Staying on Target, Part 1

Ep.375 – Run With Horses Podcast – Staying on target
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

**(24:00)**
We are still talking about keeping our eyes on the target that Jesus has set before us. To be ambassadors for Christ on the mission of reconciliation, making disciples of the nations. Sound like a big job? Thankfully we are in this together and the Holy Spirit is doing His work in and through us.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!
Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

**(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1

The Biblical Mandate
• Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations.
• Key Question: Why does the church exist?
• Not just for programs, services, or buildings—It exist as the body of Jesus to Cary out his mission of reconciliation in the world, practically, for disciple-making.
• Every believer is called to participate (not just pastors).

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.1 Clarify the Win for the Team

Question: What does success look like for our church?
• Colossians 1:28-29 – “Present everyone mature in Christ.”
• Ephesians 4:11-13 – Equip saints until maturity and unity in faith.
• Goals:
• Define “disciple” (follower of Jesus growing in obedience, reproducing). Everyone needs to know the goal of Christ-likeness and have some idea of the path that leads there.
• Create a shared vision and language (everyone knows what the goal is). It is a team effort, we need each other and simple, clear communication is important.
• Success = transformed lives, not just attendance numbers.

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.2 Give Them Tools for the Win

How do we equip every believer to evangelize and disciple?
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture equips believers for every good work.
• Ephesians 4:12 – Leaders equip saints for ministry.
• Acts 1:8 – Empowered by the Spirit to witness.
• Goals:
• Provide simple gospel tools (testimony, “3 Circles,” Romans Road, DBS).
• Train in basic disciple habits (prayer, Bible, fellowship, serving).
• Help members discover spiritual gifts (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12).

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.3 Radical Clarity About Mission

How do we keep the vision in front of us?
• Habakkuk 2:2 – “Write the vision; make it plain.”
• John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, I send you.”
• Matthew 5:13-16 – Salt and light in the world.
• Goals:
• Constantly repeat the mission (sermons, meetings, ministries).
• Celebrate wins (testimonies, baptisms, gospel impact stories).
• Evaluate ministries: Does this move us toward Christ-likeness and help us make disciples?

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.4 Create Systems that Self-Correct and stay on task

How do we design processes that keep us on mission?
• Acts 6:1-7 – Church creates structure to meet needs and continue growth.
• 1 Corinthians 14:40 – “Do all things decently and in order.”
• Goals:
• Build reproducible models (small groups, one-on-one mentorship).
• Review regularly and adjust to stay on mission.
• Systems should serve people, not the other way around.