| |
 |
| QLD Communication's Update for New Vision & Strategy:
Previous Years Developments in Our Ministry:
|
| |
Discipleship
= Forming A Soul for Eternal Impact |
QLD
PERSPECTIVE 2008 from
The DIRECTOR'S DESK 
My
Life...A Rock Thrown into the Pool of The
World Around Me!!??
There is something about a smooth,
still body of water that invites a child
to pick up a rock and toss it in. It may
be the big splash or the "curplunk" sound
which entices us to do so. I always liked
to count the ripples to see how many rings
would generate from that one event. A principal
of physics says that this momentum effect,
once initiated, continues on infinitely even
when we no longer see the ripples.
We may not see it, but our life is the rock God has thrown
into the pool of the world around me. One way or another--for
good or bad, for temporal or eternal value, whether known
or unknown--my life will have multiple ripple effects on
those I encounter. And, my ripples will last far beyond
what I see or how long I live. The momentum I create will
last for generations to come (i.e The sins of the father
are passed onto the third and fourth generations).
My Time Here on Earth...Will
Create Ripples For Eternity
We do not chose whether we will "be fishers of men
(or women)."
Any life touches others. The question is not "am I
making impact?"
Rather, it is "how am I making an impact?" The
ripples will generate from all of our lives because we
relate. And, in relating, our life is touching others,
even in ways I may never know.
Christ's invitation to discipleship was not just "He
will make us become" someone who will have impact
on others. That will happen just by showing up on planet
earth. But, it was much more strategic. He wants us "to
become fishers of men (or women)." A fisherman is
someone who has a much more focused awareness and approach
on how to impact fish. So, how do I become "a fisher
of men"
so that my life will be a rock that has the kind of ripple
effect God wants to see me have--one that will have a significant
valued eternal impact?
As simple as it seems, Christ gave us the answer to that
in two little words..."Follow Him!!" And "He
will make us become the kind of fisher of men" that
will have a ripple effect for eternity. What is going to
happen to me as I embrace this "follow Me" journey
that will change how my life has such a ripple effect?
My Ripples...What Kind
of Impact Will I Leave Behind?
 Recall
what Christ said at a strategic point in discipling
his 12 men. "What shall it profit a man if he
gains the whole world, but lose his own soul?" This
was in response to Peter's bold rebuke trying to
tell Christ where He should be leading in his own "Follow
Me"
process. "Losing his soul" had nothing to do
with Peter's salvation or "losing his spirit." It
had to do with his sanctification--what he would become
as a person or in in this case, not become by "losing
his soul" if he followed what Peter's flesh wanted
out of the relationship with God
Peter's flesh was wrapped up in his need for control. To
be led to the cross was not so much what would happen to
Christ, but rather what would happen to Peter if Christ
went this way. Peter's religious flesh "was
the energy he was expending in his life to get Christ to
do what he wanted to make Peter's life more comfortable
and convenient" (Dr. Larry Crabb's
definition of our attempt to "live the Christian life" in
our flesh.") If Peter continued "to follow"
this soulish mind set, He might "gain the whole world" (by
becoming the top dog in Christ's kingdom), but he would "screw
up" his soul and become someone who would lead others "to
become" or to live, feel, and think the same way.
My Soul...Will I Get
Behind God to Allow Him to Form Who I Become?
What is the most important thing we possess? Most Christians
would say it is NOT what we gain in possessions, position,
or power. But, why is it that we spend so much time trying "to
gain"
these things. Could it be that I, too, have the same problem
as Peter? There is something in all of us called our flesh
which wants to be in control or trust in someone else to
bring control of our existence so that we have a life that
is comfortable and convenient. And, if I continue "to
be lead" by such a fleshly soul, I might gain what
I want I think I need to get life to become comfortable
and convenient, but I will "lose my soul"
and destroy who I become.
The word "soul" Christ used in this statement
was the Greek word
"psuche" or the root word we get "psychology" from.
