Tag: generations

The WIGTake for Spiritual Generations 

All 12 Ingredients for Spiritual Generations and Podcasts

By Pheaney (Peter) Lindell and Chuck & Deb Wood

Rather Listen? Click here…

Last week, we looked at the posture of a servant. But even the best serving can be forgotten. Jesus knew that we drift and we forget. Because of this, His ministry was a relentless cycle of repetition and reminding.

The Jesus Model

Consider the scene in the boat in Mark 8. The disciples had just witnessed Jesus feeding thousands of people—twice. Yet, when they realized they had forgotten to bring bread, they immediately panicked. Jesus had to walk them back through the math of the miracles, asking, “When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?” (Mark 8:14-21). He was frustrated, yes, but He was persistent. He refused to let them live in the “leaven” (the false teaching) of the Pharisees; He kept bringing them back to the reality of who He was.

This need for reminding is so central that Jesus revealed it as a specific role of the Holy Spirit. He told the disciples, “The Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26). If the Third Person of the Trinity is dedicated to the ministry of reminding, we should not consider it beneath us.

The Scriptural Model

The apostles picked up this mantle of repetition. Paul, writing to his seasoned protégé Timothy, didn’t assume Timothy was on auto-pilot. He wrote, “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6). Even the most faithful leaders can let their fire dim; they need the external spark of a reminder to blaze again.

Peter was even more explicit about this strategy. He didn’t apologize for repeating himself. He declared, “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them… I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder” (2 Peter 1:12-13). Peter understood that knowledge isn’t enough; we need “stirring up.” The goal of reminding isn’t to inform the intellect but to awaken the will.

Stories

When I first grasped that discipleship was about becoming like Jesus, I realized I wasn’t the only one who had been missing the mark. For years, I treated discipleship like a Wednesday night line-up: a class to attend, a curriculum to finish, or a method to master. It was a program, not a pursuit.

I soon discovered that the core discipline of discipleship is the relentless effort to keep Jesus at the center. He isn’t just a distant Lord or a historical Savior; He is the target and the ultimate model. I started a constant internal rhythm, reminding myself to think, speak, and act like Him. Most importantly, I had to learn what it meant to simply abide in Him.

The power of this “constant reminding” became clear during a recent coaching session. I was working with a group of church leaders on the topic of healthy families. They were asking great questions. I paused and asked, “Before I give you an answer, where am I going to look first?”

“The Scriptures,” they answered confidently.

“Close,” I said with a smile.

They caught my drift immediately. “Jesus!” they shouted in unison.

Exactly. While the Scriptures are our map, Jesus is the destination. This is the art of discipleship: keeping the Master in sight when the “business” of religion tries to fog the view. Of course, this requires a fair amount of persistence. I often joke that there are only three ways to truly learn anything: repetition, blunt force trauma, and repetitive blunt force trauma.

While that’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, the truth remains. We are forgetful people. We need to be reminded—over and over—that every principle and every truth we teach must eventually lead us back to the same place: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.

Suggestions

1. Jesus-Centered: In every lesson, no matter the topic (relationships, finances, work), find the thread that leads back to the Gospels. Remind them that Jesus is the hero of every story.
2. Review Identity and Purpose: Regularly bring them back to their identity in Christ and His purpose for their lives. Try to always bring these two together like Jesus did.
3. Review the Basics: Don’t be afraid to reteach the fundamentals annually (Time with Jesus, Sharing the Gospel, The Great Commission, etc.). Assume they leak and need a refill on the basics.

Application for Disciple Makers

For us, the WIGTake is accepting the role of “Chief Reminding Officer.” You will often feel like a broken record, repeating the same truths about grace, identity, and the Kingdom over and over. Do not be discouraged by this. Those you are discipling are being bombarded daily by the world’s counter-narratives. Your voice needs to be the steady rhythm of truth that cuts through the noise. Spiritual parenting isn’t just about teaching new things; it’s about helping people remember what is true when life tries to make them forget. It is not just about checking a box of information transfer; it is about “kindling afresh” the fire of God in them, knowing that sometimes the most profound ministry is simply reminding someone of who they already are in Christ.

Next Week: We remind people of the truth because the mission feels impossible. When the task feels too big, we have to lean on something sturdier than our memory. Next week: Ingredient #11: Trusting the Promises of God.

