It doesn't need much. If the basic elements of good soil, nutrients, water and light are in place, then the seed is likely to grow and bear fruit.
In the same way, perhaps there are some basic elements that every follower of Jesus needs to both grow and reproduce the life of Christ through them into others.
Neil Cole offers a helpful acronym for the basic DNA of a follower. If these basic elements are in place, then the seed of the gospel has the best environment for growth.
Divine Life (loving God): Filling the mind and heart with Scripture and Prayer to develop closeness with Christ.
Nurturing Relationships (loving others): Forming simple, committed community with others in the Body of Christ that helps you follow Jesus.
Active mission (making disciples as you go): Actively praying for the lost and sowing seeds as the Spirit leads in the moment.
What could happen if followers of Jesus were committed to:
Reading Scripture repeatedly and praying together.
Developing simple, reproducible community with others.
Actively serving and praying for those who do not yet know Christ and how they might be reached.
A church is only as strong as its disciples! The complete DNA must be present for a disciple to be fully obedient.
Yet, many followers might say that they only have a portion of the DNA. They might have the "D" and are growing a closeness to Christ through his word and prayer. But, they lack the "N" and are not walking alongside someon else or being held accountable.
Consider your own life? Do you have the full DNA being lived out?
Consider your group or class? Is it strong in the "N" and has nurturing relationships, but it lacks the "D" and is not being challenged by Scripture and prayer?
Neil Cole also warns churches:
1. Don't unravel the DNA into separate programs
2. Don't alter the DNA by adding a lot of complexity.
Cole says, "We must lower the bar on what it means to DO church and raise the bar on what it means to BE a disciple."
Use the DNA to evaluate your own walk with Christ and your group.
