Testimony 16: Being Discipled

Chapter 16

Randy took the time to teach my brother and me about the Bible and the fundamentals of the faith so that I could become more like Jesus. The Bible calls this process discipleship. We met for Bible study, played soccer, and talked about life and the Savior. It wasn’t just a block of instruction. It was mentoring. My brother and I knew Randy had our best interest at heart. He was there when we had questions, when we were struggling, and when we were having a good time. It wasn’t just some haphazard process either. Randy had a plan. He knew how to help a person grow closer to Christ and he executed that plan well. I owe much of the credit for my direction in life and spiritual maturity to him. In fact, I have dedicated my life to doing exactly what Randy did with me. To help men to get beyond a passive, anemic, wimpy faith and help them live as bold, dedicated Kingdom builders for Christ. And in doing so we are simply following Christ’s Great Commission;

Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

To Judge or not to Judge, that is the Question

Read Mt 7.1-6, 15-20

“Do not judge so that you will not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)

It’s a popular defense; “Who are you to judge me?” That’s a good question that deserves a good answer. You could be the judge who condemns to Hell, the loving protector of a friend, or the guardian of the flock.

Jesus gives His admonition not to judge others in Matthew 7.1 and we would do well to understand thoroughly what He was talking about. In the same chapter, He also says that we’ll know a tree by its fruit (Mt 7.18) and recognize a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Mt 7.15). It would be hard to do either without the powers of discernment and evaluation. So when Jesus says don’t judge, is He saying make no evaluation? We can recognize at least three points in His teaching.

First, there’s a big difference between judgment that is condemning and that which is discerning. Condemning judgment carries with it an attitude of superiority and arrogance. It assumes a position to which we have no authority. On the other hand, discernment is appropriate not only to determine truth and falsehood, but it is the beginning of correction and healing (2 Ti 4.2). This type of judgment is also important to protect oneself and the flock (Ac 20.28).

Secondly, Jesus was getting at the heart of how judgment or evaluation should be made. Notice He told us to recognize the log in our own eye, meaning a self awareness of our own shortcomings. I will approach someone about their sin in a much gentler manner when I recognize the sin in my own life (Gal 6.1). When correcting others, our attitude is everything.

And third, I cannot act like the 3 monkeys who do not acknowledge evil. Jesus says, “You will know a tree by its fruit.” One must make a judgment in order to evaluate the type of fruit. One must make a judgment in order to keep from casting what is holy before dogs or pearls before swine (Mt 7.6). But at the same time, I can withhold condemnation and an attitude of pride by reminding myself, “Except by the grace of God, there go I.” FJ87

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Testimony 15: First Steps toward Growth

Chapter 15

My brother Mike was also going through his spiritual renewal as a high school student and he decided to make the move to Ft. Campbell with me. We wanted to get off on the right foot so we decided to do two things: read the Bible together and go to chapel. We wrote down all the books of the Bible on little pieces of paper and put them in a cup and drew to see which books we would read first (not a recommended technique). As far as chapel went, an odd thing happened on our first Sunday morning while searching for a chapel to attend. It was 10:30 and all the Protestant services started at 10:00 or 11:00 except one. This one chapel started at the curious time of 10:45. Taking our cue, we decided to attend and we found a divine appointment waiting for us there. A man named Randy Beaudin approached us after the service and asked us if we wanted to participate in a Bible study on Thursday nights. He was pretty shocked at our enthusiastic response. (I would discover later that you can ask a hundred men to Bible study and one may be serious enough to take you up on your offer.) This was the beginning of a concerted effort to grow in Christ and it would be a foundation for the years to come.

Testimony 1: In the Beginning
Testimony 2: Jesus is Watching You
Testimony 3: Paratrooper Religion
Testimony 4: Afraid of being Left Behind
Testimony 5: The Geographical Solution
Testimony 6: The Geographical Solution Fails
Testimony 7: The Seed is Planted
Testimony 8: Spiritual Melee
Testimony 9: Seeing the Light
Testimony 10: Receiving God’s Plan for My Life
Testimony 11: A New Creature
Testimony 12: What about You?
Testimony 13: A Little Miracle
Testimony 14: An Apostle to the Soldier
Testimony 15: First Steps toward Growth
Testimony 16: Being Discipled

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

The Six Critical Factors of a Navigator Ministry

A ministry team (Lk 10.1) begins laying foundations (1 Cor 3.10-11, Eph 2.20-21) in individuals lives by simultaneously going to the lost (Mt 18.11, Lk 15.4) discipling the present generation (Mt 28.18-20), building community (Heb 10.24-25), and equipping laborers and leaders (Eph 4.11-12). The end-state is the gospel of Jesus Christ is secured in the next generation and generations to follow (2 Tim 2.2, Ps 33.11).

