Discipleship chat - charla discipuladora

[Jerry Porter]

Welcome to this discipleship chat
Bienvenido a esta charla discipuladora

[Jerry Porter]

Welcome ... to the regular participants and special guests who may join us today.
Bienvenido ... a los participantes rutinarios e invitados especiales que se unen hoy al diálogo

We will begin the chat with this article. Pls share your comments
Comenzaremos la charla con este artículo. Por favor comparta sus comentarios

Three Years Together
Why did I embark on this journey?
The first Wednesday of May, 2007, I wrote my first discipleship article for this group. As I write the 36th article for April, 2010, I am very aware that you men have graciously walked with me for three years!

In these three articles I want to focus my attention on these questions:
1. April: Why did I embark on this journey?
2. May: What have I learned and how have I changed?
3. June: What did not happen and where do we go from here? This article will follow our Discipleship Summit in Destin May 12-14, as we evaluate this discipleship experiment.
So today I begin with, “Why did I embark on this journey?”
I was deeply impacted in 2005 when South America Regional Director, Bruno Radi and I visited Cali, Colombia, House of Prayer Church of the Nazarene. I celebrated the worship attendance of 6,000 and was deeply moved by the prayer passion of this congregation. I was fascinated by their consolidation strategy for new believers and the open cell classes that were cropping up all over the city. I was intrigued by the Holy Spirit power-packed spiritual encounter weekends and I was especially captured by the discipleship that was taking place in the closed cell bands. I had visited this church 30 years earlier when a missionary was leading a tiny congregation and then again 20 years ago when Rev. Adalberto Herrera led a congregation of about 30. Bruno and I were moved to tears to see this amazing local church transformation!
A turning point for me came when I asked Adalberto a simple question: “How long will you disciple your group of twelve?” My once student chuckled as he now was trying to teach me, “Brother Jerry, you don’t understand. I intend to pour my life into these twelve for the rest of my ministry!” That was when the Spirit began to help me understand the difference between:
1. Discipleship classes for new believers,
2. Sunday School/Bible study classes for everyone, and
3. Discipleship bands for mature Christians.
The first two discipleship tools I had faithfully used and encouraged during my whole ministry. But the Lord used Adalberto that day to open my eyes to my need to be discipled and my calling to disciple others.
It was not long after that I was in a NTS Board of Trustees meeting with my friend, Craig Rench. I had always admired my dear brother from a distance and in a “casual” conversation I discovered that he was more passionate than ever about disciple making. The Lord led me to suggest to him that he study the “Cali experiment” as a model that was worthy of further research. His passionate response to my challenge and all that he began to study and assimilate led to a rich partnering relationship with me that culminated in this disciple-making adventure. Somewhere along the way I began to use the two questions for every disciple of Jesus:
 “Who is discipling you?”
 “Who are you discipling?”
I knew that I could not teach what I was not practicing so I asked Dr. Don Owens, my college professor and hero, if he would accept the challenge to pray for me and disciple me. He graciously accepted.
I then began to pray about who I might invite to join this discipleship group. I have chosen not to call you men “my disciples” but rather invited you to join a discipleship group that I was leading. The men I invited were such awesome spiritual giants that I knew I had little to teach and a lot to learn. I knew that I needed colleague mentors to walk with me. I desired a group that would be culturally diverse with friends who had impacted my life over the years. I set up the NazNet connection with Dr. David McClung, who was delighted to explore this possibility with me and I created the basic internet model that we have been following for these three years. I clarified to those I invited to join the group that I knew they were very busy and I wanted them to KNOW that this was what the Spirit wanted them to do. I did not want men to join just simply to make a GS happy, but rather I was praying for men who were prepared to adjust their busy lives to prioritize these relationships and in turn invest themselves in the same way in others. I began by approaching “think tank” colleagues who had enriched my life during nine years as a GS. In Baltimore and again in Kansas City I felt led to call together some amazing friends who encouraged me as a GS and helped me know and follow the mind of the Lord. When I explained to these friends what I was attempting to do and what the minimum expectations would be, three awesome pastors and an administrator graciously turned down my invitation. I was delighted! I was praying for the Lord to surround me with the men I needed in my life. I have believed that a closed door is always of the Lord. When God wants to open a door … it will open!
To say that the foundation of discipleship is “to invest more time in fewer people” is an understatement! Every week I push some important and pressing GS business aside to prioritize some time for these relationships. I have not had enough time to do all that I wish I could do in this discipleship venture, but I will talk later about my failures. There is no doubt that I have chosen to say “no” to others and to pending work so I could carve out some time for this rewarding discipline. This spiritual pilgrimage with you men has been the most challenging, stretching, and worthwhile Christian adventure of my life … and I believe the best is yet to come!
========
Jerry Porter escribe:

Tres Años Juntos

¿Por qué embarqué en este viaje?

El primer miércoles de mayo de 2007, escribí mi primer artículo de discipulado para este grupo. ¡Al escribir el artículo #36 para abril de 2010, estoy muy consciente de que ustedes hermanos han tenido a bien acompañarme durante tres años!

En estos tres artículos quiero centrar mi atención en estas preguntas:
1. Abril: ¿Por qué embarqué en este viaje?
2. Mayo: ¿Qué he aprendido y cómo he cambiado?
3. Junio: ¿Qué no ha sucedido y hacia dónde vamos de aquí? Este artículo será después de nuestro cumbre de discipulado en Destin los días 12-14 de mayo, para evaluar esta experimento de discipulado.

