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Study Guide

Scripture reading: Luke 8:4–15

After reading this chapter, consider the following:

• What new insights did you gain?
• Were there points with which you especially agreed or disagreed?
• What issues were raised that you would like to explore further or clarify?

Because the mission of the church is to glorify God by multiplying transformational churches among all people, a church simply being transformational—reaching and embracing—is not enough; it must also reproduce such churches among all people. In the Old Testament we read of multiplication as both a mandate and a promise from God.

• God commands Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen. 1:28). How would God be glorified by keeping this command?
• As fallen humanity multiplied, what was the earth filled with (Gen. 6:5, 11, 13)?
• Why do you think that God’s promise to Abraham and Israel included fruitfulness and multiplication (Gen. 12:1–3; Lev. 26:3–4, 9)?
• How does the multiplication of God’s people relate to the earth being filled with the glory of the Lord (Num. 14:21; Ps. 72:19; Jer. 3:15–17)?
• How does Galatians 3:7–9 describe the fulfilment of the Abrahamic promise?

The spread of the Word of God, the multiplication of disciples, and the growth of the church comprise together a major theme in Luke’s Gospel and his companion volume, Acts.

• Read the parable of the soils in Luke 8:4–15. How might this parable foreshadow the multiplication of disciples and the growth of churches in the Book of Acts?
  • What is the “seed” that precipitates such remarkable growth? (See also Acts 6:7; 12:24; 13:49; and 19:20.)
• Biblical texts report that churches were not only planted; they also reproduced and evangelized entire regions (see pp. 111–14). Some argue that today it is better to grow existing churches than to plant new ones, because there are enough churches already. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
• It has been said that a missional church is more focused on its sending capacity than its seating capacity. What is your church’s commitment to sending members to establish new churches—whether locally, regionally, or internationally?
  • What might be done to increase this commitment?

Multiplication of transformational churches can only happen where there is also multiplication of transformational leaders. Ephesians 4:11–13 says that God gave leaders to the church “to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” Paul elsewhere exhorts Timothy, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).

• What steps can your church take to more intentionally raise up future workers, pastors, and missionaries?
• How can your church develop a model of ministry in which every worker or volunteer is involved in training another person?
• In what ways are you reproducing spiritual life and equipping others for service?

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