Four Season of Growth How to people grow from conversion to maure Christian leadership. For each season we need to know zour goals zthe focus of teaching zthe type of group culture. Read 1 John 2:12-14 and define three phases of growth and their characteristics Based on the Focus Chart of Gene Tabor and the Philippine Navigator and Reach, Lakas-Angkan movements. © Viv Grigg, Oct 1989

Growth-Oriented Theology 1 John 2:12-14

Four Seasons of Growth

Teaching at Each of the Four Seasons

Goal for Each of the Four Seasons Disciple Basic Labourer Complete Labourer Convert Beginning Disciple

7 Characteristics of a Slum Disciple? zPuts Christ first in all areas of life (Luke 14:26-33; Matt 6:33), and separates from sin. ySpiritually ySocially (Luke 14:26) yEconomically (Luke 14:33) zThe Word of God is food and authority (John 8:31) zFellowships regularly with other believers showing love and unity (John 13:34,35) zGrowing in devotion to Christ, and developing a prayer life (John 15:7) zGrowing in Christlike character (John 15:16) zWitnessing regularly (John 15:16) zA learner, open and teachable (Matt 28:18-20)

What is a Basic Labourer? yChristlike Character xEssentially healed xFruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22,23) xHealthy marriage ySkill in Ministry xAble to lead someone to Christ xAble to disciple xAble to lead a small group and larger group xAble to teach yHeart for Ministry

Four seasons of growth in our lives and ministry…… zSecurity – We become members of a new happy family. We experience new ways of having fun and celebrating. zCommitment – Through committed relationships we become disciples or disciplined leaders in groups with authority to minister reconciliation, healing and deliverance. We bear fruit and start a second generation. zQuality – Through experience, testing, and trials, we become mature quality leaders, delegating ministries to others while mentoring and supervising a number of groups. A third generation is birthed. ( we now have grandchildren). zCalling – Apostolic and prophetic roles enable us to serve others in pioneering and establishing their ministries. Multiple families of great grandchildren are birthed….See pages “Cry of the Urban Poor”

A Typical Lifelong Pilgrimage zPhase 1: Disciplines of Word and Prayer zPhase 2: Entering into Empowerment: Experiencing signs and wonders zPhase 3: Disorientation: burnout, catastrophe, disillusionment, sickness, pain, failure, grief, marital strife etc. zPhase 4: Orientation: Integration of Gifting, success, completion zPhase 5: Return to God in the depth of your being (Silence) zThese phases also run in parallel.

Making a Timeline zDraw a line along top of page and mark yearly or 5 yearly or 10 yearly zIdentify the four seasons of growth in your lives then various seasons of maturity (Bobby Clinton, Phases 1-6) zIdentify family influences, divine encounters, foundational promises zMajor boundary events or paradigm shifts zAreas of training or mentoring, discovery of gifts zCrises, catastrophes, pain, damage zSeasons of preparation and fruitfulness zPrimary life’s work, types of leadership zAreas of character development

Group Discussion zDetermine at which season youeach are in. z Work together on a work plan for key areas of teaching for on of those seasons

Strategic Issues in Discipling zThe Purpose of Discipling yRom 8:29 yCol 1:27-29 yEph 5:27 yEveryone mature in Christ zDiscipling Damaged People yDiscipline Needed yCreate trouble, grace needed yLots of counseling time needed yHealing by Holy Spirit z Urban Poor Issues yAnger yDebt yThose who oppress yFatherless families yEnvy yDemonic activity…. z The Centrality of an Open Home