Throughout the Core 399 curriculum, five questions are used to analyze the main topic that we discussed. This semester, the main topic was that of discipleship. The questions are as follows: What is discipleship? What does Scripture say about discipleship? How should Scriptural principles shape our understanding of discipleship? What does the world say about discipleship? How should a Christian live in the world today with respect to discipleship? Each of these questions are important for engaging discipleship, as will be demonstrated through the analysis of each question, the application of two other mentor groups that focused on one aspect of discipleship, and through the analysis of Gordon Spykman’s quote: “Nothing matters but the …show more content…
Christians should also consult the Bible on the difficult issues of the world, and discipleship is no exception. Matthew 20 does this, where Jesus asks his disciples to make discipleships of all nations. This implies that disciples are not individual, nor are they excusive. Discipleship is also not regarded as an action, but also a belief, and Scripture specifically specifies that being a disciple includes following Christ and believing His words. This can be demonstrated with the “Fighting Fair” group. In their presentation, this group specified that disciples should work together as a community, and if there is a conflict, disciples should use Scripture to resolve any issues. How should Scriptural principles shape our understanding of discipleship? If Scripture requires disciples to operate together in fellowship with others as well as to avoid exclusiveness, those aspects should be included into the definition of discipleship. As such, discipleship includes fellowship as one of the key components of its definition. Another key component is the belief in a method, which Scripture calls to be the belief in Jesus Christ. Without this specific belief, the discipleship falls flat and disappoints. In the “Failure” group presentation, the concept of Scripture influencing discipleship is subtly shown. When discussing disciples, the only reference made were to Christian disciples. They also made a reference
Earley and Dempsey said, “Discipleship is not merely a matter of information remembered. It is a lifestyle that is practiced.” Even though teaching through various classes are needed and are important, church classes cannot be a substitute for true discipleship.
Within the book You Lost Me by David Kinnaman, the author discusses why young Christians are leaving the church and rethinking faith. He gives us an overview of the trends within the mosaic generation. Through this overview, we as student ministers can better understand the generation in which we are ministering to. With this understanding, we can reach these students and bring them back to their home, that is the Church. In this report, I will discuss the book by chapter and finish with my reflection.
Discipleship is about engaging in the Word, following and obeying Jesus and going out to make disciples. An essential element in being a disciple is to be open to learning, to be teachable. It is a mindset to be continuously adopted and cultivated. For us to disciple others, we must be a better disciple ourselves. When making disciples, we are instructing others to be willing to be a discoverer. It applies to both spiritual growth as well as personal development, openness to new techniques, ideas and methods in all aspects of life. Our spiritual learning comes from delving into His
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Small group environments help every part grow into their right place in the body. “Discipleship is about providing a means by which we begin to shepherd people in the direction of maturity.” It requires effort and intentionality to help people grow, discover their gifts and use them for the health of the body.
While the goal of Christian education and discipleship is spiritual formation of the new believer into a true disciple who makes other true disciples, this concept has been watered down in the American church today by emphasis on programs instead of progressive spiritual growth in every member’s life. There are many
Discipleship students, or those who already have a faith commitment, tend to immediately join one of two categories. The first, or Stagnant, students are those who “made a decision to follow Christ at some time in life but never really grew in faith.” These students, from the outside, look very similar to the world as “the distinction between churched and unchurched students is rapidly shrinking.” These students require time to draw them into a
As I read this prompt, I remembered my experience as a co-leader of a Christian cell group called Caregroup. One of the members was not then a full Christian; he was interested in the Christian teachings, but since he was a skeptical person, some teachings did not make sense to him. He had some unresolved questions about the teachings.
The authors presented the Christian responsibility for witnessing along with the lost individual’s need to hear the message. The point was well articulated that Christians should live in obedience to God’s Word, to receive strength and understanding through the Holy Spirit.
It is not our goal to “trade” members neither with other churches nor to increase our membership by reaching disgruntled members of other churches. Our vision is to reach young people who may not have a “church” background, teach and train them, equip them, and qualify them to go out and win souls. We believe that by doing this, we will build a strong army who can take our community, state, and the world for Christ. We want to reach young people ages 10-18 in our community. According to Warren, “If you want to build a healthy, strong, and growing church you must spend time laying a solid foundation.”
Today, as I attend school with the major heading as “Missions,” I hear a lot of talk about different methods in creating disciples. However, “Paul’s modus operandi for training was time on task” (pp. 59). In other words, disciples were made through time spent rather than strictly content. It sounds like relationship was a key aspect. Paul also focused on transferring these converts into true believers. It seems a lot in churches today, individuals are more focused on content rather than time. Therefore, they spend more time in the church “learning” than spending time with those that need “discipled.” With that, people in the church tend to “convert” others or brag about increased attendance, but have no plan to turn these individuals into true believers.
According to Early & Dempsey, “a disciple is a person, while discipleship is a process. A disciple is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ who is intimately involved in the mission of Christ. On the other hand, discipleship is the process of moving the disciple towards spiritual maturity and the mission of Christ. Being a disciple is God’s perfect will for every individual life; however, discipleship is God’s will for every individual church” [1]
Colorado Christian University Essay Kim Slickmeyer A pivotal experience that I had in my walk with Jesus occurred during “The Walk to Emmaus” in September 2012. I attended the weekend retreat at Livingston First Church in Livingston, Tennessee during the women’s Walk #82 and was assigned the table of Ruth. The fellowship and spiritual experience was beyond what I had expected. The Lord revealed to me during that weekend that He was calling me to teach His Word to women. During the next few months I began leading and attending various Bible studies. I was amazed how much I was learning and the wisdom that God was revealing to me. As with everything in life, there were many who wanted to keep me down knowing I was excited and determined. Some
Over the years, many models have been developed and implemented to endeavor to make disciples. Some of the models have been effective and others have not. Among some of the most biblical and efficient models are the ones that involve small groups. Within the small groups models, they can be broken down into further detail, such as pastoral involvement, the church’s goal, missions mindedness, etc. In this paper, I will explain my philosophy of small groups in a church and the importance of the relational group in authentic disciple making. I will also explain how missional groups can help the body of Christ move out into the community. Finally, I will summarize my status in regards to living in community with other believers and being missional with that community.
INTRODUCTION Oh how awesome it must have been, the opportunity to spend countless hours with Jesus! The disciples were truly blessed. However, the despairing reality of it all was that the disciples did not perceive the intent of Jesus’ teachings until He was later resurrected. Most of us grew up learning the same lessons that Jesus taught his disciples, and because of that Jesus’ Word still stands true in our lives today.
The Christians being persecuted is a very good example of discipleship the reason being is that they were dying just by believe in and these are the things