Así que hoy empiezo con: "¿Por qué embarqué en este viaje?"

Fui impactado profundamente en 2005, cuando el Director Regional de América del Sur, Bruno Radi, y yo visitamos la Iglesia del Nazareno Casa de Oración de Cali, Colombia. Celebré la asistencia de 6.000 en el servicio de adoración y fui conmovido profundamente por la pasión de oración de esta congregación. Estaba fascinado por su estrategia de consolidación para los nuevos creyentes y las clases de células abiertas que estaban apareciendo por toda la ciudad. Estaba intrigado por los encuentros de fin de semana, tan potentes con el poder del Espíritu Santo, y estaba especialmente capturado por el discipulado que estaba ocurriendo en las bandas de célula cerrada. Yo había visitado esta iglesia 30 años antes, cuando un misionero estaba dirigiendo una congregación pequeña, y luego otra vez hace 20 años cuando el Rev. Adalberto Herrera encabezaba una congregación de alrededor de 30. ¡Bruno y yo fuimos conmovidos hasta las lágrimas al ver esta transformación asombrosa de esta iglesia local!

Un punto de inflexión para mí fue cuando le pregunté a Adalberto una pregunta sencilla: "¿Hasta cuándo vas a discipular a tu grupo de doce?" Mis ex-alumno se rió un poco, porque ahora estaba tratando de enseñarme a mí, "Hermano Jerry, no entiendes. Tengo la intención de invertir mi vida por el resto de mi ministerio en estos doce!" Eso fue cuando el Espíritu comenzó a ayudarme a entender la diferencia entre:
1. Clases de discipulado para nuevos creyentes,
2. Escuela Dominical/estudios bíblicos para todos, y
3. Bandas de discipulado para los cristianos maduros.

Las dos primeras herramientas de discipulado, había utilizado fielmente y promovidas durante toda mi ministerio. Pero el Señor usó a Adalberto ese día a abrir mis ojos a mi necesidad de ser discipulado y mi llamado a discipular a otros.

No pasó mucho tiempo después de que yo estaba en una reunión del Consejo de Síndicos del Seminario Nazareno Teológico con mi amigo, Craig Rench. Siempre había admirado a mi querido hermano desde la distancia y en una "casual" conversación descubrí que él estaba más apasionado que nunca en cuanto al discipulado. El Señor me llevó a sugerirle que estudiara el experimento "Cali" como un modelo que era digno de mayor investigación. Su apasionada respuesta a mi reto y todo lo que comenzó a estudiar y asimilar, dio lugar a una relación de compartir rica conmigo que culminó en esta aventura de hacer discípulos. En algún momento empecé a utilizar las dos preguntas que uso para cada discípulo de Jesús:
 "¿Quién te está discipulando?
 "¿A quién estás discipulando?

Yo sabía que no podía enseñar lo que no estaba practicando, así que le pedí al Dr. Don Owens, mi profesor de la universidad y mi héroe, si aceptaría el reto de orar por mí y discipularme. Amablemente aceptó.

Entonces comenzó a orar acerca de quiénes podría invitar a unirse a este grupo de discipulado. He optado por no llamarles "mis discípulos," sino les invité a unirse a un grupo de discipulado que yo dirigía. Los hombres que invité eran gigantes espirituales impresionantes, que con quienes yo sabía que tenía poco que enseñar y mucho que aprender. Yo sabía que necesitaba mentores colegas a caminar conmigo. Deseaba un grupo que sería culturalmente diverso con amigos que habían impactado a mi vida con los años. Con la ayuda del Dr. David McClung, configuramos la conexión con NazNet; él estaba encantado de explorar esta posibilidad conmigo y creamos el modelo básico de internet que hemos seguido durante estos tres años. Le aclaré a los que invité a unirse al grupo que yo sabía que estaban muy ocupados y quería que ASEGURASEN que esto era lo que el Espíritu quería para ellos. No quería a los hombres a unirse simplemente para hacer feliz a un SG, sino más bien yo estaba orando para hombres que estaban dispuestos a ajustar sus vidas ajetreadas y para dar prioridad a estas relaciones y, a su vez, invertirse de la misma manera en otros. Empecé por acercarme a unos colegas que habían enriquecido mi vida durante nueve años como SG, para juntos considerar el asunto. En Baltimore y otra vez en Kansas City me sentí llevado a invitar a algunos amigos que me animaron increíblemente como SG y me ayudaron a conocer y seguir la mente del Señor. Cuando le expliqué a estos amigos de lo que estaba tratando de hacer y cuáles serían las expectativas mínimas, tres pastores tremendos y un administrador amablemente rechazaron mi invitación. ¡Excelente! Yo estaba pidiendo al Señor que me rodeara de los hombres que necesitaba en mi vida. He creído que una puerta cerrada siempre es del Señor. Cuando Dios quiere abrir una puerta ... ¡se abre!

Si decimos que el fundamento del discipulado es de "invertir más tiempo en menos personas," ¡es un eufemismo! Cada semana pongo a un lado algunos negocios importantes y urgentes de SG de dar tiempo de prioridad para estas relaciones. No he tenido tiempo suficiente para hacer todo lo que me gustaría hacer en esta aventura de discipulado, pero es más adelante que voy a hablar sobre mis fracasos. No hay duda de que he optado por decir "no" a otras personas y trabajos pendientes para poder tener tiempo para esta disciplina gratificante. Esta peregrinación espiritual con ustedes colegas ha sido la más retadora, con mayor razón para crecimiento, y la aventura cristiana que más vale la pena de mi vida ... ¡y creo que lo mejor está por venir!