All 12 Ingredients for Spiritual Generations and Podcasts

The WIGTake for Spiritual Generations 

By Pheaney (Peter) Lindell and Chuck & Deb Wood

Rather Listen? Click here…

Last week, we discussed the stewardship of finding the right people. But once we have identified those “good soil” individuals, what are we calling them to? We aren’t calling them to a hobby; we are calling them to a King’s mandate.

Once Jesus found the right people, He did not just hang out with them; He cast a compelling, authoritative vision for their lives. In our modern context, we often view “vision casting” as a corporate buzzword or a gentle suggestion. But for Jesus, vision was a command wrapped in a promise.

The Jesus Model

Look at His initial invitation in Matthew 4:19: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). This was not a vague offer of friendship; it was a clear trajectory. He defined the relationship (“Follow Me”) and the result (“fishers of men”). He spoke with the authority of someone who knew exactly what He could produce in their lives if they submitted to His process.

This authority culminated in the Great Commission. Jesus did not ask His followers to try their best; He declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:18-20). The vision for spiritual generations is anchored in the imperative. It is a command driven by His absolute lordship. He did not offer the mission as an option for the spiritual elite but as the standard operating procedure for every believer.

The Scriptural Model

When Paul took the baton of leadership, he mirrored Jesus’ authoritative tone. He did not suggest ministry ideas to Timothy; he issued orders like a general on a battlefield. He writes, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias” (1 Timothy 5:21).

Paul’s vision casting was not rooted in his own charisma but in the authority of God’s command and promise. In his final letter, facing execution, he intensified this language: “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus… preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). The Greek word for “solemnly charge” (diamartyromai) implies testifying under oath. Paul was binding Timothy’s conscience to the mission. He understood that to endure the hardships of ministry, Timothy needed more than a pep talk; he needed a divine mandate.

Stories

The face on my laptop screen looked tired. I was on a Zoom call with Sam, a missionary who had been grinding away in his field for a decade. He was faithful and hardworking, but he was frustrated. He wasn’t seeing “generations”—that spiritual multiplication where disciples make disciples who make disciples.

“I just don’t know why it’s stalling out,” he admitted, rubbing his eyes.

For the next thirty minutes, I didn’t try to fix it. I just listened. He explained the ins and outs of his ministry, the cultural hurdles, and the endless schedule. Finally, when he paused for air, I asked a simple question.

“Sam, what do you use for a vision cast to guide your people? When you’re trying to rally them, what do you say?”

His posture straightened immediately. He had an answer ready. He recited a beautifully crafted vision statement. It was comprehensive and strategic, detailing exactly how they planned to reach his city, expand to the province, and eventually impact the entire country.

I took a deep breath. I knew what I had to say would sting, but it was necessary.

“Sam,” I said gently, “Your vision has no authority.”

He blinked, clearly taken aback.

I leaned in toward the camera. “That is Sam’s vision to reach the city and the country. It sounds great, and it clearly motivates you because it’s your vision. But it holds no weight with anyone else. If you want your folks to be inspired, compelled, and truly committed, you have to stop giving them your vision and start giving them Jesus’ vision.”

I quoted the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20;

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

I continued “This may not fix all your problems but at least your vision will have the authority to command a life. Use that, and you won’t just be sharing a plan; you’ll be delivering a command from the King.”

Suggestions

1. Memorize the Mandate: Commit the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) to memory. When you challenge someone, have the Word of God ready on your lips, not just a good idea in your head.
2. Pray Through It: Pray through the Great Commission and other Scripture asking God to make you a generational leader.
3. The “Eternity” Conversation: Take the person you are discipling out for coffee and ask, “What do you want your life to look like in 50 years?” Use their answer to pivot to a Kingdom vision that outlasts their career.

Application for Disciple Makers

For us, the WIGTake involves shaking off our hesitancy to call people to something greater. We often fear seeming demanding, so we settle for low-bar invitations. But those you are discipling crave a cause worth dying for. To be clear, we are not asking you to sell a slick version of your own personal vision. We are pointing them to Jesus’ vision—the one that holds all authority.

Biblical vision casting means looking someone in the eye and saying, “Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples. I can help you do that. If you’re all in, let’s get after it.” It involves the “solemn charge” to prioritize the Kingdom above comfort. It is not about controlling people, but about confidently connecting them to the destiny Jesus has already commanded. When you cast vision with this kind of authority, you aren’t imposing your will; you are clarifying God’s.

