters, to lay the foundation for potential respectful primary  school students that are eager to learn, and having a hand in helping to set the moral compass of a future young man or woman.

This soldier was not a soldier in any U.S. military unit, this soldier was a volunteer soldier of the cross, yes, she was a Sunday school teacher.

To Private Marie Hites, a first class soldier for the cross of Jesus Christ, you are a heroine that will be missed by family and friends.

With much admiration and respect,

Robert Kisling

Printed in the Crossville Chronicle – Letters to the Editor – page 4A, Friday, January 16,
2009 Used  here by permission of the author – Robert Kisling (October 2011)

-  Who wouldn’t like Publisher’s Clearing House to
deliver a million dollar check?

-  Who wouldn’t like the accolades received from an
appreciative audience at Carnegie Hall?

-  Or hear the roar of fans calling your name – coming
from the stands of the Indy 500?

Practice and Determination

Did you notice?  Two of those things happened
by luck and the other two happened by Practice and Determination.

Altar Review

What happens to the people who come to the altar at your church?  They feel the pull of the Holy spirit
reminding them that they are sinners in need of a Savior, and they walk down to
the front and confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Believing that He has created in them a new
heart … and He has.  This is called Salvation.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus
is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will
be saved.  Romans 10:9 (NIV)

But for what purpose have they been saved?

-  To fill our churches?

-  To pay their tithes?

-  To faithfully attend our events?

Or is it God’s plan for Christians to disciple others?  To help others turn from darkness to
light?

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth
has been given to me.  Therefore go and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and
teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you
always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

Discipleship from Pre-Christian through all of life

Early discipleship happens long before people come to the altar.  It happens in the neighborhood, on the job or
at school.  These Pre-Christians don’t
even know they are being discipled, but they are being loved by a Christian who
cares for their lost soul.  That is
Influence.  The Holy Spirit always shows
up when love flows from one person to another.
Most people label this kind of discipleship as Outreach or
Evangelism.  But true discipleship does
not stop there.   It is a life- long
process.

The Apostle Paul added some information about our spiritual journey -

So Christ himself gave the
apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,  to equip his people for works of service, so
that the body of Christ may be built up
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of
God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of
Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)

Becoming mature is more obvious to us through our physical life.  We have observed that there are people who
never really grow into becoming an adult in the physical life.  Their body changes and they look like an adult,
but because of a lack of discipline in their early years, their actions are
still immature.   That is where merely biological fathers and mothers are not really parents.  They have the ability to make babies, but are
not responsible/mature enough  to follow through with  raising a child.

Growing Up/Maturing  is Not an Option

Just like in our physical life,
growing up spiritually is not automatic – it takes Intentional
Discipleship.   There should be no aborted babies at our
altars.  When you were a young parent you
learned quickly that life is not all about you.
Those early morning feedings and cries that cannot be understood kept
you up and walking the floor.  Your baby
had your full attention.  No one ever
expects a baby to grow up  without parental
influence.

What is Intentional Discipleship?

That is taking responsibility for assisting the spiritual growth of New
and Young Christians.  It is joining in
the process of helping them make right decisions and move toward becoming
Christ-Like.

We have to start reminding people that becoming Christ-Like is not
EASY.  Mistakes will happen as we go
through the process.  And for most of us,
this will be a life- long process.  I say
most of us because I know that in the Old Testament we have an example of a
life that apparently passed all of the tests – Genesis 5:24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was
no more, because God took him away.  (NIV)

Yet we read: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and
sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your
faith produces perseverance.  Let
perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not
lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)

God uses the things
that are challenges in life to make adjustments in our attitudes and actions.

You want more?  Okay – Blessed is the one who perseveres under
trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of
life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12 (NIV)

And James keeps piling it on –  My dear brothers and sisters, take note of
this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become
angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
 Therefore, get rid of all
moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word
planted in you, which can save you.    Do not merely listen to the word, and so
deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the word but does
not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and,
after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and
continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be
blessed in what they do.

Fonzie in the Mirror

That scripture always  reminds me of an old TV program, Happy
Days.  It started with the song Rock around the Clock and showed scenes with the actors.  One scene was when Fonzie, a motorcycle
riding girl magnate would go into the men’s room, look in the mirror and not change a thing.  He liked what he
saw.