[Craig Rench]

Good morning, Jerry!

Buenos días, Jerry!

[Bob Prescott]

Good Morning, Gentlemen...BUENOS DIAS CABALLEROS

I'll read fast to catch up. TENDRE QUE LEER RAPIDAMENTE PARA ALCANZARLES.

Bob

[Craig Rench]

I am SO GLAD that you followed the Lord's lead, Jerry, and formed this discipleship team. I am SO BLESSED to be a part of it. I agree with you that this partnership is truly life-changing. I have been so challenged, encouraged, blessed and motivated by you and my brothers on this team. How I love each one of you! You all help me fall in love with Jesus more and more and you help me become more and more like Jesus and you truly help me to be better at obeying the Great Commission. Thank you, Jerry, and each one of you guys!


Estoy tan contento que siguieron el ejemplo del Señor, Jerry, y formó este equipo discipulado. Soy muy afortunada de ser parte de ella. Estoy de acuerdo con usted en que esta asociación es realmente cambia la vida. He sido objeto de dicha impugnación, alentado, bendecido y motivado por usted y mis hermanos en este equipo. Cómo me gustan cada uno de ustedes! Todos ustedes me ayudan a caer en amor con Jesús cada vez más y que me ayudará a ser más y más como Jesús y que realmente me ayudan a ser mejores en obedecer la Gran Comisión. Gracias, Jerry, y cada uno de ustedes!

[Jerry Porter]

I am jealous of pastors and leaders who can meet weekly or regularly with a discipleship group. That personal contact is VERY important and missing from Internet discipleship

Siento celos por los pastores y líderes quienes pueden reunirse semanalmente o regularmente con su grupo discipulador. Ese contacto personal is MUY importante y es ausente en un discipulado por Internet.

[Jerry Porter]

Good morning, Craig.

You have been used of the Lord to inspire and encourage me in this pilgrimage. Your passion for God and your transparency before us has drawn us all to the Christ you serve!

Buenos días, Craig.

Usted ha sido usado por el Señor para inspirar y alentar a mí en esta peregrinación. Su pasión por Dios y su transparencia que nos ha llamado a todos a Cristo servirle!

[John Denney]

Hi,
I'm on, I think. So just testing to see if this reply posts.

[Jerry Porter]

How is Cesar and how is the Egyptian couple and their ministry?

[Jerry Porter]

Good morning, John

[John Denney]

Good morning, Jerry, Bob and Craig. I'm in Ontario, CA participating with the SW Region NYI strategy summit. This is being sponsored by PLNU under Norm Shoemaker's leadership and Russ Bredholt. We have all of the DPs, and key youth pastors on the region. I need to go in a little bit in that I am opening the morning session with devotions.

[Craig Rench]

Thank you, Jerry, for giving us some of the "back story" on the events and process that led you and ultimately us into this fantastic relationship. When I try to think of an example of "grace" in my life ... the fact that you chose me ... out of all of the guys that you could have chosen ... stuns me and blesses me and I know that it is all GRACE! Thank you, Jerry! My life will never be the same because of these chats, the countless e-mails, the Destin visits, and the prayers of my brothers. I am SO GRACED! Praise the Lord! I know that I am greatly loved by my ABBA in Heaven ... for so many reasons ... but, near the very top of my list ... is this reality. Jesus must really love me to have prompted you, Jerry, to have chosen ME!

Gracias, Jerry, por darnos parte de la historia "de vuelta" en los acontecimientos y el proceso que te llevó y finalmente el amor en esa relación fantástica. Cuando trato de pensar en un ejemplo de "gracia" en mi vida ... el hecho de que usted me eligió a mí ... Fuera de todos los chicos que se podría haber elegido ... aturde y me bendice y sé que todo es GRACIA! Gracias, Jerry! Mi vida nunca será la misma a causa de estas charlas, los innumerables e-mails, las visitas de Destin, y las oraciones de mis hermanos. Estoy honrado de SO! ¡Alabado sea el Señor! Yo sé que me siento muy amado por mi ABBA en el cielo ... por muchas razones ... pero, cerca de la cima de mi lista ... Es esta realidad. Jesús realmente me debe encantaría que se le solicite, Jerry, me haya seleccionado!

[Hans Deventer]

Gentlemen, I've been told you are aware that this time, you're in a publicly accessible forum. We're still working on rebuilding NazNet. Just wanted to remind you of this.

Blessings,
Hans

[Jerry Porter]

I am really blessed as I travel from assembly to assembly and folks come up with joy to tell me about their discipleship adventure. I was in Eastern Michigan this week and a children's pastor shared with me that after hearing my challenge to make disciples ... I suppose at Gen Assembly? ... he prayerfully made a list and began to approach some key people. They were delighted to join his discipleship group and now he is sharing the joys and blessings of this new adventure in Christ seeking relationships.


Estoy muy bendecido cuando viajo desde el montaje de reunión y la gente viene hasta con alegría que me hablara de su aventura discipulado. Yo estaba en Eastern Michigan esta semana y un pastor de los niños para compartir conmigo en que después de escuchar mi reto de hacer discípulos ... Supongo que en la Asamblea Gen? ... oración que hizo una lista y empezó a acercarse a algunas personas clave. Ellos estaban encantados de unirse a su grupo de discipulado y ahora está compartiendo las alegrías y las bendiciones de esta nueva aventura en la búsqueda de Cristo relaciones.

