Philosophy

In 1 Timothy 4:11-16, Paul instructs his apprentice Timothy in a strategy for multiplying disciples. This strategy is the supreme mission Jesus gave all believers (Matt. 28:19). Paul urged Timothy to devote his time to reading, preaching and teaching the Word. He directed Timothy to live an exemplary life and to use the gifts God gave him for the benefit of himself and the ones he was to disciple. By following these instructions, Timothy's growth in discipleship (his becoming more Christ-like) would be evident to everyone.

Paul adopted the same strategy Jesus taught the 12 apostles. Jesus called disciples to follow him. Jesus selected a few untrained and un-remarkable fishermen to start the multiplication process. After three short years of instruction the future of the church was placed in their hands. Following his death, burial and resurrection, Jesus sent the apostles to the ends of the earth to multiply themselves and build Christ's church. During His three years of ministry on Earth Jesus employed the following strategy:

• He gave his disciples INFORMATION teaching them about...
  a. the nature of God's Kingdom (Mark 4:21-34);
  b. the need for spiritual healing and freedom from the bondage of sin (John 3:5-18); and
  c. the ways His disciples would be distinguished from other people (John 13:35-35).
   
• He also consistently demonstrated APPLICATION of his teachings. He involved His disciples in ministry from the beginning, having them serve with Him as he traveled from town to town. (EX: Sending of the 70 disciples in Luke 10:1-20.) While their training wasn't complete, Jesus had the disciples apply what they had learned to that point.
   
• Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus unleashed His disciples to begin the process of DUPLICATION. Jesus expected duplication from the disciples so that God's Kingdom would grow from a tiny mustard seed to a large tree spreading out over the world. The rapid expansion of the church occurred through multiplication, not addition. Therefore, Jesus expects every believer to make disciples who are able to make disciples themselves (Matt. 28:19).

In order to fulfill the Great Commission (making disciples who are multiplying themselves), we must follow Jesus' entire directive. We intentionally share the Gospel to win converts, but the commission does not stop at the baptismal waters. We must equip every disciple to obey all that Jesus commands. As the Education Team of First Baptist Church remains obedient to our calling as pastors and teachers, we commit to "the training of the saints in the work of the ministry, to build up the body of Christ..." (Eph. 4:12).

This Team, therefore, commits to holding ourselves and all believers under our care to a high level of expectation and accountability in the disciple-making process. Through the Timothy Initiative, we believe God will use this strategic process of INFORMATION, APPLICATION, and DUPLICATION to grow His Kingdom and grow His children in such a way that "your progress may be evident to all" (1 Tim. 4:16).

"We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ" (Col. 1:28).

First Baptist Church Hendersonville, Adult Ministry Team