It refers to my personality--the essence how of I relate
through my mind, emotions and will. It is "who I am" and
what others are impacted by as I relate to them. It is
the only thing I will leave behind when I die. It is what
impacts others and forms who they become through experiences
with me. In this sense, it is the most valuable thing I
possess because it is the only thing that will produce
the ripples that go on after I die.
Deny
Myself and Pick Up My Cross Sounds Like Death-Not
Life!!
And, this is why Christ rebuked Peter
and said, "Get behind me,
Satan!! You are looking after  man's
interest and not God's interest!" Literally,
the words "get behind" were
the same words as "follow."
In others words, Peter was living in
accord to his flesh and allowing this
to lead the process of "following
God." He was trying to lead. Christ
rebuked him by saying, "No, Peter,
following means "getting behind" me
and letting me lead.
If Peter was to become a "fishers
of men" -- one who had an eternal
impact on others around him -- it would
mean that he would need to submit to
where Christ was leading. And, Christ
spelled it out, "If you want to "get
behind me" and "follow",
you must deny your selfish flesh (self-denial)
and pick up your cross (self-sacrifice)
and follow Me. Discipleship means that
we need to trust God so much (learning "who
He is"), that we will allow ourselves
to
"follow Him" regardless of
where He leads. And He will lead me to
my own painful journey to the cross in
order to crucify the flesh--the flesh
we all have which wants God to lead in
a way to make my life more comfortable
and convenient. The road to the
cross is the necessary road of death
in my life which leads to destroying
my flesh, so that my soul becomes
someone who is not out for gain (wanting
to be served), but is becoming one whom
others see, feel and know as a person
who is "serving and willing to sacrifice
oneself for the good and benefit of others."
(Mark 10:45).
What do I want God to do for me? Why
am I following Him? Is it for what I
want Him to do for me? If so, it is about
what I will gain!! But, such a relationship
causes me to "lose the value of
the soul" He wants to produce in
me that will have eternal impact. Or
am I following Him--whereever He leads--even
to the death of my own flesh because
I realize how valuable my soul is and
the impact it will have even beyond my
life!!
READ MORE: The
Illusion (Or Secret of the Kingdom of God) That Death
Brings Life
The
Death of A QLD Disciple Ripples to His Children
|
QLD
Examined for Church Discipleship Group |
JULY-SEPTEMBER
2008
QLD Disciple Spreads
The Impact of QLD on His Life.
Like Christ's disciples, I have not seen QLD and its ministry
become what I envisioned from the beginning. I had visions
of this discipleship method to spread by new groups forming
and a geometric progression would occur as Nina and I started
with impacting just a few. And these few would then start groups
to impact a few more. By now, we thought we would have a ministry
reaching "thousands" of lives.
But, one of my men in my initial discipleship group told me,
"Wayne, this ministry will grow by one life touching
another through the day to day nitty-gritty events of life."
 And,
so we have seen this to be true. One way this occurred
recently was through a QLD disciple giving witness
to how much impact this discipleship process has
had in his life. And, lo and behold, he was sharing
this with an associate pastor at a church he was
attending.
"I
have never been impacted
seeing so
much change occur in
my life apart.
QLD is not about a program, but rather a process. If
you are looking for another program to find the cure
for producing Godly Christians, you will not find
it in this.
Rather, QLD has introduced me to God's
discipleship process--a
relationship with God--that He is using to "make
me become" and changing me. It has been more
like a military boot camp experience rather than
an easy 1-2-3 step program on how to become. It has
been the hardest thing I have ever gone through in
my life...yet it is been more beneficial than anything
else. "
Associate Pastor
Can't Believe What He Hears
Guess what?? This testimony of a life touched by God's discipleship
process got this pastor's attention enough to email me after
looking at the QLD website. I have since
had a phone conference and a personal appointment with him.
Why? Because, he has confided in me that every seminar,
book, lesson and program that he has tried is not forming disciples
of Jesus Christ. Even the senior pastor has become
concerned because his preaching is not making the difference
in his congregation's individual lives.
