Small Group World

07.31.10

The Last Video... Saying Goodbye to a Discipleship Phenom... Thanks Avery

I was given oversight of the large group gatherings for a four day groups conference. From the very outset I knew we needed to honor and elevate those who had lived out Paul's most telling words to his protégé Timothy, " And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." (2 Timothy 2:2) After all, this is one of the premiere responsibilities of every small group leader. I was simply seeking a four minute video of someone who had lived out 2 Timothy 2:2. I seldom use these terms but, "I was prompted by the Holy Spirit" to ask Avery Willis to be that person. I didn't know at the time just how significant that video would be.

You see, Avery was battling leukemia and was in the hospital. As we communicated it became apparent that getting these poignant four minutes was going to be difficult. He was very sick, I couldn't afford to get a crew to do the shoot, and we only had a few days to get this footage. Avery suggested we contact FBC Springdale, Arkansas. After all, they were right across the street from the hospital. Maybe they could do the shoot and e-mail the video file. I called with fear and trepidation. I was certain that, if they had a tech team, they were very busy people and would probably let me know they were unable to help. Just the opposite was true. Without any hesitation at all the leader of that team told me he'd send someone to do this for us… at no charge. We will forever be indebted to them.

You see… the short four minute video was Avery's last opportunity to cast vision for disciple-making. His home-going to heaven took place yesterday. In case you don't know the name Avery Willis, please allow me to share a few paragraphs from the obituary created by LifeWay Christian Resources where he worked for some years.

Willis retired as senior vice president for overseas operations of the International Mission Board in 2004. Prior to that appointment, he led the adult discipleship training department at the Sunday School Board (now LifeWay Christian Resources). "MasterLife" training materials have now been translated into more than 50 languages and continue to be published by LifeWay.

"The author of 'MasterLife' is with the Master," said Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay. "Avery Willis was a Baptist statesman 'par excellence.' His contribution to the cause of missions and missions education will have sustained impact for generations to come. He will be missed by all, and my prayer is that the Lord raises up others to continue where he left off for the cause of global missions and kingdom growth. I remember with gratitude the value of his ministry to my own life, especially through 'MasterLife' and his insightful book 'Biblical Basis of Missions.'"

In January of this year, Willis was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. Doctors, however, were surprised by a quicker-than-expected remission in February, which allowed Willis to return his attention to discipleship. During the next several months, he campaigned for a return to the Bible storying form of discipleship. Often used as a discipleship tool among oral cultures, Willis believed Bible storying could be an effective method in the U.S. as well.

Willis and other proponents of this discipleship method organized DNA 21: Reclaiming Discipleship in the 21st Century, which launched with a webcast from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in April.

Also while at LifeWay, Willis was instrumental in the release of "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby and Claude King, another important Bible study resource that has now been translated into more than 70 languages and recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in print.

We showed that four minute video at a worship experience during the conference, it was shot at the hospital. It was shown at a time when Avery himself was tweeting of his soon to be arrival with Christ in heaven. Claude King, co-author of Experiencing God and a man who himself was greatly affected by Avery quoted these verses when describing Avery's life, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…" (2 Tim. 4:7-8a) Claude spoke with Avery on my behalf the day before his passing. Some were asking for the video so they could show it at their church. I wanted to make sure Avery was good with our distributing it. His response, "Distribute it freely." And so, here it is, Avery Willis' final message to all of us concerning discipleship.