discipleship

14) The BackPage: Characteristics of Learning Leaders

I enjoyed this past issue of the International Orality Network (ION)  Newsletter. I honed in on J.O. Terry’s article about Learning Leaders. He wrote that they are generally “a peer among the listeners or people group. They may not be literate, or if literate, often are only marginally literate. It is best if learning leaders are taught or trained in the same manner they will in turn use in teaching others.” I thought about Paul’s admonition in II Timothy 2:2 and tried to imagine how we profile students that will become effective replicators of the material, behaviors, and attitudes that we’re modeling.

In fact, speaking of modeling, he added, “Modeling is very important in training. All needed teaching information must be in the lesson. Since a learning leader may be nonliterate, the lesson must be memorable for the learning leader if it must be learned orally. Simple lesson guides rich in participation activities (if culturally appropriate) are helpful. Singing is often a good way to facilitate learning and memory, though this is a cultural preference. Because the learning leader usually does not have knowledge beyond the lesson resource, question and answer activity may not be possible except for a catechism type review. In extreme cases of learning leader nonliteracy a picture illustrating the Bible story may be used to trigger recall and give focus to the lesson.” I admitted to myself that I hadn’t ever thought very deeply about how these type learners would teach others. It would be worth exploring. In that vein, Terry continued, “The learning leader must reinforce listener learning by leader repetition as needed and encouraging listener recitation. The learning leader as a peer will know intuitively how to relate to listeners with proper teaching etiquette that includes how to encourage participation among listeners and how if needed to handle incorrect responses. The use of linked or sequential lessons can reduce learning leader stress without having to introduce unrelated or unlinked new lessons. Periodic reviews by a competent teacher as well as occasional visits to a teaching venue can help to keep the Bible Storying on track and effective.”

In all of this, I realized that storying (and its methodology) was stimulating my thinking about broader discipling processes. All of which makes me wish I could go farther in my training as a storyteller — because I have a hunch that storytelling would teach me more than a bunch of stories. :-) Your thoughts? Are you able to resonate with my conclusions?

3) Discipleship Training School on a Large Yacht

Ever wanted to do a Youth With A Mission Discipleship (YWAM) Training School (DTS) but were not sure which one to do, or where?  Ever thought it would be incredible to sail around the Mediterranean in a large yacht for 4 months?  Well, you can do both by joining the next Bluewater DTS which starts on September 6, 2013 either as a trainee or as DTS staff (providing you are a YWAM DTS graduate and are prepared to do a little marine training to become trainee crew or already have STCW BST certificates). The school lasts 6 months with the outreach phase and learning to sail the 42 meter ketch is included. For details visit

http://www.ywamnextwave.org

You can download an application from this website or contact the school registrar by email at

bluewaterdtsatmarinereachdotcom

11)Seen any Icebreaker Videos that could be Saved on SD Cards?

Recently, we ran an article on developing Mobile Ministry Made Easy. Global Recordings Network is trying to expand their mobile ministry to reach the majority of people who only have access to the internet via their smart phones, iPhones or tablets. They’re searching for any web sites that provide 3-5 minute video or audio/visual clips that can be saved on a micro-SD card and inserted into a smart phone or tablet to engage people? The topics can be for initiating a conversation about religion, evangelism, discipleship, leadership development and “doing church.” From an icebreaker to a discipleship tool, mobiles are common and flexible enough to support a number of ministry approaches.

You can look at

http://m.globalrecordings.net/en

for the GRN mobile website.

