NEMM’s Discipleship System: Power of 70 – The way of Discipleship

The Power of 70 is a dynamic and powerful system of NEMM (Northeastern Mindanao Mission). It is created to help equip and train Adventists for discipleship in local churches and districts. The name Power of 70 commemorates the impact made by the seventy missionaries that Jesus sent “two and two before his face into every city and place” in the New Testament. These seventy returned with joy as they experienced great success in their ministry, causing Jesus to proclaim, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” (Luke 10:18)

This program aims to mirror Jesus’ discipleship method and replicate it in today’s ministry, recognizing that this is the only way to achieve success in the church. By taking God’s words and reflecting on His life as a disciple-maker, the Power of 70 program claims the same victory through the power of God’s promise to be with us “even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)

The Power of 70 program offers three levels of training for its participants: Level 1 (Learners), Level 2 (Producers), and Level 3 (Mentors). Each level has specific requirements that participants must fulfill to progress. For instance, participants must first complete training related to the pre-implementation stage of the ministry as Learners before becoming Producers, applying what they have learned through house-to-house Bible study, preaching, and organizing public evangelism. Finally, after experiencing what it is to be a field worker, they will qualify as Mentors and produce a new batch of missionaries.

For Level 1 (Learners), participants must be baptized Seventh-day Adventist members. This is the beginning of the Journey to becoming a disciple-maker. The Power of 70 system prepares the foundation of a true disciple through education. Materials that cover a wide range of topics are prepared, including personal and public evangelism, homiletics, simple methods of Bible study, church administration, Christian storytelling, Christian ethics, conflict resolution, Christian counseling, Christian grooming and manners, and home health care. The training will produce several outputs, including a devotional journal, Bible markings, and sermon outlines.

For Level 2 (Producers), participants must be members of a Care Group, invite at least one new member to join, give Bible study to ten individuals, organize public evangelism, preach at least two sermons, and recommend at least one individual for baptism. 

Level 3 (Mentors) must organize and conduct Power of 70 training in a church (or in a district), recommend at least two individuals to join the training and graduate from Level 1, give two workshops/lectures during the Power of 70 training, and preach at least three sermons during a church revival.

To participate in the “Power of 70” system, one must be a baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and have recommendations from their church and district leader. The NEMM organization will provide the necessary training, materials, and identity for the “Power of 70” participants to carry out their duties effectively in their respective churches and districts.

In conclusion, the “Power of 70” system brings a remarkable opportunity for individuals to deepen their faith and become disciple-makers. It provides comprehensive training and support to help participants grow in their ministry and spread the word of God in their communities. With the promise of God’s presence “even unto the end of the world,” the “Power of 70” program offers a unique and impactful way for individuals to make a difference. The goal is to reflect Christ in our lives. (Adapted from The Power of 70: The Way of Discipleship Manual – 1st Edition)