The Timothy Network

Disciple to Conversion

September 8th, 2011 by John Kenneth King

While Timothy Network was still an embryonic idea, I began praying that God show me men whose hearts burn with a passion for authentic discipleship. I wanted to surround myself with Kingdom-minded people, accountability partners, men of prayer, a “think tank” of brothers capable of helping me start and lead a grassroots disciple making project. John King was one of the first to come to mind. I’m thankful he said yes to the partnership. John has been with me since our launch in August 2005 and serves as President of Timothy Network’s Board of Accountability. He recently completed a twenty-year stint as minister for the local Stones River church and now works as Missions Mobilizer and Trainer with DMM. ms

At the close of the first gospel, Jesus commissions the eleven, who graduate from his personal training system, to turn the world upside down (actually right side up). The beautiful thing for them is they have witnessed this approach while they have followed Jesus for three years. He called them to follow him. He taught them, trained them and mentored them. It is only late in this ministry that he asks the critical question, “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15).

In Western churches we usually attempt to convert people and then maybe sign them up for a six-week discipleship class. Jesus disciples for years and then asks his followers to reveal who they think he is. It is at this point in Matthew’s gospel that they answer their own earlier question, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:27).

Peter speaks for the group when he announces, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus indicates that Peter is blessed to have received this revelation from God the Father. Peter did not learn this insight from another human, it was through divine revelation. Peter’s understanding of Jesus’ identity and willingness to surrender everything comes because he has been discipled to this recognition.

When someone comes to recognize who Jesus is, then he/she is ready to be baptized and to be taught to obey all of Jesus’ commands. Discipleship entails obedience to the one who has “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).

But who will allow you to disciple them to conversion? A Person of Peace. Someone who has already been stirred by the Holy Spirit. Someone who is waiting for the light to shine in his heart. Someone who desperately wants to know the answer to her brokenness. When you find a Person of Peace you have a candidate to disciple to conversion. Here is a person who will walk with you long enough to move from Creation to Christ, fall in love with God along the way and be willing to share what is being learned with others. Find a Person of Peace and you will have the opportunity to watch multiplication come in obedience to the Great Commission.

Tags: Church Growth, Disciple making, Evangelism, Multiplying Ministry

We Have the Seven Year Itch

August 25th, 2011 by Mike Stroud

The Bible assigns spiritual significance to the number SEVEN. It is the number of “completeness.” For this and many others reasons we’re very excited about beginning the seventh year of Timothy Network’s disciple-making mission. Many of you have prayed for, encouraged, and sponsored our work over the years. For that, we are extremely grateful and honored. Below are a few reflections from the first six years.

The Timothy Network was launched in August 2005 as a project aimed at making fully mature and reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ.

As with any organic movement, establishing deep roots takes time. Patient investment in building intentional, God-centered relationships is the cornerstone ideal on which our work is grounded. We also live and work by the adage, “To go fast (or, to make real lasting progress), you must go slow.” In a microwave age, our work is more akin to cooking in a crock pot.

Timothy Network is an effort composed of ordinary men and women from all walks of life – teachers, factory workers, secretaries, people who have lived on the streets, housewives, doctors, accountants, business owners, computer techs, retired people (some residing in nursing homes), students, sales people, nurses, ministers, etc. We are Christ-followers united with the common purpose of encouraging authentic discipleship. We’re trying to kindle a fire for multiplying disciple-making in our generation.

By God’s grace disciple making networks are being born. Chain-reaction disciple-making is breaking out. After six years we’re seeing third and fourth generation discipling relationships. Over 250 men, women, and teenagers have been involved in discipling networks. While we’ve been heavily invested in equipping ministry, we’re gradually seeing new converts as a fruit of those who’ve been equipped to make disciples. It’s our fervent prayer to see a growing harvest as more people are intentionally discipled and equipped to disciple others.

People who previously doubted their abilities in the area of outreach are now making disciples. I can (and will, if asked) tell you stories about dozens of former pew warmers who are now passionate about being disciples of Jesus. Many of them were baptized years ago but received little, if any, discipling or mentoring. Their growth became stunted for lack of personal coaching and encouragement. Many thought of themselves as Christians, but not necessarily disciples prior to the intentional investment they’ve received in discipling triads (small discipling units of three – four people). Emily Gill is an example. Writing in the Spring 2009 newsletter Emily said, “Learning to think of myself as a ‘disciple’ has been a transforming process.”