[John Denney]

Jerry,
I appreciated reading the little history of your taking the steps that you have to bring a group of men together to be discipled. I have been privileged to be a part of this fellowship and I have been greatly impacted by your life, your example, teaching and prayers for me. Without a doubt, to attempt to do this kind of thing when spread out all over the world is almost impossible. However, I do believe that it has been greatly beneficial and I appreciate your commitment to follow through on what you believe the Holy Spirit has directed you to do.

[Jerry Porter]

HELLO HANS!

Great to hear from you.

Yes. Please join us for a few minutes, if you like

How is the Deventer family?

[Jerry Porter]

This week I heard a word of wisdom to those seeking persons to invite into this discipleship relationship. He said that we should prayerfully find people in whose ears our words are significant and large. Who are those people who really listen and want to hear from us? Those are the ones we can best disciple. They are already in a trusting relationship and the communication will be constructive in both directions! I have also chosen men who I listen to very closely. You are men who I fully trust and I yearn to hear candid comments and critique from my best friends. This trust relationship is the basis for an ongoing mutually beneficial and edifying discipleship relationship

[Jerry Porter]

Craig and John
I have been praying for you and the requests you shared as we move into week two, almost week three of prayer and fasting. Please keep us informed on Susie and Justin from time to time.

[Craig Rench]

Cesar is doing great. In fact, he has never been to Disneyland and on this coming Monday Connie and I are taking him there and we will spend 16+ hours goofing off with our "son" for a day! It will be a blast. I am very concerned about out Egyptian couple. They have been recognized by angry Islamic people on the streets of Anaheim ... because of the TV broadcasts of the young woman's testimony that is so effective for Christ. Hundreds of Islamic girls all over the world have come to faith in Christ because of these TV programs that are aired all over the Islamic world. This couple is living with very real fear and some persecution. Satan hates what they are doing. Pray for me as I go and visit them even tomorrow. Thank you for asking about them. And thank you so much for praying for them. They are discouraged and fear is keeping them indoors and they don't venture out much. I am very concerned for them and for their physical safety.

César está haciendo muy bien. De hecho, él nunca ha estado en Disneylandia y en el próximo Lunes Connie y yo lo llevaba ahí y vamos a pasar 16 + horas haciendo el tonto con nuestro "hijo" por un día! Será una explosión. Estoy muy preocupado por las par egipcio. Ellos han sido reconocidos por enojo de la gente islámica en las calles de Anaheim ... debido a las emisiones de televisión de los testimonios de la joven que es tan eficaz para Cristo. Cientos de niñas islámicas en todo el mundo han venido a la fe en Cristo a causa de estos programas de televisión que se emiten en todo el mundo islámico. Esta pareja vive con miedo muy real y la persecución alguna. Satanás odia lo que están haciendo. Ruega por mí cuando voy a visitarlos, incluso mañana. Gracias por preguntar acerca de ellos. Y muchas gracias por orar por ellos. Están desalentados y el temor los mantiene en el interior y no aventurarse mucho. Estoy muy preocupado por ellos y por su seguridad física.

[John Denney]

Is our forum still active?

[Jerry Porter]

Fred Huff was reticent to ask people to join his group. He felt it was arrogant on his part to do so. He said he would pray until they came to him. I reminded him that Jesus, full of faith and truth, prayed all night and then began to CALL specific persons to join him group. If Jesus had to CALL, I asked him to pray about his strategy. We talked about our fear of rejection and our fear of having "favorites"

Now Fred has invited an extraordinary group of colleagues who meet each week on the Internet and he is delighted! His group includes Eugenio Duarte and Jim Bond! How awesome is that!

What about the fear of rejection and the fear of being criticized for having favorites?

[Jerry Porter]

John
Are you not able to read our entries?
I just read your question about whether is forum is still active

[Craig Rench]

Jerry, you have sacrificed so much to make this discipleship team a priority in your life. Thank you for your great effort and thank you for the powerful example you have laid down for us!

Jerry, que han sacrificado tanto para hacer de este equipo de discipulado una prioridad en su vida. Gracias por su gran esfuerzo y gracias por el ejemplo de gran alcance que ha establecido para nosotros!

[Jerry Porter]

Craig
Please give our love to Cesar and to our Egyptian friends. We are praying for them and praying for you as you minister grace to them!

[John Denney]

Yes. When I submitted the post my screen advanced to the next page where I could see the recent entries. I suppose I just need to "refresh". I will try to stay up. Thanks for praying for my son-in-law, Justin. When I finish here at noon today, Sheree and I are driving on over to Porterville for our granddaughter's, Paige, 5th birthday. So, another opportunity to be with the whole family. I have been praying that God would create a hunger for a new way of life and that he would have his eyes opened to see how much Jesus Christ loves him and has done for him.

[Jerry Porter]

Craig, I must admit, there is so much more I wish I could do in relationship to the discipleship group. Disciple making is investing more time in fewer people! I have learned that I must prioritize my time with the group and say "no" to other interesting conversations. This leads to the question of how some are discouraged because they feel "rejected" by not being "included" in this particular group. Jesus had to deal with some jealousy within the 12 and I assume some of the 70 would have wanted to be in the inner circle. If there is only ONE inner circle, I can see how this would be a problem. The truth is that EVERY Christ follower can be discipled and make disciples. In Anaheim 1st some may wish they could be in your group, but the ethos of the church is becoming such that they can be discipled by those you are discipling.

How do we best deal with potential jealousy from those not invited to join our group?

