G12 Vision
The G12 Vision
Jesus’ vision for the world is to “Win souls and make disciples.” He clearly stated in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” To achieve His vision, Jesus worked closely with twelve men that He mentored to take His place on the earth. Following Jesus’ pattern, the apostle Paul also trained a number of young men (“Timothy”) who later became the great leaders of the New Testament Church. We call this mentoring approach the “principle of twelve.”
The number twelve is the number of government in the Bible.
Jesus established His kingdom and government on the earth by using the same
principle that God had used to establish
“The principle of twelve” was first implemented by Pastors César
and Claudia Castellanos at International
Charismatic Mission (MCI) in
Now, churches worldwide are implementing this dynamic principle. Its simple, personal nature is easy to duplicate. It is not a program, but the development of “fathering” relationships that help every believer become a multiplying leader who can disciple others.
the vision:
To win souls and make
disciples
the goal:
Every believer a leader
the method:
win them
New believers are added to the church through personal evangelism, weekend celebration services, and monthly “net” meetings.
connect them
Both new believers and new church members are “plugged in” to the church through the connections process. Members of the connect team are assigned to new believers or new members to help enroll them in a weekly cell meeting, guide them through a short Pre-Encounter course, register them to attend an Encounter Retreat. At this weekend retreat, they “encounter God” through teachings on inner healing, the power of the cross, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the vision of the church. Following the retreat, they are encouraged to attend a seven week foundational class entitled Post-Encounter.
disciple them
After completing the connection process, the new disciple enters the Discovery, which consists of three ten-week trimesters of study. During the second trimester, the students will open their own cells but will also continue meeting in their original cells, which now become their leadership, or G12 groups.
send them
As the disciples progress through the Discovery, he/she opens his/her own cell and begins to develop his/her twelve, taking them through each step of the process of the vision: Winning them, connecting them, discipling them, and eventually sending them ‘to make disciples of all nations.”
G12 – The Value of the G12 Vision
The G12 vision is more than a strategy for growth. It is a synergistic vision for discipleship, nurture, and mission. It establishes the pattern for church life in the 21st century.
For Grace Church of The Valley the G12 vision embodies almost everything we value. Since our inception we have placed a high value on intercession, spiritual gifts, spiritual warfare, church growth, evangelism, missions, training, and mobilization. All these aspects are central to the G12 vision. These values can only be effectively expressed through cells. This is because the dynamic life of the church takes place in the cells.
The key to the success of this vision is not simply the strategy of the G12, but the values that uphold it. The challenge is to embrace all the values that lie behind it.
1. The G12 is a vision for discipleship.
Jesus said, “Make disciples” (See Matthew 28:19-20). He did not merely tell us to evangelize, get decisions, or increase membership. People who accept the gospel and believe must be discipled. They must be taught, shaped, and formed into the image of Jesus. The church often falls short of full obedience in this respect. Many people who make decisions to become Christians are never fully discipled in the paths of Christ. This must change, and we must all place full obedience to Jesus’ command on the highest level of our agenda as people and as a church.
2. The G12 is a cell vision
“Grace Groups” are small groups of people who meet together weekly in order to disciple each other and reach out to those who don’t know Christ. We must learn to love the cells. They are where the blessing of growth takes place. These “Grace Groups” (cells) are the only way of fulfilling the New Testament mandate we have as believers to be disciples and to disciple others. That’s where you receive the personal ministry you need and where you find and fulfill your ministry in the body of Christ.
3. The G12 is a vision for leadership.
The name ‘G12’ stands for ‘Groups of 12’ which emphasized the leadership development aspect of the vision. Every Christian is a potential leader. We are called to serve Jesus and to lead others to Him. Those who are leading cells are discipled in groups of 12 (liked the 12 disciples of Jesus). Therefore, everyone who ministers is also ministered to in the vision.
4. The G12 is a vision for multiplication.
This is one of the most exciting aspects of the vision. Jesus’ purpose for you is fruitfulness. He wants you to be successful in your life. He calls you ‘to be fruitful and multiply.’ The growth that comes through the G12 vision is not through transferring members from other churches. It comes through the cells as the members reach out to their family, neighbors, and friends. This means everyone must develop a passion for the lost and reach them uncompromisingly for Christ.
5. The G12 vision is a vision for the glory of God something wonderful happens when God’s people are mobilized. The ‘super-star syndrome’ disappears and the work is done by all. The real heroes in this vision are the members of the church, not a handful of it super-anointed leaders. That way God can really get the glory. Signs, wonders, miracles, and mighty deeds happen throughout the whole church and everyone has a part to play.
As you can see the vision is a comprehensive one. The cost will be high to implement, but we believe the rewards will be worth it. One of the definitions of vision is a ‘clear picture of a desired end.’ That vision (picture) for us is to lead as many people as possible to a life-changing relationship with the Holy Spirit, and to see every believer formed into a multiplying, world-changing leader.