THE MASTER’S PLAN
By Rémi CAILLAUX
Discipleship
in the Kingdom of God
“Winning Your Loved Ones:
The Power of Discipleship in God’s Kingdom”
Table des matières
What is it ?
What does “G12” stand for?
Who Is Using This Model Of Discipleship?
Where Did This Model Come From?
What Are The Basic Components Of This Model?
Where Can I Find Out More Information About This Model?
Reasons we have to change the way we doDiscipleship in churches
In Europe and Africa, the situation surrounding discipleship and Christian ministry
REASONS WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE WAY WE DO DISCIPLESHIP IN CHURCHES
Implementing the G12 Vision in Europe and Africa
THE LATEST GREATEST NAZARENE STATS
THE LATEST GREATEST NAZARENE STATS AS OF APRIL 2006
Here’s the FAITH CHALLENGE SCENARIO that I dreamed up…
WHAT WE HAVE MULTIPLIED:
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF “G12” by….
G12 Overview: G12 vision and its key values.
THE MASTER’S PLAN NEW NOMENCLATURE
THE MASTER’S PLAN 12 MONTH DISCIPLESHIP PROCESS AND TIME LINE
THE BELIEVER’S COURSE
THE FOLLOWER’S COURSE
THE DISCIPLE’S COURSE
THE SERVANT’S COURSE
The Re-Encounter Weekend Retreat
THE DISCIPLEMAKER’S COURSE
This is “The Master’s Plan!”
THE MASTER’S PLAN TIMELINE
BELIEVER’S COURSE
FOLLOWER’S COURSE
DISCIPLE’S COURSE
SERVANT’S COURSE
DISCIPLEMAKER’S COURSE
STEPS TO GET GOING IN THE MASTER’S PLAN (G12)
PARADIGM SHIFTS THAT I HAVE HAD TO MAKE TO
BEGIN TO THINK ABOUT TRANSITIONING OUR
LOCAL CHURCH INTO THE MASTER’S PLAN (G12)
by Rémi CAILLAUX
A Comparison of Addition vs. Multiplication
Scenario #1 ADDITION
Scenario #2 MULTIPLICATION BY THE PRINCIPLE OF 12
Contrasting Scenario #1 with Scenario #2
FAITH SCENARIO
WHY I THINK G12 OR “THE MASTER’S PLAN” IS WORKING SO WELL IN SO MANY PLACES
AROUND THE WORLD By Rémi CAILLAUX
KEY QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS TO LOOK FOR OR CONSIDER AS YOU BEGIN TO SELECT YOUR DISCIPLES WHO WILL MAKE DISCIPLES
Who should you select for the members of your 12?
TITLES AND TOPICS COVERED IN THE MASTER’S PLAN
1. THE BELIEVER’S COURSE
The Pre-Encounter Classes:
(This is the pre-requisite for the Encounter Weekend retreat)
The EncounterWeekend:
There are 9 teaching sessions at the Encounter:
2. THE FOLLOWER’S COURSE
(this Post Encounter Course is only offered to people who have attended the
Encounter Weekend)
3. THE DISCIPLE’S COURSE:
Each Course in The Master’s Plan builds on the previous one so only those who
have completed the Believer’s Course (Pre-Encounter and The Encounter) and The
Follower’s Course (Post-Encounter) are invited to take The Disciple’s Course.
4. THE SERVANT’S COURSE:
There are 10-13 Sessions in the Servant’s Course.
The Re-Encounter Weekend (A retreat designed to help the emerging Servant
Leaders deal with the temptations and issues of leading a Life Group and discipling
others.) There are 11 Sessions at the Re-Encounter Weekend.
5. THE DISCIPLEMAKER’S COURSE:
The Vision of the Cali, Colombia
Church of the Nazarene
Notes + How to do the vision
PREFACE
“Winning Your Loved Ones: The Power of Discipleship in God’s Kingdom” is an insightful eBook that explores the essence of Christian discipleship and how it applies to the contemporary world.
In this eBook, you’ll discover a fresh and practical perspective on discipleship that will help you grow in your walk with God.
Drawing from the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles of the Kingdom of God, this eBook offers valuable insights and practical steps on how to become a true disciple of Christ.
You’ll learn about the importance of obedience, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the power of prayer in your journey of discipleship.
Furthermore, this eBook also delves into the concept of leadership within the Kingdom of God, and how every disciple can effectively influence and impact their communities for Christ.
You’ll be inspired to live a life of purpose and significance, as you discover how to fulfill your God-given mission in the world.
Whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned Christian, “Winning Your Loved Ones: The Power of Discipleship in God’s Kingdom” is a must-read eBook that will equip you with the necessary tools to deepen your relationship with God and live a life that honors Him.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your discipleship journey to the next level!
What is it ?
Yahweh El-Shaddai (YES) Ministries, a vibrant community in Paris, France, and Abidjan, Africa, have embraced the highly effective and globally recognized DiscipleMaking model, commonly referred to as the “Government of 12.” This renowned model has been meticulously implemented and tailored to meet the unique needs and characteristics of the YES Ministries in both regions, resulting in tremendous growth and impact on the lives of its members. The YES Ministries’ resolute commitment to discipleship and their unwavering devotion to spreading the Good News has been instrumental in transforming countless lives and communities.
However, we recognize the need to implement this model in our churches to better reflect our mission of making Disciples of Christ and sending Ambassadors to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, as taught by Jesus Christ.
Our goal is to foster a culture of DiscipleMaking within our churches, which focuses on empowering individuals to become DiscipleMakers and Ambassadors of Christ to share His Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
We want to inspire and equip people to develop a deep, personal relationship with Christ and to share His message with others.
We believe that the “Winning Your Loved Ones: The Power of Discipleship in God’s Kingdom” vision will be more effective in making Christ-like Disciples who are committed to following Jesus, making a difference in the world, and spreading the message of the Kingdom of God.
By adopting the Government of 12 vision, we hope to create a movement of DiscipleMakers who are passionate about sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and transforming lives through His Grace.
Join us on this exciting journey as we implement the Government of 12 vision to make Disciples of Christ.
Together, we can work to spread the message of Jesus Christ and make Christ-like Disciples who will transform the world around us.
Embrace the thrill of this exciting journey with us, as we put into action the Government of 12 vision, aimed at creating dedicated followers of Jesus Christ.
Together and with your help, we can endeavor to convey the message of Jesus Christ to more people and instill in them the qualities of a true Christ-like Disciple, who will transform the world around us.
Let us come together and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around us by implementing the Government of 12 model.
What is G12 mission and vision?
The G12 Vision is a discipleship strategy to fulfill the Great Commission. Revealed to and explained by Pastor César Castellanos, it is founded upon the idea that every Christian can mentor and lead twelve people in the Christian faith, following the example of Jesus.
What does “G12” stand for?
The term « G12 » is commonly used to refer to the « Government of 12 » model of DiscipleMaking.
The number 12 holds significant meaning in Biblical numerology, representing order, discipline, government, and organization.
The idea behind the G12 model is to form small groups of 12 individuals who come together to study the Bible, pray, and support one another in their faith.
The group is led by a leader or mentor, who serves as a guide in the spiritual journey of the members.
The G12 model emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships within the group, allowing for deep and meaningful connections to be formed between individuals.
Through these connections, each member is encouraged to grow in their faith and to become a DiscipleMaker themselves, spreading the message of Christ and making new Disciples.
While the term « G12 » may seem like shorthand or a nickname, it represents a powerful and intentional model of DiscipleMaking that is focused on building strong relationships, developing leaders, and spreading the Gospel message.
It is a model that can bring order, discipline, and organization to the process of making Disciples and creating a community of faithful followers of Christ.
Who Is Using This Model Of Discipleship?
It is worth noting that the G12 vision model has gained a significant following among many churches worldwide, with its emphasis on building strong relationships, developing leaders, and spreading the Gospel message.
The model has been adapted to suit various cultural and religious contexts, and its success can be attributed to its flexibility and adaptability.
Many churches that have adopted the G12 vision model report increased engagement, growth, and spiritual transformation among their members.
The model’s focus on small groups and personal relationships has created a sense of community and accountability that is often lacking in larger churches.
However, it is important to note that the G12 model is not without its critics.
Some have raised concerns about its hierarchical structure, which they argue can lead to an unhealthy concentration of power in the hands of a few leaders.
Others have criticized the model’s emphasis on personal success and growth, arguing that it can promote a self-centered approach to faith rather than a focus on serving others.
Despite these criticisms, the G12 vision model continues to be a popular and influential approach to DiscipleMaking in many churches around the world.
Its impact can be felt not only in the spiritual growth of individuals but also in the wider community as DiscipleMakers go out and share their faith, making a positive impact on the world around them.
Where Did This Model Come From?
The model known as the G12 vision has its roots in the teachings of John Wesley and the earliest Methodists, who used an « interlocking » system of small groups to support each other in their spiritual journeys.
This system included « class meetings, » « bands, » and « select societies, » in which members would come together to share their experiences, offer mutual support and encouragement, and hold each other accountable to their faith.
The G12 vision model as we know it today was given to a charismatic pastor from Bogota, Colombia named Cesar Castellanos by God in 1991.
Since then, the model has been adopted by thousands of churches worldwide, and the church in Bogota has grown from 700 to over 500,000 members.
While the G12 vision model has been adapted to suit different cultural and religious contexts, its fundamental principles remain rooted in the early Methodist system of small groups.
The model emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, developing leaders, and making Disciples who will in turn become DiscipleMakers themselves.
Through the G12 vision model, churches have been able to create a sense of community and accountability among their members, leading to increased spiritual growth and transformation.
While the model may have its critics, its success is a testament to the power of small groups and personal relationships in supporting individuals on their spiritual journeys.
What Are The Basic Components Of This Model?
The dynamic model consists of six essential elements:
An impactful and anointed Encounter Weekend Retreat provides Christians with a transformative experience of connecting with God, allowing them to be genuinely sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Following this retreat is…
A year-long program featuring courses and weekly lessons focusing on practical holiness instruction and training. This curriculum aims to guide sanctified Christians towards becoming disciples of Jesus, small group leaders, and effective DiscipleMakers. Within a year of conversion, new Christians are equipped and motivated to lead their own small groups and mentor others, while receiving ongoing coaching and guidance.
A continuous small group of dedicated believers, known as Life Groups, convenes weekly to offer mutual support, prayer for the lost, and encouragement. These individuals learn to apply God’s Word in their lives and strive to emulate Jesus. Life Groups, which can include 3-25 members, are open, evangelistic cell groups that may be single-gender or mixed-gender gatherings.
Long-term, one-on-one personal coaching, mentoring, and same-sex discipling foster the development of Christ-like disciples. These disciples are held accountable by other Disciplers weekly and, in turn, become DiscipleMakers themselves.
Disciplers participate in a Lead Group, an exclusive leadership assembly that maintains a maximum of 12 members, including one leader. This group meets weekly for prayer, encouragement, accountability, and strategic planning. Lead Groups are typically single-gender groups.
Eventually, each leader forms their own weekly Lead Group, comprised of leaders they disciple and coach towards faithful and fruitful maturity in Christ.
Where Can I Find Out More Information About This Model?
YAHWEH EL-SHADDAI (YES)
Kingdom Training Institute
email : info@yahweh-el-shaddai.org
téléphone : +33 7 69 57 99 35
site : www.yahweh-el-shaddai.org
Conact in France Paris : Rémi CAILLAUX
REASONS WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE WAY WE DO DISCIPLESHIP IN CHURCHES
North America, home to 6% of the global population, houses an astounding 95% of the world’s full-time Christian workers, including pastors, evangelists, and teachers. One might assume that North America would excel in creating Christ-like disciples of Jesus, who are DiscipleMakers themselves. However, examining the facts and outcomes of these dedicated Christian workers paints a different picture:
About 90% of individuals who pray to accept Christ in American churches ultimately fall away from their faith. The average retention rate for new Christians in the nation’s churches is only 6%, meaning that for every 100 new believers, only 6 remain involved in the church a year later.
Less than 2% of evangelical Christians in America engage in weekly witnessing to unbelievers, annually lead someone to Christ, participate in personal discipleship training, or actively mentor others as DiscipleMakers.
A staggering 88% of evangelical, born-again Christian teenagers leave the church at age 18, never to return. This loss includes those who have attended Sunday Schools, camps, retreats, children’s churches, and youth groups for years.
Merely 4% of devout Christian high school graduates continue walking with Jesus four years after graduation. This means that 96% of the most dedicated young Christian adults are lost.
While 34% of Americans claim to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, only 4% of teenagers report the same. This is alarming, considering that 85% of decisions for Christ in America happen before age 14.
There is little to no statistical difference between Christians and non-Christians in the United States regarding morality, pre-marital sex, pornography usage, divorce rates, charitable giving, honesty, cheating, entertainment choices, and other ethical and moral behaviors.
Less than 20% of Americans regularly attend church—half of what pollsters suggest. If trends continue, the percentage of the U.S. population attending church by 2050 may be nearly half of what it was in 1990.
A surprising 90% of American Christians will never share their faith with others during their lifetime.
Only 21% of Christians will invite someone to church in a year, and a mere 2% will invite an unchurched person.
Despite these statistics, 160 million people in America are open and receptive to the Gospel and ready to accept Christ if someone would guide them.
Just 5% of the unchurched population is antagonistic or hostile towards the church.
A staggering 95% of American believers have never led anyone to Christ.
Only 1% of American believers engage in DiscipleMaking, even though Jesus expects all His followers to be DiscipleMakers.
The primary reason more Christians don’t actively make disciples is that no one has shown them how or modeled DiscipleMaking for them.
As these facts reveal, the current state of discipleship and Christian ministry in America is far from ideal, and Jesus continues to weep.
