Field Number Four - Wider Networking

It is a joy to disciple someone new in the faith and watch them grow week by week. That discipleship is done in a small setting, perhaps even just one to one. Either way, it is Field number 3 in the Four Fields model.

As we journey together, inevitably questions and discussion about other Christians and the existing churches arise. Plus there comes a point when it starts to make sense to connect the people (or person) with other Christians. In other words kind of saying: "Hey - we are not the only ones trying to follow Jesus in this neighbourhood or area!". This is Field 4 - Wider Networking, effectively introducing the group to the concept of "church".

If you are discipling a small group of people who are gelling together and discovering a Jesus-led purpose between them, then the conversation will benefit from talking to the group about how they themselves can 'be church' in their own right, albeit small and fledgling. Nevertheless, a conversation about the wider church will still be necessary, and talking to the group about how they network with the larger Christian community. If discipling one to one, then introducing the person to other Christians (preferably locally) will be appropriate as part of their growth as a follower of Jesus.

Note though that these conversations come some way down the road of discipleship, as part of the last of the four fields. This is opposite to what many Christians in the West expect - they are used to being told to invite friends to church event X or service Y, i.e. introduce them to church (or the church community) as the very first step! In the Four Fields model it is about having the confidence to work alongside people ourselves, pointing and nurturing them towards faith in Jesus. As they discover Jesus and learn to follow in their own right, they can learn that they do not have to do that alone - there is a whole loving community to help support.

That support will be crucial as they embark on their own Jesus-led mission journey, finding their own Field Number 1 in which to make contacts ...