2) The Multiply Movement: Platt and Chan Singing our Song

As this Brigada goes to press, I’ve just heard a sneak-peak 3-hour presentation by David Platt, author of the hot best-seller, “Radical,” and Francis Chan, author of “Crazy Love.” These guys teamed up with others to produce this streamed internet “live broadcast” and it will go live again this Saturday, Nov. 10, from Chan’s church in San Francisco. In a nutshell, these guys are claiming that they’re tired of the status quo. They say they’re not willing to stop short of anything other than radical obedience to the Great Commission. Chan begins with a kind of public repentance for how long it has taken us to fulfill the Great Commission, the Platt preaches on Matt. 28: 19-20 (and it’s a fairly good sermon, as you can imagine). During the 15-minute break in the middle of the broadcast, I called a delegation of church members in northeastern Ohio who were kind enough to watch along with me. They were definitely moved and challenged by the material. But the best part of all is that Platt and Chan have given legs to the idea. They’ve prepared a 24-lesson discipleship course so that virtually ANYONE now has a concrete plan for bringing along a friend to the foot of the Cross and beyond. In Platt’s prayer at the end of the production, he shares his heart — that they won’t quit “Until all nations know…” They’re singing our song and, if you ask me, we should get on board and back the movement. Learn more — and tune in this Saturday no matter where you are in the world (if your internet is fast enough to support real-time streaming) at…

http://www.multiplymovement.com/

 

6) Good Soil Seminars: Training for Worldview-Relevant Evang/Disc —

We’re living in a time when people have little to no knowledge of the Bible and the Christian faith, whether they are from the other side of the world or the house next door. The next Good Soil Basic Seminar will be held Oct. 26 & 27, 2011 in Harrisburg, PA.  Here you will be equipped to share God’s story of redemption as it is revealed chronologically from Genesis to Revelation, so that people can clearly understand the Gospel, sincerely embrace the Gospel, and firmly hold on to the Gospel, no matter what their starting worldview is. For more info on GoodSoil E&D and this seminar, visit…

 

http://www.GoodSoil.com

 

or email

InfoatGoodSoildotcom

8) The future of the global church is Open —

Did you know that releasing discipleship resources (like the Bible and training materials) from copyright restrictions using open licenses can greatly increase their usefulness to the global church? Find out more about what the “open” future of the global church is like by watching the short video at

 

http://www.dsmedia.org/intro

 

Check out the Door43 project that puts this idea of “open” into practice.

 

http://door43.org

 

Door43 is an open-access, web-based platform where anyone can join for free and work together with others to create, translate and distribute unrestricted discipleship resources in any language. You can think of it as something like “Wikipedia for discipleship resources” but with a strong focus on multimedia, oral cultures, mobile phone technology and quality control. Resources in Door43 can be legally used by anyone, for any ministry purpose, without needing to ask permission. You can help make this vision come true: “unrestricted discipleship resources, in every language, and on any mobile phone”.

7) Get Training to Use the Performing Arts for Missions —

The Performing Arts Discipleship Training School is a 6-month missions training course with a focus on the performing arts. If you would like to grow in your relationship with God and see the nations change through performing arts, then this is the place for you! The school includes a 3-month lecture phase in Hong Kong where you will hear teaching from experienced speakers about topics like the character of God, evangelism and missions, spiritual warfare, the performing arts and much more. This is followed by a 6-8 week outreach phase to several countries where you will share God’s love to others through the powerful tool of the arts.

 

The school starts this July 2011, so apply soon! Contact the school at

partsasiaatyahoodotcom and/or visit their website at:

 

http://www.mastersbeauty.org/

 

7) New Book by Willis/Snowden tells the “Truth that Sticks” —

NavPress has published “Truth That Sticks” by Avery T. Willis, Jr., and Mark Snowden, to address making disciples of those who might be able to read, but don’t. Today in America, half of the people won’t or don’t read that much. Avery died July 30 just as this book arrived from the printers, so it has become a legacy edition. Although the book is co-written, it is set in Avery’s voice, telling his story. Included in the book is Real Life Ministries, a church in Idaho that infused Bible Storying into their home groups with remarkable results. Learn to…

• Use Bible Storying to effectively make disciples at all levels

• Unite families by using fun methods to disciple children

• Revitalize small groups

• Develop a disciplemaking church

Order at…

http://www.navpress.com/product/9781615215317

8) Evangelistic or Disciple-making Books at Low Price —

Prayer Fellowship Intl. has published devotionals…

1. 31 Days of Meditation – Enjoy Him Forever, 72 pages.

