Koinonia, Fellowship of Believers

Fellowship With Fellow Believers

FELLOWSHIP is what believers do to/with one another  as an expression of Christ’s love. Fellowship (Koinonia) in the New Testament was understood to be sharing freely of the inner life and the love of God.  The believers shared such a deep love which attracted admiration from the world (Acts 20:20). Every believer needs other believers and is needed by other believers. You can not grow spiritually without other believers.

Starting point is our relationship with God

We will never know real fellowship apart from a true relationship with Jesus (1 John 1:3).   It is not based on having the same thinking, same ethnic group or same likes but on our relationship with Jesus. We share the same father, the same salvation and the same enemy and struggles. As we draw closer to Christ, we draw closer to one another (1 Corinthians 1:9; Psalm 119:63).

For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body...   ...Now you are the body of Christ, and members (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

Our fellowship grows if it is cultivated. We cultivate our fellowship by:

1. Being in the word together (Acts 2:42; 3 John 1).  As we grow in the word we grow in love for one another.
2. Assembling together as believers (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42). Excuses not to fellowship are he devil’s way to destroy fellowship. Before he destroys, he isolates a believer. Fire burns better when logs are together. We benefit from Jesus’ presence. God manifests in special ways impossible when alone. Mathew 18:20.
3. Breaking of bread together and sharing meals (1 Cor 10:16; Acts 2:46). Jesus often fellowshipped in people’s houses (Luke 10:38; Mark 2:15). Visit each other.
4. Praying together. Those who pray together stay together (Acts 2:42). They did this  steadfastly. God honours corporate prayer (Mathew 18:19). They prayed  in one accord/unity/onness/harmony (Acts 1:14; Acts 4:24).  They also confessed sins one to another (Acts 5:16).
5. Giving to one another.  Giving is an expression of love that bonds fellowship (Acts 2:32, 44-45). Look for opportunities to give to each other (Phil 4:10-18).
6. Praise together (Psalm 22:3) . Make Jesus your common centre and focus.
7. Provoke one another to love (1 John 4:7). Be peace makers to one another.  Love unites.  The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  **1 Cor 1:10, Eph 4:3

Sin breaks fellowship with God and one another. 

Pride, lack of love, broken fellowship with God, unforgiveness, disharmony, etc (1 Cor 5:11. 2 Cor 6:14)

Benefits of belonging to a local church

           a)  You are spiritually fed and nurtured,

           b)  You can be accountable and accounted for,

           c)  There is a place for you to take part in the ministry,

d)   Your gifting is encouraged and given opportunity to develop.

(Be connected through Sunday Celebrations, Faith Life Cells, Specialised Ministry, Informal contacts and visits)

There are many positive One Anothers in the Bible, for example:

Mark 9:50  have peace one with another.

John 13:34 -35 That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: put no stumblingblock in your brother's way.

Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, where one may edify another.

Romans 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another

Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Romans 15:14 And I am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are able also to admonish one another.

1Corinthians 4:6 that ye might learn in us not to be puffed up for one against another.

1Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?

1Corinthians 6:7 don’t go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong?

1Corinthians 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

1Corinthians 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; have the same care one for another.

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren,; only use your liberty for an occasion to serve one another.

Galatians 5:15 don’t bite and devour one another, lest ye be consumed one of another.

Galatians 5:26  not provoking one another, not envying one another.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: .

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another 1Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and 1Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love:  ye yourselves are taught to love one another.

1Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Titus 3:3 dont live in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through sin.

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, but exhorting one another: and

James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother,

James 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: the judge standeth before the door.

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.

1Peter 1:22 see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1Peter 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

1Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards

1Peter 5:5 all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud,

1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleans us

1John 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

1John 3:23 And this is his commandment, to believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another,

1John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God

1John 4:11-12 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

2John 1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Sharing Christ, Witnessing, Evangelism

HOW TO SHARE CHRIST

Mat 4:19  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Maturity in Christ includes embracing the call to be a partner with Jesus Christ in the mission for which he came (Luke 19:10). Every believer is commanded to participate in the work of the Lord by influencing and bringing people to Christ and helping them to grow in Him. Jesus commanded us to go/ step out in faith and share the gospel. It is a question of obedience (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Mathew 28:18-20). A going believer is a growing believer. A going church is a growing church.

