“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”
Ephesians 4:11-12
One of the aspects of Paul’s ministry I love the most, is his constant focus on multiplication. When writing to the Ephesian church, Paul’s appeal is not that the apostle, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers DO all the work of ministry … it’s that they EQUIP people for works of service.
In the Discipleship and Leadership Development area, we’re seeking to help pastors and leaders constantly adopt a multiplication mindset – multiplying disciples, leaders and churches. Whether it be equipping pastors and churches to multiply:
- disciples through the ‘Building A Discipling Culture’ journey
- leaders through our regular Insights Monthly gathering and piloting the development of a ‘Leadership Pipelines’ in two of our churches with a view to making this available more broadly in 2023
- peace-making practices using the resources of Peacewise
- cultures that foster healthy approaches to mental health
we’re seeking to assist you in adopting Paul’s multiplication mindset.
Our multiplication mindset isn’t only for adults though. This mindset is foundational to our Children’s and Families Ministries (CaFM) and Baptist Youth Ministry (BYM). Both CaFM and BYM have held their annual state-wide camps and have seen God at work powerfully during these times. We’re looking forward to 2023 and believing these catalytic events will continue to be formative in the multiplication of disciples and leaders in emerging generations.
The presence of Christmas puddings at Coles tells me that the end of 2022 is rapidly approaching (where has the year gone?!?) and that for many of us, planning for 2023 is underway. Can I encourage you to continue to adopt Paul’s (and Jesus’) mindset as you look to further multiplying disciples, leaders and churches in 2023 and beyond.
Every blessing, Craig.