An authoritative vision is a heavy weight to carry. If we try to shoulder it alone, we will crumble. Next week, we look at our total dependence on the Father: Ingredient #5: Prayer and the Hand of God.

All 12 Ingredients for Spiritual Generations and Podcasts

The WIGTake for Spiritual Generations 

By Chuck & Deb Wood and Pheaney (Peter) Lindell 

Rather Listen? Click here…

Last week, we teased the WIGTake (What’s It Gonna take?) to seeing spiritual generations of disciples for Jesus. Making good on our promise, we start today by focusing on you—the number one ingredient. In the economy of the Kingdom, you cannot impart what you do not possess. The first and most critical ingredient for spiritual generations is not a strategy, a curriculum, or a charismatic personality—it is you. Specifically, it is the quality of your walk with God and your character.

The Jesus Model

If we want to become a generational leader, we need to look no further than Jesus. He is the right person, We see this vividly in His life. Before He preached a sermon or healed a leper, the Father established His identity. At His baptism, a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased” (Mark 1:11). Jesus operated from a place of beloved security, not a desperate need for approval.

Furthermore, Jesus did not emerge from the womb fully formed in His humanity; He submitted to the process of growth. Scripture tells us He “continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40, 52). If the Son of God prioritized spiritual and personal development, how much more must we? This growth created a person who was magnetic yet holy. The Father later reiterated on the Mount of Transfiguration, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” (Luke 9:35). His authority to lead flowed directly from His identity as the Chosen Son.

We also see the heart of His leadership in His priestly role. Jesus was never a mechanical taskmaster driving His followers to production; He was a sympathetic partner committed to their restoration. Scripture tells us He “always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25), meaning His primary work was going to the Father on their behalf. He remained approachable and safe, a High Priest who “sympathizes with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:14-16), understanding the struggle rather than condemning the stumbler.

At its core, being a disciple of Jesus means becoming like Him (Matthew 10:24-25; Luke 6:40; 1 John 2:6). We must “master the Master,” as the late Howard Hendricks famously put it. If we want to see generations impacted, we must look closely at His ways, His words, and His intent, aligning our lives to the pattern He set.

The Scriptural Model

When we move from the Gospels to the Epistles, we see this principle codified in the life of Paul. Writing to his spiritual son, Timothy, Paul reflects on his own calling: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service” (1 Timothy 1:12).

Notice the order of operations. Paul does not say Christ considered him “talented,” “educated,” or “strategic.” He considered him faithful. The Greek word here implies trustworthiness. Before Paul was entrusted with the care of the churches, he had to be entrusted with the character of Christ. The appointment to service was the result, not the cause, of his faithfulness.

This challenges our modern tendency to promote people based on potential or charisma. In the Scriptures, the “right kind of person” is one who has proven they can be trusted. This aligns with the explicit requirement for stewardship: “In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Paul acknowledges that the capacity for ministry comes from Christ (“who has strengthened me“), but the requirement for the assignment was his own faithfulness. This creates a powerful dynamic: we rely on His strength, but He requires our faithfulness. God is looking for a vessel that is reliable, one that won’t crack under the weight of the ministry He intends to pour into it.

Stories

The words hit me like a rifle report. My mentor leaned across the table. “You know the kind of men Jesus chose, Chuck? Fishermen. Working men. Men who’d drop their nets and follow.”

I was a young Army sergeant then, hungry to prove myself. But something in those words planted deep.

I wanted to be that kind of man.

The decision came at Fort Campbell. I’d just finished my tour as an Air Assault Instructor—a prestigious assignment, a golden ticket upward. The smart move was to become a squad leader in the Ranger Battalion, pad my résumé, and play the army promotion game. Instead, I volunteered to be a Ranger Instructor.

“Back-to-back instructor jobs?! Career suicide,” my peers said, shaking their heads. “You’ll never recover.”

But I saw something they didn’t. Ranger School meant predictable hours, no deployments. Time I could pour into ministry and into becoming the man I’d promised to be.

The Army’s promotion timeline is brutal. E7, Sergeant First Class, in seven and a half years? Ask any leader—they’ll tell you it’s theoretically possible but practically impossible.

Yet there I stood, receiving my stripes ahead of everyone who’d played it safe. Even ahead of those who called me foolish.