We must reconsider our approach to discipleship and discipling not only in America but also in Africa and Europe! Our current methods, ministries, strategies, and events are falling short in producing authentic disciples of Jesus across these continents.
Overcoming the Challenges and Embracing the Opportunities of Discipleship !
In Europe and Africa, the situation surrounding discipleship and Christian ministry also presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Europe: Historically, Europe has been a stronghold of Christianity, with deep roots in its culture and society. However, in recent years, the continent has experienced a decline in religious affiliation and church attendance. This shift can be attributed to increasing secularism, the rise of alternative spiritualities, and a general disillusionment with organized religion. Despite these challenges, opportunities for discipleship and Christian ministry still exist:
A growing number of European churches are focusing on revitalizing their communities through small groups, discipleship programs, and outreach initiatives.
The increasing diversity of European societies, due to immigration and globalization, has led to the growth of multicultural churches that foster understanding and unity among believers from different backgrounds.
The rise of alternative spiritualities has opened doors for Christians to engage in meaningful conversations about faith and spirituality, allowing for potential discipleship opportunities.
Many European Christians are exploring new ways to live out their faith in everyday life, including social action, environmental stewardship, and community building.
Africa: In contrast to Europe, Africa has experienced a significant growth in Christianity in recent decades. This growth can be attributed to the spread of Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, as well as the efforts of indigenous African churches. Despite this growth, discipleship and Christian ministry on the continent face their own challenges:
Poverty, political instability, and limited access to resources can hinder the development of sustainable discipleship programs and Christian ministries in many African countries.
The rapid growth of Christianity has, in some cases, led to a focus on numerical expansion rather than deepening the faith and discipleship of individual believers.
Syncretism, the blending of Christian beliefs with traditional African religions, can sometimes dilute the Gospel message and create confusion among believers.
The lack of trained leaders and theological education can result in the spread of unbiblical teachings and practices.
Despite these challenges, the African church has demonstrated incredible resilience and creativity in addressing the needs of its communities. Believers across the continent are finding innovative ways to share the Gospel, disciple new believers, and serve their neighbors.
In conclusion, discipleship and Christian ministry in Europe and Africa face unique challenges and opportunities. The church in both continents must continue to adapt and find new ways to engage with believers and the wider society, fostering discipleship and spiritual growth in an ever-changing world.
Building Stronger Churches with G12 Discipleship Model
Implementing the G12 Vision has the potential to address some of the unique challenges faced by the church in these regions and capitalize on the opportunities that exist for growth and discipleship.
Europe: The G12 Vision, with its emphasis on small groups, mentorship, and discipleship, can help revitalize the European church by:
Fostering deeper relationships and spiritual growth among believers through small group settings, which can help counter the growing secularism and disconnection from organized religion in Europe.
Providing an accessible and inclusive framework for multicultural churches to thrive, allowing believers from diverse backgrounds to connect, learn from one another, and grow in their faith.
Encouraging European Christians to engage in meaningful conversations about faith and spirituality with those who are exploring alternative spiritualities, thus creating opportunities for discipleship.
Empowering believers to live out their faith in practical ways, such as social action, environmental stewardship, and community building, which can have a transformative impact on European societies.
Africa: The G12 Vision can contribute to the growth and development of the African church by:
Providing a sustainable model for discipleship and Christian ministry that can be implemented even in areas with limited resources, helping to alleviate poverty and improve communities.
Shifting the focus from numerical expansion to deepening the faith and discipleship of individual believers, ensuring that the rapid growth of Christianity in Africa is accompanied by strong spiritual foundations.
Combating syncretism by equipping believers with a thorough understanding of biblical teachings and fostering accountability within small groups, ensuring that the Gospel message remains undiluted.
Addressing the shortage of trained leaders by providing a structured framework for leadership development, mentorship, and theological education, enabling the church to develop strong leaders and prevent the spread of unbiblical teachings.
Implementing the G12 Vision in Europe and Africa can provide a powerful framework for discipleship, mentorship, and leadership development, enabling the church to address the unique challenges faced in these regions and capitalize on the opportunities for growth.
By fostering deeper relationships among believers, promoting spiritual growth, and empowering Christians to live out their faith in practical ways, the G12 Vision can help revitalize the church in Europe and Africa and transform the wider society.
It is crucial that we reconsider our current approaches to discipleship and discipling in America, Africa, and Europe. Present methods, ministries, strategies, and events have proven largely ineffective in nurturing genuine disciples of Jesus.
HERE’S THE FAITH CHALLENGE SCENARIO that I dreamed up…
Imagine if we were to challenge 12,000 pastors in the 12,000 churches across Africa and Europe to each raise up just one disciple-making pastor and plant a single church within the next three years. Then, suppose we repeated this process every three years.
In 21 years, if Jesus tarries, the multiplication would look like this:
one brings 12,
then 12 bring 12 for a total of 144,
followed by 144 bringing 12 each for 1,728,
and so on.
12000 bring 12 for a total of 144000,
follozed by 144 bringing 12 for a total of 1728000,
1728000 bring 12 for a total of 20736000,
20736000 bring 12 for a total of 248832000 etc…
This exponential growth would significantly expand the reach of the churches and the impact of their ministry, fostering a powerful movement of discipleship and church planting. This approach has the potential to transform countless lives and communities across Africa and Europe by spreading the message of Christ and fostering spiritual growth among believers.
This projection doesn’t even take into account the potential for this approach to become an integral part of our denomination’s DNA. There will likely be pastors whom God uses to raise up multiple pastors and plant several churches within a three-year span. Multiplication, rather than mere duplication or replication, could have an astounding impact, particularly if some of these leaders are genuinely implementing The Master’s Plan by developing their 12 soul-winning disciples, their 144 soul-winning disciples of their disciples, and their 1,728 and beyond!
If The Master’s Plan were to truly take root within our denomination globally, the results would be unimaginable. This vision appears to be of a magnitude that can only be attributed to God’s inspiration!
If each church were to have an average of just 100 members, we would be ministering to 230,400,000 people – nearly a quarter of a billion! This is a considerable leap from our current position, with 18,000 churches and under 2 million people. Achieving this is possible! By that time, with disciple-making ingrained in our essence and the prevailing church culture of our denomination, how many of our churches would not surpass 100 members?
In truth, it would likely be a rare exception for a church not to grow beyond 100 or 200 members.
This objective is not only modest and achievable with Jesus’ power; it is absolutely essential. It is high time we focus on the one task Jesus commanded us to do – make disciples!
We have multiplied numerous aspects:
churches, committees, choirs, camps, campuses, colleges, conferences, converts, classes, consultants, concerts, contemporary worship services, church members, coffee houses, councils, creeds, curriculums, countless books, tapes, movies, and videos, cathedrals, chapels, clinics, crowds, finances, church-goers, and well-mannered citizens, counselors, courses, and even Christians. We have Christian comedians, clowns, cartoonists, and various forms of Christian entertainment.
Some churches have even employed « Christian masseuses » to provide massages during worship services as attendees listen to the sermons, believing this will help win the world.
Though we have multiplied everything else, perhaps it’s time to focus on multiplying the one thing Jesus instructed us to multiply: disciples who make disciples.
A Concise Overview of « G12 » and ‘Cells’
Through God’s grace and His remarkable providence and divine guidance, I believe the Lord has introduced us to a model of discipleship that is transforming spiritual formation, church planting, and the world. This model is currently employed by an estimated 20,000 churches globally and 3,000 churches in the United States. It is being used by the fastest-growing church globally, which sees over 5,000 people come to Christ each week on average.
Some of the fastest-growing Churches in the world today has effectively implemented this mindset and methodology. This vision of multiplication is utilized by the largest churches in at least nine countries, including England, Russia, Singapore, Italy, Scotland, Colombia, Peru, and others.
We believe this is the most powerful and dynamic model of disciple-making the world has witnessed since the Book of Acts.
Dr. Yonggi Paul David Cho of Korea, pastor of the world’s largest church with over a million members, has publicly stated that this particular model of spiritual reproduction and intensive discipleship can « revolutionize and empower the church all over the world to take cities and nations for God. »
I think he’s right.
This model is commonly referred to as « G12. » Many in charismatic circles are familiar with this movement, but most of the churches I’ve encountered have not yet heard of it.
G12 stands for « The Government of Twelve. » This vision and model are based on a cell church structure.
Nineteen of the 20 largest churches globally are cell churches, with a few of them now following the G12 model.
A cell church is not simply a church with cells; it is a church where the entire movement, thrust, life, and ministry operate in and through the cells.
Cells in a genuine cell church differ from home groups, care groups, fellowship groups, Bible study groups, prayer groups, service groups, affinity groups, or special interest groups.
As Colin Dye of Kensington Temple in London explains:
« Cells are not just small gatherings but rather tiny units of ‘church’ that carry out everything a ‘church’ should be doing while remaining part of the larger body. Cells are where evangelism, discipleship, pastoral care, and prayer life of the church occur. »
The vision and mandate of « G12 » draw inspiration from Jesus Christ’s ministry and his work with the twelve disciples.
According to Pastor Colin Dye of London, whose church has experienced remarkable growth using the G12 model: « Based on Jesus’ choice and training of twelve disciples, the G12 vision has proven to be the most effective way to equip the body of Christ in the world today. Its goal is to see every member of the body of Christ serving the Lord Jesus and fulfilling His mandate to make, mature, and mobilize disciples in all nations. »
The G12 journey began in 1983 with a humble pastor, Cesar Castellanos, and his small congregation of 120 people in Bogota, Colombia. Frustrated by the church’s inability to grow beyond 120 members, Pastor Cesar resigned and spent four months in prayer, waiting for God to guide him.
Through a series of visions, God revealed a strategy for evangelism and church growth through cells. In 1986, Pastor Cesar traveled to Korea and adopted the cell church principles taught by Dr. Paul David Yonggi Cho. By the end of 1991, there were 70 cells and around 700 people in the church.
Still unsatisfied, Pastor Cesar fervently prayed for a plan to accelerate the growth of cells and leaders. He believes that the Lord revealed the missing component – the vision and concept called « The Government of 12 » or G12. Castellanos writes:
« I began to see Jesus’ ministry with clarity. The multitudes followed, but He didn’t train the multitudes. He only trained twelve, and everything He did with the multitudes was for the purpose of teaching the twelve. Then the Lord asked me another question: ‘If Jesus trained twelve, should you win more than twelve or less than twelve?
The Lord revealed to Castellanos that Jesus chose twelve disciples to reach the multitudes.
As Pastor Cesar studied Jesus’ life and ministry, he realized that Jesus remained with these twelve disciples until they were trained, at which point he released them, granting them authority and empowering them to disciple the nations.
Castellanos felt called to find twelve faithful and fruitful men and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, reproduce Christ’s character in them. His wife, Claudia, did the same with twelve women from the church, and the youth pastor, Cesar Fajardo, followed suit with the church’s youth.
Each of these « twelve » would win, consolidate, disciple, and send twelve more (12; 144; 1,728; 20,736).
God had promised them extraordinary growth if they were obedient to the vision He had provided, and incredible multiplication ensued.
From 1991 to 1994, the cells grew from 70 to 1,200. From 1994 to 1999, the church experienced explosive growth, reaching 20,000 cells with 45,000 people attending weekend celebration services.
In 1996 alone, the cells grew from 4,000 to 10,500. Each cell comprised between 6 and 25 people. Today, over 400,000 individuals are being discipled in more than 80,000 cells, with each person being trained to lead their own cell.
In comparison, Dr. Cho’s church has « only » 75,000 cells for 1,000,000 people. This model has prompted Dr. Cho to reevaluate his own approach.
Cho has long believed that only about 10% of a church’s congregation possesses the gift of evangelism and should be cell leaders.
However, in G12 churches, it is firmly believed that every Christian can and should be trained and mentored for life to become an effective cell leader.
The church in Bogota genuinely believes that within a year or two, they will have 400,000 cells averaging 4-5 people each. The math is astounding! Even children as young as 8-9 years old are trained and equipped to lead children’s groups.
The church, called the International Charismatic Mission, has experienced continuous exponential growth. Today, thirteen years after God gave Castellanos the vision of ministering to twelve men, over 400,000 individuals are being discipled by leaders training them to be soul-winners, disciplers, and leaders of cells and groups of twelve.
The youth group has reached 65,000 youth who lead more than 1,500 teens to Christ every week! The entire church sees over 5,000 people come to Christ weekly. Their retention rate is unparalleled by any church worldwide, retaining between 80-90 percent of first-time converts and nearly 65 percent of these new believers follow through with the almost year-long training to become cell group leaders.
They are on track to add 200,000 members to their church in this calendar year alone!
Can you believe it?
This is nothing short of miraculous, and what’s even more amazing is that it seems to be replicable and transferable across different cultures and countries. As mentioned earlier, this movement has spread worldwide, reaching every continent except Antarctica.
Over 20,000 churches and 124 denominations in East Africa alone are adopting this model of discipleship and multiplication.
Here are a few examples from around the globe:
Kiev, Russia: A church with 8,000 members, led by a Nigerian pastor, adopted the G12 model in 2002, and today has an average attendance of 30,000.
Lima, Peru: A church with 5,000 members began transitioning to the G12 model in 2000, and today, their average attendance is over 30,000.
Cali, Colombia: The fastest-growing Church of the Nazarene in the world grew from 31 people 12 years ago (as of 2007) to over 8,000. They started applying these principles four years ago when they had only 1,000 members. The church is training nearly all these new converts to lead their own cells within a year or two. Their pastor genuinely believes that they will have over 8,000 cells (averaging 5 people each) within the next two years. Imagine, a Church of the Nazarene growing from 31 to 20,000 in just 14-15 years!
On December 11, 2005, they held a special evangelistic rally with more than 12,000 attendees. They are currently raising funds to build a 12,000-seat sanctuary.
