The four fields is a framework for multiplying discipleship and reaching people far from God.
The four fields (five parts) are:
- Entry: Engaging people far from God
- Gospel: Sharing the Gospel with everyone you meet.
- Discipleship: Training new believers to become disciples who make disciples.
- The Church: Gathering disciples into simple, reproducible churches.
- Leadership Development: Multiplying leaders in the reproducible skills and process of the four fields.
The 4 Fields Kingdom Growth is a model based on Mark 4, which discusses Jesus’ parable of the sower. The model emphasizes the idea of sharing the Gospel widely, making disciples, and forming communities. Here’s a summary of each stage as outlined in the image:
Below is an overview of each of the five areas.
Entering the Field (Meeting people far from God)
- Diagram 1: The farmer (a disciple) enters the field (representing local communities).
- Application: As followers of Jesus, we enter our communities and neighbourhoods with the intention of sharing the Gospel.
Sharing the Gospel
- Diagram 2: The farmer scatters seeds broadly—on the path, rocky ground, among thorns, and on good soil.
- Application: Similarly, we share the Gospel with everyone, reaching people who may be far from God without pre-selecting who we think will respond positively.
Making Disciples
- Diagram 3: The seed grows over time, symbolizing the growth of those who hear and receive the Gospel message.
- Application: We focus on making disciples and helping them grow in their faith through teaching, mentoring, and community.
The Church
- Diagram 4: When the seed matures, it’s harvested, which represents forming a community or a home church.
- Application: As new believers grow, we gather them into local communities, small groups, or home churches for continued fellowship and growth.
Training Leaders
- Diagram 5: An arrow indicates that this process is reproducible and involves training others.
- Application: To sustain growth, we train new leaders to go out, enter new fields, and start the process over, making the model self-sustaining.
Key Takeaways
- Role of Disciples: We are called to enter fields (communities) and sow seeds (the Gospel), trusting that God will cause growth.
- God’s Role: While we share the message, the actual growth and transformation are God’s work.
- Reproducibility: This model is designed to be multiplied, equipping others to go through the same cycle in different fields.
This model visually and practically captures how Jesus’ parable is a template for discipleship, evangelism, and church planting.