Pray for
God to Formulate This How He Chooses
Pray with me as we continue to discuss how
QLD might be integrated into this church. The
biggest point of confusion is that I am telling
this associate that "discipleship" must
start JUST with him and a few others who are
ripe and ready for it. I will not allow this
to become a program they buy the materials
and implement with the whole church. It
will fail and die like everything else they
have tried if it becomes just a NEW PROGRAM.
QLD...Used
to Reach Others through a Business!! |
SEPTEMBER-END of
YEAR 2008
Parents...A Ripe Harvest
for Disciple Making .
Who of us had graduated from Parenting University and were
certified to become parents. I have heard it said..."The
miracle of parenting is not the parents produce adults out
of children, but that children produce adults out of parents."
One of QLD's most committed disciples has grown up in a  family
who has been in the child care industry since 1965. He, himself,
in the last two years, has opened his own facility. As Christ
told his disciples, if you are "becoming a fishers
of men" as you are engaged in My discipleship process
of "following Me," then you will become one who serves
and gives your life as a sacrifice for others (the
process ought to be producing this product). And,
Christ used at multiple times, the illustration of "how
one treats children" as a model for this kind of character
which should be the outcome of following Him.
QLD Disciple Serves
Children in Business
This is being displayed in the life of this QLD disciple. I
visit his early childhood development center -- Cornerstone
School Allen. And, I see a person who is "willing
to serve, even the least of these" -- children who need
love and attention. It impacted me and drew me back to my first
ministry position as a professional pastor -- Director of a
Child's Ministry (infancts-6h grade). Then, such a position
was only the beginning of gong up the church corporate ladder
to become a "somebody." I now realize how significant
this position is and is seen by God as the "greatest in
the kingdom."
QLD To Serve Parents
Through Business
I am investigating the
possibility of forming a partnership relationship
with this man to create early childhood centers
and use them to minister to not only the kids--but
also to use it as an avenue to disciple willing
parents. My wife and I have found through our ministry
efforts, that the most prime candidate for discipleship
is a parent who has accepted the God-given responsibility.
But, they are keenly aware of how out of control
they are and how much they need God's help to disciple
their kids.
After all, that is what parenting is -- discipling
children. And, if I don't know how to "follow
God" in my own life, how can I lead my children
to find the freedom of
what it means to "follow
God" in their own lives.
PLEASE pray with us...this could
be a wonderful way to continue to disciple those
whom God brings into our lives.
QLD
Women's Group to Finish |
Nina’s Fourth QLD
Group Continues..
This women's group started in the fall of 2005. It is approaching
the end of the discipleship journey. Two of the group members have
had to move out of state, but the remaining four will complete
the second half of the Quantum L.E.A.P. Discipleship journey, which
focuses on “Learning to Repent” (i.e. Let go of
control by “denying your unique fleshly ways and picking
up the cross allowing God to crucify or put to death such habits).
Based upon our current pace, we are looking at completion somewhere
in the spring of 2009.
Getting It Into Lives is
More Important than Getting It Over...
Most groups have not taken this long, yet each group adopts it’s
own style. That is what  is
so unique about the QLD group dynamic. They set their own pace
based upon the needs, interests and issues of the group in integrating
God’s “Follow Me” discipleship
process into their lives. Even though we are “slower” than
other groups, this QLD group is growing by the power of the Holy
Spirit and transformation is occurring in the lives of these women (see
one of these stories below). So, how long a group lasts is
not as important as how deep the process goes into the lives of
the members. Nina’s next group will start sometime after
this current group completes it’s journey. |
Disciple
Lives QLD and Dies |
APRIL-JULY 2008
from
Friendship to Discipleship Relationship ...
I have not seen many men have a "disciples'
heart" like I found in a dear friend -- Jack
Bennett, God brought Jack into my life as a friend
and fellow student when my wife and I were in a master's
program in Tennessee.
 Jack,
and his dear wife, had just been married in those days
of 1980. After Nina and I moved to Texas and Jack and Margaret
moved to Ohio, we lost track of each other. But, one Sunday
over 15 years ago, when I was on staff at Fellowship Bible
Church North, I literally ran into a man in the hall as
each of us were rounding a blind corner. It was Jack Bennett.
Neither of us had known that we both now lived in the Dallas
area.