They believe that God has told them they will fill the sanctuary five times every weekend. Just think about the numbers!
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA: Bethany World Prayer Center, led by Pastor Larry Stockstill, had 5,000 members when they began applying the principles and philosophy of G12 in 2001, six years ago.
At that time, they retained only 6% of their new converts.
Today, they have an average attendance exceeding 13,000, with 200 new first-time converts every week, and over 50% of these new believers are being retained.
The leadership at Bethany attributes this retention rate to the principles, patterns, and methodology of consolidation and discipleship found in the G12 model.
With this retention rate, Bethany is set to add 5,000 people to their church this year alone, and they are on track to achieve this goal.
Remarkably, in 2003, their youth group had 400 members.
After fully implementing the G12 model, the youth group has grown to over 5,000 in weekly cell group meetings, primarily led by other teens.
This makes it the largest youth group in America, surpassing others by at least 3,000 members!
In America, most mega-churches have youth groups with around 300-500 members.
Joel Osteen’s church, the largest in America with over 26,000 members, has a youth group of « only » 1,000.
Only 3 or 4 mega-churches have more than 1,000 kids in their youth groups. Bethany, however, is by far the largest, and their leaders truly expect to have a youth group of 20,000 someday, right here in the United States!
Bethany is a very mission-focused church, contributing 2-3 million dollars to missions for years.
Between 1987 and 2003 (15 years), they planted 1,000 churches worldwide – quite an accomplishment for a single American church! In 2003, they transitioned all 1,000 churches to the G12 model.
In 2004, they planted over 2,000 churches, and in 2005, they planted more than 6,000 churches worldwide, all using the G12 model.
They are currently planting 10,000 churches per year using this dynamic approach.
Each pastor is tasked with developing their own 12 and 144, etc., and planting new churches using this explosive methodology (for comparison, the Church of the Nazarene has over 18,000 churches worldwide).
In Medford, Oregon, a small independent Pentecostal church with 150 members began implementing the G12 model in 2002.
Today, they have over 400 members, with more than 385 being trained to open their own cells in the next few months.
They have grown from 17 cells to 75 cells in just 18 months.
From Struggle to Success: The G12 Model’s Impact on a Church in Bogota
As an eyewitness, this church undergo 15 years of struggle, unable to surpass a mere 150-member threshold until a few years ago, when they embraced the G12 model.
G12 Overview:
Here is a brief overview of the G12 vision and its core values:
God envisions a world filled with His spiritual sons and daughters who love and worship Him.
It is God’s will for everyone to become a born-again, Spirit-filled believer.
God desires every believer to be a witness, soul-winner, a true Great Commission disciple of Jesus, a trained leader, a mentor of other leaders, and a spiritual reproducer who multiplies multitudes.
God’s plan includes every believer being discipled for life in a « spiritual father-spiritual son » relationship (or « spiritual mother-spiritual daughter » for females).
The Lord’s will and plan involve ongoing, lifelong discipleship in the context of loving small groups, where love, prayer, accountability, correction, evangelism, disciple-making, service, worship, and leadership training can best take place.
(John Wesley shared the same belief and, in the 1700s, established small cells or « bands » of same-sex groups of twelve.)
Becoming a Reproducing Disciple: The Legacy of Spiritual Parenthood
It is God’s will for every believer to become a « Spiritual Parent, » leading others to Christ and nurturing them to reach full maturity in Christ, ultimately becoming reproducing disciples themselves.
With God’s help, prayer, and dedicated disciplers, new believers can and should be trained to become soul-winners and cell group leaders within a year.
This process involves weekly cell meetings, one-on-one same-sex mentoring, a series of classes totaling over 90 hours of interaction, instruction, and assignments, and two weekend retreats within a disciple’s first spiritual year.
Curriculum has been developed for all classes and retreats.
Following the example of Jesus, trained cell leaders who demonstrate faithfulness and fruitfulness in soul-winning, prayer, and cell leadership and multiplication are integrated into permanent, same-sex, closed groups of 12 under one spiritual leader, who is also under a leader.
These groups are meant to last long-term, ideally for life.
Each disciple eventually participates in three small groups per week.
They lead their own open evangelistic « fishing » cell with 3-20 people, attend their leader’s closed group of 12 called a « G12 group » for ongoing encouragement, spiritual leadership, prayer support, accountability, correction, love, and evangelistic challenge and goal-setting for souls and cells, and form their own closed group of 12 « spiritual sons » (or « daughters ») to guide and lead.
However, they continue to meet weekly with their original group of 12.
Though this process involves a significant amount of work, thousands of people across the world and in nearly every country are committed to and engaged in this approach.
So the G12 vision and model comprise multiple layers and levels, including « Network » meetings, « Generation » meetings, « Macro cell » meetings, and « Miracle Catches » (large evangelistic rallies).
These additional gatherings may occur monthly, quarterly, or in some rare cases, weekly.
This overview provides a bird’s-eye view of the G12 approach.
While not perfect or flawless, the G12 methodology is a vision, method, process, and model for « doing church » that seems to be receiving significant blessings from God.
With a keen interest in exploring it further and potentially adopting it in a local church setting, the focus remains on glorifying God and saving souls.
As God guides this journey, prayers for guidance and support are welcomed.
The Master’s Plan: A New Terminology
G12 Nomenclature: G12 Open evangelistic cell groups Closed G12 groups of 12 Pre-Encounter Encounter | The Master’s Plan Nomenclature: The Master’s Plan Life Groups Leadership Groups Pre-Encounter Encounter |
Constructing the Framework of Discipleship:
Nourishing Jesus’ followers (« feed my lambs »)
Receiving sustenance from the Holy Spirit
Providing spiritual nourishment to others
Allowing the Holy Spirit to move, operate, work, and bless within the structure
A Sturdy Table for Discipleship:
To be strong, it requires four legs and a tabletop.
Our « Discipleship Table » consists of these elements:
Leg #1: Believer (Salvation course)
Leg #2: Follower (Consolidation course)
Leg #3: Disciple (Leadership-Discipleship course)
Leg #4: Servant-Leader (Leadership-Ministry course)
Tabletop: DiscipleMaker or Ambassador of Christ.
Pre-Encounter & Encounter, The Journey Believer’s Course
(Leg #1 in the Table)
Post-Encounter, The Journey Follower’s Course
(Leg #2 in the Table)
School of Leaders Level One, Disciple’s Course
(Leg #3 in the Table)
School of Leaders Level Two, Servant’s Course
(Leg #4 in the Table)
School of Leaders Level Three, DiscipleMaker’s Course
(The Tabletop)
From Unbelievers to Disciples: The Transformative Journey of Jesus’ Apostles
Initially, Jesus’ apostles were unbelievers, but they eventually became believers in Jesus. As believers, they followed Jesus, and He called a few of them to be His disciples. Today, Jesus calls all of us not just to be believers and followers, but to be His disciples as well.
As disciples, they attentively listened to Jesus and learned from Him, constantly challenged to become His servants by serving one another and the world in need.
Jesus emphasized the importance of being a loving servant to others, and when the disciples became servants, He called them to reproduce and make more disciples – to become DiscipleMakers.
This was the Great Commission, Jesus’ penultimate command.
Jesus knew that they needed one more thing: the power of the Holy Spirit.
Before engaging in the vital work of making disciples, these believers, followers, disciples, and servant-leaders needed the baptism of the Holy Spirit and entire sanctification to become effective, Christ-like DiscipleMakers.
Thus, Jesus’ final command was for them to wait for the Father’s promise – the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire, which would grant them the power, purity, and passion to be DiscipleMakers all over the world.
Jesus’ Great Commission, the command to « go and make disciples, » must become our top priority, while His last command to « wait until the Spirit falls on you » must be our first order of the day.
We must not attempt to « go » before we have « waited » and received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit daily.
Otherwise, our efforts will be fruitless and driven by the flesh.
Instead of making disciples of Jesus, we would be creating miniature versions or pathological clones of ourselves, which is certainly not the desired outcome.
The Master’s Plan: A Roadmap to Discipleship and Transformation
The Master’s Plan is a 12-month discipleship process and timeline intended to guide a new believer through various stages, ultimately transforming them into a fully devoted DiscipleMaker of Jesus, who will also create other DiscipleMakers.
The stages include:
Unbeliever Evangelism – Winning souls
Believer in Jesus Consolidation
Follower of Jesus Consolidation
Disciple of Jesus Leadership Discipleship
Servant of Jesus Leadership Ministry
DiscipleMaker of Jesus Ambassador for Christ
The journey commences when an individual transitions from being an unbeliever to embracing faith as a born-again believer in Jesus.
This is a profound moment of realization and acceptance that marks the start of a new life in Christ.
As a born-again believer, the journey of discipleship is a call to action, to live out our faith in tangible ways that demonstrate our commitment to Jesus Christ.
The Master’s Plan provides a comprehensive framework for that journey, offering guidance and support as new believers navigate the various stages of discipleship and transformation.
At the heart of this journey is a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.
As we grow in our faith and knowledge of Him, we discover new levels of joy, peace, and purpose that go beyond anything we could have imagined.
We begin to see the world through His eyes, to love as He loves, and to serve as He served.
The journey of discipleship is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. It involves challenges and struggles, but it also brings incredible blessings and opportunities for growth.
As we embrace the Master’s Plan, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, to a life of meaning and purpose that goes beyond anything we could have dreamed of.
So, let us begin this journey with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace all that God has in store for us.
Let us walk in faith and trust, knowing that the Holy Spirit will guide us every step of the way, and that we are never alone on this incredible adventure.
The Believer’s Course: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Life as a New Christian
The Believer’s Course is designed to take place within the first few months of a new believer’s journey in Christ.
After someone comes to the Lord, immediate follow-up begins with a trained worker who reviews the plan of salvation, prays with the new believer, and provides reassurance of salvation.
They collect the new Christian’s contact information and prayer requests, offering a Bible if they don’t have one.
The First 72 Hours: The Critical Window for Follow-Up with New Believers. Follow-up continues with a phone call the next day and a home visit within the first 72 hours.
A same-sex coach or mentor walks the new believer through eight weekly lessons called « The Basic Bible Studies » designed for new Christians.
The new believer is invited to join a Life Group, ideally one led by the person who brought them to faith or their follow-up worker.
Life Groups meet weekly for prayer, fellowship, encouragement, evangelism, and praying for lost friends.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of their beliefs.
Attendance and involvement in the Life Group is strongly encouraged as it serves as the new believer’s spiritual family.
The new believer is then urged to attend the Believer’s Pre-Encounter Classes, which prepare them for the Encounter Weekend Retreat.
The Pre-Encounter Classes consist of four sessions and are prerequisites for the Encounter Weekend.
The Encounter Weekend Retreat includes nine sessions and serves as a powerful tool for setting people free to walk in daily victory over the enemy and live in the Holy Spirit.
Sessions cover the power of the cross, forgiveness, inner healing, sexual purity, freedom, the filling of the Holy Spirit, and the vision of Christ through The Master’s Plan.
The Follower’s Course: Empowering Believers to Become Devoted Followers of Jesus
The Follower’s Course – 3 months (10 weeks x 1.5 hrs.)
This Post-Encounter class aims to help believers who have completed the Encounter Weekend grow beyond being just believers, becoming dedicated Followers of Jesus.
Classes cover basic biblical doctrines, practical daily holiness, and establishing a dynamic daily relationship with Jesus.
Assignments include weekly Bible memorization and reading the New Testament in three months. The growing Follower of Jesus is encouraged to continue attending their Life Group for weekly support, encouragement, and prayer.
The Disciple’s Course: Taking Your Faith to the Next Level
The Disciple’s Course – 3 months (10 weeks x 1.5 hrs.).
This next level of classes is designed to help Followers of Jesus grow and develop into Disciplined Disciples of Jesus.
Classes include material on Bible doctrine, practical Christian family life, and what it means to be a true disciplined learner (the definition of a Disciple) of Jesus.
Assignments consist of reading, weekly Bible memorization, and reading the New Testament again in the next three months.
The developing Disciple of Jesus is encouraged to continue attending their Life Group and to bring three new people to their Leader’s Life Group during the three months.
The Disciple is preparing to eventually launch their own Life Group.
This observation time is valuable for the Disciple of Jesus, who will ultimately become a DiscipleMaker of Jesus.
The Servant’s Course: Becoming a Selfless Leader by Following Jesus’ Example
The Servant’s Course – 3 months (10 weeks x 1.5 hrs.).
The Servant’s Course aims to develop the Disciple of Jesus into a selfless Servant of Jesus who leads by serving others, following Jesus’ example.
The original 12 Disciples needed to be trained and coached by Jesus to become Christlike Servants, delighting in ministering to others and prioritizing their needs above their own ambitions and desires.
Classes include further biblical teaching on the Father’s heart and vision for the world, as well as training in servanthood, Life Groups, evangelism, spiritual warfare, intercession, and counseling new believers.
After an interview with the pastor, the growing Servant of Jesus is encouraged to launch their own Life Group during this three-month period and attend the Re-Encounter Weekend Retreat for Servant-Leaders.
Assignments include reading, weekly Bible memorization, actively sharing their faith with unbelievers, and reading the New Testament again (for the third time since the Encounter).
The Re-Encounter Weekend Retreat
This retreat continues the process of preparing the Disciple of Jesus to become more than just a Disciple, evolving into a true Servant of Jesus who is a servant-leader of their own Life Group.
Attitudes, vision, faith, temptations, spiritual warfare, and the dynamics of self-sacrifice and spiritual health and vitality of servant-leaders are addressed in the power of the Holy Spirit at the Re-Encounter.
The heart issues of true Servants of Jesus are explored and cleansed through the sanctification of God’s Word and His Spirit.
The DiscipleMaker’s Course: Empowering Servants to Make Disciples of Jesus
The DiscipleMaker’s Course – 3 months (10 weeks x 1.5 hrs).
