4. Fertilising the Soil
We know that the growth of the seed is very dependent on the fertilisation of the soil. I grew up in the Free State where a lot of mealie crops are planted. Sometimes in the fertilisation process, a patch of mealies is overlooked. This only becomes noticeable, as the mealies are about 1 metre high. By the time the mealies are fully grown it is very noticeable. Compared to the rest, this patch appears diseased. Likewise, in a church, when the congregation is well fed, it is noticeable or rather it is more noticeable when it is not well fed. 4.1 TEACHING New believers and members must be well established in the Word of God otherwise they could become malnourished or fall prey to false doctrines. It is important that every believer is well established. There are two levels of teaching: the "milk" level and the "meat" level. It is important that new converts get regular "milk" but they must eventually move to the "meat" of the Word. 1 Corinthians 3:2 "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." Hebrews 5:12-13 "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness." 1 Peter 2:2 "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…" What are the foundational doctrines that should be taught? Issues like baptism, communion, tithing, the Body of Christ, the Holy Spirit, hearing the voice of God, the Fatherhood of God, and End-times, should be taught from day one. 4.2 DISCIPLESHIP Teaching must result in discipleship. Paul said to Timothy, "…and the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." (2 Timothy 2.2) NIV Once again, this is where cells come in very handy. It is geared toward discipleship. Remember, discipleship can never be done in a classroom situation. Discipleship is done through mentoring. Let me give you an illustration from a typically cell-based church. Once you join one of their home cells, you start being discipled. There are four equipping steps you go through. Each of these steps is outlined in a booklet, which is used to mentor you. After each booklet there is a weekend (Friday evening and Saturday) experience.
The equipping booklets may contain the following subjects: Welcome to your new family Salvation What is sin? Water baptism Beginning your relationship with God Building your relationship with your new family Growing in God's Word Prayer – Your vital communication with God Forgiveness The Lord's Supper The Lordship of Christ Our Statement of Faith Verification of completion and conclusion Spiritual Victory Spirit, Soul and Body The Mind the battleground Identifying strongholds The role of the Holy Spirit Spiritual Baggage (Hindrances) Establishing Kingdom values Your place in God's family Verification Reaching the Lost Steps in Soul Winning Types of Evangelism "Oikos" Connections My Personal Testimony Salvation plan for man Verification of completion and conclusion Developing your Leadership Potential The substance of discipleship The Timothy/Titus qualifications Responding to the call of God Levels of Leadership Leadership Characteristics A Successful leader will lead… Keys of Leadership Verification of completion and conclusion New converts can never be discipled through attending church services. Just like a new baby needs constant care so a new convert needs constant help in growing up to be a mature disciple.
New Christians go through a lot of struggles as they transition into a new lifestyle. Here are a few suggestions taken from the Omega Course compiled by the Alliance for Saturation Church Planting: "DEALING WITH THE SOURCES OF SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE"
THE PROBLEM
WHAT THEY NEED
They fail to understand some key biblical truth. Perhaps the person fails because he understands neither God, nor God's purpose for him because he doesn't understand what true faith is, nor how to live by faith, because he doesn't understand the hope he has in Christ. Perhaps he doesn't understand God's provision for him in Christ, and in Christ's Body, because he doesn't understand Christ's love for him, nor what it means to truly love God and others, or because he doesn't understand what it means to be part of the Body of Christ, etc.
Correction and instruction which clearly communicates the biblical truth they fail to understand and how it applies to their lives. Opportunities to study the Scripture in greater depth.
Encouragement to become students of the
Word and instruction in the necessary skills.
Opportunities to observe people who demonstrate the meaning of that truth in their own lives.
Encouragement to apply what they are
They don't know how to do what is needed. They are not sure what to do or how to do it. Perhaps it has to do with their personal walk with God (for example: pray, study the Bible, have a quiet time, etc.). Or, perhaps it has to do with practical ministry to others (for example: teach, encourage, lead a family devotional, give a personal testimony, share the Gospel with an unbeliever, etc.).
learning. Opportunities to observe people who are doing what is required.
Instruction and practical training in the required skills.
If needed, help in developing a practical strategy to do what is needed.
Appropriate opportunities to practice what they are learning, with helpful feedback.
Practical advice and support as they
develop confidence and skill.
The Church Planting
Process
5. Watering the Soil