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AGAPE in AFRICA MINISTRIES

Raising Sons in The Kingdom: Adding value to leader’s lives by

Observation;Consociation;Imitation;Continuation Jesus started a global movement through the lives of 11 men (one was added later by the eleven). He started this global movement by impacting the lives of 11 men. His foremost reason for coming to this world was, to demonstrate how to live in a RELATIONSHIP with The (His) Father. Through His togetherness (with-ness) with His disciples, He was able to ADD VALUE to their lives, and CREATES for them a future in ministry. In Math 20:28, Jesus gives us a clear Mission Statement about His coming to earth; “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (NKJV). Firstly, He came NOT to serve the people or this world, BUT His Father in Heaven. Over and over Jesus says that He only does what His Father tells and shows Him to do (Read John 5; 8). This was the FIRST part of His Mission. This is the main topic of this discussion. Secondly, He came to die so that the whole of humanity could be reconciled in their relationship with the Creator. Observation: Jesus added value to these chosen men, by Observation, Consociation, Imitation and of course the Continuation of this global movement, was of ABSOLUTE importance to Him. Now, Jesus said that exactly what He did we must do also. We cannot die to accomplish reconciliation, because He already did that and ONLY He could do that. However, He said “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of this age.” (Math 28:19,20). If we desire to enjoy the presence and company of Jesus, then we MUST obey Him, in this commandment. The point I want to make is that we have moved away from this commandment and through tradition we have interpreted this as just going and preaching the Gospel. We make converts, but we are NOT maturing them so that they in turn can become life changers, like what Jesus did with His twelve men. We make children (spiritual babies) of God, but we do not know how to father these children. We are NOT prepared to enter into this LIFE CHANGING RELATIONSHIP; to enable us to do what Jesus did with his eleven. This is one of the reasons, I believe, that we are not CONTINUING this global movement as we should.

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Jesus was NOT interested in the masses. His ONLY concern was the chosen group whom The Father gave to Him to change and impart to them, everything He received from The Father (Math 13:10.11; John17: 6). Jesus showed a preference for Galilean fisherman. Simon Peter, his brother Andrew, John and James (sons of Zebedee), Nathanael, Thomas. These Galilean men were used to hard work, prepared to take risks, inclined to perseverance and experienced in teamwork (Luke 5: 7,9,10) So we have seen that Jesus went after simple men, who were open minded, energetic and easy to motivate. Men, who had graduated from the hard and practical school of real life. The first fourteen months these men only observed and watched, how Jesus was working. This observation was in fact part of their training. Since the time that Jesus invited them to “come and see” (John1:39), after they asked Him where He was staying, He wanted them to receive understanding, convince themselves, gain first-hand experience and thus learned as they witnessed His life-style, words and actions. As a leader Jesus sought to influence a specific group of people towards God’s purposes. His desire was to raise up qualified leaders who could serve as catalysts for the release of people’s latent spiritual capacity for the things of God. To secure this end, a nucleus of certain men would be His method. Jesus had a clear plan of action. Mark recorded it in the words, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). Jesus knew that the success or failure of His mission would depend on the selection of the right men. Thus He took the initiative in calling men to become followers (Math 4:19; 4:21; 9:9), a step which did not follow in rabbinic tradition as the fact that He called them to follow not just His teaching but Him as a person (Mark 1:17; John 1:43). Jesus did not merely recruit them for their intellectual benefit or for a task; He recruited them for a relationship. Consociation (Togetherness): Jesus sensed the time had come that He had to decide on a smaller group of possible candidates, to become His full-time companions. He “called to him those he wanted” (Mark 3:13). This indicated that He took the initiative, and that He sovereignly reserved the right to himself to handpick these men, whom He wanted to train to first assist and later to continue His global movement. When we study the ages of these men whom Jesus called to himself, we discover that all of them were fairly young. Simon Peter was the only married person in the group. Bearing in mind that the marriageable age for men was eighteen. One author described, “Christianity began as a young people’s movement” (JS Stewart; ‘Life and Teaching’). Of course when Jesus called them, the focus was not so much on who they were, but who they could become under His leadership and influence. Totally convinced that God, the Father, had entrusted to his care these very Twelve, Jesus embarked on their training with confidence, single-minded determination and a clear strategy. The key principle of Jesus’ approach was, “that they might be with Him” (Mark 3:14). From this time on these newly appointed disciples were with Jesus, wherever he went. They were with Him when they ate and drank, in the Temple, the synagogue, at the Sea of Galilee, at a wedding, a funeral, visiting friends, sick people, dealing with religious leaders, outcasts,

