For many years now we have used to acronym M. A. W. L. to help us train disciples and prepare them to go and make other disciples. It once stood for Model, Assist, Watch and Leave. You can read about Christ modelling the same system with His disciples in the Bible. It is a good system that has stood the test of time.
A fellow worker in a similar network system modified this acronym some years ago. He now uses Model, Assist, Watch, and Launch! He changed it because some of his students felt like he was going to leave them out in the cold alone without any follow-up support. This was never the case but he changed it nonetheless to make them feel better. I like it so we have taken the change on board. So what does MAWL mean practically?
First, take some younger disciples out in the field with you. (This is not a classroom exercise.) Here you start to model what will be expected of them in the future as you locate receptive people and start to train them as new disciples. Your older disciples just watch you without much interaction with the new group. Encourage questions after each session has finished. A good debriefing is essential after all sessions at every stage.
Once you have modelled it for a while you then encourage them to join in and help you disciple people as your assistant. You start slow and ease them into larger and larger roles, always being there to support them or prompt them. Eventually, they should be doing the lion's share of the work with you assisting them.
Then when they have covered all of the skills required as your assistant you encourage them to take a session as the lead trainer. You take a back seat to the rear or off to one side and watch them. You are always there to jump in if they start to drown but don’t be too quick. They will not start very smoothly and they will make plenty of mistakes. If you jump in too soon you will chop their confidence off at the knees. You can always fix up any mistakes afterwards.
After a while, you will have been watching them and you will notice that they are now getting quite confident and competent in their role. This is when you give them a big pat on the back and launch them off to go it alone solo. Of course, you are also never too far away to offer advice or support. You also stay in regular contact to keep them accountable and also to sharpen them. They also help to keep you accountable and make sure you stay sharp.
Larger groups get together from time to time to report back successes, celebrate and fellowship together. We call these sessions "Iron sharpens Iron sessions" (We never need an excuse to have a BBQ:-D) They are also a chance for people to cross-pollinate ideas and troubleshoot problems.
So that is Model, Assist, Watch and Launch or MAWL for short!
Give it a go!
May God bless you and keep you as you go and make disciples.
MGAH team.
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