Scripture: Matthew 5-7; 10:1, 10:5-11; Mark 3:1-19; Luke 6:12-16.

If you had a preteen or teenage son would you send him to school to learn how to become a terrorist? A video released last Wednesday at a news conference by the U. S. military indicates that Al-Qaeda indoctrinates and trains children early so that when the children grow up they are prepared to be terrorists.

The content of the video that was captured in December shows pre-teen and teenage boys receiving training in kidnapping and assassination. The children are wearing black outfits that include face masks.

In one segment the youngsters hoist AK-47’s and pistols as they rush toward an apparently unarmed man on a bicycle who eventually knees in dirt surrendering to them. In yet another scene they sit on the floor in a circle with their guns piled in the middle and read a prayer. The youth are imitating the adults who have power over them.

When referring to the video Rear Admiral Gregory Smith, spokesman for the U.S. coalition command in Iraq, suggests that by using such tactics with children Al-Qaeda in Iraq wants to poison the next generation of Iraqis. ¹,²

By means of contrast the bi-annual North American Division Youth/Young Adult Ministries Leadership Summit,” IGNITION”, intends to empower youth and young adults to share what’s on their minds, celebrate their triumphs, listen to their obstacles, as well as receive their suggestions, ideas and resources that can be implemented throughout the North American Division. IGNITION is taking place this weekend at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Dallas, Texas. The Summit will include both training and experiential learning for young adults as well as those “passionate” about discipling them.

The Press Release advertising the Summit states that during the training sessions “Practical solutions, relevant models and successful initiatives will be exhibited, experienced, and exchanged.” Elder James Black, director for North American Division Youth/Young Adult Ministries, wants every church across the division to send their young adults and leaders to IGNITION. ³

The training method of Jesus is the model we share together in our Bible study this week. We capture word pictures from his discipleship summits throughout the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

In his book “Called to Discipleship: Lessons from the Life of Jesus” Bertram L. Melbourne describes the following ideas of Jesus methods for training those He chose as His apprentices.

•   He used what His disciples already knew to teach them what he wanted them to learn.

•   He had His disciples go with Him and watch Him as He ministered to others.

•   He let them observe His compassion for the “harassed and helpless” (Matthew 9, 35, 36 NIV.)

•   He had His disciples give up their dependence on material goods and depend on Divine providence.

•   He prepared His understudies for times of adversity as well as for success.

•   He taught them how to pray and the importance of their time alone with God.

•   He had His disciples reach out first to people within their own familiar context.

•   He sent them out two-by-two so that they could encourage, pray and counsel together. ⁴

Jesus’ method of training and the course of action for multiplication of the message is relevant today, no guns or intimidation required.

How intentional is your church or Bible Study fellowship in following Jesus’ example of recruiting, training, and retaining new believers?  ~ck

1. USA Today

2. Star-Telegram newspaper, Thursday, February 7, Section A

3. For more information see Plusline

4. Melbourne, Bertram L. Called to Discipleship: Lessons from the Life of Jesus, Chapter 7. Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press, 2007.

Comentarios Contemporáneos ( Creative Ministry Center)  www.creativeministry.org