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Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor. They heard Him pray, preach, heal and minister deliverance. They experienced Jesus in public, private, joyful, saddened, thirsty and even when He was tired. Jesus opened up to them in countless occasions in CONSOCIATION (togetherness). Jesus had no formal curriculum, but regarded this consociation as the most ideal for sharing His life with them. Instead of teaching them abstract doctrines and religious regulations, He allowed them rather to catch these truths through experience and sharing of His life. He desired them to become so saturated with the influence arising from His example and teaching, His attitudes, actions and anointing, that every single area of their lives would be impacted towards likeness to Himself (Math 10:25). The totality of shared life experiences made up the disciple’s classroom, and their teacher’s words were only needed to further clarify and explain the lessons already gained from His life. With consociation as the heart and the secret of The Master’s training method, it is not surprising to observe that Jesus not only spent a lot of time with His disciples. The Gospels mention ‘being with Jesus’ not just in connection with certain activities, but for them it became a way of life, so that the Mater could train them. This togetherness was more than a pedagogical (training) principle; it formed the foundation of their relationship. The earlier experiences of Jesus in His parent’s godly home, and the carpentry workshop, taught him to understand, appreciate and develop meaningful interpersonal relationships. Jesus was strongly people-oriented and regarded his relationship with the twelve as a matter of HIGHEST PRIORITY. He made himself more readily available to the twelve than anyone else (Mark 9:30,31), made sure they understand his teachings and mission (Mark 4:34; Math 16: 21) and exercised patience with their slow growth (Mark 8:17-21). He displayed great concern on their behalf, told them he longed for their fellowship (Luke 22:15) and committed to them in intercession (John 17:6-19; Luke 22: 31,32). There is however, one area that needs more understanding and that is Jesus’ intimate communication with the twelve. T.W. Manson made the noteworthy discovery that the language Jesus used with the Twelve showed certain unique characteristics. The word ‘disciple’ is found in the Gospels 225 times, with reference to Jesus’ followers, while He himself addressed the Twelve directly in this way on only two occasions (John 13:35; 15:8). Jesus did not called them his disciples, like the preference we find in the four Gospels – WHY? Jesus rather favoured to call them “my brothers” (Math 12:49; 28:10; John 20:17), “children” (Mark 10:24), “my children” (John 13:33), “friends” (John 15:15; 21:5), “my friends” (Luke 12:4; John 15:14). The Greek text of the Gospel records shows that Jesus used two different words for “friend”, ‘philos’ and ‘hetairos’. The first being an affectionate term, the second pointing to “comrade” or “partner”. When talking to the Twelve he always used ‘philos’, but he used ‘hetairos’ when he spoke to Judas at the moment of betrayal (Math 26:50). In studying the different ways in which Jesus addressed his followers, it indicates close fellowship, intimacy, heart bonding, etc. Jesus purposely did not use the term ‘disciple’, because of being misinterpreted along the lines of the rabbinic connotations, which referred more to intellectual rather than RELATIONAL importance. Jesus did not go around establishing an intellectual academy, or teaching information, but HE WENT AROUND

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ESTABLISHING A FELLOWSHIP; he focused on making friends and later on sending out apostles (Mark 3:14). This strong emphasis on relationship was, His theology of leadership. Jesus’ view of spiritual leadership essential centred around “the truth of God’s fatherhood” as “the inspiring and ruling thought in all His work”. Jesus’ intimate and affectionate address of GOD as “Abba” (Aramaic for ‘My Father’, ‘Daddy’), was totally unknown and unheard of in rabbinic tradition. It was a real desire of Jesus to reflect the quality of his relationship with his Father in heaven with his followers on earth (John 15:9). He regarded this relationship as a vital element of his mission to display the Father to them through his life (John 14: 8-12). With God as the Father of all men continually before his eyes, it was only natural for Jesus Christ to envisage his followers as brothers and to set the stage for his planned leadership training on the basis of CONSOCIATION. Jesus was acquainted with a number of groups and movements in the Jewish society. The various forms of teaching and transferring information. Jesus gave preference to the rabbinic tutoring pattern as a model for training the Twelve. However, while he used the outer form, he changed the inner content radically. Different to rabbinic tradition, Jesus took the initiative in calling his followers unto him, and claimed the right to be their only teacher. He did not prepare them for ordination, but to bring forth much spiritual fruit, not for a career of public recognition, but to deny themselves. Working for him, would require a willingness to suffer. The challenge was a lifelong commitment. Jesus was binding them to himself through a strong relationship. Jesus’ favourite term was ‘to follow’ (Greek: akoloutheo) him as Master (Math 10:38; 19:28; Mark 2:4; 8:34; Luke 9:59; 18:22; John 1:43; 21:19,22). Jesus viewed discipling as life changing through the channel of relationship, and not merely as transferring information or theoretical precepts. This is why he never spoke of the abstract concept of ‘discipleship’. Jesus opted for a team strategy. Mark 3:13,14 describes how He called a team together. This decision brought certain group dynamics to the fore which He took advantage of. A team provides a sense of belonging and security, facilitates mutual encouragement, stimulation and challenge. Within a group of like-minded persons it is easier to keep a vision alive, maintain motivation and commitment, smooth away character edges and compensate for one another’s weaknesses. Group support enhances performance, producing better results through co-operation than would be achievable through single endeavours (Eccl 4: 9-12; Lev 26:8). The precise objective of starting a worldwide movement for the expansion of the Kingdom of God, Jesus had a clear agenda, which helped Him to exclude unproductive undertakings (man made religions). Jesus’ strategy was to provide qualified leadership for this coming movement, through discipling based on CONSOCIATION. For His Twelve hand-picked candidates Jesus had the desire that, they were to learn, in the privacy of an intimate daily fellowship with their Master, what they should BE, DO, BELIEVE and TEACH, as His witnesses and AMBASSADORS to the world. Jesus summed up this very purpose when He said to the Twelve “you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning” (John 15:27). These words express His

