Session Three: Spiritual Parenting Skills 2/12/16

Disciple-Shift

What Is Spiritual Parenting?

Spiritual parenting is helping another grow in the Lord by becoming their close friend and by yielding to the Holy Spirit in ministry to them
Similar secular terms: Coaching, mentoring, sponsoring, training.
Spiritual parenting is unique because of the supernatural component and the deep level of love and commitment.
Each of us need help to grow and each of us need to help someone grow.
Every believer is qualified to parent another according to their maturity level.
It’s the Holy Spirit who brings growth and sanctification.
But the Holy Spirit needs “help”. As we yield to Him, he uses us to do His work of making disciples.

Connecting With a Parent

To be a successful father we need to first be a successful son
Find someone mature you can trust. Befriend them
Be transparent. “Mom” or “Dad” can only help one to the extent that they open up their lives
Be humble and teachable
Remember fathers are imperfect. Follow them only as they follow the Lord

Every Believer a Leader

If you are influencing someone then to some degree you are leading them
If Jesus lives inside you then His light is definitely influencing people around you. You are a Christian leader
If the Lord has made us all to be influencers and leaders then let’s be intentionally good at it

Let You Light Shine

14“Your lives light up the world. Let others see your light from a distance, for how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? 15And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light”. 16“So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that the commendable things you do will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14-16)
If you are walking with Jesus you are probably being watched closely by those around you
They are attracted to the holy radiance coming from you
This radiance puts a demand on their lives.
Often we are uncomfortable with that and we hide it to fit in.
Be great leaders. Let it shine out.
Notice who’s watching you and who’s beginning to follow you.
Give followers your attention.
Don’t waste your time and energy on those who oppose you and don’t be offended by them.
Ask Holy Spirit what He’s doing. Do what Holy Spirit is doing.

The Engel Scale

Attached is the Engel Scale developed by James Engel and adapted by John Wimber. It helps us to understand the discipleship process.

Seven Spiritual Parenting Skills We Need

Listen, Listen, Listen. The gospel is a heart message. You will be able to speak into your son/daughter’s heart when they know you heard their heart and that you care.
Welcomesons/daughters into your life. Have them over to your house. Eat together. Have fun together.
Pray and Prophesy. Pray with them and intercede daily for them. As you pray you will begin to understand God’s plans for them. Prophesy edification, exhortation, comfort, and destiny.
Affirm them. Praise their success and growth. Orphaned ones are affirmation deprived.
Remove the Shame. The accuser wants your disciple to believe they are incomplete and sinful. Reinforce over and over their new life. They are righteous, valuable and successful.

Confront in Love only when necessary. Rely on Holy Spirit to bring conviction.
Avoid emotional/spiritual burnout. Always remember you can’t change anyone’s life. The Lord does the transformation. Our role is to be the channel through which His power flows. We are merely intercessors. Release the ones who are not ready.

Assignment