COLONIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHLesson 12 introduction · Pastor Jeff
- Big Idea
- You’ve been discipled; now you’re sent. The best way to keep growing is to help someone else grow.
- Memory Verse
- “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20
- Action Step
- Put your first meeting with your “one” on the calendar, and schedule a 30-day coaching check-in with your discipler.
- Outcome
- I have an Abide Plan, a first meeting on the calendar, and a coach for the road ahead.
This isn’t the end. It’s the handoff.
The Way of JesusRead before you meet · about 5 minutes
Look back and remember
When Israel crossed the Jordan River, God told them to pile up twelve stones as a memorial, so that when their children asked, “What do these stones mean to you?” they would tell the story of what God had done (Joshua 4:6). Before you look ahead, look back. Where has God met you in these twelve sessions?
A trellis for the road ahead
A vine needs a trellis to grow upward and bear fruit. Your Abide Plan (Tool 6) is a simple trellis: a few daily, weekly, and monthly rhythms to keep you close to Jesus for the long haul. Keep it light and life-giving. Jesus said, “The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Your natural next step: make a disciple
Here is the simplest next step there is: walk through this same booklet with the person you invited. You won’t be alone. Your discipler becomes your coach. You’ll check in every few weeks, pray for each other, and talk through questions as they come up.
Not quite ready to lead? That’s okay. Choose one of these, and set a date to revisit:
- Co-lead. Go through the booklet as a threesome: you, your discipler, and a new person.
- Assist. Serve as a helper in a small group or at an Alpha table.
- Keep growing. Join an ongoing group, Foundations, or a Spiritual Formation opportunity at Colonial, and revisit leading in 90 days.
Whatever you choose, keep your Abide Plan, stay in community, and keep praying for your “one.”
When You Meetabout 60 minutes
Who leads: Share the leadership. The discipler leads the commissioning at the end.
Connect· 10 min
- Stones of remembrance. Each share two or three moments when God met you in these weeks. What has changed?
- Did you make your invitation? How did it go?
Read· 20–25 min
Read aloud: John 15:1–17
- What does “remain in Me” look like in daily life?
- What fruit have you seen in each other during these weeks?
- Jesus calls us His friends (v. 15). How has your friendship with Him grown?
- What fruit do you long to see in the next year?
Practice· 15 min
- Retake the Growth Snapshot (Tool 5) and compare it with your Start column. Celebrate growth. Name one or two priorities for the next 90 days.
- Finish your Abide Plan (Tool 6).
- Fill in your 90-Day Multiplication Plan (Tool 7), and put your first meeting and coaching check-ins on the calendar right now.
Pray & Plan· 10 min
- Commission each other. The discipler prays over the disciple (with a hand on the shoulder, if welcome), using this blessing or your own words. Then the disciple prays for the discipler.
A commissioning blessing
[Name], go in the name of Jesus. May you remain in Him and bear much fruit. May the Father who loves you keep you, the Son who called you walk with you, and the Holy Spirit who fills you give you courage. As you have freely received, freely give. Be the light.
“May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24–26)
For disciplers: Your job isn’t over; it’s changing. You’re a coach now. Put the check-ins on your calendar before you leave.
For groups: End with a celebration meal and commission each person. Ask: Who will lead the next group? Who will start a one-on-one?
Live ItThis week's action step
Put your first meeting with your “one” on the calendar, and schedule your 30-day coaching check-in with your discipler.
First meeting with
Date
My coaching check-in date
Go deeper (optional): Write a short thank-you note to your discipler (or group) naming one way God used them in your life.
Pass It Onwithin 48 hours
Give your “one” their own copy of this booklet, and tell them what these weeks have meant to you.
Five Days with Jesus10–15 minutes a day
Five days to keep going. Use R³ and your Abide Plan.
Day 1 · John 15:1–4
Remain. What helps me stay close to Jesus?
Day 2 · John 15:5–8
Fruit. What fruit do I long to see this year?
Day 3 · John 15:9–11
Joy. Where do I find joy in obeying Jesus?
Day 4 · John 15:12–17
Friends. Pray for my “one” by name.
Day 5 · Matthew 28:16–20
Go. Thank Jesus that He is with me always.
Awareness: You Are Sent
Every morning this week, before your feet hit the floor, pray: “Jesus, I’m Yours. Send me to someone today.” Then watch who He puts in your path.
Ready to Move On?
I retook the Growth Snapshot and named my next priorities.
My Abide Plan is complete.
My first meeting with my “one” and my coaching check-in are on the calendar.
When you and your discipler agree these are true, move on to the next session. If not, take another week. That’s growth too.