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utter confidence in the validity and efficiency of the CONSOCIATIONAL DISCIPLING MODEL employed under His leadership. The Sanhedrin confirmed this fact so strikingly when they commented, after their encounter with the Twelve, “took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). IMITATION: Jesus wanted His followers to receive quality preparation for their future task of “fishers of men”, He therefore kept the number small enough to assure the effectiveness of the procedure He had in mind. The close relationship with the Twelve was the cornerstone of their training. He therefore avoided addressing them with the technical term “disciples”, because they were not academic scholars, like the rabbinic tradition of His time. He preferred calling them friends, to bind them to Him in a life-sharing experience. The formative effect, which Jesus desired to impart to His followers, was the power of His personality. “The influence of personality can never be adequately transmitted by any other means than by personality itself” (E. Griffith-Jones). To impress His personality on His followers through association with them was a simple educational technique, yet at the same time, the most natural, profound and powerful. “Christianity is not merely a conception; it is also contagion” (E. Stanley Jones). Through His intimate relationship with them, Jesus and His followers reached a point of closeness where His Spirit touched their spirits, His heart imparted to their hearts, so that vision was birthed, motivation inspired, commitment instilled, concern aroused and faith kindled, - in short, beyond truth taught, attitude was caught. It was NOT the intention of Jesus to provide them with theoretical information alone, but to produce in them character formation. The many occasions on which the Twelve witnessed the totality of Jesus’ life and activities, added up to one all-inclusive text book from which they could learn both on observation and experiential level all the key lessons pertinent to their future engagement in the Kingdom of God. This observation of Jesus as their model provided them with visual proof of the practicality of the principles He shared and being a prototype, which they could later on recall and reproduce in other settings. The basic leadership model and role, which Jesus adopted in training the Twelve, was not of a task-oriented supervisor, but rather a PERSON-ORIENTED MENTOR. He watched carefully over the quantity and quality of the time He spent with His followers. One distinguished feature of Jesus’ various encounters with people was His recognizing the extraordinary importance of mealtimes, as opportunities for relationship building and communication in relaxed atmosphere. We see this in His contact with the public (Luke 5:29-32; 7:36-50; 10:38-42; 14:1-23; 19:5-27), with His followers (John 13:2 – 17:26; 21:9-19; Acts 1:4). On certain occasions He took the Twelve aside (Mark 4:34; 4:35,36; 10:32; Luke 10:23; 18:31). The fact that Jesus insisted on His followers to “follow Him”, was so that he could present to them a living example, of what he wanted them to become. This also called for a commitment on their part to IMITATE Him.

