DownLine Men's Summit Recap 2

This post is a workshop that was led by Matt Chandler- he was talking about the processes of discipleship- Mechanical vs Organic! I found it very interesting, and I hope you do as well!

DownLine Summit Workshop #2
Matt Chandler
Matthew 28:16 cross reference with Luke 24:50 (ascension)

"I need to tell you about Jesus, when do you wanna do that?"

Matthew 28:16-20

- You are not the pinnacle of Christian existence

- People in groups does not equate discipleship- people get in groups to watch sports, the grammy's and what not..

- Darren Patrick's book CHURCH PLANTER

Mechanical Liner Discipleship Model: A liner approach to discipleship that has at its heart a transfer of knowledge
Pros:
1. No better way to transfer information and get people to learn bible and theology
2. Historical success
3. Tons of curriculum
4. Easy to measure
5. Easy to motivate
6. Lends itself to great theology

Cons:
1. Hard to sustain- starts big, grows small
2. Lead to coldness- people who know what's right but have no idea on how to apply it to their lives, therefore they judge others who cannot apply it their lives
3. Might create the theology police
3. Lends itself primary to the mechanical, linear and mathematical types
4. Programs become very sacred

"Honor Older Saints"- Matt Chandler

Organic Model- Connect people relationally and it'll happen
Pros:
1. Seems to yield the best results, and people stick because of the authentic community- relational connection
2. Appeal to a broader group of personality types

Cons:
1. We are all sinners- if we are not intentionally maturing, we won't mature
2. It's nearly impossible to measure
3. Nearly impossible to control

What they do at the Village Church: The Greenhouse (use both of the pro sections, and avoid the cons)
1. Creating an air that celebrates life transformation and change (sanctification is progressive)
- It's okay to be okay, its just not okay to stay there. - the cross is evidence that God knew how messed up we were going to be
2. We want to create a lot of on ramps, and off ramps-
3. Keep it flexible- the mission (the holy scriptures, and the redemption of his people) of God is sacred, nothing else is.
4. A relational aspect to everything you do
5. Discipleship takes time