Stage 3: EMPOWER

We consider empowerment to be most effective when a person is free from any “internal issues” of life (stage 2), and is ready to impact and influence his/her world in a powerful way.

In relation to the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20), this condition is similar a plant growing “among thorns” and has to survive.  The “thorns” represent the external influences that hinder personal development.

The person at this stage often says "I should be....".

The person is born-again and has been made whole. However, he/she has not built the resistance to withstand the aged-old temptations of Satan: the cares of this world; the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things (pleasures of life).

The person may be lacking godly perspective and convictions. Consequently, his/her life is chocked and is in danger of not coming to full maturity and fruitfulness. He/she hears God’s word, but does not know how to see life in the light of the word. He/she struggles to apply the truth of the Word of God in his life.

Again, the answer lies in the power of the Word of God.

Potential of the seed: bring understanding and develop maturity. The word of God brings understanding. (Psalm 119:130). It prepares the person against the dangers and challenges of life.

The Principle is: EMPOWERMENT

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Our OLM response

EMPOWERMENT is the answer to this need. After the nurturing phase, the believer is in a position to receive more teaching and should proceed to be equipped and empowered. This is another dimension of helping the believer to mature. The necessary ministry gift is the teacher.

The EMPOWERMENT stage has two major components: “Activating the gifts” and “systematic theology”. The identification and development of the believers’ gifts and skills is a very important aim of the WOVIC strategy. Where gifts are dormant, it is necessary to activate them.

1. Empowerment weekend: During the empowerment weekend, participants get to know both their emotional needs and areas of gifting. In addition, the participants are helped to identify their gifts or areas of potential gifting. We call it “empowerment zone”.

2. Wisdom & Understanding: The second part of the stage is designed to help believers to “step out in faith”. On the one hand, believers are exposed to the teachings that build up their faith and prepare them against the devices of the adversary and on the other hand, to live a victorious life. The aim is to develop seasoned disciples who are matured in Jesus Christ, who can readily explain the hope they have in Christ. They should be able to see themselves abounding in good works and walking in victory.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22, 23)

After fruitfulness, the next stage is multiplication following a RELEASE (stage 4)!