Why Paul/Barnabas/Timothy?

At The Rocks, our approach to discipleship is centered around a model that draws from the wisdom of the New Testament. This model encourages every person in our community to seek out three key relationships in their lives—relationships that will help them grow in faith and disciple others effectively. We call this the Paul, Barnabas, Timothy Model.

Paul: Who am I under?

A “Paul” is someone who is further along in their faith journey—someone who is wiser, more experienced, and more Christ-like. This is a person you intentionally seek out to mentor you, to provide guidance, and to help you grow spiritually. Having multiple “Pauls” can be beneficial, as different mentors offer unique insights and perspectives, helping you mature in various aspects of your faith.

To make the most of your time with a Paul, consider asking these questions:

• What has been most rewarding to you lately?

This helps you gain insight into what truly matters to someone who reflects Christ more closely than you do.

• What are your biggest challenges right now?

Understanding their struggles can provide you with wisdom and foresight for your own journey.

• What are your current spiritual practices?

Learn what practices are helping them grow closer to God, and consider how these might apply to your life.

• How do you structure your time?

Time is a precious gift, and knowing how a mentor manages theirs can teach you to be more intentional with yours.

Barnabas: Who am I with?

A “Barnabas” is a peer—a friend who is at a similar stage in their faith journey. This person is your running partner, someone who walks alongside you as you both navigate the challenges and joys of living out your faith. These relationships often develop naturally, especially through serving together in the church. Having a Barnabas ensures that you have someone to support you, challenge you, and grow with you in your walk with Christ.

Timothy: Who am I over?

A “Timothy” is someone younger or less experienced in the faith whom you are called to mentor. This relationship requires a shift in perspective, as it involves recognizing that you have valuable wisdom to share, even if you feel unqualified. Just as Jesus entrusted His disciples—ordinary, uneducated people—with the mission of spreading the Gospel, you too are equipped to invest in the next generation.

You may feel like you don’t know enough or that your life is too messy to mentor someone else. But remember, Jesus didn’t wait for His disciples to be perfect before sending them out. He simply said, “Go and make disciples.” Your real-life experiences, even the messy parts, offer powerful lessons that others can learn from.

Discipleship is not just a church program; it’s a personal responsibility that each of us carries. By finding your Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy, you not only grow in your own faith, but you also contribute to the spiritual growth of others. This is the heart of discipleship—living out the command of Jesus to go and make disciples, right where you are, with the people God has placed in your life.

Join us at The Rocks as we embrace this model and commit to growing together in our journey of faith.

SAFAR - One on One Discipleship Tool

The concept of Paul/Barnabas/Timothy is really because we are trying to highlight how important the relationship is when it comes to discipleship. To aid you in your capacity to be an effective Paul, especially of a newer believer, we would love to recommend "Safar", a discipleship app.

The Safar app is a revolutionary tool designed to transform discipleship, providing a structured yet flexible approach to spiritual growth. It promises to enhance your faith journey by helping you discple others in an interactive and engaging way.

Despite the myriad of resources available for spiritual development, many individuals struggle to find a consistent and effective method to help others grow in their faith. Traditional discipleship often lacks the accessibility and personalised guidance that modern believers might need. How can we ensure a balanced and fruitful spiritual journey amidst the busyness of everyday life?

Safar addresses these challenges by offering a comprehensive platform that integrates scripture study, reflective journaling, and community interaction. It allows you to track your progress as you disciple others, giving you 30 unique lessons and tools to use over a coffee. The central idea is simple - over the course of 30 coffees, you can take someone who is brand new to faith to having a good grasp of all the fundamentals of following Jesus.

Safar is more than just an app; it’s a catalyst for deep, meaningful discipleship. By providing a structured pathway and fostering a supportive relationship, Safar helps users grow in their faith, develop spiritual disciplines, and build lasting relationships.

IRON // Leading Men

Leading men can sometimes be challenging. Once a man has been following Jesus for even a short time, a different type of conversation needs to happen. The reality is, we must draw from the wisdom of Proverbs 27:17;

Iron sharpens iron,

and one man sharpens another.

Therefore, it is often best to go straight to the heart of the matter. See below a series of questions you might ask your Timothy, and your Barnabas.

Spiritual Life:

Did you spend time every day in prayer and Bible reading this month? Describe one specific insight you gained.

Personal Integrity:

Have you lied or been dishonest in any way this month? Give an example.

Purity:

Have you viewed pornography or engaged in any sexual activity outside of marriage this month? If yes, what steps are you taking to address this?

Family and Relationships:

How have you intentionally shown love and support to your family this month? Provide one specific example.

Emotional and Mental Health:

Have you taken time for self-care and addressed any emotional or mental health struggles this month? Describe what you did.

Addictions and Habits:

Have you struggled with any addictive behaviour, such as substance abuse or excessive screen time? What have you done to combat it?

Financial Stewardship:

Have you made any significant financial decisions or purchases this month? Were they discussed with anyone beforehand?