Brian* and Ellie’s* local partner, Hom,* felt pretty discouraged after visiting a friend who is the pastor of a local church. As they talked about the early church, as seen in the Book of Acts, Hom pointed out how leadership roles were different from what modern, traditional churches often have.The pastor was fearful that Hom was teaching heresy and told him to be careful.
Brian recalls following up with Hom, “I could tell he was confused. He asked me, ‘Brother, what is the role of the pastor in a disciple-making movement?'”
“We first discussed the priesthood of ALL believers, and that ALL disciples have authority given to us by Jesus to baptize, and to make disciples (Matthew 28:16-20). We also talked about how Paul and Barnabas appointed elders at each church in Acts 14:23, house churches included. We discussed the qualifications for an elder and the spiritual gifts, specifically the gift of teaching. He was encouraged to know that each house church in the early church had leaders. There is a role for the gift of teaching in disciple-making movements (DMM). There is a place for every spiritual gift.”
Hom has come to a critical decision point. Does he continue to share these DMM paradigm shifts with other local leaders? He knows they might reject him if he continues.
Brian concluded, “When Jesus talked to the disciples in John 6:58-66 about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, many walked away. Jesus did not chase after them. I have not yet had to “dust my feet off” from long-time friends who I care about, but this is something Hom might have to face. Pray for him as he considers these things.“
*pseudonyms
READ RELATED ARTICLES
WOMEN AND VISION CASTING
If you really wanted to do something better, and could study under the world’s leading expert, would you? read more …
HOW GOOD IT IS WHEN THE CHURCH …
One team of disciple-makers in Indonesia had been praying and pondering how they could send out more national read more …
JESUS’ 10 MOVEMENT PRINCIPLES
By following Jesus’ 10 transferable and reproducible movement strategies, indigenous churches can read more …