Discipleship

There are three types of leaders: Innovators, Adapters, and Adopters. What kind of people do we need in our lives to grow? Consider the American Indian Model which includes chiefs with a counsel of wise men, warriors, and braves. Consider how Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy fit in this model. It is important who we bring around us for long-term sustained ministry. A father figure is needed. Consider Dan Allender’s To Be Told. The story of our life is part of the discipleship process. Who is ultimately writing the story of your life? God is Sovereign King of heaven and earth. God allows those sovereign foundations or early days of our story. When we come to faith in Christ, he comes into our lives and begins to rewrite our story. What are the elements of a good story? There is a plot, tension, characters, humor, and ending. A major part of the discipleship process is hearing our people's stories. It is very important to memorize people's names. Once we come to faith in Christ, God becomes our Father and the whole future is open for us. God does not just want us to be good, he wants us to be whole. What would a well-lived life look like? Consider the Apostle Paul's ministry.

Continue to explore Conversion and Discipleship by Bill Hull. He lists six gospels: 1. The Forgiveness Only Gospel 2. The Left Gospel (Liberalism) 3. The Prosperity gospel 4. The Consumer Gospel 5. The (Religious) Right Gospel and 6. The Kingdom Gospel. Consider that the Forgiveness Only Gospel makes sanctification and discipleship optional. The Prosperity Gospel creates an entitlement mentality. Hull does emphasize the cost of discipleship. He states, “Again, conversion is an event, but it is also a process. John Calvin believed that we are to distinguish justification and sanctification but must never separate them. According to Calvin, justification as a divine acquittal is extrinsic to humans, but the fruits of this justification are then applied to humans by the Holy Spirit. Because the biblical concept of conversion captures the sense of a process, I think it is a helpful corrective to our event oriented notions of salvation. Again, Donald Bloesch is helpful in summarizing the process of conversion: ‘The drama of conversion can be said to unfold in various stages. Conversion continues throughout life as our relationship to God is deepened by the cleansing power of His Spirit. Conversion is therefore both an event and a process in that it entails an initial surrender to Jesus Christ as well as constant fidelity to Him throughout life. It signifies both taking up the cross in the decision of faith and bearing the cross in a life of obedience.’” We read in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” In our gospel teaching we must talk about the indicatives of grace as well as the imperative. In Romans 6:1-4 we read, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”

Continue to explore the Temperament Chart. Consider that every person tends to have a primary and secondary temperament. What kind of leader are you likely to be if you are choleric? What will a senior pastor who is sanguine look like? What is a phlegmatic pastor like? What would a melancholy pastor be like? Consider putting biblical characters into this model. Paul would likely be choleric. Peter seemed to be sanguine and Barnabas, phlegmatic. David could be sanguine and Moses, melancholy. Consider that the fruit of the Spirit has to come through each temperament in a different way. It is important for us to understand our own temperament and spiritual growth because they play out in the sanctification process. In the DISC model, “D” would stand for choleric, “I” would relate to sanguine, “S” would be phlegmatic, and “C”, melancholy. How do we see ourselves? An introvert will tend to think about reality before he lives it. Extroverts tend to do life. Every temperament has its strengths and weaknesses and must be controlled by the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit controls our temperament we can grow as leaders and ministers to maximize the strengths of each and deemphasize the weaknesses.

Consider that the Apostle Paul had a very clear idea of who he was. He writes in Philippians 3:1, 4-7, 9, “To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you...If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ... and may be found in Him, not having a righteous-ness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ...“ What temperament is more prevalent in the context of a seminary academic environment for professors? Knowing who we are is important in our own spiritual growth. As we understand our typical weaknesses, that is where sanctification needs to kick in. It helps to understand the makeup of our staff team. Consider the different temperaments in marriage. This grid will help in marriage, leadership, and discipleship. We need understanding in why people do what they do in the way they do it. Consider the topic of children and parenting models. Consider leadership in the local church. There are four types of leaders that tend to be attracted to our church team. There are Traditionalists who will be loath to move away from the core doctrines of the faith. There are Radicals who often want to be different because they are tired of the same old thing. There are Conservatives who want change thought through and done slowly and in the right way. Consider that a church definitely needs to keep growing particularly as we as leaders keep growing. There are also Progressives who like change and are more open to change.

Explore a few scenarios on the four types of leaders. Are the leaders that come on our team all going to be good for us long-term? Consider that how we started this class is how we end the class: to be servants in the local church is a high call and a high privilege.