The DiscipleMaker’s Course concludes the year-long training from Believer to DiscipleMaker of Jesus.
In this advanced course, the Servant of Jesus continues to grow and learn, transitioning into the role of making Disciples of Jesus as our Lord commanded.
These classes include training in Christian maturity, the Holy Spirit and fruitfulness, and DiscipleMaking disciples who will, in turn, become DiscipleMakers of Jesus.
Additional training covers spiritual gifts, contagious Christianity, soul harvesting, and the mature Christian’s life and walk with God.
The DiscipleMaker continues to serve their Life Group and begins to mentor, coach, and disciple the members of their group.
Assignments for this final three-month quarter of training include reading, growing their Life Group to 12 people, encouraging Life Group members to attend Encounters and embark on the Master’s Plan courses, actively sharing their faith, Bible memorization, and a fourth journey through the New Testament.
The dedicated DiscipleMaker of Jesus continues the multiplication process with their Life Group.
As the DiscipleMaker serves their new Life Group and demonstrates faithfulness, fruitfulness (the group grows, and souls are saved), and commitment to the vision of reproduction and multiplication, they will be invited into their leader’s Lead Group.
These small groups, limited to 12 members, are « closed » in the sense that they are not open to everyone.
Lead Groups are for faithful, fruitful servant-leaders who have completed the above training in its entirety.
These groups meet weekly for mutual love, encouragement, training, prayer, accountability, and strategizing on how to reach more people for Jesus.
Eventually, each servant-leader will see the people in their Life Group progress through the Believer’s, Follower’s, Disciple’s, Servant’s, and DiscipleMaker’s courses and classes, leading them to open their own Life Groups.
At that point, the DiscipleMaker will begin to form their own Lead Group, which will eventually comprise 12 faithful leaders.
Jesus modeled discipleship in this way, investing His life in 12 faithful, fruitful men, and then empowering and enabling them to continue discipling others, just as He had discipled them.
He said, « as the Father has sent Me, so send I you! » (John 20:21).
They were sent, and they went, doing what He had told them to do – make disciples of Jesus who would make more disciples of Jesus.
The Apostle Paul understood « The Master’s Plan. »
When he sought to establish new disciples in Ephesus, the Bible records that he found about 12 men and invested his life in them for a concentrated time of about 2 years (Acts 19:1-10).
This focused attention on key individuals, who, in turn, discipled others, led to the entire subcontinent of Asia Minor hearing the Word of God about Jesus and His plan of salvation in just a couple of years!
« The Master’s Plan » works!
Paul wrote these words to his young pastor-disciple:
2 Timothy 2:2 – « The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. »
This is our mission and our blueprint.
This is « The Master’s Plan! »
THE MASTER’S PLAN TIMELINE
BELIEVER’S COURSE Someone is won to the Lord and placed into a Life Group Pre-Encounter Classes (preparation for Encounter Weekend) Encounter Weekend Retreat FOLLOWER’S COURSE (Post Encounter Classes) DISCIPLE’S COURS SERVANT’S COURSE Re-Encounter Weekend Retreat DISCIPLEMAKER’S COURSE Our goal: A taught, trained and prepared soul-winner is ready to reproduce –winning others and starting them through the process | MEETS Weekly Weekly As often as we need one –hopefully, quarterly Weekly Weekly Weekly 9 months after the Encounter | TIME 1 hour 4 weeks X 1 ½ hour or 1 long session on one day 9 sessions 10 weeks X 10 weeks X 10 weeks X 11 sessions 10 weeks X | DURATION On-going 1 month Weekend Retreat 3 month 3 month 3 month Weekend Retreat |
STEPS TO BEGIN WITH THE MASTER’S PLAN (G12)
Educate yourself thoroughly about G12.
Read Malloy’s « The Jesus System – Groups of 12 »
Study books by Castellanos and Comiskey
Listen to « Nuts and Bolts » seminar recordings or attend a seminar
Attend conferences on G12
Speak with pastors involved in G12
If possible, visit Cali, Colombia to witness the model firsthand
Take your time; many pastors study it for one or two years before committing
Understand that this involves a major commitment to change, and there may be no turning back
Attend an Encounter as a participant, not a critic. Allow God to work in your heart.
Pray until you’re sure that God has called you to implement this plan in your church. It’s not for everyone.
Seek guidance from a pastor experienced with this vision, which can save you time and effort.
Ensure your spouse is on board. If it’s God’s plan, He’s calling your spouse too. Wait and pray until they’re excited about it.
Introduce the idea to your board thoughtfully and prayerfully. Take your time and ensure proper buy-in from church leadership. Consider sharing books, literature, conferences, meals, and discussions with board members and their spouses.
Recognize that it usually takes 3-4 years for existing churches to fully implement this Discipleship Model. Successful churches say it’s worth the effort. Be patient.
Avoid using the term « G12 » in public conversations. Instead, refer to it as The Master’s Plan, The Discipleship Model, or “Winning Your Loved Ones: The Power of Discipleship in God’s Kingdom” or another generic name.
Some people may react negatively to the term « G12. »
Avoid the 5 most common mistakes pastors make when implementing The Master’s Plan (G12):
Don’t declare from the pulpit that your church will become a G12 church and everyone will lead groups of 12 for life. This approach can backfire.
Don’t rush to choose 12 disciples. Jesus took his time selecting his 12, and so should you. Many pastors take 4-5 years to finalize their 12.
Don’t implement the plan too quickly. Take your time, pray, and ensure each step is carefully considered. Focus on building credibility with your congregation and work « underground » with key leaders before going public.
Don’t immediately dismantle existing ministries. Instead, work within or around them for a while. Let The Master’s Plan grow organically like a groundswell, and existing ministries will either join or fade away naturally.
Don’t try to do everything alone. Collaborate with others implementing the same model, learn from each other, and form a task force with key leaders who share the vision.
Review materials developed by others. You may choose to create your own or adapt existing materials. The Master’s Plan is available for adaptation as needed.
Preach on DiscipleMaking principles and concepts to gradually change your church’s culture and create a desire for DiscipleMaking training. Emphasize that participating in The Great Commission is God’s will and destiny for them.
Meet regularly with key leaders to share your vision. Pray for favor in their eyes and for the vision itself.
After attending an Encounter, invite your leadership to join you at a conference or another Encounter. Let them interact with other laypeople who are enthusiastic about the vision and methodology.
Prioritize prayer, and then pray even more.
Develop a clear, step-by-step implementation plan. Outline each phase of the process, setting realistic goals and timelines for your church. This plan will help keep your team focused and accountable as you progress.
Encourage open communication and feedback from your congregation. Be receptive to their thoughts and concerns, and be prepared to address them. This will foster a sense of unity and ownership in the vision.
Continuously invest in personal growth and development. As a leader, it’s essential to deepen your understanding of discipleship and leadership principles. Attend workshops, conferences, and read books to stay informed and inspired.
Celebrate successes and milestones along the way. Acknowledging the achievements of your congregation and leadership team will help maintain motivation and enthusiasm for the vision.
Remember to practice patience and perseverance. Transforming a church culture and implementing The Master’s Plan can take time. Trust in God’s timing and remain committed to the vision, even when challenges arise.
Persist in prayer until you have complete certainty that it is God’s divine calling for you to create disciples who, in turn, make disciples. If you believe The Master’s Plan (G12) is not the most effective discipleship method available, then put a better plan into action!
Regardless, take action and dedicate yourself to the mission of forming disciples who will make disciples of our Lord Jesus.
Shifting Paradigms: Embracing the Master’s Plan for Our Local Church
The following list highlights new or re-energized paradigms that are being adopted with a more focused and intentional approach:
Discipling 12 individuals instead of 2-3.
Long-term discipleship commitment.
Encouraging every believer to be a leader, multiplier, spiritual parent, and contributor to a multitude.
Encounter weekend retreats for believer consolidation, cleansing, and sanctification.
Re-Encounter retreats to prepare and equip leaders.
Progression from unbeliever to believer, follower, disciple, servant, disciple-maker, and finally, a disciple-maker of disciple-makers, an Ambassador for Christ.
Children and teens leading groups.
Establishing a children’s network.
Believers committing to three small group meetings per week.
Achieving 80-90% church participation, compared to the typical 1-2%.
Evaluating a church by the number of disciple-makers, rather than attendance.
The pastor’s spouse leading the women’s network.
The pastor’s group of 12 overseeing the church.
Embracing the Blessing of Abraham, with each believer becoming a spiritual parent to a multitude.
The importance of impartation through prayer and the laying on of hands.
New believers leading their own groups within a year.
Churches experiencing annual exponential growth.
The concept of local, national, and international groups of 12.
Claiming entire cities for God through prayer.
Pastors’ spouses sharing in their husbands’ ministry and anointing.
Laypeople having thousands of groups in their spiritual families.
People meeting with their groups of 12 at early hours, like 4:30 or 5:00 AM.
The power and significance of the number 12 in God’s plan.
Creating lifelong spiritual sons and daughters.
Focusing on the care of spiritual offspring with the same commitment as physical offspring.
The « double anointing » for spiritual sons.
Embracing the concept of spiritual lineage.
Mixed-gender youth cells and G12 groups.
Youth groups serving ages 13-30.
Connecting the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification to practical holiness and the Great Commission.
The value of servanthood in the Master’s Plan.
A year-long follow-up, consolidation, and discipleship program with clear courses and curriculum.
Embracing the true vision of the Father.
The raw faith required for this vision.
The personal holiness demanded by this model.
The intense prayer needed for this approach.
Receiving a « rhema » word from God before meeting with the 12.
The « Prayer of Three. »
Passionate prayer and intercession for lost souls.
The pastor’s role as a model in every aspect: prayer, purity, soul-winning, small group leadership, and disciple-making.
Two-hour weekly discipleship classes for the first year.
The process of selecting the 12.
Criteria for selecting the 12.
Emphasizing fruitfulness, not just faithfulness.
The importance of goal-setting and working towards those goals.
Engaging whole families in the vision.
Humility in learning from other pastors who share the vision.
The astonishing growth resulting from true godly multiplication, as seen in the Bogota, Cali, and Bethany stories.
Genuine collaboration and camaraderie among pastors sharing the vision.
Embracing the inverted pyramid concept, serving and supporting younger brothers and spiritual sons through intercession, encouragement, and Christlike leadership.
The exponential growth potential: 12, 144, 1,728, 20,736, and so on.
Ministering to your group of 144.
Believing in and « birthing » your 12 and 144 through prayer and fasting.
The spirit of grace, supplication, and the need to fervently pray for souls and engage in spiritual warfare.
The power and value of Encounter and Re-Encounter experiences.
Renewed focus on the Great Commission’s mandate to make disciples.
Developing a fatherly heart for your 12 and 144.
Dedicating your life to the success of your 12 as men of God, prayer warriors, disciplers, husbands, brothers, sons, fathers, and friends.
Focusing on how Jesus discipled His 12 and striving to imitate Him.
Recognizing that disciple-making disciple-makers are the key to lasting, fruitful results in the Kingdom, following prayer.
Committing to working harder in ministry for lasting outcomes.
Realizing the enthusiasm laypeople can have for the things of God and disciple-making.
Believing that God can transform the priorities and values of laymen and laywomen, making disciple-making their top priority after their relationship with God and their spouse.
The essential practice of praying daily for disciples.
Experiencing newfound joy, purpose, focus, clarity, direction, and anointing in ministry through the G12 approach.
Praying for miracles of all kinds to establish this vision in the church.
Receiving the clearest affirmation of being in God’s will and focusing on what matters most to Him.
The Master’s Plan generating unparalleled excitement.
The Master’s Plan leading to purpose-driven living and ministry like never before.
Experiencing unprecedented favor, blessing, anointing, open doors, and Holy Spirit guidance in the Master’s Plan.
Recognizing God’s hand in the vision and its development, with clear evidence of His guidance and orchestration.
The Master’s Plan inspiring unparalleled excitement about life, ministry, fruitfulness, disciple-making, the future, and the promises of God.
Addition vs. Multiplication: A Comparative Analysis of the G12 Vision
Let’s examine two different approaches to evangelization: Scenario #1, which is based on the concept of “addition,” and Scenario #2, which employs the principle of 12 and focuses on multiplication.
In Scenario #1, the goal of evangelization is to add as many new believers to the church as possible. This approach typically involves large-scale events and programs designed to draw in large crowds and convert as many people as possible. While this approach may result in a rapid influx of new believers, it often fails to cultivate deep, meaningful relationships between the church and its members, and can lead to a lack of long-term growth and sustainability.
Let’s consider an example of the “Addition” approach to evangelism.
Imagine that you have exceptional skills in evangelism, and you are able to personally bring one million people to the Kingdom of God every year. This would be an incredible achievement, but unfortunately, it is unrealistic to assume that none of these new believers would fall away from the faith over time.
Using this approach, the focus is primarily on adding new members to the church each year, rather than on developing deep, meaningful relationships and fostering a culture of disciple-making.
While the rapid influx of new believers may seem impressive, it can lead to a lack of sustainability and a failure to cultivate long-term growth.
To illustrate, let’s look at the hypothetical numbers for this approach over a period of 24 years.
In Year 1, you add 1,000,000 new believers to the church.
By Year 2, there are 2,000,000 believers,
and by Year 3, there are 3,000,000.
However, as time goes on, the retention rate is likely to decrease, meaning that fewer and fewer of these new believers will remain committed to the faith over the long term.
While adding 1,000,000 people per year to the church is certainly an impressive achievement, it is important to recognize that this approach may not be sustainable over the long term, and may fail to cultivate the kind of deep relationships and culture of disciple-making that are necessary for lasting growth and impact.