[Jerry Porter]

John, as we pray for Justin (son-in-law) we will celebrate with you the rich and strong relationship you are building with him. It is on the basis of that relationship that you will continue to "infect" him with the Good News. We will pray for his heart to become hungry for Christ!

[Jerry Porter]

We are in Fort Worth watching three-year old Ben for 4 days! My son and daughter-in-law took baby Nate to KC yesterday and will return on Sunday. Toni just took Ben to daycare ... El Caminito ... where only Spanish is spoken. We are blessed and negotiating well with this fun grandson. Enjoyed Chuck E Cheese pizza last evening!

[Craig Rench]

I love Fred, and I am glad that you challenged Fred with Jesus' great example. I am thrilled that he has moved ahead and God is giving him great favor with the men that he has approached. As far as the fear of rejection goes... I agree with you, Jerry, thank God for each closed door, God has someone else that is "better" for this unique and intimate relationship of discipleship together. Any one who has tried to be serious about this kind of intentional disciplemaking has no doubt faced some kind of rejection ... or the pain of our guys flaking out, deserting us later, disappointing us, and generally letting us down by their lack of commitment or lack of keeping their promises to us. But, it is still worth it, and Jesus faced all of this with His guys. We are in good company when we are turned down by someone. Praise the Lord... God knows who is "ready" for this kind of intensive mentoring and who is not. You don't want someone in your discipleship team that is not God's "hand-picked" choice for you! Praise the Lord for the "rejections" -- God is protecting you from disappointment later on. You may have just been rejected by a guy who would have proven to be your "Judas" later on! God has someone else in mind for you to invest in! Praise Him that you are closer to finding that one!


Me encanta Fred, y me alegro de que desafió Fred con gran ejemplo de Jesús. Estoy contentísima de que se ha avanzado y que Dios le está dando gran favor con los hombres que él se ha acercado. En cuanto al miedo al rechazo va ... Estoy de acuerdo contigo, Jerry, gracias a Dios por cada puerta cerrada, Dios tiene otra persona que es "mejor" de esta relación única e íntima de discipulado juntos. Cualquiera que haya tratado de tomar en serio este tipo de discipulado intencional no tiene dudas de que enfrentan algún tipo de rechazo ... o el dolor de nuestros chicos a formar escamas, abandonando a nosotros más tarde, nos decepcionante, y en general nos bajando por su falta de compromiso o la falta de cumplimiento de sus promesas para nosotros. Pero, todavía es digno de él, y Jesús ante todo esto con sus muchachos. Estamos en buena compañía cuando es rechazada por alguien. ¡Alabado sea el Señor ... Dios sabe que está "listo" para este tipo de tutoría intensiva y que no lo es. Usted no quiere que alguien de su equipo de discipulado que no es "a dedo de Dios" opción para usted! ¡Alabado sea el Señor por el rechazo "" - Dios te protege de la decepción más adelante. Es posible que haya sido rechazada por un chico que habría resultado ser su "Judas" más adelante! Dios tiene a alguien más en mente para que usted pueda invertir en! Alabadle que está más cerca de encontrar que uno!

[Jerry Porter]

I had a great weekend with Hal Perkins for a Faith Promise Convention in his church. I am always inspired and moved with discipleship passion when I am with him!

[John Denney]

Jerry, I don't know if there is anything you can do about the "jealousy" problem. You can't be responsible for how people respond to things. People will have to take responsibility for their actions and reactions and their attitudes.

This morning, I'm going to read Chapter 2 of 2Tim. I'm going to share with this group of twenty some leaders about how this chapter was assigned to the youth in 1977 who wanted to apply to attend World Youth Congress in 1978. I had just been elected DP of the Intermountain District. We had about 100 youth apply for about twenty slots for WYC in Estes Park. I put a team of three or four people together and went to four different locations to interview the applicants. Each applicant was required to quote the entire 2nd chapter of 2Tim. Thirty plus years later I cannot read this chapter or hear it read without going back to that time and remembering some of the young people we interviewed and listening to that Scripture over and over. By the way, one of the youngest of the high school kids selected was Becky Laird, whom we all know as Rebecca Laird-Christiansen. She will be a professor at PLNU next year.
--2 Tim. 2:2, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."

I'm sorry, but I've got to go now to join the group.

[Bob Prescott]

I'm back in. I was blocked from posting a reply.
Bob

[Jerry Porter]

Craig, thanks for your helpful insights. When pastors and leaders approach me and ask if I will include them in my discipleship group, I have been feeling guilty when I lovingly encourage them to seek the person who will disciple them. Obviously there will be some shifting in your group from time to time. Some may drop out and you may invite some to drop out because they are not willing to commit. So, I tell them that at the present time I do not feel I should increase my group but I will be praying for them. Your comments are excellent. There is a BETTER person to disciple you. I will pray that you find that person!

If I am not careful, I will add and keep adding because people come to me rather than the Spirit guiding me to a particular group. One danger is that I will be gathering those who want to USE their relationship with me, as a GS, to somehow impress others. The other danger is that I will commit to too many and actually fail to really pour my life into a small group. Thanks, Craig!

[Jerry Porter]

Welcome, Bob

Take care, John. Be blessed!

[Jerry Porter]

In future articles I will confess some of my disappointments in my own inability to do all that I wish I could do. I wish I could make more time for phone calls to the group members. I wish I could have more face to face opportunities for prayer and fellowship. I am looking forward to our time in Destin in May!

