“WHAT JESUS STARTED There are six elements that characterize the movement that Jesus founded and still leads today. 1. Jesus saw the end. He was moved with compassion. He looked out over Israel and saw sheep, lost without a shepherd. He prepared his disciples to take the gospel to the whole world. 2. Jesus connected with people. Jesus crossed whatever boundaries stood in the way and connected with people. No group was beyond his care. Jesus spent a lot of his time ministering to people—looking for the “sick” not the “healthy,” “sinners” not the “righteous.” He sought out people who knew they needed God’s mercy. 3. Jesus shared the gospel. Jesus proclaimed the good news of salvation in words and deeds. In him, God’s rule had become a present reality. He preached, taught, rebuked and invited everyone he met to repent and believe. He gave his life as a ransom for many. 4. Jesus trained disciples. Jesus led people to put their trust in him and to learn to obey his commands. He modeled and taught them a new way of life. 5. Jesus gathered communities. Jesus formed his disciples into communities characterized by faith in him, love for one another, and witness in words and deeds. 6. Jesus multiplied workers. Jesus equipped his followers to make disciples of all nations. He sent the Holy Spirit upon them so that they would continue his ministry in his power.”