In contrast, Scenario #2 focuses on multiplication, using the principle of 12 to foster a culture of disciple-making and intentional relationships. This approach emphasizes the importance of developing a small group of 12 people who are dedicated to growing in their faith and making disciples of others. These 12 are then encouraged to form their own groups, with the ultimate goal of creating a network of disciples who are actively engaged in evangelization and disciple-making.
The principle of 12 emphasizes quality over quantity, recognizing that true growth and transformation occur through meaningful relationships and intentional disciple-making.
By cultivating a culture of multiplication, churches can develop a sustainable model of growth that focuses on deepening relationships and developing disciples who are committed to serving and making an impact in their communities.
Overall, while both approaches have their merits, Scenario #2 offers a more sustainable and transformative approach to evangelization that emphasizes the power of intentional relationships and disciple-making.
Once the 12 disciples have been raised and released to make more disciples, the real excitement begins!
Let’s compare the outcomes of Scenario #1 with Scenario #2.
After 24 years, a Super Evangelist who adds 1,000,000 people to the church each year would have reached a total of 24 million people.
In contrast, a DiscipleMaker who focuses on multiplication and disciples 12 people would have a much smaller number of direct disciples, but as the chain of multiplication continues with each group of 12, the impact becomes exponential.
By year 24, the DiscipleMaker and their 12 and their 12s down the line would have reached an incredible 469,070,940 DiscipleMaking DiscipleMakers!
It would take the Super Evangelist more than 445 years to accomplish what the DiscipleMaker and their chain of multiplication achieved in just 24 years.
Jesus’ Master’s Plan emphasizes multiplication, which is a more efficient and effective way to make disciples who will make disciples.
While the initial number of direct disciples may be smaller in this approach, the impact becomes exponential as each group of 12 is released to make more disciples.
Even if it takes 5 years to raise up 12 disciples, and another 5 years to raise up 144, the results are still phenomenal.
By year 40, the DiscipleMaker and their chain of multiplication would have reached a total of 469,070,940 Disciples, all trained, equipped, and discipled to become DiscipleMakers themselves.
Overall, Jesus’ Master’s Plan of multiplication is a more effective and sustainable approach to making disciples who will make disciples, and it can lead to incredible growth and impact over time.
Let’s consider a Faith Scenario in which a pastor sets a goal to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by taking three years to disciple 12 individuals who will each, in turn, be trained to disciple another 12 in the following three years, and so on. If this chain of multiplication remains unbroken, it has the potential to make an incredible impact over time.
In the first three years, the pastor focuses on training and discipling their 12 chosen individuals, following the model that Jesus established with His own disciples.
By year six, the same pastor has prayed and worked towards their 144 disciples, and by year 21, they have reached an incredible 35,831,808 DiscipleMakers – individuals who have been trained, equipped, and discipled to make disciples themselves.
This may seem like a lofty goal, but it is reasonable and attainable.
With faith and dedication, pastors all over the world are already working towards this goal, and have already seen the incredible impact of multiplication.
By focusing on making disciples who will make disciples, we can create a sustainable model of growth and impact that has the potential to transform communities and even entire nations.
Imagine if more people took up this call to make disciples who will make disciples.
The possibilities for impact are truly endless.
With God’s power and supernatural help, we can achieve great things and make a real difference in the world around us.
As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
With faith and determination, anything is possible.
Reasons Why G12 or « The Master’s Plan » Is Flourishing Worldwide
G12, a disciplemaking model, is successful all over the world, with thriving G12 churches in every country. The largest churches in at least 10-12 countries now use this model. So, what are the factors that make G12 so effective? Here are some key aspects:
Emphasis on personal purity and holiness, which God honors and blesses.
Foundation on fervent prayer, fasting, and passionate supplication, which attracts the Holy Spirit.
A clear, easy-to-understand path for growth, discipleship, and ongoing accountability and mentoring.
A strong focus on soul-winning and consolidating new believers.
Producing lasting « fruit » (John 15:16), which is encouraging for pastors and leaders.
Quickly integrating new believers into spiritual families.
Fostering deep, lifelong relationships.
Raising « Spiritual Fathers » who mentor « Spiritual Sons » who, in turn, become « Spiritual Fathers. »
Providing ongoing coaching, discipling, mentoring, and modeling.
Promoting cooperation and mentoring among pastors across denominational lines and cultural barriers.
Empowering pastors’ wives to assume their Spirit-appointed roles, becoming powerful « Deborahs » and « Priscillas. »
Imparting spiritual gifts and anointing through the laying on of hands.
Fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi 4:5-6 by turning the hearts of fathers back to their children.
Rapid and explosive multiplication beyond the initial 12 and 144 disciples.
Recognizing the potential significance of the number « 12 » in spiritual growth and multiplication.
Belief that every believer can become a leader and disciplemaker, even children as young as 9 years old.
Emphasis on goal-setting with focus, intentionality, and faith-filled prayer.
In summary, the G12 model’s success lies in its emphasis on personal growth, strong relationships, mentoring, and its clear and effective methodology. This approach is transforming churches worldwide and fulfilling the Great Commission in a powerful way.
Reconnecting Sanctification and the Great Commission: The Impact of G12 in Cali
The Cali, Colombia church has made a significant observation about the connection between the doctrine of entire sanctification and the vision and mission of the Church.
While our denomination has always embraced both concepts, over time, they have become separated in many churches. Sanctification has continued, but without ongoing mentoring in holiness or a systematic plan to fulfill the Great Commission.
Fortunately, the implementation of the G12 model in Cali has helped reconnect these crucial aspects.
Leaders in the church are now linking their understanding of sanctification with the Father’s vision for the world and the mission of making disciples of all nations.
The G12 model is able to bridge the gap between the doctrine of entire sanctification and the personal experience of sanctification, applying it directly to the vision and mission of our faith.
This realization has been incredibly exciting and motivating for believers in the church.
By reconnecting the doctrine of entire sanctification with the mission of making disciples, the church has been able to create a more holistic and impactful approach to fulfilling the Great Commission.
It is inspiring to see how the G12 model has helped the church in Cali to better align with the Father’s vision and mission for the world.
The church in Cali has identified a clear formula for success in linking the doctrine of entire sanctification with the mission of making disciples.
This includes a personal encounter with God through retreats, ongoing training in practical holiness and disciplemaking, embracing the Father’s vision to redeem the world, and Jesus’ mission.
When all of these elements are combined with a clear and effective methodology, the result is nothing short of transformational.
The G12 model has been instrumental in helping the church in Cali achieve this powerful approach.
By linking the doctrine of entire sanctification with the personal experience of sanctification, the G12 model has provided a framework for believers to connect their understanding of sanctification with the mission of making disciples.
As the church continues on this exciting journey with The Master’s Plan, it is clear that more insights will emerge and further fuel our passion and dedication to this approach.
The impact of this model can be seen in the revival that has taken place in Cali, with countless souls won for Christ and disciplemakers who are fully committed to their mission.
It is inspiring to see how a simple formula for success can lead to such powerful results.
By embracing the doctrine of entire sanctification and the mission of making disciples, the church in Cali has truly found a winning combination.
As we continue to walk in faith and dedication, there is no limit to what we can achieve through the power of The Master’s Plan.
Building a DiscipleMaking Team: The Importance of Identifying F.A.I.T.H.F.U.L. M.E.N. in Your Church
F – Faithful: Choose individuals who are devoted to Jesus and His teachings, consistently demonstrating integrity, commitment, and trustworthiness.
A – Available: Seek out those who prioritize meeting with you and are willing to adjust their schedules for regular, unhurried appointments.
I – Intimate with Jesus: Look for individuals who are passionate about their relationship with Jesus, prioritizing obedience and spiritual growth.
T – Teachable: Find people who are humble, receptive to guidance, and willing to change when necessary to improve their witness or walk with God.
H – Heart and Passion for the Vision: Identify those who are genuinely dedicated to the mission of making disciples and are enthusiastic about implementing The Master’s Plan.
F – Fruitful: Seek individuals who actively win souls, have a passion for the lost, and are willing to learn new strategies for reaching people for Jesus.
U – Under Authority: Choose those who value and submit to godly authority, understanding the importance of proper submission in leadership.
L – Love: Select individuals who have a strong love for Jesus, people, and you, displaying a natural affinity for friendship and connection.
M – Mighty in Spirit: Look for people who are powerful in prayer, intercession, and spiritual warfare, with the ability to influence and motivate others.
E – Emulatable: Choose disciples with solid integrity, strong character, and lives worth imitating, serving as good role models in various aspects of life.
N – Named and Nominated by God: As you pray over your potential disciples, allow God to guide your choices. Obey His direction, even if some of the other qualities are lacking, trusting that He will hand-pick the right individuals for you.
As you embark on this journey of disciple-making, keep these attributes in mind to help you identify the right people to include in your inner circle.
For women, you can use the acrostic F.A.I.T.H.F.U.L. W.O.M.E.N. and include the additional W. and O. as follows:
W – Winsome: Seek out individuals with attractive personalities who are gentle, loving, compassionate, Christ-like, and full of mercy and grace. They should be likable and enjoy the company of others, offering encouragement and support.
O – Obedient to Jesus: Look for those who prioritize prayer and are serious about obeying Jesus, no matter the cost.
It’s true that this list of qualities may seem idealistic and perhaps unattainable.
However, it’s essential to remember that not everyone will exhibit all these characteristics before being discipled. Jesus saw potential in his disciples, even though they weren’t perfect.
Your disciple doesn’t need to be flawless or entirely Christ-like before you begin mentoring them.
With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, you can discern their heart and potential for growth. The qualities listed may only be present in their early stages, but with your help, they can develop further.
As you consider potential disciples, look for individuals who demonstrate many of these qualities, even if they aren’t fully developed. God can help you train and mentor them in areas where they need growth.
Conversely, if you can’t envision a potential disciple ever developing these qualities, it may be wise not to invest too much time in a deep discipling relationship with them. Continue to love, bless, and support them, but be mindful of your limited time.
As you seek God’s will and guidance in this matter, trust that He has already chosen the people He wants you to disciple. Reflect on this list and assess your strengths and weaknesses, asking Jesus to help you grow in these areas so that you can model them for your disciples.
By God’s grace and power, we can all strive to be FAITHFUL MEN or FAITHFUL WOMEN.
Topics Covered in The Master’s Plan:
The Believer’s Course
Pre-Encounter Classes (Prerequisite for the Encounter Weekend retreat):
There are seven lessons in the Pre-Encounter classes:A Significant Decision (following Christ and becoming a Christian – Basic Follow-up)
Baptism by Water
Fellowship communion with God (connecting with the Father)
The Impact and Power of the Cross (The significance of Christ’s wounds and blood)
Baptism with the Holy Spirit and Complete Sanctification
The Value of Encountering God (outcomes of a genuine encounter with God)
Getting Ready for Your Encounter (practical suggestions for the Encounter Weekend)
The Encounter Weekend:
There are nine teaching sessions during the Encounter:
The Prodigal Son (the Heavenly Father’s Love and Forgiveness)
Peniel: A Personal Encounter with God (letting God break us so He can bless and use us; surrendering to God)
The Power of the Cross (nailing our sins to the cross, understanding the cost of Jesus’ redemption)
Upholding Sexual Purity
The Necessity of Forgiveness (self-forgiveness and forgiving others)
Inner Restoration (healing from past emotional wounds)
Set Free (freedom from all bondage and demonic oppression)
Baptism with the Holy Spirit and Complete Sanctification
Our Purpose and Destiny – The Vision and Strategy (Overview of The Master’s Plan – God’s intention for making us DiscipleMakers)
Optional Sessions:
Beautifully and Wonderfully Created (for women)
Twelve Sources of Curses (how we allow demonic involvement in our lives)
The Power of the Resurrection
The Disciple’s Course
To take The Disciple’s Course, participants must have completed both the Believer’s Course (Pre-Encounter and The Encounter) and The Follower’s Course (Post-Encounter), as each course in The Master’s Plan is designed to build on the previous one.
The Disciple’s Course consists of 10-13 sessions, each containing two lessons. The first lesson focuses on doctrine or Biblical truth, while the second lesson covers the practical principles of leading a godly family.
There are 10-13 sessions in the Disciple’s Course:
Lessons on Biblical truth are taught during the first 45 minutes of each session.
Introduction to the Disciple’s Course (Defining a Disciple, Disciple’s Foundation)
The Disciple’s Bible (The Word of God as a Disciple’s sustenance, strength, weapon, and nourishment)
The Disciple’s Repentance or Mindset (« Change of mind »)
The Disciple’s New Birth
The Disciple’s Faith (The importance of faith in a Disciple’s life)
The Disciple’s Baptisms (Water Baptism and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit)
The Disciple’s Authority (Laying on of hands)
The Disciple’s Resurrection and Judgment
The Disciple’s Power (Principles of Prayer)
The Disciple’s Financial Freedom
The Disciple’s Victory
The Disciple’s Life (Understanding a true Disciple of Jesus through Christian commitment, maturity, and discipling levels)
The Disciple’s Life Group and the Prayer of 3 – Part 1
Practical Principles of a Godly Family Lessons (Second 45 minutes of each session):
Introduction to God’s Design for the Disciple’s Family
The Disciple’s Family – Roles within the Family
The Disciple’s Children
The Disciple’s Family Communication
The Disciple’s Family Intimacy (Fostering closeness and unity within the family)
The Disciple’s Financial Management (Handling money according to God’s principles)
The Disciple’s Conflict Resolution
The Disciple’s Family Bonding
The Disciple’s Family Ministry (Serving together)
The Disciple’s Family – Maintaining Balance
The Disciple’s Winning Witness (Essential principles for leading friends to Jesus)
The Disciple’s Life Groups and the Prayer of 3 – Part 2
Life as a Dedicated Disciple of Jesus
The Servant’s Course: The Servant’s Course consists of 10-13 sessions, with two lessons in each session. The first lessons in each session help Jesus’ servants understand the Father’s Heart and Vision for the world and their role in God’s plan to redeem His lost children.
