And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7
(This article is adapted from Cindy Anderson's excellent post found here.)
An important key to launching generations of disciples who are multiplying is to intentionally use simple tools and methods that can quickly be learned by everyone you train. To do this, you must think through each level of your disciple-making and leader training to evaluate if everything you are doing can be easily passed on to others. You must begin by carefully thinking through these three levels and consider if you are encouraging easy reproduction at each level.
1. Rapidly reproduce at the evangelism level.
We must keep our evangelism/first invitation methods extremely simple. If it can’t be done immediately by someone else with only 5-10 minutes of training, it is likely too complicated. If it requires an investment of money that many wouldn’t have, it is too expensive.
If you need to be specially gifted and trained to use that style of speaking or ministry, it won’t multiply.
This is why we discourage people from using a crusade or big healing meeting approach. This requires money, organization, and a gifted speaker to make happen.
Think about rapid multiplication in how you introduce people to Jesus so that others can learn it and pass it on to others quickly and easily.
2. Rapidly reproduce at the Discovery Bible Study level.
For the learning portion, keep it simple! Make sure everyone understands the simple process: read, repeat in own words, share what God is showing you, share how you will obey. Model this every time.
Keep the stories or passages short. You can break up longer stories into several weeks of study. Repeat, repeat, repeat and practice, practice, practice in the group.
Then quickly invite others in the group to lead so that each one in the group is learning how to facilitate a discovery Bible study.
3. Rapidly reproduce in the leadership training level.
"Some years ago I made a hard decision. I would never again teach something that my trainees couldn’t immediately turn around and teach to someone else. It was hard work and I had to significantly change my style of training. The fruit, however was good. People I trained started training others who trained others." Cindy Anderson
As you work to develop leaders, immediately assign them to train other leaders. Who are they developing?
Consider making this a requirement. If they are not willing to train someone else, maybe you should reconsider whether they are the right people to invest your time in.
If you expect this and make it part of the normal way leadership training is done, it becomes part of the movement’s DNA.
Remember that this DNA of multiplication must be in everything you do and teach and practice.
