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Bible Study -
Bible Study
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Monday, 16 July 2007 |
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Page 2 of 7 A Little History: The Shepherding Movement
The latest iterations of discipling can trace their roots to the shepherding movement of the 1970’s (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherding_Movement). Watchman Nee and Juan Carlos Ortiz were both instrumental in developing the modern approach to discipling. Nee is credited with the birth of the modern mega-church paradigm as well which also plays into the shepherding model. Nee and Ortiz influenced a group of men from charismatic ministries who would become “The Fort Lauderdale Five”. The Five focused on one another scriptures. Shepherding movement descendants would borrow several key discipling principles from the Five; accountability, small groups, “covenant relationships”, close friendships, character and spiritual development, submission to one’s covenant relationship partner. Notable groups which were influenced or born out of the shepherding movement include, Maranatha Campus Ministries, the International Church of Christ (ICOC) and Great Commission International.
Another strong influence on the ICOC was Robert E. Coleman’s, “The MasterPlan of Evangelism”. Coleman proposed one to one and small group structures to evangelize. Each person was expected to convert others and raise them up in the Lord. Matthew 28:18-20 was a key passage. Every disciple was learning and teaching about how to be more like Jesus, whether to those in the church or the lost.
Finally, the Lordship of Jesus principle (Stanback, 29) influenced the ICOC. Borrowed from Juan Carlos Ortiz and Bill Bright, every disciple was expected to give up everything, go anywhere, do anything for Jesus. This dovetailed well into the evangelistic fervor from Coleman and the elements from the Five.
What were the results of combing the above building blocks? Although there is no other group exactly like the other, certain patterns arose, both positive and negative. Rapid growth is the trademark and battle cry of the shepherding movement. A high moral ground is also developed from the close relationships and accountability. Goals with high expectations and results are set and met. While there were several positive trends resulting from shepherding, negative side effects arose as well. Man focused ministries, as opposed God or Jesus. Control as opposed to accountability. Expectations and goals which were not reasonable or accounted for one’s faith were set. Exclusivity and judgmental mentalities also developed.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 18 July 2007 )
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