Humanity without Christ is lost –‘And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them… And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.’ Revelation 20:11-15

God is so loving that he has made a way out for the lost (John 3:16; Romans 10:9). Evangelism is prayerfully sharing and showing Christ to non believers  and giving the opportunity to believe in Christ and join a Christian church community for ongoing discipleship.

The gospel is the power of God (Romans 1:14-16). The Gospel is the best treasure we have to share with others. It is the only good news (Galatians 1:8). He that wins souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30).  Sharing Christ is a apart of our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:15).

What Sharing Christ Involves

• Praying (Air cover).  

You need to accept the priority and urgency of always asking for the blessing and knowledge of Christ to rest on people. Pray individually as well as corporately, for your relatives and people in your community. A list of specific people you are presenting before God until their salvation is helpful. Sharing Christ is about dependence on God who alone convicts and converts people (2 Corinthians 4:4). Its warfare, the enemy who blinds the sinner discourages the believer from sharing Christ.

•Building Relationships (A Bridge).

Build or retain some level of relationships/contacts with people who do not know Christ. Instead of breaking all of your past and non church relationships redefine them. Build bridges and create proximity spaces to show Christ’s love and power. Initiate programs were there is mutual interest with non believers – sport, etc .

Be relevant to people in your life by good works and life (Mathew 5:16). Address the felt needs of people. Help solve societal problems.  Assist practically. Even ‘small’ responses make a great difference.

Pray for the needs of non believers. Stand with them in  hard times. Your life is a powerful gospel tract. Believers have an attractive aroma that influences non believers (2 Corinthians 2:14).

The longer you live with people the more life witness counts and the less effective words become. The credibility of the witness is in the power of their trestimony.

Deliberately and wisely  invite no believers to a place where Christ is shown and shared. People come to church when personally invited.  Andrew is the one who invited Peter to Jesus. Jesus Christ has made an invitation to all of us to come (Mark 11: 28).

• Having a Message. (A Fishing Hook)

When you interact with non believers be prepared to answer questions about your faith, life style and good works. Be able to share the gospel simply and clearly when necessary.  You need the ability to communicate and demonstrate Christ in a language of your audience – be it  your generation, your profession, your family, etc

a) Simple Outline - Mastering a simple gospel message outline for use to lead someone to Christ helps in building confidence and enhancing clarity.

i) An example is:

- You are a sinner and the result of sin is death (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23)

- You cannot save yourself even by church going or good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

- But God is just and loves you so much he gave Jesus (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)

- Christ died and is risen for you.(Acts 2:36-37. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. Romans 10:9, 13)

- Turn from being a sinner and trust in Jesus as savior and Lord for forgiveness of sin. (Acts 2:39).

- Make a commitment. Now is the opportunity for you to decide. Today is the day for salvation. You may not have such an opportunity again (Revelation 3:20).

ii) Then -

- Lead them in a prayer to receive Christ.  E.g. like ‘Oh Lord be merciful to me a sinner. I turn to you from my sin. I turn my back to satan. I believe in you Jesus as my savior and Lord. Save me and set me free. I trust that you have saved me’.

- Congratulate them. Say what has happened and how to proceed.  Provide immediate help to the new believers.

- Pray for their needs. The message of Christ is good news to the poor. It addresses the wholistic needs of people. Salvation in Greek is sozo whose meaning includes – to save, to deliver, to protect, general well being, to make whole (spirit, soul and body). Demonstrate the love, power and gifts of Christ.

b) Share your salvation testimony - The testimony of how you became a Christian is a natural tool to use often. Acts 22 - Paul, John 4 - The Samaritan woman.  It covers three areas.