Consider Psalm 105:1-8, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth, O seed of Abraham, His servant, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones! He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth. He has remembered His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations . . .” Consider that we as disciplers are still disciples. The Making of A Leader by J. Robert Clinton and on the Internet, Dave Kraft: Leadership From the Heart are suggested materials. Explore leadership development theory. Leadership is something we have to develop. God is also about the process of discipling us as leaders if he has called us into church ministry. Explore a chart from The Making of A Leader by J. Robert Clinton that diagrams how God develops us. The chart shows how we have sovereign foundations from birth to conversion; inner life growth; ministry maturing; life maturing; and convergence. In our early days of ministry, God is developing us.

Review the diagram of God developing us from The Making of a Leader by J. Robert Clinton. Consider that we need people with advanced thinking theological degrees in every field of life. We are all called to ministry as Christians. Are we all called to vocational ministry that leads to ordination? Consider the external call to ministry and the passion to be Involved in the role in the institutional church. God's will is known over time. What is a philosophy of ministry? Process items are events in our lives such as trials, conflict, or failure that keep growing us. We read in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” In Galatians 2:20 we read, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” The higher up in the leadership chain we go, the more complex and difficult it is. Consider that memorization of Scripture is a great part of renewing the mind. Psalm 119:11 states, “Your word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against You.” How can we develop a lifestyle of Scripture memory?

Explore the qualifications for an Elder. In 1 Timothy 3:4-5 we read, "He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?)" Consider that the home is the very first place of proving our spirituality and fitness for ministry. “He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert . . ." Consider that young Christians being elevated into leadership too quickly are not equipped to handle difficulties. Ego is another problem. The term “Elder” does connote something related to age and maturity. In Titus 1:7-9, we read, “For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed . . . loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching . . ." Before we bring someone into leadership, let them be tested. We need to be leader-developers too. Where does the first set of elders come from in a church plant?

Explore the aspects of pastoral discipleship including: 1. Direct: Life on Life 2. Preaching 3. Systematic and 4. Parents – joy. Do older people need to be discipled? In Conversion and Discipleship by Bill Hull, he states under You Can’t Have One without the Other, “The primary weakness of the forgiveness gospel is what it doesn’t mention. Often this gospel covers the important topics of forgiveness and grace. But makes no mention of repentance, gives no invitation to follow Jesus, and does not discuss obedience to Jesus that Scripture teaches is required for a life of discipleship.” He also states, “The simple gospel presentation is designed to lead someone to a point of decision. While it says many things that are true and biblical, it is a plan of salvation, not the gospel itself. Certainly it is a tool to get someone started or begin a conversation, but it does not say enough to move a person beyond a decision. It doesn’t speak of the expectation of discipleship and in fact makes discipleship optional.” Consider that Hull states, “A majority of those who make a decision through a tract or evangelistic meeting and pray the sinner’s prayer don’t decide to follow Jesus. The reason they don’t decide is that discipleship is not connected to the decision they are asked to make.” Hull reminds us that, “John confirms that being a believer means more than saying a prayer, reciting a creed, or being an expert on the teachings of Jesus.”

Explore the make-up of our personal complexity. Things that contribute to our identity are: - Home environment - Cultural/Ethnic - Educational - Economic - Life Experiences - Talents - Spiritual Life - Spiritual Gifts - IQ - EQ - Temperament Explore the different types of people according to Hippocrates (b. 460 BC). He saw that there were four different temperaments: Choleric, Sanguine, Phlegmatic, and Melancholy. Explore a chart on temperaments. The Choleric is strong, demanding, and Type A. Their greatest fear is the loss of control. They are dominant, extroverted, and can be proud. The Sanguine is social, expressive, and attention seeking. Their greatest fear is the loss of social approval. The Phlegmatic is easy going, slower, and introverted. They can be submissive, indecisive, and calm. Their greatest fear is change and changing quickly. The Melancholy is the deepest feeling temperament. They are analytic, perfectionists, introverted, and sensitive. Their greatest fear is getting something wrong.

Continue to explore why men should be discipled. Consider that a man is free and dangerous in Christ to this world's system. Men should know the Bible and bring the knowledge of the Bible into family decisions. Another reason to develop men is because so many are really significantly undeveloped in American culture today. How does a boy figure out what it means to be a man? Is there an acceptable range of masculinity? The servant-leader should be willing to put his life on the line for his family. In Titus 2 we are told that the older men should disciple the younger men and women disciple other women. Why is it that pastors often do not enter into discipling their men? Pastors often don't disciple because it is messy and they have not been discipled. Pastors are not trained to think in a succession pattern. Paul appointed elders because he knew he was not called to be there forever. Also, many pastors are not comfortable with men and many men are difficult to get with because they are not as available. Pastors don't disciple their men because they are often too busy. Explore ministry by funeral. Funerals are practical ministry but also practical discipleship. Every funeral should be gospel centered. What is the tendency to do when it comes to the eulogy? Everything we do can fit into the discipleship process.

