Making True Disciples
What is discipleship all about? How do we reach out to the lost, help people come to faith, encourage spiritual growth, and equip followers of Jesus to disciple others? People gathered in Campbelltown CRC to explore what it means to make true disciples.(see more photos) There were senior members who had a real concern to pass on their faith to their children and grandchildren. There were uni students exploring what they might do to engage fellow students in the claims of Christianity. Children were there thinking how they might use an iPad to learn about what it means to love Jesus and do what the Bible says.
The Christian Reformed Churches of Australia (CRCA) is committed to growing true disciples. One of the central tasks of the church is to "equip our church members to be disciples of Christ" (read more). As a denomination we are committed to assisting church leaders and churches to engage in making true disciples. One of the key discipleship tool the CRCA has developed is an online tool the Discipleship Matrix. The Discipleship Matrix has been designed as a tool to stimulate growth in disciples. The primary use of the Discipleship Matrix is for self assessment. As persons interact with the questions and interactions outlined in The Matrix, they will be encouraged to move on in their Christian faith and life and to take the next steps toward growth. This tool can also be used by those who are discipling and/or mentoring others. Some small groups in churches are using the Discipleship Matrix as a guide for their bible studies. One church will be using the Discipleship Matrix in their upcoming church camp. The options are really endless.
While I was in Campbelltown I spoke to a person who has been attending this church for a number of years. When I explained to her what this online tool is all about and demonstrated from my smartphone how this tool can be used, she was amazed. She said to me, "This is an answer to my prayers. I have been looking for something to guide my spiritual growth. I wanted something that would be Biblical and true to the Reformed distinctives that I believe to be true. And here it is." All she had to do was open up her browser, her iPad, or her smartphone, and she was one click away from discovering areas where she could grow spiritually.
Over the next six months members of our TRAIN workgroup will be going around to all the states in Australia to rollout the Discipleship Matrix. They will explain and demonstrate how this tool can be used and how people can very simply, in the comfort of their own home, or in a cafe, on the train, or in a park -- explore how they and others can become true followers of Jesus.
I encourage you to explore the Discipleship Matrix for yourself, if you haven't done so already. (click here) Or if you want more information, do not hestitate to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
About the author
Jack De Vries was hired on by the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia and began his work as Ministry Training Coordinator in January 2008. In 2012 this role shifted to that of Ministry Development Coach.
Jack came from Canada where he pastored three Christian Reformed churches: Alliston CRC, Alliston, Ontario(1983-87), a church plant: New Life Community Church, Pickering, Ontario(1987-95), and Bethel CRC, Listowel, Ontario (1995-2007). Jack is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity - 1983) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry - 2003) Jack and his wife Jeannie currently live in Petrie, a northern suburb of Brisbane in Queensland. They attend and are members of Bray Park Community Church. They have four adult children and seven grandchildren living in the USA and Canada.
In Isaiah 58:11 we read: "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Australia has seen times of drought and floods. There is another type of drought in Australia; there is a spiritual drought. But God promises to provide refreshing rain, a never ending supply of refreshing water. The water he provides will satisfy the needs of all Australians. As we take up the missional vision God has given us we extend the life changing invitation of Jesus: "Come! Whoever is thirsty, come, and take the free gift of the water of life!" (Revelation 22:17)
