The first thing we learn in Luke 10 about making disciples is that we need to pray. This is how Jesus began his instructions to the 72 disciples: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (verse 2).
The next thing we learn is equally obvious – we need to go: “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road” (verses 3 and 4).
But what may be less obvious is that we do not go just to leave where we are; rather, we go in order to enter specific towns (verse 1) and specific homes (verse 5). In other words, we go in order to enter into life with the lost and begin to meet their needs (verse 9).
This is the essence of access ministry, which is the first major step in the DMM process.
Questions for discussion
- What have you had to leave behind you in order to enter into life with the lost?
- What is the significance of entering a town or community and not just a home?
- How are you learning more about the community you have entered, including its needs?
- What lessons are you learning about access ministry?