Introduction

Introduction

The 5 Things

What would it take to have an impact for God throughout your lifetime?

We want to help you figure that out. In John 15, Jesus talks about producing fruit that remains. What is this type of “fruit” that Jesus is referring to? Spiritually fruitful people are fully surrendered to Christ and express love for Him over a lifetime by making disciples.

Success starts with surrender. Most Christians don’t purposely walk away from God; rather we drift away. Are you surrendered to Jesus Christ?

Here are 5 Things to help you think through your unique gifts and talents, how to involve yourself in meaningful community, and ways you can make God known wherever He may lead you.

Set aside about an hour, with a notebook, to reflect and pray through each one.

Begin

Thing 1 of 5

1

Kingdom Vision

Aerial view of the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro, surrounded by misty mountains at sunrise.

Being a part of a Christian movement helps shape the vision you have for fulfilling the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37–39) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20). It also gives you a place to live out God’s purposes in your current context. Kingdom vision is seeing how you best fit into God’s big plan, which then influences your decisions and choices now and in the years to come. What you’re learning now about reaching others, building them in their faith, and sending them to do the same is laying the foundation for a lifetime of fruitfulness. So as you take inventory today, what would it look like for you to live out your kingdom vision?

Response

  1. What passions and gifts do you have? How do you see yourself using those to glorify God and serve others? Do you have a burden for a specific area on campus or group of people in your community?
  2. What would it look like for you to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in light of your gifts and ministry experience?
  3. The context you’re a part of shapes and reinforces your kingdom vision. Is there a movement, church, or organization you can connect with that is already pursuing your vision?
  4. Write a short statement communicating what you believe God is calling you to do next.

Thing 2 of 5

2

Team

A group of people stacking their hands together to symbolize teamwork, unity, and community support.

Don’t go it alone. Without a compelling community, few people can persevere for long. Ecclesiastes 4 says, “It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work… and if one falls down, the other helps.” Join with others who are surrendered to Jesus and share a similar kingdom vision. Don’t just warm the seats at your gatherings: live missionally with your friends. Gather people to pray, plan, encourage one another, and live out that vision together.

Response

  1. Is there a team in your movement or church that is already pursuing your vision? Could you join them?
  2. If not, who do you know that is surrendered to Jesus and shares a similar kingdom vision?
  3. Think of at least two friends you can ask to join with you to live out your calling.
  4. When can you connect with your team to pray, plan, and begin living intentionally on mission?

Thing 3 of 5

3

Plan

Minimal workspace with a spiral notebook, keyboard, pen, and ruler arranged on a clean white desk.

If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time. Unless you’re a trained chef or just incredibly gifted, most people don’t walk into a kitchen and whip up a gourmet meal without a recipe. In the same way, you need a plan with simple, doable steps that will help you begin to implement your God-given vision. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Plan with the end in mind. Having a plan is all about being intentional and taking steps toward your kingdom vision.

Response

  1. As your team meets with God, what specific steps of faith is He asking you to take?
  2. What are your first three steps to bring about your vision for God’s kingdom in and through your life?

Thing 4 of 5

4

Ongoing Equipping

Collection of open books arranged with visible pages, creating a literary background that represents reading, knowledge, and education.

Successful people are always growing and developing. Effective organizations are always adapting. Championship teams are always improving. Ongoing equipping is anything you need in order to help you live out your kingdom vision. This can include further education, skills, tools, training, and resources. These things will help you in your journey of walking with God and serving Him for a lifetime.

Response

  1. Ask yourself regularly, “What areas of my life need to be developed to better fulfill my calling?”
  2. What could you read to help equip you for your kingdom work? Are there any conferences, retreats, or other training sessions that will also help?
  3. Now, what three things will you do to better equip yourself to live out your kingdom vision?

Thing 5 of 5

5

Coach

Two people walking along a tree-lined path covered with autumn leaves in a peaceful park during fall.

Scripture stresses the importance of gaining wisdom from others (Proverbs 16:16). We can never underestimate the blessing of another who has gone before us and learned a thing or two along the way. A coach is just that person: someone to answer your questions, help you and your team when you are stuck, and encourage you when the going gets tough.

Response

  1. Who is already doing what you have a vision for, and what can you learn from them?
  2. Is there someone who can mentor you and help you accomplish your vision? Who would that be?

Now what?

Now what?

So now you have an understanding of the 5 Things. What if you don’t have all the questions answered? What if you aren’t sure who you could team up with or how to get started? Here’s how to begin.

Pray

Ask God to lead you to the “works He has already created for you to walk in” (Ephesians 2:10). You can expect Him to guide you and to provide the things you need to live on mission for Him.

Prepare

Meet with your staff, coach, or like-minded friends. Sketch out a plan of how you will go about implementing the 5 Things before and after graduation.

Research

Ask around to find others who share a similar kingdom vision as you.

Act

Begin to meet regularly with like-minded believers to pray, plan, and encourage one another to go after the mission together.

Applying these 5 Things is a process — but if you are surrendered to Christ and apply these things, you will have significant impact both now and in the years to come.

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