[Craig Rench]

One way that I try to deal with the "jealousy" issue is that I intentionally "make it hard" for my guys ... so that casual Christians aren't interested in being in my 12. For example, my guys meet with me at 6:00 AM on Mondays, as well as private appointments with me each week. Few men in my church want to do that! On top of that, I have required that each man I have invited into my 12, first complete the following: attend an Encounter Retreat, take the year's worth of courses and classes, meet with me multiple times, attend prayer meetings, begin a discipling Life Group and be discipling others. All of this, BEFORE, I invite them into my group. Also, much prayer is invested in the process so that men will weed themselves out. .. and they do! In a way the guys have to "earn" it! Believe me, I don't have many takers... after all of this. And I don't want many... I want the few that God has hand-picked for me. I personally don't know anybody that is "jealous" and wants to be in my 12! Of course, I am not a DS or GS that others are attracted to by virtue of the position. Also, I warn people in the post-Encounter classes that they really don't want to be one of my 12 unless God has called and selected them -- because of the intense spiritual warfare they will be inviting upon themselves by being closely associated with me. They paint a huge target on their backs when they become one of my 12... and they know it. So, I am not aware of guys who are "jealous" that they have not been invited into my 12.

Una manera en que trato de hacer frente a los celos "" tema es que yo intencionalmente "hacen difícil" para mis chicos ... para que los cristianos informal no están interesados en estar en mi 12. Por ejemplo, mis chicos reunirse conmigo a las 6:00 am del lunes, así como citas privadas conmigo cada semana. Pocos hombres en mi iglesia quiero hacer eso! Además de eso, me han requerido que cada hombre que he invitado a mis 12, primero complete lo siguiente: asistir a un Retiro de Encuentro, tome vale la pena el año de los cursos y clases, reunirse conmigo varias veces, asistir a reuniones de oración, empiezan un discipulado Vida Grupo y discipular a otros. Todo esto, antes, yo los invito a mi grupo. Además, la oración que se invierte en el proceso para que hombres se escardar hacia fuera. .. y lo hacen! De alguna manera los chicos tienen que "ganar" él! Créeme, no tengo muchos compradores ... después de todo esto. Y no quiero muchos ... Quiero que los pocos que Dios ha recogido a mano por mí. Yo personalmente no conozco a nadie que es "celoso" y quiere estar en mis 12! Por supuesto, yo no soy un DS o GS que otros se sienten atraídos en virtud de la posición. También, advertir a la gente en las clases de post-Encuentro que realmente no quiero ser uno de mis 12 a menos que Dios ha llamado y elegido ellos - debido a la intensa guerra espiritual que se invitaba a sí mismos por estar estrechamente asociada con mí. Pintan un objetivo enorme en la espalda cuando se convierten en uno de mis 12 ... y ellos lo saben. Por lo tanto, no estoy al tanto de los individuos que son "celos" de no haber sido invitado a mis 12.

[Jerry Porter]

What would happen to our beloved global church family if every Nazarene was being intentionally discipled by someone and discipling others? I envision a strong, Christlike, connected fellowship of believers experiencing exponential growth! I have enjoyed teaching this material in Asia Pacific! In may ways they are more relational than we are in the USA. That facilitates this discipleship vision. It only takes a few leaders in each church or on a district to begin a ground swell of Holy Spirit disciple making that will leaven the whole loaf! Praying for the yeast of our obedience to leaven the whole!

[Bob Prescott]

Jerry,
We have walked with you for three years, as did the 12 that Jesus called, and it has been very special. Would it be of benefit to you to be able to "refresh" the makeup of the group and be able to invite some new participants? Unlike most of us whose primary circle of influence is within a city or district, your circle of influence in truly global and you may be feeling the need to disciple some emerging leaders. Time zone differences are an issue but you have been incredibly flexible in dealing with that. Just a thought.
Bob

[Craig Rench]

God bless you, John, as you go and share with the group. We are so proud of how God is using you!

Dios te bendiga, Juan, como te vas a compartir con el grupo. Estamos muy orgullosos de cómo Dios te está usando!

[Jerry Porter]

Craig, your comments are helping me. I am approached regularly by persons who hear my teaching. In my case it is a new crowd and audience every few days. I am HONORED that they graciously listened and want to apply this to their lives. I need to pray for divine wisdom to maximize their interest and response and make sure they follow through with another person to disciple them. I can probably do much better at asking them to get back to me to let me know who is discipling them and who they are discipling.

[Jerry Porter]

Bob, I am so grateful for your friendship and for your willingness to walk with me and the group! I do not feel led to expand the group. I feel I am not really keeping up with what I should be doing with this awesome twelve. If someone in the group chooses to drop out, I might consider prayerfully seeking a new colleague ... but for now I feel impressed to continue this group and invest more energy in helping each of the team members to select their disciples who in turn select other disciples

As a young pastor and missionary I saw discipleship as a curriculum and my goal was to move people through this "machine" so they would pop out on the other side as "DISCIPLED!" There is some truth to this concept for new believers, for early leadership training, etc. There is a sense in which we identify those who have not been through Discipleship 101 and we encourage them to enroll.s But the discipleship band that I have discovered of late is not designed to produce a large quantity of disciples who are mentored in my group. I feel called to invest my life, as long as the Lord is willing, in this same group ... teaching them to do the same with their group. So, for now, I focus my prayers, relationships, learning, and teaching in this group! What do you think?

[Bob Prescott]

Jerry and Craig,

God bless you both...you are very special!! Craig, please give a hug to Clayton next time you see him.

