Merriam –Webster: “to furnish for service or action by appropriate provisioning”

Synonyms: qualify, fit, prepare, ready, season, train

For the most part, my calendar is defined by the “school-schedule.”  In preparation for this fall, I know my focus for the 2012-2013 year is to EQUIP others. For months, it is the word that has continued to come to mind as I seek the Lord for His direction.

What does that look like?

The first step in equipping is to assess our condition.  Jesus gives us the mandate to go make disciples in the Great Commission.  Mike Breen said in his book, Building a Discipling Culture, “If you set out to make disciples, you will inevitably build the Church.   If you set out to build the Church, there is no guarantee you will make disciples.  It is far more likely that you will create consumers who depend on the spiritual services that professionals like yourself provide for them.”

• Am I equipping for disciple-making or program-making?

• Am I spending time, prayer, and energy equipping the right mission?

Henry and Richard Blackaby reference many definitions of leaders from culture in their book, Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God’s Agenda.  In the end, their definition of leadership is “moving people on to God’s agenda.”

• The best way I can help equip leaders is to help them recognize God’s agenda for their life.

Over the weeks to come, I will share specific steps that I am taking to EQUIP others in life and ministry.

EQUIP is my “word” for this year.  Do you have a word that would describe your focus as we launch into fall?