Growing into Christ (8)

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11.1

The Master Plan of Evangelism
Robert E. Coleman (1928 - )
“This was the secret of His influence in teaching. He did not ask anyone to do or be anything which first He had not demonstrated in His own life, thereby not only proving its workability, but also its relevance to His mission in life. And this He was able to do because He was constantly with His disciples.”

Pastors and church leaders frequently express concern about the lack of spiritual vitality among the members of their churches. Their people just don’t seem all that excited about Jesus. They aren’t active in sharing their faith, and they never bring anyone new to church with them. They just seem content with a kind of status quo faith, not really growing, and not too bothered about it, either. Is it possible that they have learned such spiritual complacency from our example? Perhaps it’s time to take a closer look at the example we are putting before the people we serve. If they really see Jesus in us, like the disciples saw Jesus, will this not challenge them to seek greater growth into the Lord? The Spirit of God within us can take us beyond what we’ve ever known or experienced before in the life of faith (Eph. 3.20). Sometimes all we need to stretch us is someone to show us what or how. This is what Jesus did, and it’s what pastors must do for the people they are equipping as leaders. Give them vision. Bring them into your life, and show them how to live and serve. Call them to go beyond themselves – not in their own power, but in that of the Spirit. And watch as you and they grow together into Jesus with greater fruit and fruitfulness.

What is your ideal vision for what a church leader should look like? How would you describe his walk with the Lord? His character? His ministry skills?

Fan into Flame
Our book, Fan into Flame, is a handbook on the work of pastors and shepherds. It explains the context and calling of the shepherd, and provides useful tools for assessment and planning to improve in the Lord’s calling. This is an excellent resource for leadership training of personal growth into Christ. Order your copy by clicking here. Or contact me about our Pastoral Hope Initiative and we’ll walk through this handbook and various other assessment resources together. Watch this brief video, then drop me a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations are from Robert E. Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism(Old Tappan: Revell, 1963, 1987).