That is too often what happens when people come to church and are hearing the Word preached.  They leave without any life change.  They do not know how to apply the truth so
they left without life application, they left unchanged.

We cannot expect that truly effective
discipleship will happen in a room filled with 100 – 10,000 people while a
pastor speaks from his heart, …. no matter how anointed he is!  People need to analyze and discuss that
truth.  They hear so many voices from
outside the church, they have been bombarded with ungodly, unbiblical
propaganda.  Sadly, our sermons have
little effect on their opinions and life styles.

We offer a FREE survey on our webpage  Does it Matter? Personal Belief Survey.

Go to discipleship.ag.org   (Put either title in the search box for your own complete copy.)

Those being quizzed are asked twenty questions that have one of three answers:

CHOOSE
YOUR ANSWER FROM THE FOLLOWING:

(a) Important          (b) Not Important          (c) Tradition/Optional

The last two questions are a real eye opener for most pastors:

 19. Guarding your
minds against impure thoughts

 20. Guarding your
entertainment selections

Too many of
adults attending church answered question #19 as (a) Important, but then
followed  with question #20 as (b) Not
Important or (c) Traditional /Optional.
This I believe is a sign that there is a disconnect between What they
believe and How they live.

Intentional Discipleship through Small Groups

They need a smaller group of believers to share their life with.  They need Christian role models.  They need to see Christians working and
living this life before them.  Just life physical growing up, it doesn’t happen automatically.  Great people are raised by caring
parents.  Who is caring for the people who are birthed in your altars?

Intentional or Unintentional – What are we creating?

Without Intentional Discipleship we are Unintentionally creating spectators NOT servants.  People who fill our pews faithfully, but come
because they like the preacher, they enjoy the worship or they feel that the
programs stimulate their families are merely spectators.  That is why we must continue to have all of
the bells and whistles.  Without those exciting lights and thumping music, they will head to the next greatest show on
earth.

The Discipleship Manual

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly
equipped for every good work.  II Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Trying to become a Disciple without using the word of God, is like playing sand lot baseball,
the rules change according to the players and there are no real winners.  God’s Word will direct every part of your
life.  It will change your attitudes and adjust your actions.  Through the reading
of the Word you begin to understand God’s heart and you tune in to His
voice.  True discipleship does not happen through fellowship only.  We must apply
the Word of truth to our daily lives.

How should Discipleship Happen?

We’ve hired that preacher, let him do the
discipling.  I know, I’ve heard those
voices too.  But they may have forgotten
God’s plan:

Likewise, teach the older women to
be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much
wine, but to teach what is good.  Then
they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be
self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to
their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly,
encourage the young men to be self-controlled.   In
everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show
integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so
that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say
about us. Titus 2:3-8 (NIV)

God’s family plan has the older/more mature people teaching the younger/less mature
people.  Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it?

Growing Up is Painful

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live
according to it.  For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the
misdeeds of the body, you will live.  For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.   The
Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;
rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that
we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God
and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we
may also share in his glory.   I consider that our present sufferings are not
worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:12-18 (NIV)

 In the beginning of this article I asked:

-  Who doesn’t want to win the lottery?

-  Who wouldn’t like Publisher’s Clearing House to
deliver a million dollar check?

-  Who wouldn’t like the accolades received from an
appreciative audience at Carnegie Hall?

-  Or hear the roar of fans calling your name -
coming from the stands of the Indy 500?

Discipleship is the process of becoming Christ-Like.  It
does take practice and determination.  But
the same God who saved us,  gives us the power
to become sons of God.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power
to become the sons of God, even
to them that believe on his name:  John 1:12 (NIV)

What we really long to hear are these words from our Heavenly Father:

Well done good and faithful servant – enter
into the joy of thy Lord.  Matthew 25:23 (KJV)

Those who have been faithful, have been pouring into others.  They are Spiritual Parents to a lost and
dying generation.  We need more Spiritual Parents –who will deliver  Intentional Discipleship.

MissioRelate is just out from Touch Publications. I had the priviledge of previewing a copy before they went to print.  This is one SG book you’ll want to pick up.  Here is part of my review for Randall:

What is God saying to YOU?  How are your people doing on this spiritual journey?  Are they encouraging others in the journey and those outside the journey? A  MissioRelate small group Scott Boren says offers an experience with others and God that makes a difference in the world.

