Ministry Training

December 15, 2009

I’ve been reading a book entitled The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne in preparation for meeting with a group of pastors to discuss the book. I’d love to encourage members and especially leaders in our congregation to pick up a copy and read it.

One of the main points, if not the main point, of the book is that disciples are to be disciple-making disciples. If that’s true (and I think that it is), then such a paradigm inevitably involves training/discipling other Christians around you. In chapter 6 the authors walk through the heart of training. In doing so, they summarize the Apostle Paul’s training in one word, “parenting.” I thought that was an interesting way to put it. Here’s how they describe how Paul’s model of ministry training as parenting:

It begins as someone is instrumental in bringing someone else to new birth.
It is long-term and loving.
It includes passing on knowledge, wisdom and practical instruction.
It involves modeling and imitation.
It forms not only beliefs and abilities, but also character and lifestyle.[1]

The book is largely addressed to pastors, encouraging them to make a shift in the way they think about ministry, but I think Christians in general can benefit from this book. You can pick up a copy here. Read and enjoy!

[1] Colin Marshall and Tony Payne, The Trellis and the Vine, p.75

Under Church, Reflections