Go therefore and make disciples…
As Jesus was leaving his earthly ministry he told his disciples, to go and to make disciples. It is to this ministry that the Navigators have been called. (Click here to read more.)
This is how Jesus commissioned his disciples to make disciples –
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus commissioned these disciples to make disciples who would in turn make disciples. These disciples were to be baptised – an initiation and immersion into a new spiritual reality. We as disciples are plunged into the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, our lives are immersed in the Lord and transformed by him. We are taught to follow all that Jesus has taught.
Being a disciple is more about attitude than knowledge or activity. It is a whole hearted commitment to follow Jesus no matter what. When Jesus’ disciples were getting ahead of him and seeking to direct him into being who they wanted him to be then Jesus called the crowd to join his disciples, and said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.”
Since being a disciple is about our attitude, then what is key to making disciples is that we too are Jesus’ disciples. That we carry this attitude and heart for God in our hearts. This is the attitude we want those around us to see and copy.
Being a disciple is a deep factor in who we are as people and a significant element of how it is communicated is through relationships. This is the way Jesus works with us. He is alive and he wants to relate with us. He wants to help us grow and find joy. And he knows that it isn’t enough to just tell us what to do, he shows us how through his life and the lives of others. The same is true in discipleship. It is better caught than taught.
The Apostle Paul wrote, ‘We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you. You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers’ (1 Thessalonians 2:8-10).
Paul understood that teaching was not enough. People follow what they see. Paul shared not only his message but also his life. People will always interpret what they hear through what they see. He encouraged this, and even facilitated it by sending trusted people like Timothy to relate to. He wrote “So I urge you to imitate me. That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.” 1 Corinthians 4:16-17
When Jesus sent his disciples out he ended the commission with, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus assures us that he continues to relate with us as we go out. Being a disciple and making disciples asks more of us than we have to offer. Thanks be to God that Jesus who is with us carries us through this loving process of development. He takes the weight, so we go on with him in confidence.
Freedom to explore
The Navigators have groups from Norway to Spain, and Ireland to Bulgaria. And someone within each country was originally discipled by a missionary. Yet now, within their own culture, and understanding their culture, each discipled person has translated what they learned into a way their culture can understand. It is so simple, yet so profoundly wonderful.
Every nation and culture has its own unique identity. In Europe, the Navigators seeks to be and make disciples in a way which is sensitive in each culture. This relational approach respects their values and national identity. It respects their differences. Yet, you might be wondering how one organisation can cross these international emotional borders? (click here for more)
The Navigators have a desire that each county and culture finds God in their own precious way. You can find out more by clicking on the country names to the right and seeing what happens there… Germany, The Netherlands, The UK…
Networks
While ministries are developed primarily in countries there are common threads that run through many of the countries. In order to facilitate mutual learning Networks have been developed in order to bring together people whose ministry in the various countries is in similar contexts.
Students – European Student Network
Students are at a moment in life where there is a greater freedom to think new ideas and to engage in decisions that could effect the whole of life.
The European Student Network …. (Click to read more)
European Student Network. biannual gatherings and monthly huddles for those in student ministry. Roughly 50 people at each gathering, drawn from a network of about 100.
Disciples in life
Many Navigators around Europe are simply engaging with others in real day to day life situations whether in their neighbourhood, at work or in many of a variety of contexts. Although there is no formal Network, we recognise this significant and underlying contribution to the Navigator work in many countries.
Focus
There are many people from a variety of religious backgrounds who are not Christian but would like to explore the life and teaching of Jesus. This Network brings together those who are facilitating such exploration.
Focus … (Click to read more)
FOCUS – regular online meetings of people in UK, NL, DE and NO engaged with focus background people. A physical gathering in November for about 30 people for mutual learning and encouragement.
Ministry Partner Development
There are many people around Europe who support our ministry in various ways. We seek to develop that support and this Network helps us.
MPD … (Click to read more)
MPD – Ministry Partner Development. A core team coordinating training and MPD Coaching across the region, particularly in NW Europe. Considerable pooling of people and resources with other missions across Europe for sake of capacity and mutual learning.
Navigator Calling, Values, Vision
To maintain its unique contribution in the world, the Navigators worldwide has a unifying statement of faith, direction and purpose. It consists of three parts. A calling statement – giving a direction. A set of nine values – describing who the Navigators are. And vision statement – inspiring them as they go and make disciples. Read the Calling, Values, Visions here