Continue to explore the No Man Left Behind Model of discipleship. The chart shows the importance of creating, capturing, and sustaining. How can we create value for men? With every event we do, we should ask, “What is the next right step in developing men?” Consider the Antioch Church example. What do we mean by vision? Vision is a goal, ideal, or direction. Vision is seeing what is not yet real. The Antioch Church model of discipleship uses Me & Jesus (Psalm 27:4); Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2); Lifegroups (Acts 2:42-47); Church (Isaiah 55:5); and Missions. The Antioch Church is about a culture of discipleship.

Explore the topic of the acceptance of a church vision by the congregation. Consider the benefits of a long-term ministry: 1. Opportunity to mold the character of your church 2. Opportunity to affect the community 3. Opportunity to affect a larger area 4. You can really get into the lives of your people 5. The congregation observes how you handle problems 6. The congregation observes how you handle mistakes 7. Opportunity to have roots for you and your family 8. It forces you to keep fresh 9. You can pastor your missionaries 10. You can keep continuity of former members 11. Church growth studies show that greater growth comes in long-term pastorates Consider the disadvantages of a long-term ministry: 1. They will learn all your faults 2. You will see all their flaws 3. You can lose your freshness 4. Special day sermons become more difficult 5. A long-term pastor can become a dictator 6. Some will become too dependent on you and not the Lord 7. Not everyone is cut out for a long-term pastorate Explore how to have a long-term pastorate: 1. Have it as a goal 2. Expect some rough times 3. Set goals to keep yourself fresh 4. Visit other churches and find out what they are doing 5. Learn to forgive 6. Keep fresh at all costs 7. Bring in guest speakers to supplement your weaknesses 8. In your ministry point to Christ

Continue to explore The Making of A Leader by J. Robert Clinton and the diagram of how God develops us with sovereign foundations from birth to conversion; inner life growth; ministry maturing; life maturing; and convergence. We need to learn how to lead and use our spiritual gifts well. Who we are becoming affects what we do. The fruitfulness of our ministry is directly related to our being. Consider that the Peter Principle is that we tend in organizations to be elevated to the level of our incompetency. In convergence, our role is more in line with who we are. The Afterglow Phase is when we are still used in a unique way. Boundary items that move us are certain crisis times of our lives where God is actually moving us forward. Why do most leaders never make it to convergence? Consider that it takes faith to move into convergence.

Consider the topic of the disciplines of rest. Are pastors to be available 24/7? In Luke 4:14-19 we read, “And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district. And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all. And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.’” Explore the ministry model of Jesus, including teaching, healing, exorcisms. Consider that public ministry of teaching begins to gather people. In the ministry model of Jesus there was a gathering and crowd then the call of the disciples. There was prayer, disciples appointed, Jesus was with the group and alone, and there was a testing of the disciples. How did Paul disciple people? Consider that Jesus' model of discipleship was followed by Paul.

Additional resources are suggested and Barna statistics are reviewed. Explore the No Man Left Behind Model. Why should we disciple men? Four reasons are that 1.) Men are the head of the family and lead gender; 2.) For the children as commanded in Deuteronomy 6; 3.) Men are protectors. The core roles as sons are leader, worker, provider, and warrior. Consider that our ministry will be carried out in the context of a culture that is radically redefining gender and that discipleship is gender focused. 4.) The New Testament describes κεφαλή (headship). Good leadership is not dictatorial leadership - it is participative. With leadership, there is ultimate responsibility. The essence of leadership is influence and responsibility.

Explore the No Man Left Behind Model of discipleship and that it relates that, "What men want to be is successful." Consider that systemically, men are a great deal a part of the problems we see in America today. What is a disciple? In No Man Left Behind we read, "A disciple is called to walk with Christ, live like Christ, and work for Christ." How do we make a disciple? How do men change? What is behavior modification? Consider that to combat the sin of pornography men are told “don’t”, there are disciplines, and accountability partner programs. How far does behavior modification go in actually bringing transformation? The gospel transforms from the inside out. Discipleship is not simply behavior modification. Explore the chapter on “Foundations to men's ministry” and the No Man Left Behind model chart which includes a symbolic conveyor belt and in which portal priority is discipleship. Consider that discipleship has a broader scope than merely getting them saved.

Continue to explore the No Man Left Behind Model of discipleship. The term “man code” is the environment. What is the code that we set for men in the church? Men tend to follow strong leaders. Consider the man code in relation to worship and music. Consider the man code in relation to impressions in the bulletin or impressions from the pastor, setting, or décor. The pastor is the single most important element for setting the man code for the church. What impressions from the décor can affect the man code? Consider next on the chart the three strands, leadership, and the wide- deep continuum. It does take the pastor, a leader, and a team to develop men. How do we get people involved in key areas of ministry? The continuum on the chart includes the need for Christ, the cultural Christian, the biblical Christian, and the leader. Consider that there are hurting men throughout the continuum. Explore the conveyor belt and all-inclusive ministry to men. There is a need to strategize discipleship to men wherever they are on the continuum and church. Who is in the men's ministry?