If your Small Groups have become mere camouflaged self improvement parties, MissioRelate will help you re-think, re-vision and re-direct your efforts.  Boren will  facilitate the move beyond the “me” and the “church” focused groups and motivate your groups into “missional lights” right in their own neighborhood.

You can go to touchusa.org and preview a free chapter.  Check it out for yourself today!

I understand that for every $6000 they receive, they share over $40,000 worth of food and supplies.

These are the same guys who sent so much help to Haiti.  Check them out and get involved.

(Are Small Groups more effective than Sunday School classes?)

A. Our real purpose is to fulfill Matthew 28:19 

Make disciples of all nations – Jesus. 

So, the valid proof of any ministry should be in the quality of Discipleship, not numbers alone. 

• Are people becoming more Christ-like?
• Are they disciple makers?    and ….
• Are they leading others to become disciple makers?

Small Groups and SS Classes are only as good as the teacher/leader.  The relationship the teacher/leader has with God is crucial – he/she can’t lead beyond personal experience.  That is why it is of utmost importance to choose the right leaders and train them – that includes on-going training.  Effective leaders are students of the Word.  Paul’s instruction to Timothy was … Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.    

Spiritual hunger is contagious and perpetual.  Infect someone today! 

2.     Is there a preferred method of starting Small Group ministry?

A. I have experienced first-hand the many faux pas of SG ministry.  I offered: Interest groups, Bible groups, Book Study Groups, Free Market Groups, whatever the label, I tried it.  Note: Most of my failed efforts came after attending a church conference and hearing about a successful SG church and trying to copy their efforts.  That was futile and every failure led to apathy.

I have now observed a better way to start SG ministry:  Test it FIRST.  That means find the right leaders and start SMALL.  By starting with leaders who are totally behind your ministry, you have a greater chance of success.  Know the purpose of your groups.  After 3 months – evaluate.  Adjust as needed and test it again for another 3 months. 

(Important: These groups are not yet made public.) 

The first successful small groups become templates for your new groups to duplicate and you have actual SG stories to tell – validating the ministry.  Randall Neighbour – author of The Naked Truth about Small Group Ministry advocates these prototype groups.

3.     How do I know what is being taught in my SG ministry?

A. You don’t if you never attend a group.  Lead Pastors need to observe these Small Groups first hand.  Staff participation is not an option.  I suggest that the Lead Pastor shows up to a group unannounced and monitor the groups personally.

4.     How do I choose effective SG curriculum?

A. Here are five important questions to ask as you choose curriculum:

• Does this curriculum make the Bible easier to understand?
• Does this curriculum corroborate what we believe?
• Does this curriculum help people live the life?
• Does this curriculum help people to grow into stronger disciples?
• Does this curriculum lead people to become disciple makers?

 If your curriculum misses the mark in ANY of these areas, you are using the wrong curriculum.

5.     Can I have an effective Small Group using DVD curriculum?

A.  The short answer is NO.  You can’t have an effective small group or class without an effective teacher/leader.  I know that you want to get these groups started yesterday, but DVD’s and facilitator groups are always short lived.  (DVD’s can work IF you have a prepared/trained leader who is building relationships and encouraging interaction.) 

Caution: I would not build my SG ministry around DVD’s alone.

 6.     How do I find/train leaders for SG ministry?

A. Find people that already have other people following them.  Make sure they are also your supporters and use the Test Model approach first.  (See answer to Question #2 above.)  Give them time to try it and evaluate.  Meet with them every month and let them give you feed-back.  (Adjustments now, are so much easier than later.)  A great book to start them out with is Burnout-Free Small Group Leadership by Michael C. Mack.  This is a short, easy to read pocket guide.

Once you get the first leaders going, let them be the trainers for your next groups. 

7.     Do my SG leaders need to be great teachers?

A. Great teachers are sometimes found underneath a heart that loves people.  Your leaders will need to build relationships as they lead.  I believe that great leaders will be great teachers, but not all great teachers are great leaders.  A burden for people to know God and His Word is an essential part of effective Small Groups and SS Classes.  If all a teacher does is share information – they are NOT effective.  It is so important to observe a prospective leader as they teach before you label them as a leader of a SG or a SS Class.