Lessons on Biblical Truth:
Introduction – God’s Vision for the World and His Plan for His Servants
The Four Faces of the Vision – Part 1 (Ezekiel’s Divine Vision and its relation to a Servant of Jesus: The Ox, A Man, The Eagle, The Lion)
The Four Faces of the Vision – Part 2
The Servant’s Vision
The Servant’s Life Group (The Biblical Basis of Life Groups)
The Servant’s Multiplication (The Seven Secrets of a Multiplying Life – Faithful Servants multiply!)
Serving a New Christian and Follow-up – Part 1
Serving a New Christian and Follow-up – Part 2
Serving a New Christian and Follow-up – Part 3
Serving a New Christian and Follow-up – Part 4
God’s Servant and The Power of Small
God’s Vision for the Future of His Selfless Servants – Fantastic Fruitfulness – Part 1
God’s Vision for the Future of His Selfless Servants – Fantastic Fruitfulness – Part 2
Lessons on the Practical Principles of Ministry:
Introduction – The Servant’s Ministry (Discovering Your Ministry)
The Servant’s Ministry to God (Praise and Worship)
The Servant’s Warfare (Spiritual Warfare)
The Servant’s Intercession and Supplication (Prayer and Life Groups)
The Servant’s Ministry in the Life Group (The Value of a Life Group)
The Servant’s Ministry in the World – Part 1 (The « Why » of Evangelism)
The Servant’s Ministry in the World – Part 2 (The Ways of Evangelism)
The Servant’s Ministry in the World – Part 3 (Servant Evangelism)
The Servant’s Ministry in the World – Part 4 (Relational Evangelism)
The Servant’s Ministry in the Church (Practical Service in the Family of God)
More Than A Disciple… A Servant! – Part 1 (Scriptural Servanthood)
More Than A Disciple… A Servant! – Part 2 (Scriptural Servanthood)
More Than A Disciple… A Servant! – Part 3 (Servant Leadership)
The Servant’s Reward (Earthly and eternal rewards)
The Re-Encounter Weekend
(A retreat designed to help emerging Servant Leaders address the temptations and issues of leading a Life Group and discipling others).
There are 11 sessions at the Re-Encounter Weekend.
The Responsibility of a Christian before the World
The Things Jesus Did In Me
Restoring Our Emotions
The Things Jesus Did For Me: The Cross
The Spiritual Kingdom and The Armor of God
How To Identify Bondages
How To Conquer Every Area of Our Lives and The Things Jesus Can Do Through Us
The Priesthood Family
The Consecration of a Leader
Excellence and Ethics of a Leader (Purity and Holiness)
The Anointing of the Holy Spirit
The DiscipleMaker’s Course:
This course consists of 10-13 sessions, each focusing on the principles of DiscipleMaking.
Throughout the course, students will study over 50 principles of successful discipling.
Each principle is supported by a scriptural foundation and includes practical applications for both the disciple and the DiscipleMaker.
The DiscipleMaker’s Course is designed to equip DiscipleMaker trainees with the insights and concepts necessary to become effective disciplers, working with new Christians to help them grow into disciples of Jesus and eventually,
DiscipleMakers themselves. The ultimate goal is to enable the DiscipleMaker to create more DiscipleMakers!
The Cali, Colombia Church of the Nazarene’s Vision
The church uses books produced in Bogota, which are available in English. The Cali Church has also developed new materials that cover the doctrinal section.
The vision must be genuinely internalized, as many pastors have adopted G12 only as a model or strategy. To truly live the vision, it must transform your life; otherwise, it will not transform your church. The first step is prayer.
God has given us the ability to have a « vision. » This is evident in the achievements of notable individuals such as Galileo, Columbus, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers, and Alexander Bell. The « vision » is God’s idea revealed to the human mind, which can then be realized by people.
Genesis 1:28 speaks of fruitfulness and dominion. Everything God does in the world is done through us. G-12 follows this principle from the beginning. God wants to restore His anointing to govern the world, and the church should be the governing force, not secular institutions or universities.
An illustration: A magician filled his tent three times a week, while a nearby church remained empty. The pastor asked the magician how he attracted so many people. The magician replied that he created illusions that people believed were real, while the pastor preached the truth as if it were a lie. The gospel is a demonstration of God’s power unto salvation.
To be a visionary is to see things before they exist. God works through visionaries, and His vision comes to life through the Master’s Plan. Jesus attracted multitudes, but He focused on His twelve disciples, who would then disciple others and reach the world.
The senior pastor must be wholly convinced of the vision, as it must start with them. The pastor must be an expert in the vision and actively engage in every step. By being fully involved, they have the authority to teach the vision to other leaders. People will follow the pastor’s actions rather than their words.
Both the pastor and their followers must breathe the vision and share the same passion.
Steps to G12 Success
G12’s success relies on how various elements work together. Different churches may have distinct approaches to success, but the integration of these elements is crucial.
« G » in G12 signifies « Government, » not « group. »
According to Genesis 1:28, God blessed humanity and urged them to be fruitful and multiply. God’s intention is multiplication rather than mere growth.
G12 is a model for multiplication. God originally granted humans governance over the earth and its creation, but it was lost through sin. God gave Jacob twelve sons, who became the leaders and patriarchs of Israel. The number 12 symbolizes God’s government and is used repeatedly in the Bible as a representation of His authority.
By following the Lord’s example and using His model, we establish a Government of 12.
A comparison of two churches over seven years demonstrates the principle of multiplication in action.
Church A has an exceptional preacher, while Church B follows the G12 model. Despite Church A’s preacher converting a million people each year, Church B ultimately surpasses Church A in membership numbers by adhering to the G12 model.
Let’s use the figures to explain this :
For example, there’s a preacher and miracle worker in South Africa who holds crusades for 2 million people. Let’s say he wins 1 million people each year. Now, Church B uses the G12 model and dedicates the first year to reaching their 12. At the end of the first year, Church A has 1 million believers, and Church B has only 12.
However, by the third year, Church A has 3 million believers, while Church B has 1,728.
By the fourth year, Church A has 4 million believers, and Church B has 20,736.
By the fifth year, Church A has 5 million believers, and Church B has 248,832.
And by the sixth year, Church A has 6 million believers, while Church B has 2,985,984.
As you can see, the principle at work here is one of multiplication, not simply addition. This makes a significant difference in the number of disciples made over time.
After seven years, Church A has 7 million believers while Church B has 35,831,808 DiscipleMakers, each of whom is committed to making more DiscipleMakers.
By the eighth year, Church B has surpassed Church A in terms of the number of believers reached.
Church A has 8 million, but Church B has over 429 million DiscipleMakers!
This is the power of multiplication as opposed to mere addition.
While Church A’s growth is impressive, it pales in comparison to Church B’s growth.
By focusing on making DiscipleMakers, Church B has not only reached more people, but it has also trained and equipped an army of believers who are committed to spreading the gospel and making more DiscipleMakers themselves.
Imagine if every church adopted the G12 model and focused on making DiscipleMakers instead of just adding believers to their congregations.
The impact on the world would be enormous, and we would see a revival unlike anything we have seen before.
The Master’s Plan is not just a program or a set of courses; it is a way of life, a philosophy of ministry that is focused on making disciples who will make disciples.
It is a model that has been proven effective time and time again, and it is one that we should all strive to adopt in our churches and in our personal lives.
The story of Jethro and Moses teaches the importance of delegation. Pastors must learn to prioritize and dedicate more time to the right people. The traditional church’s busy activities might need to be reevaluated to make room for activities that foster true evangelism and discipleship.
The reason why churches don’t achieve exponential growth after years of working with the G12 vision is due to Satan’s efforts to destroy such churches. To counter this, it is essential to address the issues people face and maintain holiness as a key aspect of the vision. Sin in the lives of leaders is a significant obstacle, and Satan uses it to hinder the G12 vision.
G12 places a strong emphasis on holiness, which is supported by G12 groups through high accountability and probing questions. The Bogota church is committed to holiness, and encounters focus on confronting sin and purifying the leadership. The spiritual character of holiness forms the foundation for G12.
Characteristics to Seek in Choosing Your 12:
Loyalty to God and the leader: The Bible states that if you cannot submit to someone you can see, how can you submit to the one you cannot see?
Tithes and offerings: Encourage churches to contribute a portion of their tithes for district use. Churches that don’t do this may not receive God’s blessings. Some individuals might not be faithful yet but can be guided towards faithfulness.
Obedience and submission: A single head is needed for a body, a business, or a church. A spirit of submission and obedience is vital in the church. Obedience holds immense power. In the kingdom of God, a small act of obedience is more valuable than extensive prayer and study.
Contents of G12 Meetings (Closed leadership cells):
Meet at least once a week, with a focus on prayer.
Change the meeting location periodically. Jesus taught his disciples in various places, so alter the environment every two months.
Ensure meetings last a minimum of 90 minutes.
Spend 15 minutes on worship and prayer to inspire group members. Use 3-4 uplifting songs.
Deliver a powerful 30-minute message (Rhema Word) from God to the group. Conclude this session with prayer.
Regularly discuss the vision, the significance of the G12 group, and personal goals. Continuously challenge members to set specific goals and deadlines. Evaluate progress and effectiveness during meetings and emphasize the pursuit of holiness.
Pray for each group member, prophesying about the great things God will do for them.
Administration: Openly evaluate progress in the group. Monitor cell attendance and progress in developing G12 teams. Assign a secretary to take notes and update goals.
As G12 levels expand, members should progress in their thinking, from a child’s perspective to that of a parent, grandparent, and so on.
Success Steps: Matthew 28:19-20 ‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ‘
THE LADDER OF SUCCESS :
Send (Promise)
Disciple (Teach)
Csonolidate (Baptize)
Win (Go)
WIN: Emphasize the verbs « Go » and « Make » to transform your church. This challenges the traditional view of a church confined within walls. Action verbs imply going out, winning people over, and bringing them in.
Methods to win: Jesus Film, Evangelism Cube, Each One Win One, Each One Win 3 or 12. There are numerous ways to evangelize. While maintaining the three-step process, multiple methods can be used to achieve each step, such as Business Leaders Breakfast and Compassion « Conquer » Events to impact communities.
Pray for three: Encourage each cell member to write down the names of three unsaved individuals with problems who lack a support network.
Pray for these people for 21-30 days before a « conquer » event.
Teach the congregation to pray for their list as Daniel did in chapters 9 & 10.
Open cells are key to winning, providing non-threatening environments.
Consolidate: This may be the most important and challenging part.
Assimilation involves four steps, inspired by the Holy Spirit’s guidance for Saul in Acts 9.
a. Verification: Invite individuals to a prayer room after the message, reaffirm their decision, discuss assurance, and pray the sinner’s prayer again.
Acts 9:10 – Ananias was sent to Saul after his conversion to confirm his transformation and restore his sight.
Consolidators should have specific instructions about the convert and provide clear instructions to the new believer.
Collect personal information and prayer requests for the new Christian to facilitate follow-up and prayer.
b. Within 48 hours, the consolidator’s team of disciples makes a phone call.
Pray for the prayer request on the card before making the call.
Make the call at an appropriate time and inquire about the person’s well-being.
One purpose of the call is to confirm a home visit, as God sent Ananias to the house where Saul was.
c. Conduct the home visit. Home visitors should be knowledgeable about the Bible, prayerful, and lead a holy life. Jesus’ ministry involved visiting people’s homes, which is an essential aspect of outreach.
Conduct visits in pairs before the next Sunday, lasting no longer than an hour. Be informal and friendly, without bringing a Bible to avoid creating barriers.
Share a brief message or blessing and pray. Bring a sense of God’s presence to the home and change the spiritual atmosphere.
As God’s ambassadors, holy people can produce miracles. Connect the new individuals to the church’s worship services, build trust, express love, and leave peace.
Assign a person or group to take responsibility for the new believer. The consolidator’s first option is to have the new person join their open cell. If distance is an issue, use a list of cells to ensure the person connects with the appropriate group.
Alternatively, open a new cell in their home. If the believer does not connect with a cell, the consolidator must ensure they attend church every Sunday until a cell takes responsibility for them.
e. Open cell group leaders must ensure all their members attend an Encounter, including the pre-Encounter and post-Encounter.
Next: Pre-Encounter – Four lessons given at the church by the pastor.
Adapt the Steps to Success book’s information to fit your church context.
Make the pre-Encounter appealing, as it piques people’s interest for the Encounter, preparing their hearts and encouraging dedication. Retention rates for those attending the Encounter after completing the pre-Encounter are much higher.
The goal is to prepare individuals for leadership. With only the pre-Encounter process, retention increased from 25% to 40%.
First Session:
Opportunity for Encounter, Jer. 29
Opportunity for Reconciliation, Luke 15, vs. 18
Opportunity for Restoration, Rom. 5:8
Opportunity for Provision, John 1:12
Second Session—Benefits of the Cross:
Power of Redemption
The Cross
Justification, Adoption, Regeneration, New Birth
Third Session—Benefits of the Newborn:
Life in the Spirit
Fourth Session—Understanding Spiritual Warfare:
Growth in the Word, Spiritual Armor, Prayer, etc.
– Help participants understand that they can expect spiritual attacks when preparing for the Encounter. Utilize two dramas to help them address obstacles to committing to the Encounter.
The Cali church has added Guides and Leaders Preparation, not found in the G-12 material. Leaders lead the conference, while Guides support twelve participants in the Encounter.
This distinction is important because some conference topics need discussion and sharing.
Guides and Leaders participate in seven preparation meetings before the Encounter, focusing on leadership development, holiness, and doctrine.
