Well, Nic posted some insightful words. If we were serious about equipping members to do good works, what would our classes look like? Would we be covering Acts for the 51st time? Teaching hermeneutics? Or offering classes on —
local evangelization (completion of this area of specialization by significant numbers may allow expansion of the local area covered – out in the county, next city, next county- [Jerusalem, Samaria….] led by your hired local evangelist); invalid care (diaper changing among other important duties); counseling (at least friendship counseling with enough knowledge to direct folks with needs to the proper professionals); Bible class teachers specializing in certain Biblical areas (Gospels, NT letters, OT law, OT prophets, theology etc.[Hey! might have to send them to one of our fine Christian Schools]), so they can provide the basic Bible knowledge for the general curriculum (not a this is what I think it means class); eldership training (including leadership training, interpersonal relationships, team training, etc.); internet missions (whatever that might be) …
And so, a challenge for the readers — what materials are out there on how to be truly missional — not the theory or theology of mission so much as the practice of mission? What are some good how-to books?
I have shelves of books on mission theory. I have shelves of commentaries. I don’t have a clue as to how to teach many of the basic skills of doing mission.
After Jesus commissioned the disciples to go preach the gospel to the world the next command was "Wait"!
"Wait"? Are you nuts? The world must hear about you, what you have done for them. "Yes, I know, that's why you need to wait. You need my power to do my work.
Jesus said "I have all power in heaven and in earth, therefore go….." Now he says to them "Go wait for my power to come upon you".
No program, plan, method, or project is better than God's plan. It is for lovingly surrendered men and women to wait on Him in prayer until they are empowered for witness. Half hearted church members will fail the test. Those who are really and truely in love with Jesus can't keep silent.
The same mission plan used in the first Century is the one we should be using today.
His peace,
Royce
I'm no expert either, but I think the best way to learn is to find someone whom God is using, and follow them around. (When the disciple is fully taught he will be like his teacher…) Then let other people follow you around.
In other words I don't think the important skills / behaviors are imparted in classes or sermons.