- What you were like before salvation

- How you got saved

- What you have been like since

c) Give literature/media –. You can also give  relevant tracts, books, tapes, radio, satellite, music, web links, etc that give an opportunity to introduce solutions in Christ.

•A Road Map (Growth Path)

Provide the next steps on the exciting adventure of walking with Christ. Set the new believer on a growth path among the shelter of a community of believers. The ultimate goal of evangelism is to make disciples of disciple makers.

Share with new believers about ‘Assurance of Salvation and immediate growth steps’ and some of their new identity and help them find a church where they will be discipled (John 1:12; 3:6; John 6 vs. 46 – 47).

LINK: http://wordoers.blogspot.com/2012/10/share-it-if-good-news.html

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Faith, Knowing God and His Word

Faith and Knowing God

1. The Christian life is lived by Faith (Hebrews 10:23);

Faith is to believe that God is what His word says and trust that he is faithful to do what he promised. Everything God does for humanity is out of Grace or unmerited favor.   Faith is man’s hand to receive God’s grace.  

• Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)
• You face only one barrier – your capacity to believe (Mark 9:23);

• Anything not of faith is sin or of the flesh. (Romans 14:23; Heb.10:38; 2 Cor. 5:7)
• Our fight is a fight to grow and keep our faith. (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7)
• Faith is vital for answered prayer. (Mathew 21:22; Mark 11:22, 24)
• Repent and believe. Mark 1:15. There is no real faith without real repentance.
• Faith comes by hearing God’s word. (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 12:3 Joshua 1:8)

Walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Walking by sight includes making decisions based on just feelings, senses, sight, reasoning,  own understanding, people’s opinions, nature, circumstances, consequences, etc

2. Faith comes from Knowing God

Faith comes from knowing God.  The word of God brings the revelation knowledge of God for your situation (Rhema- Romans 10:17). The word of God gives faith, which is the substance/basis for hope (Hebrews 11:1; Jeremiah 9:23, 24; Daniel 11:32b

Faith is also a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 12:3).  You can ask from God the gift of faith.

a) God’s Attributes

God is trustworthy. Faith is as good as its object. God is able, willing, loving and does not change. These are some of His attributes.

• God is all knowing (Psalm 139:1-6; Jeremiah 1:5; Ephesians 1:4, Hebrews 4:13).
• God is every where (Hebrews 13:5; Psalms 139: 7-13)
• God is all powerful (Jeremiah 32:27; Luke 1:37; Psalms 121:2.)  ‘That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.’ 1 Cor. 2:5
• God owns everything. (Psalms 24:1; Haggai 2:8; Deut 8:18)
• God is good. (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalms 25:8)
• God does not lie. He is truth. (Number 23:19; Titus 1:2, 2 Cor 1:20; Rom 3:4)
• God is love. (John 3:16; 1 John 4:16)
• God is gracious and merciful. (Joel 2:13; Romans 5:8)
• God is faithful. Malachi 3:6. ‘Faithful is he that called you, who will also do it.’ (1 Thessalonians 5:24; Philippians 1:6; James 1:17; Hebrews 10:23)
• God keeps his covenant. ‘For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, says Jehovah that hath mercy on thee.’ (Isaiah 54:10)
• God gave his son. ‘He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?’  (Romans 8:32)

b) God’s names and titles

Study on your own and share with someone else.

Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Tsidkenu, Jehovah Raah, Jehovah Shamaah, Jeshua, El Shaddai, El Roi, Elohim

3. Faith Must Grow

You can grow your faith.

-          By filling your heart with God’s word. Faith grows (1 Thessalonians 1:3) by monitoring what you watch, hear, say, read, surround ourselves with, and expose ourselves to deliberately ensure you avoid what does not encourage faith. Meditate on God’s word (Joshua 1:8)

-          By focusing on God and always be thankful and full of praise (Acts 16:25-26)

-          By focusing on the things God has done for you in the past

-          By listening to testimonies of what God is doing for others. What God has done for others he will do for you.  Maintain interaction and fellowship with other believers..

