2 Timothy 2:2 gives us a picture of the discipleship process. Paul told Timothy, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."
In this week's installment of Messages About Purpose and Strategy, I'll ask you to think through an implication of
this verse.

We have the responsibility to minister mercy to everyone, but the ministry of multiplication must be handed to the distinctively faithful. As a pastor, Timothy must make time for all types of needy people, but the focus of his discipleship ministry will be on those who will reliably pass it on. Because needs in the body are seemingly endless, it is easy to neglect the healthiest members. The well-oiled wheels don't tend to squeak. Disciple-makers often make the mistake of thinking that they don't need to minister to the most mature people in the church, but actually they are the ones who have the faithfulness to follow thorough and pass on what they have learned! Because of this, a large part of every leader's schedule must be spent on developing leaders.

When it came time for Jesus to choose the 12 apostles from the large band of followers, he spent the night in the mountains praying (Luke 6:12,13)! He didn't hastily grab the first ones that showed interest. He looked for a few people into whom he poured his life over three years. Christ was a disciple-maker. And if we are going to fulfill our purpose to glorify God, then we will adopt and follow Christ's strategies.