Growing into Christ (8)

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?” John 13.12

The Master Plan of Evangelism
Robert E. Coleman (1928 - )
“Jesus checked upon the actions and reactions of His disciples as they faced various difficult situations. He kept after them constantly, giving them increasingly more attention as His ministry on earth came to a close. He would not let them rest in success or in failure. No matter what they did, there was always more to do and learn. He rejoiced in their successes, but nothing less than world conquest was His goal, and to that end he always superintended their efforts.”

We know the old maxim, “People don’t do what you expect but only what you inspect.” How faithful are we in holding one another accountable for progress in the life of faith – personal growth, ministry to the saints, outreach to the lost? If such things matter, we need to check up on our progress, and we need to be prepared, when we do, to stimulate one another to greater efforts of love and good works (Heb. 10.24). We also need to keep in mind that people will rise to the level of our expectations for them. Paul said, “Imitate me, as I imitate Jesus,” and he meant it. If we give people a vision for growing into Jesus, and for realizing more of the presence, promise, and power of His Kingdom; and if we equip and encourage them in this high and holy calling; and if we hold them accountable in love for making progress in working their Personal Mission Fields, then we may hope that together we will grow, as individuals and as a community, into more of Christ and more of His Kingdom together.

Who’s checking up on you? To whom are you accountable for the kind of things mentioned above?

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).