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W. Barclay explained how in classical Greek the verb ‘akoloutheo’ had various shades of meaning. It was used for instance in reference to a soldier following his commander and a slave accompanying his master; it could express obedience to the law and to someone’s advice. In rabbinic context, ‘following’ described the disciple’s walking behind his teacher at a respectful distance, but the expression also carried the figurative connotation of ‘being a disciple’, which included the patterning of one’s life after the respective rabbi. In the case of Jesus, the term signified the intimate consociation between Jesus as a person, and His followers, for the distinct purpose of their being progressively conformed to His model. The disciples, because of their friendship relation with Jesus, were desirous to please Him, accept His leadership, submit to His guidance and obey His instructions. As they followed in this manner, Jesus stamped His own image on them. It was this that made them the men they became. Special relevance is the observation that Jesus “followed” God (His heavenly Father), providing His disciples with the supreme example, for He himself focused his existence on following God (His Father). Linked to His heavenly Father he made it his express aim to please Him (John 8:29), glorify Him (John 12:27,28), and obey Him (John 4:34; 6:38) in all things. Jesus placed His Father’s priorities in his own life first, did God’s works, passed on God’s words. Among other Godly attributes he displayed God’s love, compassion, righteous wrath and willingness to forgive. In short, through His exemplary likeness to His heavenly Father. It is amazing how little Jesus spoke on ministry skills. He focused on the man rather on ministry methods. Jesus concentrated His instructions more on those attitudes and spiritual principles, which underlie and determine conduct, relationship building, skill application and ministry performance. Jesus was not blind to their flaws they betrayed, foremost in the realm of character. Jesus’ loving and patient commitment to them did not entail his condoning their failures in silence. On the contrary, He clearly addressed various weaknesses, like pride. He never explicitly criticized the Twelve for being proud. Rather. He devoted extraordinary effort to repeatedly pointing out to them the antidote – humility. In John 13:1-12 He gives them a personal demonstration as an example, when he washed their feet with the exhortation, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Not only did they learn by hearing however, but also by doing, as Jesus gave them opportunity for application (John 4:2; Math 10:5-8; Mark 6:39-43; 14:12-16). Moreover, they learned by seeing, with the Master’s transparent life leaving the strongest imprint of all (Luke 9:18; 11:1; 1 John 3:16; 1 Pet 2:21-23; 1 John 1:1-3). Why did He focus his coaching of the Twelve on reproducing in them REPLICAS OF HIMSELF? Firstly, Jesus purposed to launch a worldwide movement, which would advance by virtue of reproduction. For any such process the prototype to be recreated would be crucial. In God’s eyes, nobody but His own Son was qualified to serve as the consummate model needed (Math 3:17; 17:5). Secondly, Jesus abstained from establishing an academic organization, from devising a program or handbook. By precept and especially by exemplary living, Jesus sowed what He aspired to reap later on in their lives and ministries: The first and probably the greatest

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aspect of their training was personal association with him and learning through example and imitation. This would never be achievable by mere striving in the energy of the flesh to copy him. Rather, it would require remaining in close fellowship, made possible through the constant presence of the Holy Spirit effecting progressing transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 3:18). CONTINUATION: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs” (Math 10:27). This is the challenge Jesus gave to His disciples, which revealed the desire He had, to see His hidden training of the Twelve, made public. Jesus repeatedly spoke of his forthcoming suffering, especially during His fellowship with the disciples before his betrayal through Judas Iscariot, He sought to direct their attention to His impending future (John 13:33; 14:2,4,12,28; 16:5,7,10,16,28; 17:11,13). A closer look at several key concepts which Jesus utilized in connection with the Twelve, reveals with particular clarity that He actually prepared His companions all along with the perspective of them carrying on with the mission which He came to initiate. From the outset His developing them was to become “fishers of men” and to attract multitudes to His Father. He called them “apostles” (Mark 3:14) (Greek: ‘apostello’; ‘send out ones’). Jesus had before his minds’ eyes the image of a harvest (Math 9:37,38; 13:30; Mark 4:29; Luke 10:2; John 4:35), indicating their future role in reaping souls for God. During the Last Supper he made the amazing announcement that they would do “even greater things”, which encouraged them that God is going to use them in new and mighty ways to establish His Kingdom. Jesus did not jus anticipate a continuation of His ministry, but He foresaw growth, expansion, multiplication, -in short, THE RISE OF A WORLDWIDE MOVEMENT. The good news of God’s sacrificial love for a world lost in sin (John 3:16) was of such momentous significance that it had to be shared universally. Therefore Jesus set out to start a worldwide movement, establishing its starting point and foundation through his intensive training of the Twelve. Being acutely aware of the multitudes’ need for proper direction (Math 9:36), JESUS PREPARED HIS CLOSEST FOLLOWERS THOROUGHLY FOR FUTURE LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES for this worldwide movement. After the disciples had been able to observe how Jesus carried out various ministry activities, he sends them out on an assignment (Math 10:1). This assignment was restrictive, only to fellow Jews. He delegated authority to these “apprentice missionaries” and they underwent “an educational experiment”. Through this experience they were able to gain further ministry skills, learning how to depend on God. They were able to progress in maturity, shouldering responsibility and accountability, getting a fore taste of what their future existence, as apostles would hold in store for them. Closing the Last Supper gathering with his followers by prayer, He conveyed to his heavenly Father these remarkable words: “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4). Without a doubt, the

