When strategically planned, a mid-week Bible Club can be a great setting for discipleship. Often a less formal setting with more activities, it can offer many opportunities for relationship building which forms the bedrock upon which to disciple. Think of Jesus who commissioned us to make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20). He came to earth to live among people, conversing with them through the course of everyday life and showing them the way to the Father (Jn. 14:6). As a disciple maker, Jesus spent time with people in all sorts of activities. In so doing, He communicated in both word and deed what it means to love God with all of our being and love others as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-40).
Specific Objectives of a Mid-Week Bible Teacher’s Discipleship Goal
With an overall goal of discipleship, consider these three specific objectives that a mid-week program gives opportunity to reach:
1) Disciple them so love for God becomes their primary purpose in life.
As we build relationships with individuals in the group, we too can communicate in both word and deed what it means to love. Since Jesus clearly stated that the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matt. 22:36-37), what greater objective can we have than to disciple these young lives to not only know the Lord but to love Him with their entire being?
It begins with understanding that God so loved us that He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment our sin deserves (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 3:16). Loving God is only possible because He first loved us (1 Jn. 4:19). Start by knowing the spiritual condition of students. Have they accepted this gift of love and grace? If so, what’s their next step to growing in their love for the Lord?
2) Disciple them so they build relationships with other Christians that follow God’s intent for us to love one another.
The informal structure of a Bible club lends itself to more social interaction among group members. What an opportunity this can be to disciple them to relate to one another the way God designed His Church to function — inclusive not cliquish, selfless not self-serving. Model this kind of interaction in the way you relate with other staff, parents, and ministry leaders both in and out of club time.
3) Disciple them so they reach out with the love of Christ to those who don’t know Him.
Make outreach about what the kids do rather than a primarily teacher initiated effort. Provide opportunity for them to pray for unsaved friends. Teach them how to share the Gospel and lead others to the Lord. Encourage them to invite these friends to the Bible club. Instill a sensitivity toward the unsaved in their midst, stressing the effect of their actions and reactions on being salt and light to them.
For More about a Teacher’s Role of Discipleship, follow the series of posts starting at: Bible Teacher’s Role as a Disciplemaker
Also Check Out This Resource: DISCIPLESHIP: Isn’t teaching a lesson enough? Teacher Training Worksheet