-          By exercising it. Use it by thinking, confessing, obeying and acting on God’s word. Sow seeds of faith – actions, words, thoughts, giving, etc. Its not faith until its acted on.

-          Through testing (1 Peter 1:7). What has not been tested cannot be trusted.

-          By overcoming the enemies of faith - disobedience, fear, worry, doubt and anxiety ((Hebrews 4:2; Psalm 78:41).

4. Being Filled with God’s Word (Colossians 3:16)

God’s word is Spirit and life. John 6:63  It has power to transform lives to Christlikeness.  Hebrews 4:12 

It is able to build you up and give you the inheritance in Christ. Acts 20:32  It is spiritual food for your faith.( Mathew 4:4   1 Peter 2:2   Romans 10:17)

The following are ways to respond to God’s word that encourage faith.

a) Obey it.

• Following Jesus is obeying Him. John 15:4, 10-12. we abide in Christ by doing what he says. Luke 6:46 John 14:15 1 John 2:3
• Following Him is making Him first in our lives. Luke 14:26; Acts 5:29
• Following Him is surrendering all to Him in order for you to gain everything from Him. Luke 14:33; 14:27; 18:22
• You can not say you love him without obeying him John 14:21. Obedience comes from fully accepting the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This means accepting his right to direct and lead your life to accomplish God’s purpose. He is either Lord of all or He is not Lord at all. He is the King.
• The heart of the Great commission is ‘teaching believers to obey Jesus’ (Mathew 28:20).
• Not obeying God’s word leads to lack of fruit. (Mathew 13:3-23. Mathew 7:24)

b) Know and meditate on it.

• Meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8. Psalm 1:2, 3.  Colossians 3:16)
• You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free (John 8:32. Psalm 119:11.  Proverbs 4:23 2 Corinthians 10:4; Philippians 4:8).

c) Speak and sing it.

• The tongue has the power to determine outcomes in your life (Proverbs 18:21). Instead of saying I cant. I don’t have. I don’t have enough.  I don’t know. Etc talk about what the Bible says you have, you are, you can do, etc. About what you know. (Romans 4:17).
• You prosper by not letting the word depart from your mouth (Joshua 1:8).
• They overcame him by the blood and the word of their testimony. Our testimony is what God has done for us (Revelation 12:11)
• Speak the word to your situations they have ears (Zechariah 4:7  James 3:3-6).

d)  Share it. (2 Timothy 2:2.)

e) Pray it.

Thank God for his promises and for who the word says he is. Say God’s word in your prayers e.g. Nehemiah 1:8, 9

Exercise:

Read on your own Psalm 119 and 19:7-14

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Answered Prayer, Praise and Worship

Prayer and Worship to God

1. PRAYER

Prayer is a subject on which a lot is said yet most abused and neglected. The numbers who attend its prayer meetings measures the size of a church. Prayer meetings show the popularity of God.

Man ought always to pray (Luke 18:1; Mark 13:33; 14:38; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Jeremiah 33:3).  Prayer is talking with God. It involves talking and listening. It should be done by individuals in private and also in groups (couples, families, cells, church, etc)

There is special grace that is released when believers who have a habit of praying alone in their closets get together to pray together, which cannot be experienced when one prays alone. Pray with others. Share your prayer requests and items with others so they can agree with you. Prayer of agreement has amazing power (Mathew 18:19; Acts 1:14; 2:1-2;  4:24, 31; Psalm 133). Participate in the corporate prayer life of your church so that revival and blessing can be rich in the church to your benefit.

The church gathered and earnestly prayed for Peter (Acts 12:5) and he was released from prison. The word earnest is derived from the verb – ‘to stretch out’. There are solutions to our needs and problems imprisoned away from us that will manifest when we pray together earnestly.

