Fan or Follower? What It Means to Be a “Christian” – Week 3

What Is A “Christian”: A follower of Jesus who leaves a lasting impact of Kingdom-centric legacy. A “Christian” is a multiplying disciple, a disciple who makes disciples.  Big Idea Recap: Authentic Christianity isn’t just about personal faith; it’s (also, in addition) about passing that faith to the next generation and raising up leaders who will continue the work of the Kingdom. (Cyclical & perpetual)                                                                                                                                       Matthew 18:10-14 NKJV See Also:  Luke 19:10 NIV - We are in the business of GATHERING, GROWING, GIVING and GOING; not of comfort and preference.   1. The Role of Parents and Elders – It All Starts at Home Key Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Teaching Points: Faith Begins at Home – The home is the primary training ground for future leaders. Parents are to take responsibility in the Spiritual lives of their children. (We are called to get our children into Heaven, not Harvard.) Proverbs 22:6 NIV Creating a Christ-Centered Home – Children WILL(not just often, they will) emulate what they see. Empowering Elders to Lead - The older (more spiritually mature, not necessarily based on age) generation must take an active role in mentoring the younger (less spiritually mature) members of the church.   2. Passing on Wisdom and Instruction – Building a Firm Foundation Key Scriptures: Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 2:2 Teaching Points: The Importance of Early Training – The foundation we lay in our youth impacts future decisions. 80% of individuals who make salvation decisions do so between the ages of 4-14. Multiplication Through Mentorship – Paul’s instruction to Timothy (2 Tim 2:1-2) shows a model of multiplying leadership through mentorship and teaching. Practical Wisdom for Life – Take active steps to equip parents and leaders with practical biblical wisdom to share with the younger generation, addressing issues like relationships, work ethic, and integrity.   3. Mentorship and Discipleship – Gather and Grow (The Quadrant) Key Scriptures: Deuteronomy 34:9; 2 Kings 2:9-10 Teaching Points: Moses and Joshua – Leadership Through Hands-On Mentorship – Moses equipped Joshua through close mentorship, preparing him to lead God’s people. Elijah and Elisha – Passing the Mantle – Recognize the deep spiritual relationship between Elijah and Elisha and the significance of passing on the prophetic mantle. The double portion (passing of the mantle) is another expression of the birthright, the gift to receive a double share of the inheritance to the first born.  Deuteronomy 21:17 NIV The Quadrant Model – Gather and Grow – Introduce a four-quadrant model for discipleship: Gathering (community), Growing (spiritual-formation), Giving (service), and Going (mission). G – Go To Church! R – Read Your Bible. Bring Your Praises, Prayers and Petitions To God! O – Obey Scripture! W – Witness! (Make Disciples, Baptize Disciples, Teach Them To Obey His’ Commands!) 4. Jesus’ Model of Leadership Development – Grow and Go! Key Scriptures: Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:11-13 Teaching Points: The Great Commission – Our Mandate to Make Disciples – Jesus’ final command to His followers was to make disciples of all nations, baptize them and teach them to observe everything He commanded. Equipping the Saints – Leadership in the Church – Explore how the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors (shepherds), and teachers are given to equip the church for ministry. Discover your calling. Multiplication and Mission – Growing and Going – Notice the cyclical nature of discipleship – as we grow, we are called to go and make more disciples. Gather, Grow, Give and Go!   Conclusion: Recapping the Key Movements: Parents and elders start at home, passing on wisdom and instruction, and engaging in mentorship and discipleship, following Jesus’ model. Heaven > Harvard