Matthew 6:33 became my compass: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.”

God honored that sacrifice in ways I couldn’t have engineered. Not just the promotion, but something better—He surrounded me with men and women cut from the same cloth. People who’d drop their nets. People who understood that some things matter more than career trajectories.

I’d become the kind of person Jesus was looking for.

And He gave me a whole platoon of the same kind of men.

Suggestions

1. The “Secret” Meeting: Schedule a daily, non-negotiable appointment with Jesus before you meet with anyone else. If your public ministry exceeds your private intimacy, you are heading for a crash. Saturate yourself in the Scriptures, especially the Gospels.
2. Integrity Audit: Ask a trusted friend or spouse, “Where is my character inconsistent with my message?” Give them permission to be brutally honest, and then take action on what they say.
3. Holistic Health: Do not neglect your physical or emotional health in the name of “spiritual” service. Establish a regular rhythm of exercise and rest to ensure you are a vessel built to last.

Application for Disciple Makers

For us, being the “right kind of person” requires embodying the full spectrum of this biblical witness. We must lead from a place of secure identity, knowing we are beloved by the Father (like Jesus), while simultaneously proving ourselves trustworthy in the small things (like Paul). We must commit to our own growth, constantly increasing in wisdom so our lives carry the weight of experience. And we must lead with sympathy, offering a safe harbor for others’ struggles. The WIGTake here is simple but weighty: the ceiling of your influence on those you are discipling is your own personal transformation in Christ.

Next Week: Character is the vessel, but what good is a vessel if it’s empty? Next week, we look at the fire that fills the vessel and the engine that drives spiritual reproduction: Ingredient #2: Love.

The Top 12 Ingredients –

Introduction

1. Being the Right Kind of Person
2. Love
3. Finding the Right Kind of Person
4. Authoritative Vision Casting
5. Prayer and the Hand of God
6. 2nd Generation Conviction
7. Time With
8. Spiritual Parenting
9. Serving
10. Reminding (Constantly)
11. Trusting the Promises of God
12. Perseverance

By Chuck & Deb Wood and Pheaney (Peter) Lindell

Rather Listen? Click here…

Introduction

We all want our lives to count for something that outlasts us. However, there is a distinct difference between leading a ministry that adds followers and leading a life that multiplies generations. The latter requires a shift in mindset—from performing a role to stewardship of a life.

What does it actually take to see spiritual generations emerge from your time on campus, in your workplace, or in your city? It requires a holistic approach that touches everything from your personal character to your exit strategy.

We have tried to identify the key ingredients that bridge the gap between good intentions and generational impact. Whether it is the “Authoritative Vision Casting” required to inspire action, or the “Time With” necessary to build trust, these are the elements that define a ministry of spiritual reproduction.

A quick note before we begin: This list is not exhaustive or a silver bullet. The Kingdom of God is vast, and there are certainly more than twelve components to a thriving ministry. However, these are the top ingredients that have risen to the surface in our own journey. They are the non-negotiables that we want to pass on from our experience—the ones we have seen consistently produce fruit over decades of ministry.

The Top 12 Ingredients –

Introduction

1. Being the Right Kind of Person
2. Love
3. Finding the Right Kind of Person
4. Authoritative Vision Casting
5. Prayer and the Hand of God
6. 2nd Generation Conviction
7. Time With
8. Spiritual Parenting
9. Serving
10. Reminding (Constantly)
11. Trusting the Promises of God
12. Perseverance

Our Plan of Attack: JSSS

To fully grasp this “WIGTake”—What It’s Gonna Take—we cannot rely on theory alone. We will explore these essential ingredients through four distinct lenses, a framework we call JSSS:

1. Jesus: We begin with the ultimate model. We will examine how Jesus Himself embodied these ingredients.
2. Scripture: We broaden our scope to the rest of the Bible to see how the early church and others applied these principles.
3. Stories: We will share personal stories to illustrate what these ingredients look like in real life.
4. Suggestions: We will offer practical advice for cultivating these ingredients.

So next week we’ll get started in earnest by looking at what kind of person it’s gonna take to see generations of disciples.

A note on this series: Chuck and Deb did the bulk of the writing work, and when you read ‘we’ you should think of them. Peter “Pheaney” Lindell added some stories, editing, and streamlining.