As you look at the diagram above, identify the parts of the whole. Remember, however, to look at the whole system. THE FLOW is a process. We must know how each part connects to the adjacent parts. Only in this way will the whole make sense.

Some want to use discipleship training for quick fixes to their immediate problems. THE FLOW does solve many church problems including the raising up of many well-trained leaders. We must, however, go beyond our crises. We must embrace God's purpose for us and our churches.

THE FLOW is dependent upon one equation. The inflow must equal the outflow. In other words, only as much as goes out can come in. Yes, while we are empty, we can take in without giving out. But this is short-lived. We cannot dam the river up so that we can keep the water!

The inflow equals the outflow

As long as we are building our 'kingdoms,' we lack the vision that God has for us. His goal for us will always be greater than ourselves. We must refuse to exercise control over how the Head (Jesus) of the body (the church) wants to distribute His workers. In order for THE FLOW to operate in our lives and churches, we must have faith that He will always provide for our needs. We must resist the tendency to hold back our best people in our congregation. Some of them need to move out in missions.

Let God build up our faith through such verses as below.

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said,

'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:35)

God's grace flows freely when we are living for His purposes. We can readily accept and even encourage trained people to serve elsewhere. When the church has trained up and sent out its men and women, then there is room for more to take their place. The vacancy of good workers produces a wonderful vacuum in which others can serve too.

Christ's Great Commission is only going to get done if we in faith train more well-equipped leaders than we need.

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Biblical Foundations for Freedom