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training and mentoring of the Twelve was a vital component his work on earth. Jesus staked His whole ministry on them. The disciples themselves were aware that Jesus had an even closer core group, in whom he even invested more, particularly into the lives of Simon Peter, John and James. Moreover, it became obvious that Jesus gave special attention to Peter’s development (Math 17:25-27; Luke 22:31,32; Mark 16:7; John 21:15-19). Despite the best leadership development ever offered to man, the Master did not consider them sufficiently equipped yet to take up the leadership responsibilities He desired and needed from them. In His extended discussion with them during the Last Supper, He focused intently on what would sustain them after His imminent departure. He elaborated in great detail on the role, character and function of the Holy Spirit, in their lives and ministry. From the four Gospels we can gather how essentially and intimately the Holy Spirit was involved in Jesus’ life and ministry. It is very interesting to note that, the night after Judas Iscariot left, Jesus started to explain to the remaining Eleven how the Holy Spirit would be with them and help them, as “The Spirit of truth” (John 14:17). The Holy Spirit would be their teacher (John 14:26) guide them “into all the truth” (John 16:13) and bring to their remembrance everything Jesus had told them (John 14:26). In fact the Holy Spirit would reveal the fullness of Christ to them. The role of the Holy Spirit would be that of a “Counselor” (John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7). The Greek ‘parakletos’, “called to be along side”, i.e., to one’s aid. This meant “an adviser to a defendant, or his representative and counsel in a court of law”. Jesus clearly let His followers know that after His departure the Holy Spirit would FIRST minister TO THEM and then THROUGH THEM. Therefore Jesus spoke of “another Counselor”(John 14:16). In other words, the Eleven received from Jesus, who Himself is called ‘parakletos’ in 1 John2:1, the pledge that the Holy Spirit would come to replace Him, would take exactly the same place with them in the unseen realm of reality that Jesus had filled in the visible experience of the flesh. Mediated through the Holy Spirit’s with-ness, the disciples would be enabled to experience and draw on Jesus’ with-ness, anywhere and any time. True, the Holy Spirit’s taking over would change the person of the Mentor but NOT the program. Jesus informed the Eleven, “He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what he hears…” (John 16:13) and “will take from what is mine and will make it known to you” (John 16:15). Were they going to cope with the forthcoming challenges? Would the quality of their leadership performance reflect the excellence of the leadership development they had been privileged to enjoy? Of course, after Jesus’ nearing departure they would be able to fall back on their past training experiences under His mentorship. After His resurrection Jesus supplied them with further teaching on the Kingdom of God. He further made them understand that the power source which alone would qualify them for the accomplishment of this very commission (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). He desired His followers to obtain the same blessing, which had become precious to Him, and announced they needed what He himself had experienced as indispensable.

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With the ground thus prepared, on the day of Pentecost the disciples “were filled with the Holy Spirit” and in this way equipped to embrace and embark upon the task for which Jesus had appointed them: “To go into the whole world as His witnesses.” Jesus did not sit in heaven and compiled a Bible school or Seminary course and then gave it to some angels to come down to earth and set up some Bible Colleges or Universities, and then after three or four years have graduation and hand out degrees or diplomas. Then with these qualifications, the graduates then were qualified to go and do ministry?? HOWEVER, this is exactly what we are doing?? Jesus FIRST prepared His disciples BEFORE He gave them the Holy Spirit, we want to give our new converts first the Holy Spirit, and then expect the Holy Spirit to prepare them. The big question arises now? Are you and I doing to people what Jesus did to the Twelve?? After all, this was the exact command that Jesus gave to you and me in Math 28:18-20. Acknowledgements: MENTORING for MISSION Gunther Krallmann AS IRON SHARPENS IRON Howard and William Hendricks The Spiritual Mentor Ron DePriest

Dr Thinus van Dyk International Director Agape in Africa Ministries PO BOX 11843 SWARTKOP, 0051 SOUTH AFRICA Tel/Fax: + 27 + (0)12 - 663 6557 Cell/Mobile: + 27 + (0)82-5187802 E-mail: thinus.aia@gmail.com EQUIPPING THE SAINTS IN AFRICA FOR THE END-TIME HARVEST. Luke 10:2; And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest." John 4:35b: "...Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest."