Initial Lessons | Long Term Lessons | Walking with the Spirit | How to Meet | How to Train
A big part of discipling is training; in prayer, evangelism and so forth. As you train your disciples, consider using an approach many have used for years: MAWL. This acronym stands for Model, Assist, Watch, Launch. An explanation is below, using bicycle riding as an example.
Model
The first step of training is allow the trainee see your, yourself do the task. Depending on the circumstances, it's generally good to envision the person. "Jeff, I'm going to do this a few times. Watch what I'm doing so that one day you can start practicing and doing it yourself." Let Jeff watch you ride the bike, with an eye towards him doing the same.
Note to the wise: don't stay in this phase any longer than absolutely necessary. Release as quickly as possible.
Assist
In this phase, your disciple is doing some of the task with you at his side as you are doing other parts of the task. In the bike example, maybe you're holding the seat for balance. In an evangelism context, maybe trade off different portions: one guy does the approaching and the other guy carries the conversation. Trade back and forth. Debrief and give encouragement and constructive feedback.
Watch
Give your disciple a shot at doing the task himself. You'll be there to observe, but not necessarily to bail out. You're there to watch.
Debrief after the meeting to encourage and give pointers. If he makes some mistakes, it's okay. That is part of the learning process. Let him know that you too have failed and that a lack of failure usually indicates a lack of movement.
Launch
Once your friend has demonstrated competency in this area, set him loose! Maintain the relationship, letting him know that you're available to input if necessary, but that you are also looking forward to learning new approaches from him.