It is quite common for spiritual leaders to practice the “dipstick-theology”. Measuring the value of your input into the Kingdom. Am I really making a difference? Am I moving the needle? Especially compared to others….

We read the parable of the Sower – believing the lie from the devil: “Your seed just land amongst thorns and thistles – the grounds are too hard – what can you show for your effort and sacrifices? And then that voice: “You are not good enough!”

I recently had the privilege of visiting Kenya and Malawi. In Nairobi, the purpose was to make the body of Christ in Kenia an offer of how Kingfisher can help them to equip disciple-makers. The contents were very well received – the Spirit gave us a committed leader, Timothy Mutunga – for many reasons suited excellently to be the coordinator of the Kenian disciple-making movement. Individuals have started to reflect and implement the concepts. Steve Omo from Uganda was “coincidently” in Nairobi on another mission when the workshop was presented – he attended and now plan to take the movement to Uganda. But the biggest surprise was the presence of Andrew Nganga – a local pastor from Nyeri. Many people from Kingfisher invested greatly in Andrew from 2005 to 2010. Andrew testified: “The Lord used Kingfisher to take me out of my village – today me and my wife not only have a national ministry throughout Kenia – but together we also visit the USA and the UK annually to serve local churches and especially Kenian churches”. Listening to Andrew – I hear the same refrain I always spot in leaders that are significantly used by God – total dependency on and an 24/7 awareness of the Spirit’s guidance. The fruit belongs to the Vine and not to the branch – as long as the branch remain in the vine – the fruit will be there.

At Lake Malawi we had a strategic planning session for movement leaders from Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. For sure some creative plans were made to take the movement forward. However – what really energized me was not so much the formal sessions – but the spontaneous testimonies from participants of how their personal lives were changed, how their marriages grew, how they are living more intimately with Jesus – especially by practicing the spiritual disciplines, making disciples on the ground, starting disciple-making groups.

I have been involved with Kingfisher for the past 26 years. Looking back, I have some regrets of mistakes we made – things I would certainly do differently if I could turn the clock back – BUT – I also read the parable of the Sower differently after this exposure I had – seeing anew that for sure the thorns, thistles, hard soil, severe sun etc. is a reality – BUT also – that at least a part of the seed will produce a hundred-fold fruit! A Godly promise! Why? Because – the power is in the seed itself and not in the human sower.

I am encouraged. I plan to stop the dipstick-theology – because this has more to do with my own insecurities than passion for God’s Kingdom. For the remainder of my ministry, I shall do my best – but not trust my best.

No seed never grows!

Johann Theron

During previous training in Making disciples like Jesus, the need was felt to include spouses  and to focus strongly on strengthening the marriages of disciple making leaders. This workshop did not only invest into the quqality of marriage life, but enabled the participants to minster likewise in their own communities.

During the first week of June 2024 we had the privilege to gather 12 church leaders at Musenga retreat center for a whole week focusing on the first part of the gospel of Matthew as a disciple-making manual.

We listen to what Jesus said, we saw what He did and we followed step by step in His footsteps beginning with Matthew 1 and concluding with Matthew 10 when He sent out His disciples for the first time to minister in their own communities.

We experienced how the Lord first disciples us, inviting us to first follow Him step by step. We discovered how His curriculum fits together and how He transforms our live in order to transform the world around us.

We look forward to the next instalment following Jesus through the eyes of Matthew when we will cover MAtthew 11 to 19.

But first it is time to put what we learned into practise in our own lives and by discipling a small group of family, friends or people at church to follow in Jesus’s footsteps.

“Our lives will never be the same again.“

“Our view of ministry has been turned upside down and is enriched by discipling the Jesus way“