Some key elements to answered prayer are:

• Pray as a child of God (Mathew 6:9). It is a privilege of people who have believed in Jesus as their Lord and Savior (John 1:12; 3:16)..
• Acknowledge your inability and depend on the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26, John 14:16)
• Pray in the name of Jesus (John 16:24)
• Pray believing (Mathew 21:22 Hebrews 11:6)
• Pray according to God’s word. God’s will (1 John 5:14)
• Pray with the right motive (the glory of God) and be specific when you ask (James 4:2, 3 ; 1 Samuel 1:11 -Hannah)
• Pray with real concern/passion/fervency/burden/desperately (James 5:16; 1 Samuel 1; Romans 10:1; Acts 12:5)
• Pray with confidence from knowing that your sins are forgiven (1 John 3:21 Psalm 66:18);
• Pray persistently until something happens (1 Kings 18:41; Luke 18:1-8; 11:5-13; Daniel 10:12,13).
• Pray and fast sometimes (Mark 9:29)
• Pray with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). When you give thanks to someone you are encouraging them to do more (Romans 1:21; Psalm 107:1; 2 Corinthians 9:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Romans 8:28).

2. PRAISE AND WORSHIP

The greatest thing you can do in this life is to praise and worship God. Only God deserves worship (Exodus 34:14).

We were created to praise and worship him (1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 1:12; Psalm 150:6; Isaiah 43:7/Psalm 50:23; Psalm 100:2, 4).

Praise is an expression of our admiration and approval of God.  God manifests his presence where there is praise (Psalm 22:3; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14).

You can praise :

• Aloud with our mouth (Psalm 95:1-2; Psalm 66:8)
• By shouting (Psalm 32:11, 27 Joshua 6:16-20)
• By singing (Colossians 3:16)
• In other tongues (Acts 10:46 1 Corinthians 14:15)
• With laughter (Psalm 126:1-2 Nehemiah 8:10 Genesis 21:6)
• With instruments of praise (Psalm 33:3; Psalm 150:3-6)
• With lifted hands (Psalm 63:3-4; 134:2)
• By clapping hands (Psalm 47:1; Isaiah 55:12)
• By dancing (Psalm 150:4; 149:2-3; 1 Sam 18:6)

When to praise

• At all times (Psalm 34:1; 35:27; Hebrews 13:15)
• In the congregation (Psalm 22:22; 135:1-2)
• Among unbelievers (Psalm 40:3; Acts 16:25-34)
• When gathered as family, etc

Worship

• Worship is to adore and bow in acknowledgement of who God is, not just what you can get from him.
• Worship is laying all including your dearest and best on the altar (Genesis 22:5).
• Worship is an attitude of deeply loving God as the only creator, source, sustenance and sufficiency (Mathew 22:38). 
• Worship is being still and seeking to know Him – listening, lingering, not being in a hurry but giving God his chance to direct things.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Spiritual Growth, Growing to Maturity in Christ

SPIRITUAL FORMATION DYNAMICS

INTRODUCTION

Mathew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:2

Every believer is called to learn of Christ and grow in Him to maturity. In other words he/she is called to be a disciple of Christ and to make disciples of Christ. Disciples are Christ's followers who let God use them to multiply the number of disciples in communities. We have been given a go ahead (mandated) through the great commission of our Lord Jesus to make disciples of all nations (Mathew 28:18-20). The Lord Jesus is therefore the reason we reach out to others and multiply the number of followers of Christ. As was originally commanded in Genesis 1:28, He has commanded us to multiply and fill the earth with people who obey God.  As a church, we want to be obedient to this command. Obedience to God attracts His blessing and favor. God will overtake us when he finds us doing the right things (1 Corinthians 3:7).

Our Lord Jesus modeled the power of multiplication. Christ committed himself to making 12 disciples whom he commissioned also to make disciples. Through the disciple making movement, despite wave upon wave of resistance, the Christian faith has a strong presence and influence throughout the world today. We are believers today because past generations of believers multiplied themselves. Paul taught his disciples to pass on what they had learnt from him to faithful people who would also pass it on to others (2 Timothy 2:2). This approach is a spiritual multiplication process, the only method God is using to win the world and to grow churches.  Anything else can be enjoyable, exciting, beneficial, popular events but will not win the world and generations for Christ. Spiritual multiplication mobilizes the whole church to reach the whole world with the whole gospel.

