A Final Word

In every module previous to this one, I have asked you to update your teaching portfolio with new materials or tools acquired. But there is nothing new in this one. You have nothing new to teach other than opportunities for your disciple-in-the-making to practice the craft of Bible Study with you…until you release them to be a Disciple-maker himself or herself. 

However, may I make a simple but profound final observation? Doing work like this for a small group Bible Study, or a discipleship lesson, or even in the preparation of a sermon will not require you to create all the detailed notes I am forcing you to develop. Remember, I must do this to formally evaluate your work. Personally, I can do a True^North Bible study in half the time you probably invested. Yes, I have done this many times previously. But I also do not need to put material together in a formal academic manner as I required you to do. I have handwritten notes for countless studies stored in file cabinets and on my computer for future uses. I am always ready to preach or to teach because material is only minutes away. My goal is for you to be able to study the word and come away with inspired and inspiring insights to share with others. Yes, you will read the Word. You will Understand the Word. You will Apply the Word. You will become the mature human being that the Apostle Paul calls us to be. You will serve as the disciple-maker of others and they will equally be shaped by their encounter with the Word and the Spirit. Finally, may this become the culture of your local church. And may each of you serve as contagions for the imbreaking Kingdom of heaven in your families, communities, and beyond.