This group must be free from sin for the Holy Spirit to flow during the Encounter. Some individuals will either become spiritually right in these sessions or withdraw from leadership, recognizing the importance of holiness and not wanting to hinder the team’s unity or the Holy Spirit’s flow.
Encounter: The Encounter is the jewel of the crown in terms of the steps to success. It requires the highest spiritual level from leaders. Start preparing two months in advance, working with leaders on Preparation for “Guides” and “Leaders” for Encounter.
The teaching emphasizes holiness. They meet early in the morning, from 5 to 7.
The guides and leaders who bring the most fruit attend the Encounter.
With twelve messages, the Encounter lasts from Friday evening to Sunday morning.
The leaders’ preparation involves confessing anything that might hinder the Holy Spirit in performing His work during the Encounter, ensuring a high spiritual level.
Objectives for the Encounter:
Encourage new believers to deeply repent for all their sins, find freedom from sin, hurts, and spiritual obstacles, submit to the Holy Spirit, and experience healing and sanctification in their hearts.
Address practical aspects of dealing with the world, temptations, habits, etc., and teach believers how to live victoriously and embrace a new life.
Engage new believers in prayer cells and a formation process to establish them firmly in the Lord, connected with other believers and leaders, and signed up for post-encounter sessions.
Culminate the process in the post-encounter to review what happened, answer questions, help people become more firmly established, transmit the ladder of success vision, and prepare new believers for leadership school.
Encounter Topics: Most topics include 45 minutes of teaching and at least 15 minutes of prayer ministry.
What is an Encounter? Examples from the lives of Joseph, Moses, Jacob, and others who had encounters with God (Friday, 7:00 pm). In the Bible, many significant events occurred in three days.
Saturday morning: Jesus, the Hero of Heroes (speak against idolatry)
Addressing low self-esteem: Mephibosheth (deal with issues that wound a person’s spirit)
The importance of family in one’s life (using Joseph’s story), addressing dysfunctional issues
The importance of forgiving others and dealing with resentment (briefly touch on forgiveness from God and self-forgiveness)
Cross Revelation: Show brief excerpts from « The Passion of the Christ » followed by teaching on the benefits of the cross (longer topic)
Saturday night: « The Love of the Father » – The Prodigal Son (Luke 15). After teaching, celebrate God’s forgiveness with a party. Maintain a silence covenant after the party, only listening for the Holy Spirit and talking to Jesus.
Sunday morning: The Believer’s Enemies – Resist Satan, the flesh, and the world. Use videos on subliminal messages, movies, etc., to demonstrate how the world uses these things in evil ways.
After breakfast, discuss sexuality. Separate married men from single men. Address pornography, masturbation, adultery, fornication, internet, incest, homosexuality, victims of rape and sexual harassment, and sickness resulting from immoral sexual behavior. Discuss demonic spirits associated with some behaviors.
Transition from curse to blessing: Deal with idolatry once more, change life from old to new, cut ties with the past, and confront generational sins. Prayer time will be 45 minutes to an hour.
« Your Best Friend is the Holy Spirit »: Baptism with the Holy Spirit, Entire Sanctification, Heart cleansing, and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
The Vision: Provide enough information to challenge them to attend post-encounter sessions and Leadership School.
Post Encounter (based on the G-12 book) 12 meetings:
Leaving the old life behind
Communicating with God
Social life and its implications
The Word as a source of life
Sexuality and its role in our lives
The Church as God’s house
Living a balanced life
Water baptism and obedience (with a baptism service the following Sunday)
The influence of worldly music on our lives
Discerning God’s will
Sanctification as a foundation for a victorious life
Detailed explanation of the Vision, with a challenge to continue with Leadership School
Two activities, one at the beginning and one at the sixth session, are held at the church for an hour once a week. Post Encounter sessions should start immediately after the Encounter’s conclusion.
Allocates an hour and a half for each session, with 15 minutes for sharing. The post-encounter stage experiences the highest level of dropouts, so it’s crucial to be creative at this stage.
The first session involves an activity, party, testimonies, and a word from the pastor. Church leaders share their experiences from a similar stage in their lives. The pastor’s role is to encourage, motivate, and inspire, as well as to pray for attendees.
The second week begins the topic-based sessions.
Post-encounter sessions are a good time to test « guide » level leaders’ teaching abilities, but the leader (pastor) must be present to show the sessions’ importance. Once the post-encounter stage is complete, the consolidation step is finished.
Discipleship The discipleship process begins with Leader School.
First level – Each level consists of 12 lessons (3 months, 1.5 hrs. per session)
The first lesson in this level includes special information about the Church. Seminary cells and consolidation follow this step.
After this step, there is the Timothy interview, an additional step introduced by the Cali Church. The interview involves the student and their G-12 leader, discussing the student’s potential as a cell group leader. If the student is ready, they begin an open cell. Initiating the cell group signifies the completion of the « send » stage in the ladder of success.
Second level
24 lessons designed for new cell leaders to teach their cell group.
Two photos of the individual are taken for a Nazarene ID card, indicating their status as a cell leader.
Starting a program to initiate new cell leaders in a special ceremony.
Second Level leaders’ schedules do not increase; they simply transition from assistant cell leader to leader positions, and Leader School becomes Level 2 or 3.
Third level
Internship: Practical experience in evangelism, where several individuals collaborate on an evangelism project.
Seminary: Theological training for those called to pursue pastoral training.
The G12 Leader’s Schedule (Level 1):
G12 meeting (member only)
Open Cell as an assistant (evangelistic) (weekly)
Attend Leader School Level 1 (weekly)
Attend Worship on Sunday (Leader School could take place as their Sunday School).
Page 64 (Being Stuck)
« Overcoming Stagnation »
Pastor Adalberto discusses the issue of stagnation in churches, which he experienced first-hand with his church remaining small for twelve years.
He cites six reasons for being stuck:
Leadership problems:
The Leadership Problem: “Expecting Much, Harvesting Little”
Churches often start with high expectations but yield little growth. When a church or cell group is not functioning well, the issue is usually with the leader. Factors like low self-esteem, fear, and rigid adherence to religious manuals contribute to stagnation.
Despite starting numerous churches, growth remains stagnant, with most churches either not growing or declining.
A significant number of churches are stuck, with a dying congregation that needs to wake up and change.
Resources are being wasted on bureaucracy, and there is a lack of results despite having big infrastructures.
The problem is one of leadership, where leaders need to take responsibility for their church’s lack of function.
Low self-esteem, fear, and legalism regarding the Manual are all contributing factors.
The structure of the Church is not conducive to large church growth and tends to resist it.
Missionaries imposing the system and culture of the church can be a major obstacle to growth.
Most pastors in Colombia feel satisfied with achieving just an adequate salary, and this vision for “self-support” limits their ambition.
According to God’s Word, we should not be satisfied with any level of achievement and should aim to reach all people.
God has raised us up to lead multitudes, and we cannot wait for external help but rely on God’s guidance.
Carnal board members are also an obstacle to God’s work.
Sin within the congregation: Sin can hinder blessings and progress. As individuals draw closer to God, they may face more temptations, but seeking God wholeheartedly can provide protection and power.
The issue of sin among the congregation:
According to Haggai 2:13, sin contaminates and defiles. God withholds His blessings because of sin, which is evident throughout the Scriptures. (This is why God’s anointing is absent?)
As we draw closer to God, we are likely to encounter many temptations, but if we seek Him with all our heart, He will protect us and empower us.
It is often the pastor’s wife who is the most discerning person in the church. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay attention to her.
A common sin among pastors is laziness and wasting time.
Lack of covering (prayer, blessing, and authority): Pastors need spiritual nourishment and guidance from others. Many district meetings can be negative and critical, rather than uplifting and constructive.
The absence of protection, authority, and prayer support:
The issue of inadequate spiritual covering, which includes prayer, blessing, and authority.
Based on Hebrews 5:12, it is essential to be patient in ministry.
Pastors require pastoral care and support, including spiritual nourishment, encouragement, and a positive outlook. Unfortunately, too many district meetings tend to be pessimistic, judgmental, and contentious.
Adalberto expressed a deep concern about the lack of spiritual covering in the Church, and how many churches that grow large face criticism and opposition.
It is crucial for pastors of larger churches to be accountable in areas related to morality and sexuality, and to receive extra prayer, protection, and spiritual covering, as the enemy seeks to attack and destroy their ministries.
Humility is an essential characteristic for all believers, as we are called to be like sheep following our Good Shepherd.
4. Vision Deficiency
Referring to Haggai 2:3-9, there is a need for a fresh wind and new anointing in the church. There is no need to fear Pentecostalism. The future glory will be greater than past glory, and a new generation is being reached as changes take place.
The development of leaders is essential for the church’s success. The size of the total church is directly proportional to the number of trained working leaders. It’s unfortunate that many of our church practices are out of habit and tradition, lacking new life. We must abandon patterns that are in our mind, as we often seek comfort over Jesus. In Cali, we only offer Jesus, no other comfort.
The questions we must ask ourselves are what will happen, when it will happen, and how it will happen.
5. Financial difficulties are a common problem in the establishment of a new church.
It is essential to invest in the right place when opening a new church. The problem of financial constraints is especially common when there is a lack of resources or when the congregation is small.
In such cases, the church may struggle to cover its operating expenses or to make capital investments.To overcome these challenges, it is important to have a solid financial plan in place. This plan should include a detailed budget that accounts for all expenses and potential revenue sources.
The church leaders should work closely with their congregation to encourage regular giving and support from their members.
In addition, they can also consider seeking financial assistance from external sources, such as mission organizations or other churches.It is important to remember that investing in a new church is not just a financial decision, but also a spiritual one. The church’s leaders must have faith in God’s provision and guidance as they navigate the financial challenges of starting a new ministry.
By focusing on prayer and seeking God’s will in all financial decisions, the church can overcome any financial difficulties and thrive in its mission to reach its community with the love of Christ.
6. Internal Opposition: Ezra 4:5 reveals opposition within the church. The issue of internal opposition within the church can hinder its growth and progress.
Ezra 4:5, ‘Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.[a] 5 They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia. ‘
In some cases, certain individuals may need to leave the church if they are actively opposing the leadership and vision of the church. A Pastor had to disband a church board that opposed everything, and he was eventually given a new board that supported his vision. This highlights the importance of having a team that understands and supports the pastor’s vision.
It is crucial for the pastor to act as the main leader of the church, with an advisory board to provide guidance and support. The treasurer should not control the finances of the church, as this can lead to an unhealthy power dynamic.
The pastor should have an administrative board separate from his twelve disciples to handle matters of church administration. By having a supportive team that is aligned with the vision of the church, internal opposition can be overcome, and the church can grow and thrive.
Perseverance is key in leadership. To be a successful leader, perseverance is crucial. God is not biased and can work anywhere in the world. He treats all of His children equally and without discrimination. As the Scripture says, “And God added daily to their number those that were being saved.” In just under three months, they have added over 1,000 new believers who are now undergoing the consolidation process.
The belief that God can bring about change anywhere in the world, without discrimination, is essential. Acts highlights that the first evidence of the Holy Spirit is « witness. » The concept of being « small but holy » is not biblically grounded.
Overcoming these obstacles requires obedience to God’s voice, as mentioned in Haggai 1:2. The answer lies in the Word of God, which can help defeat enemies and promote multiplication.
Haggai 1:2 ‘In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jozadak,[a] the high priest:
2 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.’”
7. Embracing Change: Adapting to the evolving needs of the congregation and community is crucial for growth. Leaders must be open to new ideas and methods, while still maintaining a strong foundation in biblical principles. This may involve reevaluating and adjusting traditional approaches to ministry, outreach, and discipleship to better serve the current generation.
Fostering a Culture of Unity: A healthy church environment promotes unity among members and leadership. Encouraging open communication, addressing conflicts, and fostering a sense of belonging are vital for nurturing a harmonious church community. When members feel valued and included, they are more likely to engage in church activities and support its vision.
Empowering Members to Serve: Equipping and empowering members to serve within the church and their communities is a vital aspect of growth. Providing opportunities for members to use their skills, talents, and spiritual gifts can significantly impact the church’s outreach and ministry effectiveness.
Cultivating a Heart for Evangelism: A growing church has a passion for sharing the gospel and reaching the lost. Encouraging members to share their faith, engage in evangelism training, and participate in outreach events can help the church expand its impact on the community and beyond.
By addressing these additional factors and remaining committed to God’s Word, churches can overcome obstacles and experience sustained growth.
The key is to trust in God’s power, stay focused on the vision, and remain dedicated to serving the needs of the congregation and the community.
« Reaching the Multitudes »
Genesis 15:1-6 describes the promise of Abraham’s heritage, urging him to look up to the heavens and count the stars. The success of the church relies on the Holy Spirit and prayer. A strong prayer life is crucial for realizing a great vision, and it aligns us with God’s plans and backing.
God granted Abraham a remarkable vision (v. 1) Depending on God can lead to supernatural events.
In Genesis 12:2, God called Abram to leave his family and nation, requiring him to abandon his security and support systems to learn to rely on God. Embracing faith in God for extraordinary things can transform lives. Guarding our thoughts is essential because they shape our words, actions, habits, character, and ultimately, our destiny. We must learn to think big, as our thoughts determine our future.
John 14:12 ‘Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ‘
Always wait for the best (Trust in God for the best)
In Genesis 15:2, we’re reminded not to settle for the present because God always has more in store. As long as people need the Lord, we can strive to reach even more.
Breaking the mentality of scarcity and poverty among pastors and Christians requires faith.
We should be open to receiving God’s blessings and trust that He desires the best for us.
Demonstrating that a relationship with God can improve lives and meet needs is crucial for reaching the masses.
3. Envision Your Success
Abraham was taken outside by God and shown the stars. In his tent, Abraham could not see the stars, so God had to take him out of his comfort zone to show him something greater. What if you could travel five years into the future? What would you find? What if you saw something that God had done through you? It’s possible to achieve great things by envisioning your success.
