‘Go’ is the mindset of an elder or missionary preparing to be the core of a new work for Christ. This Christian disciple has been through all prior steps in the cycle. They have made a decision to believe, discovered what it means to be a Christian, redeemed their life in submission to Christ’s teaching, established a life devoted to continually growing in wisdom and service, and they’ve grown in service related to all aspects of church leadership. As serving believers, they recognize that the local church is called to go (Mt 28:19) and is always growing and in need of leaders to accomplish that task. For the church, this is a continuation of strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, with an eye toward actually appointing elders (Acts 14:23) and sending missionaries. From the standpoint of the elder or missionary, this is the process of preparing to be the core of a new work for Christ … a new church plant locally or bringing the gospel to a new people in another nation. The elder or missionary must continually grow in order to be effective in this new work Christ is establishing.
‘Go’ is the final step in the discipleship cycle. In the context of ordered learning where discipleship is cumulative, it is important that any discipleship curriculum ensures that an elder or missionary can successfully prepare to be the core of a new work for Christ. This is actually where the Pauline Cycle of church planting starts, with elders or missionaries being commissioned, sent, reaching a new people and communicating the gospel. An effective curriculum will enable the elder or missionary to continually grow and be transformed (head, heart, and hands) in a community context and with accountability.