Page 26 - In His Image

Chapter Five

How Are Disciples Made

"Rich? Even for a Texan, he was well off. People would scoff at his land
holdings - a mere forty acres - until they found out it was downtown
Dallas. He didn't want to wear his glasses while driving, so he had all
his Rolls Royce's fitted with prescription windshields!

One day, this rich ol boy decided to go into the manufacturing
business. He spared no cost in constructing the most magnificent plant
ever built. He had the best assembly lines, the best sales force, the
best executives, the best buildings, the best corporate planes, yachts
and helicopters, the best of everything.

The plant was finally completed and it was time to begin production. All
the workers were in their places. The equipment was dean, lubricated
and in perfect working order. The media showed up in force, eager to
report on the opening of this tremendous operation.

The owner placed the crucial phone call to the plant manager, 'OK, Billy
Bob, go ahead and fire 'er up!

There was a moment of silence at Billy Bob's end of the phone. Finally,
he spoke, 'Boss, I'm afraid we've got a little problem here.

What could possibly be the matter the owner exploded. I supplied you
with the best of everything! The media is here, waiting for some
action! What in the world is the hold-up?

'Well boss, the manager stammered, you haven't told us yet what
we're supposed to manufacture.”

Perhaps the greatest single weakness of the contemporary Christian Church is that
millions of supposed members are not really involved at all and, what is worse, do
not think it strange that they are not. Could this truth possibly be born out of not
knowing what the finished "product" is to look like?

In his book, The Disciple Making Pastor, Pastor Bill Hull begins with this premise
and truth. Unfortunately, a truth many a Pastor would choose to ignore, no less

In His Image 17