As the Lord Jesus imparts wisdom on His under-shepherd, they should begin making mental notes of what He is saying while meditating on each one. As He speaks, His plan will begin to unfold. Modifications to this strategy may be necessary, and that is perfectly acceptable.
It may be necessary to modify the order of these steps, to eliminate a step, or add an additional step. Although each step of this plan is vital to its success, it is acceptable to vary from the order as the Lord leads.
6 S. D. Gordon, Quiet Talks. (Shippensburg, PA: Mercy Place, 2003), 112–13.
Like the first step, this is an ongoing process of development. Once the Lord begins to reveal a clear picture of the first step, it is very wise to begin early on sharing how the Lord is leading with other leadership. However, do not share the entire process, it will be overwhelming and may open the door for more resistance. Sometimes, less is more; in this case: less is more.
Share one step at a time, in a palatable manner.
A good place to start is by simply commencing discussions with key leaders and/or the deacon body concerning revival, allowing them to communicate the overall spiritual health of the church. Normally, churches that are declining spiritually are already experiencing symptoms that effect unity, attendance, and contributions, along with ministry participation. Encouraging the deacon body and/or key leaders to dialogue about this using the Socratic method is vital.7 The Socratic method is not a new concept, as Charles Spurgeon identifies its use by both the Lord Jesus when he states,
Socrates was wont, not so much to state a fact, as to ask a question and draw out thoughts from those whom he taught. His method had long before been used by a far greater teacher. Putting questions is Jehovah’s frequent method of instruction.
When the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind it was with a series of
questions. “Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? Canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?” and so forth.8
Many icebreakers can be used to get the discussion started. It is best to use questions that are relative in nature, meaning there are no right or wrong answers. This will allow trust to be built and a comfort level to be established, thereby creating an opportunity to ask questions that are
7 The Socratic method in its simplest form leads the discussion through relevant questioning. Leading the discussion by questions illuminates both the pastor and the other key leaders/deacons. This will allow the pastor to identify barriers that He will need to overcome in the process and objections that may arise in the following steps. It is not necessary to argue, or to openly disagree unless the discussion becomes contrary to Scripture.
8 C. H. Spurgeon, “Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?” in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, vol. 34 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1888), 229.
more serious. Some examples could involve an honest evaluation of the believer’s particular church ministry and function following a discussion of the seven churches in Revelation.
Particularly, what might Jesus say to their church? Another example might be based on their knowledge of the church mission and vision statement, further discussing their ability to
communicate it. Still, another good example is relative to their perception of the spiritual health of their church leadership and the notion of leadership response in Sunday morning services.
Although leadership should never respond unless being led and/or convicted by the Holy Spirit, it would seem that would be the case occasionally if they are seeking His word and message for their individual lives. Jesus prayed, the apostles prayed (though eventually) and effective leaders will lead by transparent example.
While these are just examples, the questions used should always be relevant to the group being addressed, need to be thought provoking, and must be Spirit-led. This will create an environment that encourages people to engage authentically from both their personal position with the Lord Jesus, and their corporate obedience to the Lord Jesus.9 Furthermore, it will begin to teach each individual to begin contemplating spiritual matters, which paves the way to prepare them for revival.
This is the first step toward discipleship in this strategy. The key to this approach is not to debate. In fact, it is imperative that the group or the individual does not feel threatened in their particular viewpoint, or with their particular answers. Making mental notes, meditating on them, and not challenging anything unless it is scripturally or theologically problematic is crucial. At this point, merely invite the subject to further explore or explain. It is important to remember that in many cases, people hear themselves talk about these things for the first time. Although this is
9 The corporate health of any church begins with individual spiritual health, because the corporate body represents individual believers.
not always the case, it will be in the vast majority of occurrences. The subjects need to explore their individual thoughts in connection to scripture, without begin told what to believe, and allow the Spirit of God to intercede when necessary. However, directing questions at them will lead them through this vital processing stage.