8.     Should Small Groups have an expiration date?

A. All groups are faced with some undeniable truths.  Thom Rainer says that groups become families – somewhere between 6 and 18 months.  They become Families – meaning to the exclusion of others.  We must be aware of this tendency and make every effort to include others.  Having an empty chair is one of the ways SG authors say to keep evangelism on the front burner.  Including neighbors should be a goal of every SG. 

Small Groups and SS Classes need to see their spiritual lives like we look at physical families.  My son is now married and he and his wife live in their own house with their little boy.  This is normal -Children grow up and move away.  But we still have reunions and celebrations together!    I suggest that you offer SG ministry every fall and spring – like school semesters and allow people to make changes as necessary.  (You may also want to include a summer term.  This is a great time to encourage outside activities.) 

Hint: In your monthly SG leader meetings make sure you celebrate every group that births another group. The act of celebrating makes birthing a new group the normal, and expected outcome.

9.     Is Connecting/Building Relationships a good enough reason to validate SG ministry?

A. No, if you are only building relationships in your SG ministry you are missing a huge opportunity to pour truth into the hearts and lives of broken people.  The Word of God is living and active, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  God’s Word will lead them from brokenness to healing.  Don’t have Small Groups or SS Classes without it!

10.     I am starting a new church, should I start with Sunday School classes or  Small Groups?

A. Yes!  I am strongly promoting that churches consider doing both!  I know that your current building may dictate what you can offer.  But don’t miss any chance you have to encourage someone to live the life.  It is never enough to just get them saved.  Remember it is our assignment to disciple every nation!  Start with those people around you right now and REPEAT!  If you have available class room space, why not offer a discipleship class?  Small Groups can start with current believers doing a prayer walk through their neighborhood. Praying for families and neighbor’s needs as they walk.

 Tom Bougher – Adult Resource Consultant Discipleship Ministries of the Assemblies of God © 2011

Now this is a book that puts God back into our history.  Every parent needs this book to help remind their children of God’s place in the forming of our nation.  Wampler reminds us of how  many efforts are being made to rid every text book of any reference to God.

Check this quote:

“Here is my creed.  I believe in one God, the Creator of the universe.  That he governs it by his providence.  That he ought to be worshiped.  That  the most acceptable service we render to him is doing good to his other children.  That the soul of man is immortal and will be treated with justice in another life respecting its conduct in this.”  Benjamin Franklin

From Presidents to statesmen, you will be encouraged to hear their statements of faith. 

“This is a Christian nation.  If we ignore the spiritual foundations of our birth as a nation, we do so at our peril.  It took faith in God to win our freedom.”  President Harry S. Truman

Every Christian family needs this book – I wish it was required reading for all 8th graders in public schools!

They believe that part of service to God is bringing signs that point to his Kingdom and tangibly expressing his love to those in need – even when the measurable result of conversion can never be tallied. P. 93

This book will stretch your thinking about the current ministries that your church offers.  I agree with Lyons and pray that every church is not only offering truth/ information, but is also establishing godly relationships that will shape and challenge the followers through Community Service.  Lyons belives that is the only connection for the Next Christians.   What are you doing to connect with them today? 

 Check out this book!

Current How-To-Do church articles include:

9 Steps to Dealing with Staff

6 Principles in Motivating Staff

12 Things to Look for When Interviewing Staff

Here is where to check it out:    thehardygroup.org

• What things altered your own views about leading?
• Is a leader’s ultimate success outside of his or her own control? 
• What are the pitfalls that usher in an unhealthy culture? 
• What should someone look for as a potential mentor to the next generation of leaders?
• What is the role of teams among leaders?
• How does influence and  power affect a leader?

 This book gives a real backstage look into the ideas of real leadership through 30 of today’s most gifted leaders.  Wrapped up in this book are many leadership lessons.  Truths that will change how you treat employees and staff.  Truths that will change how you do business and how you do life. 

Here’s a truth from John Ashcroft: The difference between a con man and a leader is that a con man can talk people into pursuing the goals at greater levels of commitment than he has himself.

This is a workbook filled with life nuggets for CEO’s, presidents, managers, pastors and teachers.  It will have you reviewing your flow charts and re-assigning your teams.  Leaders who apply the lessons shared will not only see improvement in attitudes, they will see greater success.  The book is published by Barna  - available through Tyndale.