In our last couple posts we’ve been discussing what it would be like to use volunteer mission trips as intentional discipleship tools. We’ve been looking at Robert Coleman’s The Master Plan of Evangelism and how to apply it to short term missions. Coleman outlines eight methods that he says Jesus used to make disciples. In our last post, we looked at selection, association, consecration and impartation. Today we’ll wrap up the discussion by seeing how demonstration, delegation, supervision and reproduction can maximize the discipleship impact of volunteer mission teams.
Demonstration refers to the fact that Jesus showed His disciples how to live and what to do. For example, Jesus allowed the disciples to see Him conversing with the Father in prayer. People today, like in Jesus’ time, need to be shown what to do, not just told. On your mission trips, show your intentional disciple how to do things. Walk through the steps with him or her so that they can visualize it and “get it” for themselves.
Delegation was also an important part of Christ’s disciple making process. He gave His followers specific things to do. Consider what aspects of mission trip leadership could be delegated to the right person. Look for ways to involve those you are helping to grow, and then turn them loose to do it!
Supervision was evident as Jesus checked on His disciples’ progress. He listened to their ministry reports. He helped them process what was happening to them. In the same way you will want to supervise your disciple as you delegate responsibilities during your trip. Remember the saying: “People don’t do what you expect, they do what you inspect.” You don’t need to micro-manage, but you should check in with them. Rejoice with them when they experience victories. Encourage and guide them when they run into rough waters.
Reproduction was Christ’s expectation. When you think about it, it is amazing that from those original 12 disciples (and one of them turned out to be a traitor and killed himself) Christianity grew and spread around the world. That happened because disciples over the years have reproduced other disciples. Consider this challenge when it comes to mission trip leadership. What are you doing to reproduce yourself? Are you developing the next generation of leaders? Are you reproducing yourself so that ministry can expand?
Selection, association, consecration, impartation, demonstration, delegation, supervision and reproduction—they worked for Jesus and they certainly can work for us today! Consider incorporating these into all your trips and be intentional in using short term missions for discipleship. We welcome your thoughts on the subject. Please join the conversation at the discussion tab at Facebook.com/MinistryTravel or at the Ministry Travel Group on LinkedIn.