Filtering: Unlock This Essential for Disciple Making Movements
In the pursuit of Disciple Making Movements (DMM) in any context, it is crucial to use effective strategies that maximize impact and yield fruitful results. One such strategy that has gained traction within DMM/CPM circles is precision harvesting or “filtering.” While the term may initially evoke skepticism and raise questions about its biblical basis and ethical implications, a deeper understanding reveals its significance in fostering growth and focusing resources on the most committed individuals. In this article, we will explore the concept of filtering, its purpose, and how it contributes to quality disciple making.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Filtering involves evaluating and selecting individuals who demonstrate faithfulness, fruitfulness, and a focused commitment to disciple making. |
| Filtering is about nurturing a core group of individuals with the greatest potential for impact and multiplication of disciples. |
| Filtering is rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, emphasizing obedience, practical application, and wholehearted commitment. |
| The filtering process includes evaluating individuals after foundational training and selectively inviting those who demonstrate desired qualities. |
| Filtering presents challenges but also opportunities for discipleship conversations, fostering growth, aligning priorities, and nurturing a culture of application. |
Defining Filtering
Filtering, in the context of DMM, involves the intentional evaluation and selection of individuals who have demonstrated faithfulness, fruitfulness, and a focused commitment to disciple making.
Rather than perceiving filtering as a means of excluding people, it is more accurate to view it as a process of identifying those who align closely with the mission and investing substantial time and energy into their development.
By filtering up rather than filtering out, the objective is to nurture a core group of individuals who can drive significant impact and multiply disciples.
Biblical Basis of Filtering
To ascertain the biblical foundation of filtering, we look to the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus emphasized the importance of obedience and the practical application of His teachings.
In Matthew 7:24, Jesus says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” This passage clearly highlights Jesus’ expectation for His disciples to translate knowledge into action.
Moreover, Jesus constantly evaluated His disciples and held them to a standard of wholehearted commitment to obedient discipleship.
By filtering, we emulate Jesus’ approach and foster a norm of application and obedience among the disciples we train. It is important to emphasize that filtering is not about conditional love or favoritism, but rather about raising the bar for discipleship and equipping individuals to embrace their full potential.
The Process of Filtering
After providing foundational training in basic evangelism and church planting skills to a larger group, the filtering process begins.
Following a short period of time, typically one to three months, an evaluation is conducted to assess who has actively implemented the training and displayed a genuine interest in growing in their disciple-making efforts. This evaluation helps identify the faithful, fruitful, and focused individuals who have shown a genuine commitment to the mission.
By shifting the focus from inviting a whole new group to selectively inviting those who have demonstrated the desired qualities, subsequent trainings become more productive and yield better results.
This approach allows for a targeted investment of time and resources, enabling disciples to multiply their impact and create a ripple effect within their communities.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the process of filtering may present challenges, such as having to inform individuals that they do not qualify for training at a given time, it is important to view these situations as opportunities for discipleship conversations.
These conversations provide a chance to demonstrate both grace and truth, conveying that God’s love is unconditional while also emphasizing the expectation of obedience.
By engaging in these conversations with love and humility, we can help individuals understand the Kingdom values and principles underlying the filtering process. It is crucial to foster an environment where individuals feel valued and supported, regardless of their immediate qualification for training.
Filtering is not about performance orientation or creating a sense of superiority but about encouraging growth, aligning priorities, and nurturing a culture of application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, filtering plays a vital role in the success of Disciple Making Movements.
When implemented with wisdom and discernment, filtering allows us to focus our efforts on the faithful, fruitful, and focused individuals who demonstrate a genuine commitment to disciple making.
By filtering up rather than filtering out, we channel our time and energy into those who have the greatest potential for impact. This strategy is firmly rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, who emphasized the importance of obedience and practical application of His teachings.
As we embrace filtering as a core principle, we position ourselves to witness the growth and multiplication of disciples, ultimately advancing the Kingdom of God in the frontiers.
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