Our ideas and aims aren’t new or exotic, but they may be radical in 21st century North America. We’re simply trying to emulate Jesus’ example of patiently discipling a few men over a sustained period of time. We also look to Paul’s dedicated investment into the lives of Timothy, Titus, Silas, and others. We’re using a focused, relational, and very intentional method of making disciples who are grounded and passionate about their faith. As a general rule, passionate people pass on what they learn. A disciple making “ripple effect” can then occur.

Thanks for your ongoing partnership and encouragement! Please pray for us as we begin our seventh year in making disciples and equipping disciple-makers.

Tags: Disciple making, Multiplying Disciple Making, Organic Ministry, Outreach

The Salt Man

July 29th, 2011 by Mike Stroud

His name is Greg, but I call him “the salt man.”

I met Greg about six months ago in the halls at Community Care of Rutherford County, a local care home. We’ve formed a good friendship that includes a weekly discipleship study.

Greg seems to like everybody. People in turn like him. He’s an encourager. There’s more to Greg than likability, though. He’s a “salty” Christian. That is, he is a believer who exudes love, compassion, and concern for others. Faith in Christ is important to him, and he tries to live it out by encouraging everyone in his path.

Although good natured and optimistic, Greg’s life is not necessarily easy. He has health issues that affect his mobility. You’d never guess that by watching his interactions or listening to him, however. Rather than complaining, he sees himself on a mission to serve God in the care home! He lives with purpose.

Greg’s life and attitude reflect the good kind of salt that Jesus talks about in Matthew 5:13. He’s an invigorating influence for good in the environment where God has planted him. He’s making a positive impact on others by sharing the love of Christ.

Hanging out with this brother is a blessing. He reminds me that our typical doubts and fears about sharing faith are mostly self-centered and flimsy. Greg talks about Jesus but he models him, too. His is the “salty life.”

Tags: Discipleship; Salty and Light; Encouragers; Matthew 5:13

“When God is in the Fire”

June 14th, 2011 by Mike Stroud

My wife says I save “everything” – too much in her opinion. I am a pack rat, but I recently ran across something that really was worth keeping. It’s an old notebook from a Promise Keepers conference. My notes included a quote jotted down during a presentation by Dr. Tony Evans.

Dr. Evans said, “When God is in the fire, any old bush will do!”

If you’ve heard Tony Evans preach, you know the thunder and conviction with which He spoke those words.

God didn’t have (or need) a mighty Sequoia or towering Redwood at His disposal when He appeared to Moses in the burning bush. Neither was He looking for a guy who could make a good speech nor someone with a doctorate from the University of Egypt.

God made His glory burn before Moses through a plain old desert scrub bush. On top of that, He chose a man who didn’t believe in himself for one of the greatest leadership positions ever required!

God asked eighty year-old Moses to lead His people out of the hands of the world’s greatest superpower of the time. “Moses whined, but God shined!” The rest is history. The mighty hand of God prevailed, and the nation of Israel stills stands! God has always accomplished the impossible using frail, frightened, fickle, and fallible human beings in the process.

I regularly work with people who doubt their ability to make disciples. I understand their fears; I’ve been victim to the same doubts. I’m convinced that fear is a tool of Satan, however. He’s effective at rendering us ineffective when he jabs us with our inadequacies.

There’s an antidote to fear. It’s called faith! Jesus Christ has issued a mission to His people. It’s to make disciples of all nations (including our neighbors, friends, co-workers and relatives). He wouldn’t have given the command if the mission were impossible. He has appointed us as “ambassadors of reconciliation.” Jesus promised to make His followers “fishers of men.” The power is His! He’s promised to be with [us] always.

Let God burn through you,

Mike

Paul Henderson is “Paying it Forward”

June 1st, 2011 by Mike Stroud

Twenty-seven years ago I met a college kid majoring in Criminal Justice at Middle Tennessee State University. From a small town near Murfreesboro, Paul had a “typical” Christian upbringing. I met him at a time when he was searching for a lot more.

