DISCIPLE MAKING LEADERSHIP -ENCOURAGEMENT BY OTHERS

​Thus far in our Disciple-making Leadership series, we have defined what it is, looked at practical steps of how to do it, and zeroed in on the one-to-one relationship.

Thus far in our Disciple-making Leadership series, we have defined what it is, looked at practical steps of how to do it, and zeroed in on the one-to-one relationship. We know that DmL is primarily work best done in a small setting; however, there is a way for others to get involved.

Paul, in closing out his letter to the Colossian believers, offered something on this point as one of his final statements. In the next to last verse (4:17), Paul speaks, "And say to Archippus, 'See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord’."

It is unclear exactly who Archippus is in Scripture, but we do see him in one other place in Scripture - Paul's letter to Philemon. Scholars debate whether he is the son of Philemon or a local pastor in Colossae. Either way, Paul's message is important for disciple-making.  He is telling the church at-large to offer encouragement to him so that he fulfills his ministry.  

In our modern era, we need to encourage those who implement disciple-making leadership with others. The task can be laborious, time-consuming, frustrating, exhausting, and downright hard. A simple word of encouragement to keep going is often enough to help that person persevere.

As you disciple others, make sure you look for others doing that work. Share comforting words to keep them committed. Pray with them. And, most importantly, pray for them continually.