Our NMI convention begins this afternoon in Dover, DE about two hours away, and I need to finish getting material ready to take with me. Please forgive me for bowing out. I have been hosting a missionary the last three days and that has impacted my schedule. I want to respond to today's topic in a more secure environment, and will do so by email early next week.

Your fellow disciple and prayer partner. Bob

By the way, our fast has already resulted in loss of three pounds. YAH!!

[Jerry Porter]

I am looking forward to the Destin discipleship summit to chat more about this process. I was just interrupted by a call from Adalberto. We are working on their flight arrangements. Pray that I will have enough miles to give them a free ticket. They cannot miss any Sunday and thus I will not have a sponsor to help with the airfares. It should not be a problem. Pray also for Jean David as he is attempting to come. I think my miles will cover all three.

[Jerry Porter]

Bob, give our love to the MidAtlantic NMI team, especially sister Sharon Kessler!

Praying for you and Bernice during this prayer and fasting season.

Take care!

[Jerry Porter]

Well, Craig, it is just you and me! Thanks for investing so fully in my life and ministry. I really MISS our relationship with the DS's. The Lord will open up new opportunities for us to team up in mission! How is Susie?

[Craig Rench]

Jerry, I think that you hit on something when you said that there may be times when we need to "dis-invite" someone out of the group -- when for whatever reason they can't really participate in the group. I have been disappointed, frankly, that some of the guys in this group never seem to be able to read and respond to the other's articles, or participate in these monthly chats, attend the Destin events, or do anything with the rest of us. As much as I love them, and truly miss their involvement, maybe it is time to welcome them to take a gracious exit -- if they can never carve out the time for this vital relationship. Everyone of us is incredibly busy -- but for some of us, it is obvious that this a real priority and for others it is clear that this group is not much of a priority at all! I truly feel sorry for them -- they are missing out on so much! We need them, and whether they know it or not -- they need us! But, if for whatever reason they need to exit -- let us "bless them out the door" and prayerfully invite some guys in who will make and keep this commitment! I would expect to be invited to leave this group if I consistently made it obvious that I really don't have the time or interest in such a relationship. There is a small matter of integrity on a number of levels here. We need to keep our covenants and promises to one another and we need to be willing to do what you, Jerry, our leader and GS after all, so graciously and gently ask us to do. You have not asked for much, Jerrry, but what you do ask us to do, we should be willing to do... or we should have the integrity to step out of the group if we can't follow the leader, and his requests, that God has placed over us. Just some radical thoughts.

Jerry, creo que te golpean en algo cuando se dice que puede haber ocasiones en que tenemos que "des-invitar" a alguien fuera del grupo - cuando por cualquier razón no puedan participar realmente en el grupo. Me ha decepcionado, sinceramente, que nunca algunos de los chicos en este grupo parece ser capaz de leer y responder a los demás artículos, o participar en estas charlas mensuales, asistir a los eventos de Destin, ni haga nada con el resto de nosotros. Por mucho que me encantan, y verdaderamente te pierdas su participación, tal vez es hora de darles la bienvenida a tener una salida graciosa - si no pueden construir el tiempo para esta relación vital. Cada uno de nosotros es increíblemente ocupado - pero para algunos de nosotros, es evidente que de esto una prioridad real y para otros es claro que este grupo no es gran parte de una prioridad a todos! Realmente siento pena por ellos - están perdiendo de mucho! Los necesitamos, y si lo saben o no - nos necesitan! Pero, si por cualquier motivo que tenga que cerrar - vamos a "los bendiga por la puerta" y en oración invitar a algunos chicos que se hacer y mantener este compromiso! Yo esperaría que se le invite a salir de este grupo si siempre hizo evidente que realmente no tienen tiempo o interés en dicha relación. Hay una pequeña cuestión de la integridad de un número de niveles aquí. Tenemos que mantener nuestros convenios y promesas el uno al otro y tenemos que estar dispuestos a hacer lo que usted, Jerry, nuestro líder y GS, después de todo, que tan amablemente y gentilmente nos piden que hagamos. No han pedido mucho, Jerrry, pero lo que usted nos pida que hagamos, debe

[Jerry Porter]

Craig, are you fasting in the same way as you did last year? I am eating one meal each day and praying for the GS's and the team members. I am praying for a gracious move of the Spirit across our church around the world! Bill and Kristin are attending a very good church just a mile or so from their home. I heard the pastor preach on EVIL last Sunday. It was a powerful Biblical message! Little Ben like the class for the three year olds. Praise the Lord!

[Bob Prescott]

Jerry,
I have not been successful in forming a stable discipleship group. However last December our pastor asked me to "fill in" and teach a Wednesday night adult group on Max Lucado's FEARLESS, and we have had 8 sessions so far, with 2 more to go. There are about 15 mature adults and I have been asking the Lord if some of them may be prospects for a more intensive spiritual relationship. I covet your prayers for God's guidance. (This has been my first teaching opportunity in the 15 years we have been living here in MD)
Bob

[Jerry Porter]

Thanks Craig for your comments. I concur. I have asked some if they feel they need to step aside, but thus far they have asked to continue in the group. I invite you to pray with me in this regard. If this is not a priority from the Lord for them at this time, then we all need to realize it and find the discipleship relationship that is God's first choice for each of us. I will be praying along these lines.

[Jerry Porter]

Wow, Bob! Sounds great! Wish I could slip into the sessions when you are teaching. Will you write an article about what you have learned from Max's teaching?

I do encourage you to do the HARD work of pulling together a group that you will pray for, teach, encourage, and hold accountable. This is not easy!

