As I come this week to the end of my study in 2 Timothy, I'm thinking again about what this crucial book of the Bible has to say to us as a church. In its four chapters, I can find many Messages About Purpose and Strategy.

2 Timothy 2:2 is still on my mind. Paul tells Timothy to pass on the gospel to faithful people who will in turn reach others. Why is it important to pick people who will reproduce? One way to illustrate the answer is to note that multiplication goes farther than simple addition. What works in math also works in ministry.

Imagine an evangelist is able to lead 1,000 people to the Lord every day. And picture him keeping at this, seven days a week for 20 years. The numbers add up in an impressive way: 365,000 X 20! What could be better?

Now think of a guy who disciples only one other person each year for the same 20 years. But he doesn't just make a convert; he develops a reproductive disciple. His focus is on quality, not quantity. He teaches the new believer how to feed himself spiritually, he prays with him and connects him into a solid fellowship. He also shows this new Christian how to share his faith. Then, after a year passes, the new guy leads one other person to Christ and starts to follow up in the same way. Play out the contrast: during the second year, each of these two lead one other person to follow Christ while the evangelist counts another 365,000 converts. Discipleship seems slow, but by simply doubling every year, in the 20th year, the disciple-maker's influence exceeds one million people!

My point? Each one reach one! Lovingly pour the life of Christ into someone who you train to reach others and keep it up!