2027 Disciple-Making Leaders (Year-Round) Network

The purpose of this introductory session is to introduce you to the new, incoming class of 2027-2028. Our first and highest priority during this time will be to get to know one another’s story, including brief details related to education, marriage & family, spiritual life, ministry, and vital interests. In addition, you will be presented with an overview of the Network programme which has been carefully designed to address the most important ideas and best practices related to biblical discipleship. During our first day together, you will also be introduced to ELF’s Vision and Strategy and to the outstanding books you will be reading during the year. Furthermore, we will discuss this Syllabus and our Network’s Orientation document and answer the questions you have about any facet of the programme.

Biblical and Theological Foundations of Discipleship: Historically, many organisations have gradually shifted from their original vision and become something quite different in subsequent generations. The initial mission may be held in disdain, if not altogether forgotten, while the new is fully embraced and promoted. Jesus Christ, however, never abolished or modified His strategy for world evangelisation or implied that the task could be accomplished through programmes or mass evangelism alone. Any possibility of success would depend on the commitment of His followers who believe in and practice 'spiritual multiplication,' the exponential growth of the body of Christ which occurs when mature believers lead others to Christ and then disciple them until they themselves grow to maturity in Christ and are trained to effectively live out their faith before the watching world. Forming a solid biblical and theological foundation for discipleship will help us answer the question that every generation of believers must ask: 'Will my ministry be built upon pragmatic, programmatic, utilitarian, or methodological concerns or upon careful exegetical activity related to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ?' Establishing a sound biblical and theological framework for discipleship will ensure that what we do and say in the name of Christ will have lasting value and preserve His strategy for lasting fruitfulness.

Ten Primary Reasons Christians Do Not Reproduce, What is Discipleship, Clarifying Your Vision: At the start of our day, we will seek to answer the question, “Why don’t all Christians spiritually reproduce?” Following this discussion, we will ask the question, “What is discipleship?” Definitions are important and foundational to one’s worldview and lifestyle. It has been said that the word discipleship has as many definitions as there are believers. During this session we will also discuss the necessity of having a biblical foundation and vision for discipleship from which to engage in the process of investing our lives in others until they grow to spiritual maturity and begin to spiritually reproduce.

The Twelve had been well-prepared. These untrained and uneducated men had become like their Master. It is not surprising, then, that their mission was not only centered on winning the masses, but on following Jesus’ method of working with a few who, in time, would become spiritual reproducers themselves. For instance, Paul discipled Timothy and Titus; Peter trained John Mark; and John personally discipled the Christian leader and martyr, Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, and Ignatius. Ignatius, in turn, taught Irenaeus.

Jesus’ training had been so thorough and His strategy for world domination so effective, that by the end of the second century, the gospel had spread to every part of the Roman empire. Today, the gospel continues to be proclaimed around the world, and much is being done to win the masses. But we must not forget, nor ignore, Jesus’ strategy for winning the world. In this session, we will identify fifteen compelling reasons why all believers should stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us and engage in biblical discipleship.

The Benefits of Discipleship: Why should believers be involved in discipleship? What purpose does it serve? What benefits does it offer? In this session, we will discuss the most important benefits that accrue to those who participate in the discipling process.

How to Use Your Summer Wisely: There are three months between the 2027 Forum and our first webinar in September. In this session, we will consider established time management principles and some practical ways you can make the best use of your time during the summer.