I’m frequently asked, “How do I find people to disciple?” My answer, “Look and listen for hungry hearts.” That simple guideline led me to Paul (and many others like him over the years).

Paul and I, along with another brother who had been a Christian only a few months, began meeting weekly for Bible study and prayer. We formed a tight bond that led to transparency and accountability. We openly confessed our sin, shared struggles, fears, and our deepest questions about God and faith. Each of us grew stronger as disciples of Jesus. It was the essence of relational disciple making.

Paul and Mark went on to become leaders in the campus ministry, but there’s more. Both “paid it forward” many times over by repeating the same discipling process I practiced with them. That’s the way intentional disciple making should work! Mature disciples of Jesus naturally invest in others. They continue the chain by making other disciples.

A few days after graduating from MTSU in 1988, Paul walked into my office to say he wouldn’t be pursuing a career in law enforcement. Rather, he wanted to answer the call to ministry. A few weeks later he packed his bags and moved to Seattle to enter a ministry internship and graduate school. He wanted to minister to college students. God had more far-reaching plans!

After several months in Seattle, Paul connected with a group of people wanting to plant a church in Budapest, Hungary. The idea “got in his blood.” In August 1990 Paul packed his suitcase again, this time for an even longer and more challenging journey. He later learned that his thirteen teammates voted him “first member likely to return home.” He did suffer severe bouts of homesickness, doubt, and loneliness. But, twenty-two years later Paul is the sole member of the team remaining in Budapest! He met and married a Hungarian national. Today Paul leads a church of about sixty – seventy-five Hungarian members. He’s pictured above (on the right) just before baptizing a new member of that body.

Here’s what Paul had to say in a recent newsletter:

Zoltan Tolgyesi, husband of our sister Lely (originally from Indonesia), was baptized recently. Zoli, who teaches at a language school, has been attending with his wife on and off for 12 (!) years, and though a God-fearer, had never moved beyond the ‘respect’ stage. But in his testimony he shared that in one of his times before the Lord when he was asking what stood between them, the Lord showed him an empty dish. When he asked what it meant, the Lord told him, “It needs to be immersed,” and Zoli understood the Lord was talking to him about his own immersion. It is always amazing and encouraging to know that our Father still speaks today, and that his words lead to life!

The point? Look and listen for hungry hearts. Never underestimate what God will do through the relationships you build and the disciples you make. You don’t have to move around the world; start with your neighbor or co-workers. Depend on God for the increase. He’s the ultimate gardener. No telling what kind of crop He’ll produce with the seeds you plant!

Let us know how we can help you get started.

Tags: Making Disciples, Multiplying Disciple Making, Relational Disciple Making

Ben Bohannon on Discipleship

April 26th, 2011 by Mike Stroud

The following reflections on discipleship were written by Ben Bohannon. Ben and his wife, Katie-Lynn, (pictured here with their daughter Hanna-Grace) have been actively involved with Timothy Network since 2009. Ben is employed as an electrical engineer with Middle Tennessee Electric.

Two years ago I was introduced (or perhaps re-introduced) to the idea of pursuing God through discipleship. The premise is that early believers and followers of Christ were disciples and not merely converts or believers. A disciple learns, follows, and imitates.

I had many frustrations with my faith before this time. Through these last two years with a focused and very basic approach to growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ, however, God has revealed Himself to me in new and wonderful ways. Everything makes so much more sense. The more I work through His Word it continues to enrich my life. It shows me a more complete meaning for all that God has given us.

There’s nothing particularly “special” about the actual discipling process to which I’m referring. It is effective, however. It’s about intentionally dedicating yourself to know and serve God. It involves having someone come along side to travel the journey of being a disciple of Jesus with you.

I believe there are many barriers that can get in the way of pursuing God. Several of these had built up in my life. We have many sub-cultures around us influencing what we should think and how we should act. The Pharisees in John 9 provide a good example. A revelation I was given a few months ago pertained to the many deceptions and mis-guided ideas I had developed based on the culture I’d been a part of.

