Jesus trained them in two things: proclaiming the message of the gospel and taking authority over the enemy to deliver and heal people. Then He sent them out to do these two simple things: nothing more, nothing less. Wise is the trainer who keeps it simple. If our training doesn’t equip people for this, we have missed the mark.

It didn’t take long. Jesus knew He had a brief 36 months to train a band of men who would be used to change the world. An inner core of three (Peter, James, and John) and then another nine men comprised the twelve disciples. Notice carefully what He did.

1. Prayerful, Deliberate Selection

And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. (Mk. 3:13)

These were not random men, but His choices came out of a full night of communion with His Father. These were God-picked men, even Judas who would serve a Divine purpose. And his personal preferences in the selection played a part—these were men whom “He Himself wanted.”

2. Time in His Presence

 And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him (Mk. 3:14)

His plan was not a book study merely (although they would be with Him in formal times of teaching), or an experience (of which they had many with Him). It was all of that and more because His key in discipling them was PRESENCE. They were to be with the Son of God IN HIS PRESENCE, observing how He lived and prayed and ministered and loved and even suffered and died and rose again.

His training plan was immersive. It was in His presence, and only there, they would receive the preparation and power they needed.

We must spend time simply walking and living with those we’re training. And, even more important, we must walk with them into the very presence of God and teach them how to abide there, for everything flows from God’s presence.

3. Intentional Ministry Training

 … that He could send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out the demons. (Mk 3:14-15)

Jesus was not merely gaining a few friends or spending time with no intentionality. He knew from the beginning that He was getting them ready to GO, to be SENT OUT on a mission. That mission was two-fold: to PROCLAIM A MESSAGE OF REPENTANCE and DO MINISTRY that would bring deliverance and healing to those they encountered. He had to get them ready to do those things.

We see this further in Mark 6:7. His training was all geared to this end result and, ultimately, the end result of Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8.

And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs (Mk 6:7)

4. Teach Joint Ministry

Jesus never sent them out alone, for obvious reasons. Ministry is best done with others. Never let them do silo ministry.

And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs (Mk 6:7)

5. Empower Them with God-Given Authority

His disciples knew that He had authority over the enemy (for they had observed it in His presence). Now, He deliberately gave them that delegated authority and helped them know they had it. Although we do not give this authority like Jesus (only He can do that), we must help those we disciple know that they have that authority through Christ and how to use it.

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