2. No man spoke like this Man – His Words and Teachings, 112 pages.

3. 31 Days of Miracles – Enjoy His Deeds, 72 pages.

Written and Compiled by a key leader of India Missions Assn. in Hyderabad for 12 years, it’s edited by a lady from Scotland. It’s just

$1 per e-book or paperback (postage extra). For more details or sample pages, please email to

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5) Global Launch of DNA-21 Discipleship Revolution –

This new approach to discipleship is different from the dozens of other discipleship models in that it models love in community. With the Holy Spirit’s gifting and empowerment, Jesus’ plan for discipling all nations is to raise up discipleRs (Robby’s term) to multiply discipleRs who reflect Jesus in the way we disciple our families and friends in community, as the means through which He disciples His body and all nations. To see a local launch of this approach, check out…

http://reallifeministries.com/association_immersion

for a list of monthly opportunities to come experience this. At that link you can also listen to or download an excellent 20 minute overview of their model. The early registration for the August 25-27th “Global Launch” of “DNA-21 Discipleship Revolution” is July 26th. Learn more at

http://NavPress.org/DNA21

Only 150 participants will be permitted. If you want in on this, better apply *immediately*. (Thanks for the tip, Robby!)

11) The BackPage: Let’s Give Credit Where Credit is Due

humbleLately, I’ve been thinking about how cool it is to give credit to others. First, it’s the ultimate chance to practice humility (which we all need to do, by the way). Second, it encourages the other guy. And third, it lets everybody else know the truth about where we acquired the cool resource or truth that we’re sharing. People see that and they are immediately encouraged because of the unity and cooperation that is oozing out of us.

So tell me — how did it become so fashionable to be so silent about giving credit. Was it because we wanted to make ourselves look better in everybody else’s eyes? Did we somehow think it would make us look smarter? Hogwash. The ultimate wisdom of all is to recognize our own inadequacies.

So go ahead — shamelessly point out the actual source of that new idea, that new resource, or that new direction you’re heading. You’ll be glad you did. It will feel less like thievery… and more like Jesus.

6) CDTS: Be Discipled To Reach The Nations

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Lebanon, PA, USA is offering a Crossroads Discipleship Training School (CDTS) to help students grow in their faith and equip them to reach the nations with the Gospel. The school is designed for older students and families and includes a 12-week lecture phase, including topics such as hearing God’s voice, spiritual warfare, and the character of God, and a 2-month foreign outreach. They offer day care as well as a school-aged children’s program that follows the CDTS school topics and teaching. The dates of the school are June 1 – October 21, 2009. More information and/or an application can be found online at

http://www.ywampa.org/

or email:

or phone: 717.274.9010.

6) DTS: Be Discipled To Reach the Nations


Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Lebanon, PA, USA desires to equip, train, and challenge students to reach the unreached! They are offering a Discipleship Training School (DTS) to help students grow in their faith and equip them to reach the nations with the Gospel. The school includes a 12-week lecture phase, including topics such as hearing God’s voice, spiritual warfare, and the character of God, and a 2-month foreign outreach. The dates of the school are January 5-May 27, 2009. More information and/or an application can be found online at:

http://www.ywampa.org/

or call +1-717.274.9010 in the USA or email

7) New Book Escaping the Devil


Here’s a new book, “Escaping the Devil’s Bedroom: Sex trafficking, global prostitution and the Gospel’s transforming power” by Dawn Herzog Jewell. The sex industry enslaves millions of women, children and men, but churches and individual Christians are fighting back. The author weaves the stories of individual victims with a careful examination of the realities that propelled them into prostitution in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Available on

http://www.amazon.com

Contact

http://www.kregel.com or

http://lionhudson.com for discount bulk rates. Check out the author’s book blog:

http://www.escapingthedevilsbedroom.com

Seeking Sources for Audio/Video Discipleship Material

Tony recently wrote, on behalf of a friend, asking for possible sources for discipleship material — especially audio or video material — in French and/or Arabic. Apparently the friend was trying to help a new immigrant from Burkina Faso. She had spent her teenage years in Saudi Arabia as a virtual slave. She is now free, is married to an American, and is eager to learn more about her newfound Savior. Unfortunately, she has received little formal education, and is virtually illiterate. She speaks English well (and also speaks French, and a bit of Arabic) but cannot read or write beyond her letters and basic sounds. In particular, the church is seeking material that would help her understand and bridge the gap between her indoctrination as a Muslim and her new life as a Christian. Are there downloadables (MP3s) that might help her? I was thinking of all the “storying” stuff that’s being developed. If you have an idea, just click to this item on the web and leave a comment. (Feel free to leave it anonymously if you wish.) Thanks!

20060702 Brigada Today

In this issue…

  1. “PARTNERSHIPS THAT TRANSFORM” CONF: CDs/MP3s NOW AVAILABLE
  2. LINKING LITERACY AND ORAL COMMUNICATION
  3. SO BY NOW YOU MUST HAVE HEARD… CALEB PROJECT & ACMC WED
  4. CHECK OUT THE ALPHA TEST OF THE “MONITOR”
  5. THE RESULTS: WHICH CAMCORDER IS THE BEST?
  6. MORE ON LATEST GUIDANCE ON TRAVELING/CONNECTING TO THE ‘NET
  7. THE HERERO PEOPLE
  8. GET PRE & MID FIELD RUSSIAN LANG. TRAINING THIS FALL/SPRING
  9. MINISTRYHOME.ORG
  10. FREE PAPERS ON RUSSIAN YOUTH MINISTRY
  11. SPECIAL ARTICLES ON DISCIPLESHIP
  12. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
  13. THE BACKPAGE: LEARNING FROM THE HOMETOWN OF “HOOSIERS”
  14. CLOSING STUFF
  1. “PARTNERSHIPS THAT TRANSFORM” CONF: CDs/MP3s NOW AVAILABLE — The 2006 COSIM conference, held June 12-14 at the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton, Illinois, advanced the theology and practice of cross-cultural ministry partnerships. COSIM stands for Coalition on the Support of Indigenous Ministries. Speakers included: Dick Robinson: “Partnerships that transform our understanding of . . . mission, the gospel, and the world / Gary Edmonds: “From missions-TO . . . to missions-WITH” / “Faisal” — “Partnering with indigenous ministries for transformation: A non-Western perspective”. Dr. David Kasali’s address, “Will the African Church be ready?” was the high-point of the conference for many. Also, how-to workshops on: accountability — short-term mission trips for long-term transformation — assessing your cross-cultural partnerships — etc. Recordings of all sessions are now available as CD or MP3 download. Visit the COSIM web site:

    http://www.cosimnet.org

  2. LINKING LITERACY AND ORAL COMMUNICATION — Nearly 4 billion people cannot read. But what about the millions who are learning to read but continue to read too poorly to understand? There is a very simple way to help turn poor, struggling readers into good readers. It is the Talking Bible in that reader’s own language. The advent of the talking Bible now offers a wonderful new way to help poor readers become good readers. A poor reader with a talking Bible can open the printed Bible and follow the text while listening to the narration of that text in audio. The new solid state, digital Talking Bible will make it easy to select the exact passage in the printed text. Talking Bibles International says it will have its revolutionary, new solid-state, digital Talking Bible available by summer’s end. An exciting new era is dawning. For more information visit:

    http://www.talkingbibles.org or contact: info(at)talkingbibles(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

  3. SO BY NOW YOU MUST HAVE HEARD… CALEB PROJECT & ACMC WED — It’s not too late to send a wedding gift (joking). But seriously, Caleb Project and ACMC are merging. See the details at…

    http://www.calebproject.org/main.php/about_us/looking_to_the_future

    See links there for more information. We’re all on the edge of our seats to see how this will shake out in practical details.