Never despise the days of small beginnings. Multiplication tends to be slow at first but gathers momentum with patient and  consistent application of right principles. The result is exponential growth. The power of multiplication of disciple makers is evident when one compares spiritual addition to spiritual multiplication.  An example of spiritual addition: one person evangelizing 1,000 people per day needs 16,500 years to evangelize the world. An example of spiritual multiplication: one person multiplying himself once (reach at least 2 and equip and motivate them to reach at least 2) per year needs 32.5 years to evangelize the world.

APPLICATION at FMC

When every member is developing and operating as a disciple maker we will be a healthy church that grows. We will inevitably grow in testimonies, influence, numbers and resources. We will implement the following process with every church member. A register will be maintained showing where each person is in the following five spiritual development stages:

A. New Birth - Have you received Christ as your savior and Lord?

B.  Early Support - Assurance of Salvation - Do you know why you can be  confident you are now saved? Do you have an adopter or someone to help you master the foundational principles of the Christian faith?

C. Growth - Dynamics of Faith (Basic Principles for Christian Living)

1. Knowing your New Identity- including water baptism and freedom from the power of sin. 

2. Faith - Knowing and Trusting God. Gods Word and character, Freedom from bondages, etc

3. Personal Devotions

4. Fullness of the Holy Spirit. Fruit and gifts.

5. Fellowship among believers.

6. Stewardship - giving and harvesting

7. Prayer Principles - thanksgiving, worship, praise, intercession etc

8. Sharing Christ and serving. Helping others and being involved in church. Reaching out to people so that they can know Christ. Find people of peace or influence in your relationship circles to reach. Have you mastered the basic principles for Christian living enough to be able to teach others?

D. Ministry – Cell group and Ministry area participation, Timothies and Joshuas

- Do you practice the dynamics of faith?

- Do you participate in your Faith Life cell?

- Do you have a personal pastor (not necessarily your adopter)?

- Do you have a personal development plan?

- Have you gone through the Timothies and Joshuas

- Do you know your gifts and calling?

- Are you operating and developing your area of gifting?

E. Further Training (optional). Finding opportunities for comprehensive Bible studies.

ORIENTATION NOTES:

The church's discipleship process will be explained  in every department/ministry area so that every member can evaluate their spiritual progress by it.

Every ministry area leader will drive participation of ministry area people in the church’s discipleship agenda. We will not be effective when we are disjointed streams but when departments become tributaries pouring into one giant river. Lest apply our energies towards the church’s master agenda.

Through the Faith Life Cells every believer should be able to answer three questions.

a.       Who is helping you in your walk with Christ?

b.      Who are the three people you are helping in their walk with Christ?

c.       What stage of the discipleship process are you?

Qualities of a Multiplier

The context of 2 Timothy 2:2 makes reference to the disciplines a disciple maker must have. He/She requires the character and attitudes of an athlete, a soldier and a farmer (2 Timothy 2:1-10) because the process requires patience, diligence, focus, obedience and courage. To be a multiplier:

Ø      Be confident in God.

Ø      Pray.

Ø      Build a relationship with the person

Ø      Clarify Expectations (theirs and yours) e.g.  openness, time/set up appointments, commitment, growth outcome

Ø      Ask questions about the person’s church history  and general background

Ø      Discern the person’s needs.

Ø      You have to be very patient with imperfections of others.

Ø      Don't look for perfect people but for potential in people. It is the multiplier/disciple makers task to nurture Christ likeness and competency in the disciple over time. We are not looking for stars but making stars.

Ø      Look for potential, faithfulness, availability, teachability, and spiritual hunger.

Ø      Keep material simple enough to be easily passed on (transferrable).

Ø      Understand the big picture. What is the spiritual development framework you are mentoring within? What is the overall purpose?

Ø      Understand your limitations and biases. You can refer certain issues to someone better able to help.

Ø      When using the notes provided refer to the Bible and draw focus to it as the authority. 

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa