Have you ever wondered what the phrase "make disciples" really means?

Dear Friends,

Have you ever wondered what the phrase "make disciples" really means?

We know it is the center of the Great Commission, we know that it occupies a key place in many vision statements. But in real life, in everyday ministry, what does it look like to "make disciples"?

Josiah Venture?s work on the field is led by the JV Council, a group composed of key leaders from each of the country movements. Two years ago this council began working on the answer to this very question. The process took much longer than we thought, in part because the outcome was so important and significant to us.

One of the breakthroughs came when we realized that the goal of discipleship is not merely habits or behavior, but "Christ in you". Though a believer is placed "in Christ" at the moment of conversion, the process of growth is what leads to the fullness of his life permeating every part of ours. Paul calls this becoming "complete in Christ". This is the ultimate goal of disciple making.

As we explored that picture further we discovered seven habits of a growing disciple, three that function as "roots", strengthening the life of Christ is us (the word, prayer and community), and four acting as branches, expressing the life of Christ in specific fruit (obedience, worship, evangelism and service). When the life of Christ is flowing through these seven areas in a consistent way, you can expect to see healthy growth and transformation.

Every year during the third week of September the entire Josiah Venture team gathers for a week of training and encouragement. This simple picture of a growing disciple will be the core of our conference this year as we ask how we can disciple more effectively, and help others do the same.

As you pray for your Josiah Venture missionary this month, keep in mind this special event. We know that faithful disciplemaking releases the power of multiplication, as young people who are transformed by the gospel reproduce that life in others. Just like with the first generation church, disciple making is essential to reaching Eastern Europe for Christ.

Thanks for your part in making this all possible!

Dave Patty
President, Josiah Venture