  4. CHECK OUT THE ALPHA TEST OF THE “MONITOR” — This is a database of events, trends, analysis, statistics, photographs, reports, etc. that Justin Long, Senior Editor of Momentum, is maintaining to use to build each issue of Momentum Magazine. It is now a web-based database. Each entry has a single brief comment and a link to the website where the article is found. I’m liking this page a *lot*. You can check it out at:

    http://www.momentum-mag.org/monitor.htm

  5. THE RESULTS: WHICH CAMCORDER IS THE BEST? — [drum roll] OK, thanks too all those who gave input on the question, “Which camcorder is the best?” We’ve combed through the input, and here are some over all themes. First, as Ed pointed out, this is a market that moves fast, so it’s important to figure out your needs based on work process, the user’s technical capabilities, local servicing available, etc. He urges users to see the reviews at web sites such as (in no particular order):

    http://reviews.cnet.com/Camcorders/

    http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ **** This one in particular is great

    http://www.dvspot.com

    http://www.consumersearch.com/www/photo_and_video/ click on camcorders

    http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/camcorders/

    http://www.videomaker.com

    http://www.amazon.com

    Second, don’t assume you have to spend $3000 to get something that works for you. Bob, one of our good friends at Good News Productions (gnpi.org), recently looked at camcorders with a view toward high image quality, manual functions (for aperture, shutter, focus, white balance), ease of use for novices, external audio input, firewire port (for connection to computers), cost, and manufacture track record. Using these as our guide, we chose the Panasonic PV GS500, a 3 CCD DV tape camcorder for around $800. Interestingly, Brad, another Brigada participant, settled on a similar model, the GS-250, as his favorite.

    Bob pointed out that there are multiple options out there in terms of video recording formats (tape, disk, hard drive) and each has its own pros and cons, requiring the smart shopper to consider how and where the camcorder will be used. Also, some features that one camera user insists on having would intimidate others, as in manual controls versus total automation. Image quality ranges from small, single CCD (the image capture device) to 3 CCD models, multiple digital video formats, wide screen, high definition, and a host of other considerations in how different camcorders record the image. The bottom line is truly that you have to pay more for higher quality, so at some point the buyer has to set a limit and choose a camcorder that fits within the budget. The good news is that competition among manufacturers keeps the costs reasonable and the features constantly evolving into better bang for your buck.

  6. MORE ON LATEST GUIDANCE ON TRAVELING/CONNECTING TO THE ‘NET — We continue to feel good about using MS Outlook and a secure email account, or at least a secure webmail provider. (Thanks for giving your two cents on this, Justin.) Another Brigada participant, Todd, recently pointed to evidence that maybe Hotmail.com wasn’t so “country neutral” as was originally thought. (For example, he has personally experienced regionally targeted ads which seem country aware.) Also, don’t forget about using a web interface like Hushmail,

    http://www.hushmail.com

    which offers encryption built-in from the server… and you can install an Outlook plug-in that let’s you access your Hushmail messages via Outlook, so you can compose offline and save online minutes (which is probably going to be important if you’re connecting via a remote dial-up). Finally, whatever you use, be sure to try it out in advance. The worst time to be experimenting is when you’re on the road already, under the gun. If at all possible, try out these connections in advance.

  7. THE HERERO PEOPLE — Find these people in central and eastern Namibia in Africa. In the traditional Herero village, the village head is the link between the living members and dead ancestors of the family. He is responsible for keeping the holy fire burning at the main hut of the village. This fire symbolizes continuous contact with the deceased ancestors. In the event the fire should go out, it is a slight or insult to the ancestors and endangers the spiritual security of the offender as well as the other members of the family. If the village head should die, the living link between the village and ancestors is dead. What results is tremendous grief and mourning for long periods of time, until a new head is established. Pray for the Herero people of Namibia, that they may come to know the true intercessor for all people, Jesus Christ. Pray that they come to know the One who will never die and that they will no longer feel the grief that comes with lostness! To adopt the Herero people for prayer or for more information, click to…

    http://www.forgottenpeoples.info

    or email lynchdp(at)iafrica(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