Later, Jack got involved in a QLD discipleship group. He
continued to allow God to formulate a soft heart in his life
in spite of many deep trials he had and was going through.
Jack developed a severe case of epilepsy, affecting his ability
to work. He found himself with huge medical bills and no
income. It took him to the very precipice of just existing.
I think of the story of Job as I have walked with Jack through
such deep and long lasting trials. He and Margaret even lost
their home and had to find "Castlekeepers" jobs
just to find a shelter to lay their head. But, over the last
couple of years, God miraculously led Jack to find a position
in the booming oil and gas fields of DFW.
QLD Disciple Enjoys
A Joyous 60th Birthday ..
In April, Nina and I went to Jack's sixtieth
birthday. I was overwhelmed by the number of people who shared
story after story of how Jack had ministered to them. Each
story had a common theme--"If
Jack had not taken the time to listen to, share with me and
serve me at a critical time in my life, I would not have
been able to see God work through my own trials."
QLD
Disciple Dies A Few Weeks Later
But, just a few short weeks later, I got
a call from Margaret, Jack's wife!! I was totally shocked
when I heard her voice on the other end of the phone line, "Wayne,
Jack is with His Lord!!" My first reaction
was total shock and disbelief. Why I was just laughing
with Jack just a few days ago.
I was unaware, but Jack had been diagnosed with an
aortic aneurysm. He was being observed, but the doctors
who did not think it was that critical, Yet, one day,
he went to his office and the next thing he knew his
heart and chest felt warm and funny. They took him
to a local hospital, but when they realized he had
an aortic aneurysm, they tried to care flight him to
a bigger hospital for surgery and repair.
But, there were electrical storms in the area. So,
they had to take him by ambulance. When he arrived,
Jack was rushed to emergency surgery. But, he died
on the table before they could begin.
WHY?? You can imagine those are the questions
of many of us--especially his wife of almost 30 years. Was
it just a fluke of nature that those electrical storms came
in? If he could have been rushed to surgery faster, he would
have made it.
Wayne
Asked to Be Pallbearer
Margaret
asked me to be a pallbearer in the funeral. I was more
than honored to be a part. Yet, it was amazing to hear
the testimony of each of Jack's four children. They all
said that through this tragedy, they sensed God touching
their lives to make a renewed commitment to following God
in their lives. WHY?? Each one of them shared how Jack's
heart and soul had touched their lives in ways he himself
did not know. (The Ripple Effect
of Our Souls).
Jack...A Disciple
Who Did Become by Following
Jack never achieved fame, fortune, popularity, significant
possessions, or any position to speak of in his career.
But, one thing I know and heard, he may not have "gained
the whole world, but he did allow God to redeem his
soul (how he was becoming) through the multitude of
trials he went through. And, that very soul was having
a ripple effect for beyond
his years here on earth. He was a true disciple...Jack
had allowed God to lead him and He was on a journey
of "following God" even when it took him
through hardships he did not want or plan.
But, through
it all, Jack did "become a fisher of men." May
I allow God to lead in my life in such a way that the same
will happen.
QLD
To Be Used in Church Plant |
SEPTEMBER
2008
Couple Wanting to Plant Church
Kevin and Robin DeStefano have been long time ministry associates
and friends. Wayne and Kevin both served together as assistant
pastors at Fellowship Bible Church North in Plano, Texas. But they
both resigned their positions in the early 2000's to "follow
God" in new directions.
Kevin and Robinb found God leading them in ways they did not expect--just
as we have. Kevin wanted to plant a church in New England, but
because of a home and land they owned in the DFW area, they were
not free to leave and start such ministry. They were trusting God
to perform a miracle to free them. But, once again, He went to
sleep in the midst of the storm.
God Wanting to Disciple Before Church
Plant
In the mean time, Robin got involved in a QLD women's group with
Nina. In fact, as Nina reflects,
"This QLD group which started
over 5 years ago, was one of the most dynamic groups
I have had a privilege to be a part of. The relationship
between the members become very meaningful, and through
each member's commitment to grow in what it meant to
Follow God, we saw amazing transformation take place
in each of our lives."