I’ve said all this to say that God’s Word is so great to dive into and better understand. Every time I read it, I see more clearly how it all comes together. God’s plan to redeem mankind is a masterpiece.

I now look back to many times when I attempted to share God’s message without first allowing Christ to fully dominate me. I think of conversations with some of you and regret that my selfish nature and personal slant on things took a stronger role in my approach to sharing God.

I’m sure I will never get it fully right, but I pray that, by God’s grace, He will work in spite of my shortcomings as the messenger. I trust that His message is greater and more penetrating than my ability to deliver it.

Tags: discipleship

Quarter Notes / April 2011

April 14th, 2011 by Mike Stroud

Winter seemed colder than usual in middle Tennessee this year. The Timothy Network, on the other hand, is off to a “hot start” in 2011. I’m really encouraged and here’s why:

Eleven New Discipling Triads. We’ve seen over 200 men, women, and teens discipled during the past five years, and eleven new discipling triads have been launched since January. Four new groups are staff-led; seven others are the result of multiplication (people we’ve discipled who are now discipling others). One of these is a fourth generation discipling group. I (first) discipled a person (second) who discipled someone else (third). That individual is discipling yet nother person (fourth). The fourth individual in the chain is a young man with no previous exposure to the Bible. More on his story in an upcoming newsletter. The good news is that multiplication is taking place. Relational discipling ministry works!

A New Partnership With Community Care Nursing Center. I would need to rehearse a fifteen year friendship with a nursing home-bound friend to tell you why I think care home ministry is crucial and effective. A precious soul named Doris Yates showed me the mind and spirit remain open and hungry for spiritual nourishment and growth – even when the voice and body no longer function properly.

With Doris and others like her in mind, I’ve been working to bring spiritual encouragement and teaching to several residents at Community Care nursing home since January. A good brother named Mark King (Administrator at Community Care) opened this door for us. What started as a discipling meeting with four men has morphed into a group of eight women and two men. It’s been different than I’d planned or imagined, but much better!

I usually spend thirty minutes visiting and reading scripture to the group. I listen as humble and insightful comments pour out. I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity to bring hope and encouragement to a population of people who are sometimes forgotten. (*If you’re looking for an opportunity involving outreach and service, visit a nursing home. Good friendships await!)

Continued Work at the Greenhouse. We recently celebrated a one year partnership with Greenhouse Ministries. It’s been great to connect with Cliff and Jane Sharpe (and other staff members) in the work they’re doing to bring “hope to ‘the ‘Boro.” Each week I walk into a room with three to five men who have experienced multiple hard knocks, failures, disappointments, and addictions. We spend time reading and discussing scripture and how it applies to our lives. I’ve heard some of the most heart-rending prayers sitting around that table. I love the lack of pretense. I like the raw honesty. I’m challenged by the hard, straight forward questions. I’m convinced Jesus would be smack-dab in the middle of ministry like this! God shows up and works in the lives of people who know they need Him. I’m thankful for the Greenhouse, and I’m grateful they let us have a part in bringing hope to the hurting.

Helping People Overcome Addiction to Pornography. Do a little research and you’ll find multiple studies showing that 50% of Christian men and 20% of Christian women struggle with an addiction to internet pornography. Compounding the problem, most who have the struggle feel trapped, guilty, and helpless! It’s a very difficult thing for Christians to admit – especially to other Christians. It’s an issue easily hidden or avoided – for a while. Eventually, however, it takes a toll on a person’s heart, soul, and marriage.

Because Timothy Nework builds on a model of discipleship that’s highly relational, pornography addiction regularly surfaces in group meetings. Men, especially, are making it known they need help. I’m convinced we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. I believe it’s one of the greatest challenges facing our churches. We have to do better in addressing the “hidden problem” and in offering support – not condemnation – to those trapped in this pitfall. It starts with fostering an atmosphere of transparency and accountable, Christ-centered relationships. People need a safe place to confess and deal with the struggle. We’re trying to do our part in providing encouragement. If you know of someone needing help, please contact me at: 615-653-6999 / mikestroud@timothynetwork.org

Was Jesus a Conspirator ?

March 14th, 2011 by Mike Stroud

“John Courtney Murray once described the early church as a ‘conspiracy.’” So says Peter Marty in an article titled “Community As a Way of Life.”