  8. GET PRE & MID FIELD RUSSIAN LANG. TRAINING THIS FALL/SPRING — Studying at the Institute of Strategic Languages and Cultures (ISLC) (formerly Russian Language Ministries) will give you a good head start in learning the needed language and culture. Their experienced staff is called by God to equip you in the Russian language & cross-cultural skills you will need to be effective in ministry. Courses are tailored to your learning needs and offer an intensive and focused experience with, gradual effective immersion in the language, communicative learning methods & flexible duration for all programs. Their U.S. based courses are taught in an encouraging spiritual atmosphere with a focus on future ministry. Classes now forming for their 16 week fall course 2006 (Aug. 28- Dec. 15). Spring 2007 (Jan. 22 – May 11) US toll Free: 1-800-799-7976 or 1-803-333-9119. or click to

    http://www.russianlanguage.org

    or email RLMoffice(at)juno(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

  9. MINISTRYHOME.ORG — The free online social network for ministry! MinistryHome allows you to promote your ministry, raise funds, build teams and network with like-minded individuals, all for free (Note that some packages are for sale there too… but the $15/mo. cost seems reasonable.) This has the potential to radically change the way missions teams are built and resourced. Joining the MinistryHome community only takes a few minutes. For more information, visit

    http://www.MinistryHome.org

  10. FREE PAPERS ON RUSSIAN YOUTH MINISTRY — Dr. Mark Harris has made available a set of seven papers based on the research he did a few years back among Russian young people. In addition, there are four papers to help you understand Russian Baptist churches, and a few other miscellaneous papers on ministry in Russia. These are free for the downloading at

    http://www.markharris.us

  11. SPECIAL ARTICLES ON DISCIPLESHIP — Here is a whole series of discipleship articles and training materials all available on the web! Some people think of discipleship only at its beginning stages. But that is only the start! The Flow maps out the progress of discipleship from the beginning right to the end: the beginner, the intermediate and the advanced. There are even articles on how this advanced stage connects to leadership training. Also please notice BFF’s special offer. Full-time Christian workers overseas, 4 from each country can get a free BFF CD 2.2 mailed to them. See the homepage for details. The CD has many of these materials in eBook form with lots of Powerpoints, maps and handouts. Printed material can be purchased. BFF has a liberal copy policy which enables a teacher to share the materials with the ones he serves. Learn more at

    http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net

  12. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS — Thanks to the folks at Reignbridge for their gift of $50. Don’t miss their “Kids Praying for Kids” DVD… Learn more at:

    http://www.reignbridge.com

    Want to join them? Just click on “sponsor” in the top menu (to use PayPal or a credit card), or if you prefer, send a check payable to Team Expansion to: Team Expansion (Brigada secretary), 11327 Jefferson Trace Blvd., Louisville, KY 40291. As always, be sure to let us know if you’d like us to promote any particular service or ministry, or if you’d prefer your gift be anonymous. In any case, thanks for considering Brigada in your estate giving, your monthly church missions fund, and/or your own personal giving for this calendar year.

  13. THE BACKPAGE: LEARNING FROM THE HOMETOWN OF “HOOSIERS” — You’ve probably seen the 1986 movie, “Hoosiers.” If not, it’s definitely worth the rental. Sites like ESPN and the American Film Institute frequently rave about it (#4 of the “Top 20 Sports Movies of All Time”, #13 on the list of the “100 Most Inspiring Films of All Time”). USA Today found it to be the best sports movie of all time. So over these next three weeks, I’d like to draw some lessons from my personal visit to the “hometown” of Hoosiers… the place where it actually happened. (You’ll actually get more out of these entries if you’ve seen the movie, so if you don’t mind, pick it up and review it again so the lessons will be fresh. Tune in next week, once you’ve done that, for more about my visit to Milan, Indiana, where the *real* Hoosiers story begins.
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