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry (5/5) – Sling ’em in the Breach

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16)


It’s said over and over again, “This Bible study is too milky.” My response? “Great! Next week you’re leading!” This is my philosophy of training laborers and leaders. I call it “sling ‘em in the breach.” This concept may seem a little scary (both to you and them) but I have found the rewards are huge. Can you imagine how the disciples must have felt when Jesus tells them, “I’m sending you out as sheep among wolves.” Do you think everyone involved saw there was a little risk in this venture?There are always risks associated with any kind of ministry. In my thinking, the greater risk would be to lose potential leaders because they weren’t allowed to labor. Men and women will come into your ministry with a natural desire to teach and lead. If you take the approach of “don’t try this at home kids, I’m a trained professional,” they will move on to another ministry that will let them labor.

You may be thinking, “What if I let this guy lead the Bible study, I’ll get burned. Doesn’t the Bible say not to put young people into leadership?” (1 Tim 3.1-16, Titus 1.5-9) First off, you will get burned. This is the heavy mantle of leadership, absorbing the failures of your fledgling leaders. Failure is not an option, it is inevitable. But I also never said I sling them in the breach alone. I’m always right there with them to guide, coach, and correct (Mk 3.14). I see some ministries making the mistake of training their leaders like a chemistry professor who sends his students in to the lab unsupervised. When something blows up, no one has a clue what went wrong.

Secondly, the Bible does warn us not to install young believers into leadership. But most of the people who come into our ministries are not young in the faith. Generally speaking they are long in knowledge and very short in application. This is precisely why we need to get them involved in ministry. I’m not talking about unsupervised leadership but about leading under a caring and instructive mentor.

Jesus took risks on young leaders, so I have been taking risks with young leaders. Last night at our leadership Bible study we had 25 laborers (not attendees, but real laborers). All the glory goes to the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry
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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Testimony 14: An Apostle to the Soldier

Chapter 14

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29)

During a road march on a Ranger training exercise, I felt a strong impression that I should stay in the Army beyond my 3 year enlistment. I thought I must be losing my mind. There were only 47 days left until I would be a free man. I wanted to go to college and make something of my life. I had no desire to continue my short career in the Army. But by the time I finished the road march, I was convinced that God was calling me to stay in the Army to tell my fellow soldiers about Him. I never heard an audible voice but the impression was a strong, clear calling from the Lord. I set aside all my personal desire and plans and submitted myself under His Lordship. I re-enlisted and headed for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I have been ministering to soldiers in the Army and the National Guard ever since that day I heard His call. As Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles, I am an apostle to the soldier (Gal 2.8).

Testimony 1: In the Beginning
Testimony 2: Jesus is Watching You
Testimony 3: Paratrooper Religion
Testimony 4: Afraid of being Left Behind
Testimony 5: The Geographical Solution
Testimony 6: The Geographical Solution Fails
Testimony 7: The Seed is Planted
Testimony 8: Spiritual Melee
Testimony 9: Seeing the Light
Testimony 10: Receiving God’s Plan for My Life
Testimony 11: A New Creature
Testimony 12: What about You?
Testimony 13: A Little Miracle
Testimony 14: An Apostle to the Soldier
Testimony 15: First Steps toward Growth
Testimony 16: Being Discipled

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Verses from the Promises of God Survey

Thanks to all of you who participated in the survey!

John 15:15-17
Isa 43:1-13
Isa 58:7-14
Mt 4.19
Isa 55:3-5:10-11
Mt 6:33
Gen 12:1-3
Isa 37:30-32
Isa 54:1-3
Mt 11.28- 30
Mt 28.18-20
Eze 36:9,10,12
Isa 49:6
Isa 60:22
Isa 61:1-4
Jer 29:11-13
Jer 33:3
Mt 9:35-38
Phil 1:6
2 Peter 1:3-8
2 Timothy 2:2
Eze 36:8-12
Isa 41:10
Isa 42:5-9
Jer 15.19
Jer 17:7-8
Jer 32:27
John 10:26-28
John 15.7
Mark 11:24
Phil 4:13, 19
Ps 107.35-38
Ps 37:3-6
Ps 4:1-8
Ps 67
1 Cor 10:13
1 Cor 15:58
1 Cor 3:11-15
1 John 1:3
1 John 5:11-13
1 John 5:4-5, 4:4
1 Joh. 5:14-15
1 John 1:9
1 John 5:11-12
1 Kings 8:56-61
1 Peter 5:1-4
1 Th 5:24
1 Tim 1:16
1 Tim 2:15
1 Tim 3.1
2 Chron 15:2
2 Cor 1:20
2 Cor 12:9
2 Cor 13:8
2 Cor 5:17-19
2 Cor. 2:14
2 Cor. 4:7
2 Ki 19.29-31
2 Ki 2.2-4
2 Pet 1:3-4
2 Tim 1:7
2 Tim 2:2
Ac 1.8
Col 1:25
Col 2:6
Deut 30.19
Eph 3:21-22
Eph. 2:10; 3:20
Eze 36:33-35
Eze 36:8-12
Gal 3.29-4.2
Gal 3:16
Gal 3:29
Gal 6:9-10
Gen 15:5
Gen 17:7
Gen 28:15
Hab. 2:14
Hag 2.22-23
Heb 10:19-25
Heb 6:12-13
Heb 8:6
Heb. 12:3-13
Isa 22.22
Isa 26:3
Isa 40:31
Isa 43:19
Isa 44:3
Isa 44:5
Isa 49:8-13
Isa 50:7
Isa 52.11-12
Isa 55.3
Isa 57:18
Isa 64:4
Jm 1:5
Jm 4.7-8
Jer 1:4-9, 11
Jer 33:22
Jer 45:5
Joel 3:9-10
John 1:16
John 14:16,21,26
John 15.1-8
John 15:4-5
John 17
John 2:5
John 3:16
John 3:3-6
John 5:24
John 6:27
John 7:17
Jos 1.3, 5
Jos 1.8
Jude 1:24
Lam 3.22-23
Lev 20:24
Lev 26:3-9
Lk 10.2
Lk 14:23-24
Lk 18:29-30
Mal 3.10
Mal. 3:2,3
Mark 13:13
Mark 4:23-25
Mt 16:18
Mt 18:20
Mt 21:22
Mt 26:41
Num 14.8-9
Phil 4:6-7
Prov 16:3
Prov 27.24
Ps 1:1-3
Ps 105:42
Ps 119:92
Ps 12:92-14
Ps 138:7,8
Ps 2:8
Ps 25:12-14
Ps 32:8
Ps 37.34
Ps 46:1-11
Ps 72:18
Ps 84:11
Ps 75:7
Ps 91
Rev 3.7-8;
Rom 15:1-6
Rom 15:18-21
Rom 8:1-39
Rom 8:28
Titus 2:3-5
Zec 1:17
Zec 4.6
Zec 8:11-12

