Class Orientation

Orientation Day: This is not information-based discipleship like most other programs. Instead, this is obedience-based discipleship training. Teaching focuses on understanding information. Training focuses on developing wisdom through experience. This involves repeatedly practicing until you develop some skill at something, then setting a GOAL to go out into the real world and do what you practiced.

This is not an intellectual exercise. It directly challenges your will to serve and obey the Lord. When you return, the trainer will discuss with you what you did, who you did it with, and what you think you can do better to improve. At the end of this course there is an exam over the material. Those who pass the exam will receive certification...

Certification: After you complete all the assignments and pass the exam, your name will be added to the register of certified graduates. This is not an ordination or license to do ministry. This is a valuable certification that churches and ministries can see to verify you have successfully completed this training. You can put this certification on your resume to help you get a position with or financial support from a mission-minded ministry or church.

Opening Each Class: We will open each class with everyone reciting the Vision Statement on the back of the workbook. Be sure to say it like you mean it. Then we will open in prayer. The most effective group size is three to twelve. The group time should be organized in three parts: Look Back, Look Up, and Look Forward.

Look Back (approximately 20-minutes): The Look Back is a time for care and accountability. Check attendance, ask about the student’s week, and check workbooks to make sure they did the written homework. Then ask each student to briefly describe their experience doing the things they were trained to do. After Looking Back over their homework, turn to the new lesson in the workbook.

Look Up (approximately 40-minutes): The Look Up is a time for learning the new lesson. Briefly explain the information covering the What, Why, and How of the new lesson. If the new lesson is a Bible study, complete the Say/Teach/Do within 30-minutes.

Remember, this is not a teaching ministry, but an equipping ministry. This kind of learning comes from obedience, experiencing the Spirit's leadership, resulting in wisdom and maturity. Once a little bit of understanding is reached, the trainer should transition the group to the Look Forward portion of the group time.

Look Forward (approximately 30-minutes): The Look Forward is a time for setting a GOAL and practicing the application of the new lesson. This is the main part of the equipping ministry. Guide the students to set specific personal goals based on the lesson.

After setting a goal based on the lesson, the trainer should first give a physical demonstration of how to do the application, then encourage the students to practice it by roleplaying with each other. While the students are practicing, the trainer should help them do it better. After the students practice several times, they should be able to do it with minor difficulties. At that point, the trainer should stop helping the students and silently watch them practice, then give them some godly feedback, telling them what they are doing right and how they can do better. This is equipping them for the work of service (Eph 4:11-12).

Finally, the trainer should praise the group and cast vision for them about how their obedience to God’s Word will have a ripple effect impacting individuals, the community, and the world for the glory of God. This is the kind of lifestyle God uses to advance His Kingdom.

Closing Each Class: At the end of each class, everyone should join together again to recite the Vision Statement and prayer. Opening and closing like this will help form a bond within the community.

This is the first in a series of four training manuals. Each manual is a call to more responsibility in the discipleship process. You will grow in your relationship with Christ, in knowledge, in experience, in wisdom, and maturity as you work through each step in obedience to Christ as Lord. This discipleship course helps Christians grow from new believers into mature servants of the Lord. This is an essential training program for missionaries around the world.

This course may be taught as a formal class in a classroom, online, or in the mission field. Whether it is done in a formal or informal setting, the most effective way to do discipleship is in a group so that believers can help one another learn, grow, and change (2 Timothy 2:22).

Seed Sower: This picture shows seeds scattered everywhere. It symbolizes how you will learn to share the love of God and the gospel of salvation with other people. As a seed sower, you will learn nine essential things you need to become an effective disciple of Jesus Christ.

• Your new identity
• The will of God
• Be filled with Holy Spirit
• The Great Commission
• Start a ministry
• Share the gospel
• Minister to the lost
• Be a blessing to others
• Help others grow spiritually