12. Multiply Every Year and Pass On the Same DNA
12. Multiply Every Year, and Pass On the Same DNA
The people around your table could help another household discover Jesus. And that household could help another.
Picture families praying together. Neighbors discovering Jesus. People forgiving one another, meeting needs, and learning to share their faith. Now picture that life spreading from one household to the next. That is the vision we have been building toward.
Jesus said: “Go, and make disciples of all nations…”, Matthew 28:19, WEB
Paul told Timothy: “The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”, 2 Timothy 2:2, WEB
Receive it. Live it. Help others do the same.
One Household Helps Another
Imagine David and Ruth in your house-to-house church. They love Jesus. They are learning to obey Him. Their church has become a spiritual family that prays, eats together, shares the gospel, and cares for people. Together, they embrace a goal: each adult family unit helps establish at least one new church every year. Single adults participate too.
David and Ruth pray for their neighbors, Samuel and Grace. Samuel welcomes them and invites his family to explore stories about Jesus. David and Ruth model a 3/3rds Discovery Bible Study and help the new group take turns facilitating. They model, assist, watch, and release responsibility while remaining part of their original church. Once the new group can lead its own gatherings, David and Ruth step back and continue coaching Samuel and Grace.
Week by week, the new household discovers Jesus, puts His words into practice, and shares what they learn. They grow in love for Him and for one another. When they are ready, they discuss Acts 2 through a 3/3rds Discovery Bible Study and commit to functioning as a church.
Then Samuel and Grace, and each of the other adult family units in their new church, help another household begin the same journey. The same process begins around another table, with the same goal of multiplying every year.
Carry the Same DNA
Every new household follows the same journey: discover Jesus, love Him, obey His Word, and commit to functioning as an Acts 2 church. Together, they practice all ten functions:
Commit to being a church.
Baptize those who come to faith in Jesus.
Learn and obey the Bible.
Remember Jesus with the bread and cup.
Fellowship, share life and love one another.
Give generously and minister to people’s needs.
Pray together and individually.
Praise God.
Tell people about Jesus.
Develop and equip leaders.
This is the life we want every new church to experience, and pass on. As they grow, each adult family unit embraces the same goal: help establish at least one new church every year, carrying this same DNA. The annual goal gives each family unit something concrete to pray and work toward. We depend on God as we take faithful steps.
You do not need to reach every household yourself. Help one household learn to help another. Model it. Practice it together. Help others take responsibility. Encourage them when they struggle. Celebrate their steps of faith. Continue coaching as they help another household begin. The people you help may reach people you will never meet.
Who Is Your Next Household?
At your next gathering, ask: Whom are we helping, and what is our next step? Review your annual multiplication goal. Name the people you are praying for. Decide what you will do next and who needs coaching. Perhaps your next step is a visit, an invitation, or helping someone lead their first Bible discussion. Take that step together.
Will the next church know how to help another household repeat what you helped it learn?
This series began with a simple possibility: ordinary people gathering around a table to love and obey Jesus. Now it is your turn to carry that possibility forward. One household. Then another. Then another. Imagine the people who could come to know Jesus because you began.
Ordinary People. Extraordinary Movements.
Want to go further?
All ten Zúme discipleship lessons are on my site, free, with the videos and teaching notes I use to train leaders. Learn on your own, with friends, or live with me on Zoom. When you finish, tell me and I will coach you personally.
Start the ten lessons: https://internationalafricanmobilization.com/training/terrys-zume-teaching-series/
Join a live training – https://zume.training/join-a-training
Your gift would be tax deductible and overseen by Northside Christian Church, our sending church. There are many we coach that could use encouragement in small ways to accomplish great things.
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