ARC Church Planting Prayer GuideSýnishorn

Growth & Discipleship

Devotional:

By Taka Iguchi, Voice Church, Tustin, CA

“We teach what we know but reproduce who we are.” This wisdom echoes what Jesus says in Luke 6:40, “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” Reflect on your spiritual journey. How did you come to embrace prayer, evangelism, and heartfelt worship?

Chances are, these virtues were "caught," not just taught, from a spiritual mentor in your life. Their fervor for prayer kindled a similar passion in you. You may even find yourself echoing their words and mannerisms in your own prayers. This is the essence of discipleship. Jesus, when calling His disciples, didn't just impart knowledge; He shared life with them, modeling a way of living.

As you forge the culture of your new church, consider the values you wish to weave into the fabric of its culture. What principles do you hope will define your community? Now, confront a challenging question: Are you embodying these values? Are the people on your core team living them out passionately?

Your church will grow to reflect the lived values of its leaders. This takes intentionality. Remember, your role is not just to build a church in the structural sense but to cultivate people—they are the true essence of the church.

Application:

Find someone on your team to spend time with as you do life. Invite them to run errands with you for the church or to come early to a meeting to be around you as you prepare. Listen and look for opportunities to invest in their discipleship.

Meditation:

Write down the names of each person on your core team. Pray for them and see how the Holy Spirit guides you to intercede for them or even in how to reach out to them for encouragement or discipleship.

Prayer:

Jesus, help me to disciple like you. Amid a never-ending to-do list, help me not throw people into leadership just because of their gifts. Help me to identify and disciple leaders who will build a culture at my church that honors you and reflects your character to a world that needs to see you clearly. Lord, give me effective discipleship strategies to grow our team and help them mature into Ambassadors of Christ.