[Kevin Rector]

How do we best deal with potential jealousy from those not invited to join our group?

When I first learned that there was a private group led by you I remember thinking how amazing it would be to be able to participate in something like that with a person of your spiritual depth and commitment. Knowing it would never happen I got a bit jealous.

But the words of my good friend Roland Hearn filtered through my head as I am reminded again that my identity is in Christ, not in which groups I have access to participate in, and that petty jealously melts away.

Thanks for modeling for us all how to be and make disciples.

[Craig Rench]

Jerry, I completely agree with you that there is a place for Discipleship 101 groups that are set up for a specified time and purpose of basic discipling... and there is a place for the established "band" of brothers that invest in each other for the long haul. Where would Adalberto and Cali be today if they had not chosen to follow the G12 model of the long-term committed discipling model? You are right on! Of course, I am "selfish" and don't want to find myself outside of your discipleship group. But, much more than that, you are laying down a model and example of a committed leader sticking with a few for a long time to see real life-changing Christ-like growth, holiness and multiplication. I am so proud of you. You are definitely on the right track as far as I am concerned! Thank you for being so faithful and committed to the Jesus model of disciplemaking. How I love you!

Jerry, estoy totalmente de acuerdo contigo en que hay un lugar para el Discipulado 101 grupos que se establecen por un tiempo determinado y el propósito de discipular a base ... y hay un lugar para los establecidos "banda" de los hermanos que invierten en el otro para el largo plazo. ¿Dónde y Cali Adalberto ser hoy si no hubieran optado por seguir el modelo G12 del modelo de discipulado comprometido a largo plazo? Tiene usted razón en! Por supuesto, yo soy "egoísta" y no quieres encontrarme a mí mismo fuera de su grupo de discipulado. Pero, mucho más que eso, usted es el que se establecen un modelo y ejemplo de un líder comprometido con la pervivencia de unos pocos durante mucho tiempo de ver la vida real que cambia el crecimiento como la de Cristo, la santidad y la multiplicación. Estoy tan orgulloso de ti. Usted está definitivamente en el camino correcto en lo que a mí se refiere! Gracias por ser tan fiel y comprometida con el modelo de Jesús de hacer discípulos. ¿Cómo Te amo!

[Jerry Porter]

Craig, I may ask you and Connie to stay with some neighbors who we have witnessed to many times. She has heard me preach on three occasions and each time she has come to the altar to pray. Her husband is a kind man but agnostic. She is very aligned with her parents and sister. I would love to see them embrace faith in Christ and lead others. They are both charismatic winsome leaders in the community. I will confirm whether you will be staying with them in a few days. Either way, pray for Gaby and Debbie.

[Jerry Porter]

Well, Craig, let's pray for each other and close this time together. What special requests do you want to share today?

Please pray for our ability to disciple my son, Bill, and my grandson, Ben. Bill is so busy that I have not found a good way to help him carve out the time we need to be together. I may ask Kristin and Toni to help me. Bill is the best DAD in the world but needs some time for his DAD too!
Please pray for our discussions with the Wesleyan Church
Please pray for the World Evangelism Fund income ... so we are not forced to bring any missionaries home
Please pray for a development plan to reduce the debt on the Global Ministry Center
Please pray for the discipleship group!

[Craig Rench]

Continue to pray for Susie. She is making "baby steps" back towards the family. Jerry since it is just you and me, could I call you and tell you about something personal?

[Jerry Porter]

Thanks, Craig, for your encouragement! I can always count on your uplifting words!

[Craig Rench]

I will pray for you, Jerry, God bless you!

[Jerry Porter]

Sure, Craig. Let's conclude with prayer for each other on the phone.
Amen!

[Betty Bolerjack]

Jerry, thank you so much for making this available for all of us to see. As I shared with you at your mother's wedding, Mark and I are seeking God's guidance for our ministry. (The church board voted to give us assigned status, btw, but details are yet to be worked out.) God has placed within my heart a long-term dream, but I wasn't sure how to get there. You and your group have provided some nuggets of wisdom that I will be prayerfully considering as I seek what steps God would have me take to reach that dream.

[Ryan Scott]

Is this thread supposed to be open to everyone?

[Cam Pence]

ryan,
yes it is.

[Hans Deventer]

Is this thread supposed to be open to everyone?

Ryan, Dr. Porter used to have a restricted forum on NazNet for these "chats". That forum is back but wasn't yet a few days ago. So he decided he would go along in our open forum anyway. It was a one time event.

[Billie Goodson]

Ryan, Dr. Porter used to have a restricted forum on NazNet for these "chats". That forum is back but wasn't yet a few days ago. So he decided he would go along in our open forum anyway. It was a one time event.

Awesome to get to read this personal side. Dr. Porter will be the GS at our district assembly this weekend. I am looking forward to hearing him. I was getting a little ambivalent about DA, reading this thread has caused me to re-think my stance. Glad that this was opened for us to see a glimpse of his heart.

[Greg Farra]

Awesome to get to read this personal side. Dr. Porter will be the GS at our district assembly this weekend. I am looking forward to hearing him. I was getting a little ambivalent about DA, reading this thread has caused me to re-think my stance. Glad that this was opened for us to see a glimpse of his heart.

Billie,
Dr. Porter presided at the Central Ohio Assembly last week. You better be ready to be blessed and challenged!

Dr. Porter,
We met briefly at DA last week. At the ordination service I received my first district License. I appreciate your heart for the Gospel.
Blessings,
Greg