Discipling nations

Two weekends ago I had the privilege of attending a retreat with some of my friends from Cross Connect Ministries. I first met them last year when I came to Grenada, and we have gotten closer over the months, especially since they are helping me plan the student launch of ISCF Grenada. They are a great bunch of people - full of life and love for God, so I looked forward to spending a weekend with them in Belle Isle.

We awoke to this display of God's splendor

Everybody put their hands together to provide this luscious spread

Soooo upset I didn't walk with my bathing suit...

Never seen a staircase quite like this before

Two hands needed to turn dat pot!

 In the midst of these beautiful surroundings, we had some sessions, focusing on the mandate to disciple nations. Here are a couple things that stood out to me:

• Persons need to be discipled, not just saved. Many times we focus on evangelistic events where x number of persons were saved. What happens after the event is over? A person does not become a disciple overnight - it is an ongoing process that requires intentional efforts.

• All Christians should consider the mandate to take the gospel to all nations personally.  You might not leave your country, but how are you using your present position (where you study, where you work, where you live) to influence those around you with the message of the Kingdom of God? Your nation has to be impacted with the gospel just as much as other nations, and you have an active role to play

• Believers should occupy fully the sphere of influence God has given them access to. How can you use principles of the Kingdom of God (see Matthew chapters 5-7) to challenge the way that your leaders think and operate? You don't have to be a preacher - just teach the truth.

• The Church needs to see its role as an agent of transformation in society instead of focusing on increasing membership. This would involve a shift in having a vision for people, to having a vision for nations. 

• The Church needs to stop separating and condemning, and start reaching out and loving.

• We should have enough faith to know that something is impossible, and want to do it anyway

Hope you were as challenged as I was to "...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20