God Uses Disciple to Become A Church
Plant
 Robin
was so impacted through her time engaging into God's
discipleship process, she told Nina that if and when
God would lead them to start a church plant, she would
want to use QLD as the core of their discipleship process,
And, in God's timing, after being discipled in His Follow
Me process, God has freed them from the hindrances
of the land. Lo and behold, in God's timing, a buyer came to them
and they have sold the land. Yet, the direction God is leading
is to plant a church in Rockwall-Rowlett area rather than New England.
Robin is now working with Nina to begin QLD groups with the key
people they are working with to start the church. As Robin told
Nina, "I am scared to death about doing this for the first
time." But, that is the same feeling Christ's disciples
had at the end of their discipleship journey!! He challenged them
to go and make disciples in the same way He did with them...and
He left them with this promise, "All power is given
to me, Go and make disciples... And lo I am with you even to the
end of the age."
|
"SICK"
Discipleship in the Lives of Women |
JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 2008
It is NOT Those Who Are Well Who Need A Physician
... Don't Hang Up the Stethoscope
 Remember
who said this and to whom this person was speaking. It was
the very words of the master disciple maker--Jesus Christ.
And, he was speaking to the Pharisees--the church-going crowd
who were members of the First Church of the Pharisee.
Somehow in our minds we think to become a "good" Christian
disciple we need to be good (the same mentality as the Pharisees).
But, this MASK must come off the
people whom we disciple if they are to "follow Christ" and
allow Him to make them become his "disciples."
In the same context Christ said these words, he also said, "You
can NOT put new wine into old wine skins, lest the skins burst and
the wine is lost." He was saying,
"I must blow up this mind set where you try to get yourself
well to please me through your performance. The new wine of finding "freedom"
from the law is that I will fail and find out those areas where
I am sick. I must "become sick" and realize it if I am
going to go to the physician for His healing where He can "make
me become..." The second soil in Mark 4 describes this response.
I need to go through this response where I "fall
away" or get trapped in the areas of our flesh. As Paul
said in Romans 8,
"It is necessary to experience
death in any area of my life I allow myself to walk in the flesh
...death and sickness are necessary stages to expose what is wrong
so that I will seek and find life and health. Failure is necessary
to find success. I fall down and skin my kness in the process of
learning to ride a bike. I need to feel the pain of sickness if I
have a bug inside me--otherwise I will not go to the docotor's office
for the healing I need. It is how we grow and become healthy and
mature in any area of our life.
We are seeing this happening as this group has bonded together to
not only encourage each other in our TRUST walk
with Christ, but also to TRUST one another. This
is being demonstrated as our groups are able to be real and open,
even in areas we are not "measuring up" to God's standard.
Can we accept one another in the middle of learning to "Follow
God" where we are failing in any one area which we have grown
and developed habits to trust in our flesh.
It is NOT The Outside of the Cup That
Counts...Don't Just Clean the Outside
God has used an amazing experience in the life of one of our members.
She is a young, but  committed
disciple...wanting to embrace God's "follow
me" process in her life. Yet, she has stumbled along the
way, causing her to become pregnant out of wedlock. God is using
this area where she is evidently not well. Yet, through failure,
it has caused her to see and understand areas where she is "sick"
and needs the one and only "physician" which can "make
her become well" if she follows God through this difficult time.
And, she is!!
But, just as significantly, other members of this group are being
challenged in their lives in how they see similiar flesh issues in
their lives. Oh, many of us have never become pregnant out of wedlock.
But, that doesn't mean we are "well" in that area. Flesh
is what is unclean in our hearts and yet the same flesh may manifest
itself on the outside in different ways. So what we consider
as UNCLEAN on the OUTSIDE is not the issue. God is about cleaning
the inside so that change occurs from the INSIDE OUT (READ:
Inside Out by Larry Crabb -- one of the most significant
books written apart from the Bible itself) |
©
Christian Media Communications...All information
and materials on this website
are copyrighted and may not be used in any form or way without permission.
|
|
|
 |
