Making Disciples of Men

By Sarah Whitman/ Tampa Bay Faith

As a minister in South Africa, Anton Labuschagne wanted to do more than share the good news of the Gospel.

He wanted to help born-again believers mature in their walks with Christ.

“We were not called to make people Christians and then leave them,” Labuschagne said. “We were called to disciple them.”

Labuschagne, whose ministry career spans two continents and as many decades, created a study program to help Christians not only shine a light but shine it brighter.

‘Discipleship: Discover Your Identity in Christ,’ published in 2017, guides readers to a deeper faith. Chapters focus on memorization and application of scripture, foundations for an effective prayer life, and learning to listen to the Holy Spirit, as well as encouragement for believers to seek the lost.

“I believe God is calling the Body of Christ to be developed into leaders,” Labuschagne said.

Labuschagne, a lifelong corporate business man, began his ministry work as a missionary. In 1999, he and wife, Anita, moved to Lakeland, Fl. to open Wings of Compassion International Church. They offered food, resources and spiritual guidance to the homeless, individuals enslaved by drug addiction and others in need.

In 2006, the Labuschagnes returned to South Africa and started Rhema Jesus is Ministries, where they were pastors for 12 years. At Rhema, a Pentecostal and Charismatic church plant, they led outreaches in the community visiting hospitals and prisons. They focused on equipping church members to share the Word.

When an opportunity to return to Florida and be near grandchildren presented itself in 2015, Labuschagne wanted to leave his church with a solid plan. So, he wrote a program to help remaining leaders and congregants stay strong in the Lord. That framework took shape and became Labuschagne’s first book.

‘Discipleship: Discover Your Identity in Christ’ offers daily Bible-reading plans, in-depth scriptural study and bold print statements of faith and God-given purpose for readers to declare over their lives.

“Because of Grace I have the unmerited favor of God in my life in everything I do.” (excerpt from text)

“I am free, delivered, liberated, healed and provided for.” (excerpt from text)

Each of Labuschagne’s chapters draws from cited Biblical wisdom.

“The book has become an instrument for my own edification before I get to edify others,” said Jean-Claude Ndagano, who now leads Rhema in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Since returning to the United States, Labuschagne has taught on his book at Life Church in Apollo Beach. He has been invited to speak at The River Church in Ft. Myers among other houses of worship. He leads study groups reflective of the text. Much of the content relates to current challenges Christians face, he said.

“The word of God keeps me focused on the truth that I am part of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. It is more important to me what the King of this Kingdom says than what the media or people around me say.” (Excerpt from text)

“The main challenge I really see in the church is that after being saved most people stay babies as Christians for the rest of their lives,” he said. “There are a lot of people living in the New Testament with an Old Testament mindset.”

Labuschagne said he hopes to help others awaken to the gifts of the spirit offered in the New Covenant.

“God believed in us for a reason,” Labuschagne said. “He saved us for a reason.”

For more information or to purchase ‘Discipleship: Discover Your Identity in Christ’ visit https://www.amazon.com/Discipleship-Discover-your-Identity-Christ/dp/0620777052.