The Ministry of Introduction - Discipleship

I recently gathered with some fellow pastors and we discussed the topic of discipleship. As a leader I was challenged and encouraged.  I left the gathering with many good thoughts and one that I really resonate with is the idea of the Ministry of Introduction - that we as followers of Jesus Christ and the church have been given the opportunity to introduce others to God and one another. This Ministry of Introduction was mentioned briefly and was discovered while one of the pastors was in Seminary and had the privilege to learn from Dr. Wayne Oates. We did not get to fully flesh out the concept introduced to him by Wayne Oates and yet I really like this idea of the Ministry of Introduction...

The Ministry of Introduction - Introducing people to God
Welcoming people into an experience of the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ should be the heartbeat of every church. As followers of Jesus Christ and as a local Church we are to introduce people to the hope we have in Jesus Christ. We are to share the Good News of God's redemption with others and introduce them into a relationship with the one and only God who loves them, gave His life for them and desires to live in and through them.

The Ministry of Introduction - Introducing people to one another
The Ministry of Introduction also includes introducing people to one another. Christianity is about a relationship with God and a relationship with others. The church is God's people. As followers who are seeking to make disciples one key way for this to happen is for us to be "one another introducers". Churches should encourage people to build relationships designed to spur one another on in their walk with God and with one another. Making Disciples involves introducing people to one another and helping people connect with one another so that they can experience many of the one another found in Scripture and be built up in their faith walk so that they will be more apt live out the ministry of introducing others to God and His Good News in Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:1-12

The Ministry of Introduction - Introducing people to the Mission of God
God is moving all around us and as followers of the Way we have the wonderful opportunity to be involved in His redemptive work as we serve in a local church, as we serve with a local church and as we offer ourselves to God and allow Him to do His work in us and through us on a daily basis in our everyday lives - in our families, homes, friendships, acquaintances, places of employment, etc. As we introduce others to opportunities to serve in a church ministry, or be involved in a community activity, a mission trip, or mission weekend, any opportunity that allows them to move beyond themselves and into God plan or redemption we are potentially helping them grow in their walk with God and others. Followers of Jesus Christ are to serve others and share Christ with others and introducing others into the mission of God allows people and opportunity to be involved in serving and sharing.

The Ministry of Introduction - I am thankful
In no way is the Ministry of Introduction completely fleshed out in the brief thoughts above and yet I am thankful for this concept being mentioned briefly in our discussion about making disciples or discipleship. I am even more thankful that some followers of Jesus Christ practiced the Ministry of Introduction with me and introduced me to a relationship with God, a relationship with others and opportunities to be involved in God's mission of bringing people to Himself. Their Ministry of Introduction led me to become a follower of Jesus Christ and has given me the wonderful experience to be involved in the Ministry of Introduction. May we as followers of Jesus Christ make disciples as we live the Ministry of Introduction.