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry (4/5) – Send Me in Coach

And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Luke 10:2)

As a brand new Christian, I sat in the front pew drooling as the chaplain preached. I was so hungry I hung on every word he spoke. And yet in the six months I attended, not one person spoke to me. I don’t think it was because the congregation wasn’t friendly or didn’t care. I think they were simply satisfied that I was attending.

What a tragic set of expectations. Is this our highest aspiration for ourselves and our fellow disciples that we just “show up?” No need to be involved, to teach, to comfort, to challenge, or to encourage. Nothing is expected but to fill the pews every Sunday and if they are full then there is success. Was that Jesus’ expected end-state for His ministry, to simply “pack ‘em in?”
We know from Jesus’ example and commands that He had far greater plans for His disciples than attendance. He recruited men and women to join in the work (Mt 4.19). He intentionally trained them to reproduce His ministry (Mk 3.14). And then He deployed them as the mighty army of Theophilus, God Lovers (Lk 10.1-3, Mt 28.18-20, Ac 1.8). And His goal was nothing short of spreading the love and glory of God to the entire planet. He is so intent on this goal that He commands His disciple to pray for more laborers on two separate occasions (Mt 9.37-38, Lk 10.2).

If you want to have a disciplemaking ministry, you must align your prayers and actions with Jesus. When you help people in the faith, you must see each person as a key player on the team who will make significant contributions to winning the game. They may sit the bench for a little while to learn and see the example you set. But your aim is to get them in the game! No football team has ever tried to win the Super Bowl by seeing how many people they could pack on the bench. They train the players hard and send them on the field. Are you praying for and training those who are eager to get into the game? The team is only as strong as those who are on the field, not those who are observing from the bench.

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry

(1/5) – First, Be a Disciple
(2/5) – Find One Other Disciple
(3/5) – Yoked Together in Ministry
(4/5) – Send Me in Coach
(5/5) – Sling ’em in the Breach

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry (3/5) – Yoked Together in Ministry

And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs… (Mark 6:7)

He packed up his family, all their belongings, and moved half way across the country to join me in the ministry at Fort Benning. What ignited such commitment? It was the thrill of laboring in the Kingdom together several years earlier and we had forged the bond of brotherhood for the sake of advancing the gospel. Now Rusty and Eleanor Bean have their own fruitful ministry at Fort Bliss, Texas.
The key to Rusty and my success in starting a fruitful ministry was two ingredients: a focus on Jesus and banding together under His Great Commission. We set our hearts to labor together and learn from each another. We prayed together, studied the Word together, and raised our spiritual kids together. We practiced the “with Him” principle (Mk 3.14) and the results are clearly seen today in not just one but two ministries at Fort Benning and Fort Bliss.
Jesus underscores the principle of two laboring together when He sent the disciples out on their mission trips. He sent them out in pairs. It would make sense that if Jesus found it important to start a ministry in this manner, we ought to pay attention and follow His model.
The Book of Ecclesiastes expresses that it can be disastrous if we try to go it alone (Ec 4.9-10). On the other hand, it also suggests there is a multiplication of our efforts when we yoke ourselves with a like-minded laborer. I’ve heard that the pulling power of two oxen does not equal two; it actually equals the multiplied power of 7 1/2.
Disciplemaking is hard work and we need mutual encouragement and support. Pray that God will give you a single minded, like- hearted man to co-labor with in the Kingdom of God (Amos 3.3, Phil 2.2). You will be amazed at the difference this principle will make in your ministry.
How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry
Please leave me your feedback by clicking on “comments” below.© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved