And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve…[1]
Jesus turned a bunch of misfits into movement leaders.
Jesus made it his aim to build his life into twelve men. These twelve men were to be his primary focus for his three years of public ministry. It was through these men that Jesus planned to change the world. No other movement has so changed the course of human history than the one Jesus inaugurated with twelve ragtag, outlaw, misfit men.
If a pastor makes his aim the building of a church, he will get consumers. If he makes his aim the building of disciples, he will get a movement. Jesus came to build a movement through building men. He chose twelve men that no one in his right mind would have chosen and he built a mighty movement.
With thousands following, Jesus chose twelve men. With thousands crying out for his attention, Jesus went to the mountains and came back with twelve men. Thrill seekers and man pleasers did not impress Jesus. He wanted a few men he could pour into his life and mission.
Jesus wanted to reproduce his image, his lifestyle, and his mission into a few men who would reflect it to the world. Discipleship is all about restoration, replication, and reproduction. Jesus came to restore our heart, replicate his life, and reproduce himself through us. Discipleship is the plan of God for multiplying the heart, passion, and power of Jesus Christ to the world.
At The Road, the new church we are planting, our vision is just this—discipleship of men through restoration of the heart, replication of his life, and reproduction to others. This is why God raised up The Road.
While seeking God during a forced leave of absence, set up by the board at the church I planted, Mountain Springs Church, God began to speak to me of a new fresh vision for discipleship. While on a prayer walk, during forty nights of prayer, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, “Steve, you are a lover of God and creation, and a disciple of men.” My spirit was awakened with faith as I heard those words spoken into me.
At The Road, we are walking in the footsteps of Jesus. We are not building a church but building men. Jesus discipled men and the church needs better men. Better men build disciples because it’s the only method that really works.
At The Road, we are a bunch of misfits, outlaws, and ragamuffins who love Jesus. We are committed to restoring our heart, replicating his life, and reproducing him in the world.
On the Road,
Steve
[1] The New King James Version. 1982 (Mk 3:13–14). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
