A Disciple-making program emphasizing lay evangelism among the Seventh-day Adventist churches in North Sumatra Mission

Abstract

The study is designed to address the perceived inadequate concept of disciple-making among lay members in North Sumatra Mission (NSM) of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA). The goal of the study is to suggest an appropriate intervention program to be carried out by local pastors so that the problem may be arrested. To reach this goal, the study examined the disciple-making procedures of Jesus and Paul in the New Testament. This was done to identify the basic model of disciple-making. The study reveals that a biblical disciple-making program should use the means of: (1) evanqelism, (2) nurturing, (3) establishing, and (4 ) reproducing. A converted person is not really a disciple until the stage has been reached when he/she is capable of reproducing another disciple. This understanding is consistent with the church's belief on the priesthood of all believers. The third chapter of this study chronicles the result of the survey conducted among randomly selected church members and pastors of NSM as to why fervor for disciple-making seems to have diminished, compared to the earlier church growth experience of NSM. The study suqqests three major factors for the phenomenon: (1) pastors and members have a misconception about disciple-making. (2) the role of a pastor has not been perceived to be a trainer for soul winners, but as a visiting shepherd. (3) there has been a lack of a concrete, intentional discipling program in the local church. The last section of the study suggests a concrete discipling program which may be adapted by pastors in the local churches. The design of the program is based on the discipling structure of Jesus and Paul and the present realities of the SDA churches in NSM.