4. Example of Cho
Cho went out to a vacant field in the rain at 3:00 a.m. to pray and preach in the darkness, even though there was no one there. Today, he has a church of over a million people in that same place. The real miracle of birth is the miracle of conception. Once you receive the seed of a vision, you have to nourish and feed it until it comes to fruition. Jesus is also an example. He prepared for thirty years before his ministry, which lasted only three years, but he left a small group of disciples who were empowered to multiply.
5. Visualize and Record Your Success
Have a large framed picture of yourself preaching to thousands with scripture on it that you can looks at and prays over every day. Envisioning and recording your success can help bring it to fruition.
6. Credited Faith
Abraham’s faith was credited to him for righteousness.
What proves that you own your house? Your name is on the title.
When God puts your name on something, no one can take it away.
No matter what happens, you have the title in your name. God did this for Abraham and is willing and able to do it for us as well.
PAGE 69
“Cell Groups In Cali, Columbia”
The rough notes from our trip to Cali, Colombia on March 24, 2007 touch on the topic of cell groups in a large church. Jaime, not the youth pastor Jaime Restrepo, emphasized that cell groups are essential in discipling every individual.
Without them, people become disconnected from the church as it grows, and they are unable to grow themselves.
Currently, the church is using Nazarene Sunday School material in the cell groups, which take place outside of Sunday morning services.
The ambitious goal is to have 1000 cell groups by the end of the year, with attendance ranging from ten to sixty people.
A high percentage of the church is involved with these cell groups, which are overseen by Jaime. Everything related to the groups is kept in the church database, and Jaime is planning a meeting for all cell group leaders and hosts.
Supervision and direction in terms of what is being taught in the groups is important, as it’s necessary to ensure they are not just doing their own thing. The notes cite Acts 2:43ff, where believers were edified in both temple worship and in homes, where many of the first churches were started. Two concepts of the cell movement are discussed: open cell groups and closed cell groups.
The G12 group is a closed group composed of leaders being formed in the school of leadership and are being assimilated into the vision of the master’s plan.
The open cell group is the smallest segment of the church and includes all necessary components of life. It’s a part of the whole body, but like a cell in the human body, is fully functional.
The open cell group consists of a leader, host, assistant (Timothy), and participants, and is an evangelistic group. The notes conclude by outlining cell group parameters, emphasizing the difference between a church with cell groups and a church of cell groups.
A cell group should be more than just a congregation of believers coming together for fellowship. It must have a clear purpose: to develop future leaders, promote growth, and foster reproduction. The goal is to spread these cells throughout the entire city.[3]
Each member of a cell group should be nurtured to become a future leader, ensuring all members attend Encounter. The group should aim to influence their surroundings with various evangelistic strategies, attracting new individuals to the church and directing them to Encounter to initiate the entire process once more. [3]
New members often bring fresh perspectives, being eager and open to sharing the word. They are generally more adaptable and receptive to learning, displaying a strong hunger and thirst for knowledge. Cell group meetings should last between 45 minutes to an hour to maintain participants’ interest and motivation. [3]
A cell group should begin with a minimum of four members, along with the leader. The teaching should be based on materials from the church’s leadership, promoting active participation from all members. The host of the cell group should be affiliated with the church and not with any other religious group or denomination. [3]
The objective is to reach people in the vicinity of the cell group’s location. All members should be driven to be part of something that will grow and multiply, fostering a positive atmosphere within the host home. Both the leader and host must comprehend the ladder of success and recognize the cell’s role in the process. If the cell is not thriving and engaged, it should be closed to avoid wasting resources, and efforts should be redirected to a new location with a supportive host who understands the church’s vision. [3]
Various strategies can be employed for evangelization, with the cell group acting as a platform to gather the harvest from impact events and integrate people into the church. Cell group leaders must invest time in connecting with and guiding their members, ensuring they remain engaged and participate in church and Encounter activities. [3]]
In a thriving church community, discipleship bloomed through teachings and gatherings. The humble cell group, a cornerstone of this realm, served as a conduit for communication and a stepping stone on the ladder of success.
The cell group’s purpose was to guide its members on the journey to the “send” step of the ladder. As the Timothy person evolved into a leader, the group helped launch a new cell, spreading their message further after completing the rite of passage at the leadership school. Graduation, however, was only granted upon opening a new cell.
But, beware! The open cell group was not a place for casting out demons or counseling sessions. It was a sacred space, free from tithes and offerings. The leader, mindful of their role, never organized retreats or made changes without permission. Leaders only emerged from those committed to the vision, submissive to the guidance of their mentors.
In this land, children were cared for separately, while adults and youth mingled in cell groups. The gatherings were woven into a tapestry of activities, lasting no more than an hour:
A warm, five-minute welcome
An opening prayer, lasting another five minutes
A thirty-minute message, filled with wisdom
A twenty-minute segment, where prayer requests and stories were shared, followed by prayers for the needs of the people
At times, the cell groups indulged in worship moments, church announcements, and video presentations. On the first Friday of each month, the leaders of the church convened for inspiration, as the pastor spoke directly to their hearts.
Cell group leaders, ever diligent, collected their weekly lessons at church on Sundays, ensuring their presence was felt. With each cell group sharing the same lesson, a harmonious rhythm emerged. Upon receiving their materials, the leaders submitted reports from the week prior.
And so, the thriving community grew, with about 4,500 faithful souls attending cell groups, spreading light and love throughout the realm.
“The Significance of Prayer and Fasting in the Cali, Colombia Church of the Nazarene” Co-Pastor Nineye Herrera, wife of Pastor Adalberto March 22, 2007 Observations from our journeys to Cali, Colombia #5
The scriptures reveal that Jesus ventured into the wilderness for prayer and preparation before embarking on his ministry. Often, our approach to ministry preparation focuses on teaching and training, neglecting the essential practice of prayer.
Jesus sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the desert. Emphasizing the significance of God’s word, prayer, and fasting is crucial. We must be disciplined in our personal lives and within the church to prioritize prayer and fasting, beginning with ourselves as leaders. Jesus could not have achieved his ministry without the preparation he undertook in the desert. The same applies to us if we wish to be ignited by the Holy Spirit’s fire.
Consistently dedicating time to connect with God through prayer and fasting can be challenging. However, Jesus’ story serves as an exemplary model to follow, illustrating that his ministry was fueled and guided by the Holy Spirit’s power.
While we may devise excellent plans and strategies, without the Holy Spirit’s power, we remain vulnerable to the forces of evil. Our strength alone is insufficient to overcome the enemy. The contemporary Church of the Nazarene often lacks prayer and fasting, becoming complacent with smaller groups and congregations. Prayer services, if held at all, tend to be the least attended. We must embrace fasting and prayer as a commandment, not merely an option. This commitment begins with pastors and leaders, inspiring the congregation to follow suit.
The Holy Spirit equips us with the necessary tools to minister to others and provide them with what God desires for them. In Cali, we identify as Nazarenes, but our ultimate goal is to adhere to God’s simple divine principles: Fasting, Prayer, Scripture (study), and sharing this knowledge with the church. As we strive to follow God’s path, we believe He supports us. Our passion lies in developing a movement within the Church of the Nazarene that spans the entire globe.
Daniel resolved to spend time with God daily (Daniel 10:10-12), providing a clear example of what God expects from each of us.
It is vital that we humble ourselves before God to receive His Word. “A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees… Do not be afraid…” Daniel prayed on his knees for 21 days, while Jesus did so for 40 days and nights (1 Peter). Humbling ourselves is essential.
The key to the success of the Cali church lies in learning to fast and pray. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs us to pray in secret, promising rewards from He who hears in secret.
Once, the Cali church was small and regarded as an embarrassment within the community. The congregation began to pray, initially consisting of five people on Wednesday mornings. Eventually, two members moved away, leaving the pastor, his wife, and one woman. Through prayer and fasting, God began to work supernaturally in their lives. They started reaching out to people, and the church building eventually became an attraction in the community. As their faith grew, they took bolder steps, praying for a beautiful door and a stunning floor that would cover the entire church. Today, all their faith-filled prayers have been realized.
The Cali church teaches its members to pray the promises of God and to fast in faith. Between 800 and 1000 people now attend their 5:00 a.m. prayer sessions on Tuesdays and their Wednesday prayer and fasting services. Over 2000 people participate in the Wednesday services.
Job 8:5-7 states that if we look to God and plead with the Almighty, remaining pure and upright, He will rouse himself on our behalf and restore us to our rightful place. Our beginnings may seem humble, but our future will be prosperous (NIV).
Through these teachings, the congregation is filled with hope and becomes obedient to God’s Word. God hears and answers their prayers, blessing them and making them prosperous. However, we must be willing to start small and persevere. Before initiating any program, we must first pray (Prov. 3:5-6). Seeking and trusting God wholeheartedly allows Him to guide us (Zech. 4:6).
It is crucial to begin meeting regularly with the MP pastors, teaching them to pray and modeling prayer and fasting.
Currently, there is a misconception that implementing a strategy will yield results or bear fruit. However, in God’s kingdom, spiritual fruit can only be produced through the work of the Holy Spirit in response to the prayer and fasting of His people.
In Cali, intercession groups gather at the church as early as 4:00 a.m. to pray, and cell groups meet and pray throughout the day. Prayer lists are circulated among the intercession groups, encompassing not just the immediate needs of the people and the church, but also their dreams and aspirations. Continuous prayer takes place at the church, with a focus on praying for pastors, leaders, and the salvation of souls, as well as the achievement of each group’s goals.
Three things they pray against are division, sin, and accidents, seeking protection. They pray for the church’s land and other properties, asking for God’s blessings and help in constructing buildings at other locations (district).
Much of what is unfolding is driven by the vision that God has given Adalberto. He refuses to conform. The vision of 50-60 thousand people on their new property is now visible to everyone, even the children.
It’s not about doctrine, but about trusting God and following His guidance. He will bless those who do so. The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit, making it central to prayer.
2 Chronicles 7:14 suggests developing a district prayer campaign and seeking God’s blessings every morning. Changes are necessary, and conforming to the status quo is not an option. Embrace prayer and fasting, and God will make the impossible possible. Start today, not tomorrow. Commitment is required in the present.
There are four significant “D” words:
Desire – Isaiah 26:9
Decision – Psalm 95:6
Discipline – Ephesians 6:18
Delight! – Psalm 37:4
Foster the desire, decision, and discipline to pray regularly and persevere. Humble or discipline the flesh. By focusing on the first three “Ds,” the fourth—delight—will naturally follow.
Master’s Plan and G12 Resources:
The Master’s Plan Curriculum (Wesleyan-Holiness-Nazarene adaptation of G12 materials) includes:
General Information Files
The Believer’s Course
Pre-Encounter Lessons
Encounter Weekend Lessons
The Follower’s Course (Post-Encounter Lessons)
The Disciple’s Course
The Servant’s Course
Re-Encounter Weekend Lessons
The DiscipleMaker’s Course
DiscipleMaker’s Weekend Lessons
All of the above content has been written and edited by Rémi CAILLAUX. You can reach him at craig@a1naz.com or (714) 322-9009.
Additional materials available upon request from Rémi CAILLAUX include:
Papers written for his doctoral dissertation:
“A Comparison of G12 and Wesley’s Small Group Bands”
“Nazarene Adaptations for G12”
The Principle of 12 (G12) Books and Materials are available from:
Bethany World Prayer Center ONG Afrique Pour Jésus 13915 Plank Road Baker, Louisiana 70714 Email: bccn@bccn.com Phone: (225) 771-1600 Website: www.bccn.com
If you’re looking for English language resources on G12 or The Principle of 12, this is the perfect place for you. They offer a wide range of materials including books, tapes, CDs, and seminar recordings. Although it is a strongly charismatic church, the resources available are still very informative and beneficial.
Good Books on G12
The best single book on G12 in my opinion is:
The Jesus System Groups of Twelve by Rocky J. Malloy
Published by Impact Productions
Other informative books on G12 and DiscipleMaking:
The Cell Church by Larry Stockstill published by Regal
Transition In A Nutshell by Jim Clark (the best book on transitioning a church into
the G12 model) published by Bethany World Prayer Center
Home Cell Group Explosions by Joel Comiskey published by Touch Publications
Groups of 12 by Joel Comiskey published by Touch Publications
From 12 to 3 by Joel Comiskey published by Touch Publications
The Master of Relationships (How Jesus Formed His Team) by Rick Zachary
published by Keepsafe, Inc.
Developing a Supernatural Leadership by Cesar Castellanos published by G12
Editores
Successful Leadership Through the Government of 12 by Cesar Castellanos
published by Spirit Filled Productions
The Ladder of Success by Cesar Castellanos published by Editorial Vilit & Co. Ltd
144 The Key to Multiplication by Cesar Castellanos published by G12 Editors
Strengthening My Steps by Claudia de Fajardo published by Consolidar Editores
The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman published by Revell
Successful Discipling by Allen Hadidian published by Moody Press
Personal Disciplemaking by Christopher B. Adsit published by Here’s Life
Publishers
The Lost Art of Disciplemaking by Leroy Eims published by Zondervan
THE MASTER’S PLAN CONTACT INFORMATION
Pastor Rémi CAILLAUX
Yahweh El-Shaddai (YES)
6 rue Marcelin Berthelot
77186 NOISIEL FRANCE
e-mail: craig@a1naz.com
church phone: (000000000000)
home phone: (0000000000000000)
cell phone: (0000000000000)
website: www.yahweh-el-shaddai.org (at the moment, there is nothing worth looking at on our evolving website!)
ONG Afrique Pour Jésus
Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
e-mail: info@ong-afriquepourjesus.org/
phone: (225) 000000000
website: https://ong-afriquepourjesus.org/