The word ‘multiplication’ is being used more and more by churches and organizations, but until these groups actually multiply, it’s nothing more than a trendy word. Generational growth is without a doubt part of the Jesus’ grand plan for reaching the world, so it’s essential that we learn how to put multiplication into action.
How does generational growth begin? Let me share a story that may help.
Over the Easter weekend, we had the privilege of attending a celebration gathering of about 300 people from around the UK. This was a great networking opportunity for us, not only with people that we’ve trained, but also with quite a few people that are brand new to the concept of disciple multiplication.
Early on Sunday morning, I led a small group session. I spent the hour talking about T4T by reviewing the “three great commands” and talking about they form the foundational pattern for our gatherings. As always, it was interactive and we did a lot of practice. One of our participants was 20-year-old Livia from Switzerland, and she was soaking it all in like a sponge.
A few hours later, three people approached me and wanted to meet over lunch to learn about T4T. They had only heard about it and were curious to learn more. Sitting beside me was Livia, who had been in my small group that morning. I looked at her and said, “Livia, I know this may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but would you please share with Jonathan & Anina what I taught you in our small group this morning?” She agreed reluctantly, but knew that I was there to assist her. Livia did the most amazing job of summarizing what we said (without any notes) and even quoted the scripture passages correctly.
While Livia was talking, Gavin came in and joined us. He was also interested in learning about T4T. What did I do? I asked Livia how Gavin should be taught…and she proceeded to ask Jonathan & Anina to teach Gavin what she had just taught them. To say I was so proud of her would be an understatement. I took the opportunity to share with everyone that they learned about multiplying disciples not only in what was taught, but in what we modeled. The whole point of the exercise was to pass it on–and we modeled it right there around the table in the space of an hour.
This story highlights one of the essential keys to generational growth. My early years in ministry were all about teaching people, and letting them bring others to me to teach. I must admit how infectious that is, as it made me feel good to equip people directly. Inadvertently, I had limited myself to being a “starter” and didn’t give away the responsibility of training to others.
Over the past 10 years, however, I have learned to entrust others with the task of training. Indelibly tied to this is the personal investment in those who train faithfully. If I’m training a group and of of them begins training others, I invest double in that person and really pour into them.
My challenge to you is this: As you train:
- Can you resist the temptation to let others bring people to you to teach them?
- Are you expecting people to pass their learning on to other people?
- Will you assist them in training other people, then observe how they assist others in training down the line?
If you want to see multiple generations of disciples, let it start with you. Get used to giving away the priceless treasures that God has given you. Take every opportunity to teach it, model it, and reinforce it.
