Essential Discipleship Needs of Adults
Jesus instituted His model for discipleship in His final words to His followers, which we call the Great Commission:
Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matt 28:18-20, Holman CSB)
This was the plan: to use Jesus' all-encompassing power and authority to make disciples. The Christian church of the first century resulted from this strategy of church growth - results that are hard to improve upon.
The best way to change the world is to make disciples. The best way to make disciples is to provide for discipleship experiences.
Discipleship is the incredible journey of people discovering who Jesus was through the Bible and who Jesus is as He transforms our lives through the Holy Spirit. God's Objective is for us to be transformed into the image of Christ.The heart of discipleship is that every adult can become a believer and a disciple, growing in the obedience to Christ that results in ethical behavior and Christian ministry. Discipleship leads to evangelism and changed lives, to righteous and abundant living, to joyful and meaningful service for all who desire it.
Discipleship is a lifelong process based on people's needs. The church has both the opportunity and the responsibility to help adults take their next steps of growth in discipleship. Each church must assess the needs of its adults and focus its efforts to meet those needs.Discipleship must always be intentional (having a clear sense of purpose and working to achieve it) and responsive (identifying and meeting people's needs).
What Kinds of Discipleship Needs Do Adults Have?
Adult disciples who are new Christians and/or new church members need ...
- To develop relationships with other members
- To know the church's vision and commit themselves to it
- To know and begin to use their spiritual gifts
- To develop a plan for continued growth in discipleship
Adult disciples who are growing in spiritual maturity need ...
- To know and live out God's plan for their lives
- To apply ethics in everyday life
- To know how to make right choices
- To know and use their spiritual gifts
- To be able to share their faith with non-believers and unchurched persons
- To understand biblical doctrines
- To develop a disciplined devotional life
- To understand and deal with personal issues and emotional problems
- To understand substance abuse and learn how to overcome it.
Adult disciples who are strengthening their family relationships need ...
- To develop positive parenting skills
- To strengthen husband-wife relationships
- To develop growing relationships with other family members
- To help aging parents.
Adult disciples who are being equipped for leadership and ministry need ...
- To know how their spiritual gifts can be used most effectively
- To develop the mind and attitude of a servant
- To develop skills needed to function effectively in a chosen ministry
- To develop effective and flexible teaching skills.
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