How did Jesus train His disciples in outreach? Here’s a hint, it did not include a seminary education or a 16 week DVD series. His technique was simple and powerful. It was so basic than every church leader today can follow.
As Jesus began His public ministry, He called people to follow Him. Those who heeded the call had the privilege of traveling with Jesus and observed His perfect love and life-giving message. But then we read in the Gospels that Jesus turned and gave a homework assignment to His students. “Summoning His 12 disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness… Jesus sent out these 12 after giving them instructions… As you go, announce this: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, drive out demons.” (Matthew 10:1,5,7- 8)
So how did Jesus train His followers for outreach?
1. Jesus modeled effective outreach. He did not call His followers to do anything in which He was not personally engaged. They were to simply continue the lifestyle and methods that Jesus had been using to share the Gospel with others.
– Training for outreach today begins with the same practice. Leaders must model what they want followers to do. Their habits are a living classroom. A leader with a zeal for outreach and prudence in his or her methods will mentor others to do likewise.
2. Jesus gave them authority. He performed acts of kindness and compassion by healing the sick and afflicted. This gave validity to His message of eternal hope. This was a tool that He also imparted to His disciples for this season of outreach.
– What is our authority today? It comes from two great resources for discipleship and evangelism: the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The message of Christ is validated when lost people see the miracle of life-change in us. Even strangers notice our kindness and integrity. If we walk with the Spirit, then the effect will be no different than if someone healed the blind, sick, or deaf. Leaders can (and should) provide accountability and encouragement for fellow Christians, as we are on this faith journey together.
3. Jesus gave them a specific target for which to aim. The time to reach the Gentiles had not yet arrived. They were given specific instructions about who to reach.
– Our outreach target today is where God has placed us. We are missionaries to whatever place and circumstances our feet occupy at any moment. If there are people available to meet and talk to at any given time, then no further invitation is needed. Leaders can help others learn how to maximize every moment and opportunity to share the Gospel with effectiveness.
Sound simple enough? Reaching others for Christ is simple, but it is not easy. In Part 2, we will look at the warnings and encouragement that the Lord offers His followers before they embarked on this first outreach endeavor.
Shepherding Well 