Building for the Future: Discipling and Equipping

Imagine a building site. The neighbors watch excitedly as machines dig a hole and concrete is poured for a solid foundation. But soon their excitement turns to confusion. Workers keep coming to add on to the foundation. There are no plumbers or electricians or framers. No walls are added, only more cement for the foundation. The efforts never grow to be a blessing to others if they are left at this phase.

When Christians share the gospel with a people group, a foundation of building relationships and evangelism needs to be laid. This is about 5% of the work. But the real work, the 95% of effort, needs to go toward discipleship and equipping the new body of believers to make Kingdom impact themselves. Training local leaders to lead their own congregations and reach their own people is vital.

The World Mission Board is excited to direct more of its resources and energy to this vision of discipling and training local leaders.