Does that kind of talk make you cringe? Conspiracy theories do carry a sinister connotation, after all.

Rather than a slam against Christianity, however, Murray’s point is that early Christians were so close they seemed to “breathe together” (con: “with,” and spire: “breath”). They were seen as “one.” I love that! Wasn’t it just the kind of thing Jesus prayed for in John 17:22? (”that they might be one.”) If this makes Him a “conspirator” then bring it on!

Here’s the deal: If Christianity is not about relationship we’ve failed the Founder! When we don’t “breathe together” we flounder and suffocate as individuals practicing meaningless religion. God’s church is to be a thriving community wherein all the parts of the body live and breathe as one!

Seems to me that “breathing together” is the core essence of effective disciple making. God offered a living relationship to us. It’s His plan that we pass it on to others.

Conspire!

Share your opinions on this idea

Nick Horton: A Testimonial on Discipling Teens

March 1st, 2011 by Mike Stroud

The following article was written by a good friend and partner in discipling ministry. Nick was a founding member of The Timothy Network. He teaches Physics at Central Magnet School and serves as an elder at the North Boulevard church. He is a multiplying disciple maker.

Three years ago I was praying for someone to disciple when a couple of teenagers asked me to lead them on a journey toward maturity. I told them I would commit to this only IF they found a few more young people to formulate a discipling group.

The group formed, grew and morphed — as usually happens. Church friends came, grew some, and left for other things. Then something unusual began to happen. One of the girls invited her boyfriend, who had NO church experience. Everything was new to him. He began to ask many questions as he drank deeply from the well of Living Water. He became a believer and committed his life to Jesus’ lordship. He soon began bringing his best friend who is now also growing and maturing in Christ daily. They’re both sharing their new-found confidence and faith with other friends. They have become His witnesses at home and abroad. They are always ready to share the hope they have discovered.

The young couple has continued reaching out to others.. They’ve invited several friends to come listen to the Word of God. Each week we take turns leading the study and guiding discussions to see what the Word reveals to us. They’ve reached out to a brother and his girlfriend. One of the original teens has committed to use her gifts to evangelize people in China this summer. The boyfriend and girlfriend have committed to go to China next year. Every day, these fine young people exemplify the fruits of the Spirit, the principles Jesus taught, and the zeal for sharing the REALLY GOOD NEWS which has brought us into the kingdom of light. Oh, I have so much to learn from them!

Recently our group studied Jesus calming the storm. It was my turn to lead, so I asked what they they could apply from the lesson. A “newbie” responded, “I need to see that there are some things too big for me, but nothing is too large for God.” When teenagers say things like that, I can only respond with, “WOW! Look at what God is doing.”

There is Power in prayer.
There is Preparation when answering God’s call with “Here am I, send me.”
There is Purpose in sharing the Good News as His Spirit bears fruit through us.
There are People – lost and alone – waiting for us to share.

Tags: Disciple making; discipleship; evangelism; teenage ministry

Some Like It Hot

February 22nd, 2011 by Mike Stroud

My growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ was seriously hampered before I experienced Him in close-knit community with a few other people. I’m convinced many Christians face a similar struggle.

Maturing as an obedient disciple of Jesus is a process involving a “one another” lifestyle. (e.g. Jn. 13:34; Rom. 12:10; Eph. 5:21) Disciples need accountable Christ-centered relationships to effectively live-out our faith.

Author Greg Ogden thinks transformation best occurs in small reproducible discipleship groups. He calls this “hothouse growth.” Just like a hothouse maximizes environmental conditions for accelerated plant growth, so does the kind of disciple making that focuses on the right “climatic conditons.” Ogden lists three key elements: Transparent Trust; The Truth of God’s Word; and Mutual Accountability.

I’m thankful for the mentor who took me and two others under his wing in an intentional discipling relationship several years ago. That relationship became the “hothouse” where I met the Savior in a way I’d not previously known Him. It gave me renewed hope and security plus an environment for openly sharing struggles and receiving encouragement. It also spawned my passion for disciple making and sowed seed that eventually gave rise to a project called “The Timothy Network.”

Think Relationally!