Yesterday, we heard from Brian Williamson. The book he’s been using in his ministry is called Building a Discipling Culture. One of the really helpful things in this book is the quadrant it provides for exploring the invitation-challenge model. In the context of highly supportive and highly challenging ministry, disciples are empowered. In light of the matrix below, what kind of discipling environment are you shaping?
HIGH INVITATION + HIGH CHALLENGE = EMPOWERED/DISCIPLING
HIGH INVITATION + LOW CHALLENGE = COZY/CONSUMER
LOW INVITATION + HIGH CHALLENGE = STRESSED/DISCOURAGED
LOW INVITATION + LOW CHALLENGE = BORING/APATHETIC
Using this paradigm in his church, Brian tells this story: “Not too long ago, I received an e-mail from a 60-year-old woman who is a part of The Bridge. She would say her past church experience has been spent in the “cozy” quadrant of the grid, but she is now experiencing the “high challenge” of being a part of a church calling her to intentional discipling:
You know, whenever God has me living in a place I don’t want to be in, He has me experiencing wonderful growth in Him. Thank you for serving the Lord in Somerset and leading the Bridge in what I believe is God’s preparation for His church for whatever the future in this country holds for His people. You’re on the cutting edge. Forgive me for the bad attitude I may often have with all this new-to-me way of doing church things.
Bob, this is the same resource we’ve been using to disciple people (we’re involved in a 3D Learning Community, like the Bridge).
I have to say that matrix has been one of the most helpful paradigms for helping us create the right “environment” for discipleship to happen.