People close to us, those we invest most of our time with, learn from the example we model. What do family, co-workers and closest friends all have in common? Time spent together in a small relational environment (SRE).
Effective discipling depends on the time spent and the closeness of those inside the SRE. Four following one will easily become open and transparent in a short time. Eight following one requires more time for the one to be more intentional in spending time with those newer to the SRE and to encourage one or two of the more trusted, experienced followers to assist. Twelve following one becomes still more intentional. Twelve following one – that’s Jesus’ model. It’s a right-sized, intentional process.
So what if it gets bigger – say, 18, 20 or 30? Experience suggests you lose closeness, safeness and transparency. When you lose those qualities, the less likely you are to go deep into the truth of God’s word. Besides, if Jesus chose to invest the majority of his time in 12 men, that’s discipleship as only God can imagine. Why mess with what works?
Does that mean you make the SRE closed? Not at all. Because, early on and with guidance from the Holy Spirit, you are intentionally developing an apprentice who will eventually lead a new SRE birthed from the original. New things just naturally seem to grow. When a SRE grows to between 12 to 16, the development of your apprentice (who has demonstrated both willingness and availability to disciple others) becomes more intentional.
Who are you actively discipling? If we follow Jesus’ model, reaching the world for Christ one person at a time is more than just the Great Commission; it’s our personal mission.
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