Understanding the Essentials of Discipleship
Jesus instituted His model for discipleship
in His final words to His followers, which we call the Great Commission:
"All authority in heaven and earth
has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded
you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
(Matt. 28:18-20, NIV)
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 ...