Explore Randy Pope’s text, INsourcing: Bringing Discipleship Back to the Local Church. For Pope, a disciple is mature and equipped. A disciple: 1.) Is living consistently under the control of the Holy Spirit, the direction of the Word of God, and the compelling love of Christ; 2.) Has discovered, developed, and us using their spiritual gifts; 3.) Has learned to effectively share their faith, while demonstrating a radical love that amazes those it touches; 4.) Gives evidence of being a faithful member of God’s church, an effective manager of life, relationships, and resources, a willing minister to others, and an available messenger to nonkingdom people; 5.) Demonstrates a life characterized as gospel driven, worship focused, morally pure, evangelistically bold, discipleship grounded, family faithful, and socially responsible. Pope calls the models “The Marriage of Dream and Function”. Consider that the senior pastor is the one responsible for the carrying out of the Great Commission. Explore the models of 1.) The Pastoral Model; 2.) Attractional Model; 3.) Influential Model; and 4.) Life on Life Discipleship. Explore five emphases of the Life on Life Model: 1.) Truth – as we read in John 8:32, ". . .and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."; 2.) Equipping; 3.) Accountability; 4.) Mission; and 5.) Supplication.

Continue to explore Randy Pope’s, INsourcing: Bringing Discipleship Back to the Local Church. Consider the different types of leadership style: 1.) Directing as the leader provides specific instructions and closely supervises task accomplishment; 2.) Coaching as the leader continues to direct and closely supervise task accomplishment, but also explains decisions, solicits suggestions, and supports progress. Disciples need to watch and learn from the one discipling them. The discipleship process is a journey. One of the biggest transgressions in the local church is that we direct but we don't coach or support. What does the discipleship-coaching look like in a Sunday School class? Randy Pope suggests 3 years for a discipleship process. What is a good small group size? Explore the Journey Discipleship Curriculum chart including 3-year Gospel Living, Grace Commitment, Knowing God, Healthy Marriage, Biblical Worldview, and God Honoring Parenting. Consider that grace and discipleship are connected to our involvement in the local church. How do people view the church? If we are going to make disciples, they need to know the gospel for their salvation and how it transforms them in relation to the rest of the body. In the Life on Life Model, the small group level is not an open group. The celebration and congregational care level can be open groups. Why should the small group cell be a more closed group? Consider discipling in a highly mobile area. Consider the Journey Member Covenant and that many times we expect too little out of our people. What are our expectations? A covenant signifies the solemnity of what we are doing. Consider the implementation of a model on a church-wide basis. Start small, go deep, think big.

Continue to explore the qualifications of a church leader in 1 Timothy 3:1-2, “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate . . .” Grimm-Thayer’s definition from the Greek word “nephalios” means “a state untouched by any slumberous or beclouding influences . . . He does not lose his physical, psychological or spiritual orientation.” Consider the elder board as a team. Gene Getz states, "This kind of man exhibits faith hope and love.” “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent . . .” We also read in Romans 12:3, “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith." Consider that a senior pastor is always looking to find good leadership. “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable . . .” To be respectable is to live a well-ordered life. Consider that we need a model to help us prepare church leaders. Officer training for the elder board ought to include theology, character, and basic discipleship. “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable . . .” We read in Leviticus 19:33-34, “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God." The hospitality of leaders in the church is important and is a mark of Christian love. What is the advantage of opening our homes to others? “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach . . .” In 2 Timothy 2:23-25 we read, “But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition . . .” What does it mean that an elder must be able to teach? “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine . . .” Paul instructs us not to use our liberty as an opportunity for the flesh.

Continue to explore the qualifications of a church leader in 1 Timothy 3, “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious . . .” There are some people who always like to fight. A pugnacious person who always wants to be in contention will destroy the unity of an elder board and will influence the church. “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable . . .” Consider that it is not the worst sin to lose your temper but it is often hard to recover. “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.”

Explore Ephesians 3:14-21, “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” How did the average Jew in Jerusalem pray? The focus of this prayer is Christ would: 1.) Dwell in your hearts; 2.) Rooted in love; and 3.) Filled. Consider that love is the greatest motivator of all.

Explore Matthew 9:9. “As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He *said to him, ‘Follow Me!’ And he got up and followed Him.” Consider Matthew 10:1-4 and the calling of His twelve disciples. Consider that all kinds of people need to be discipled. Explore the text of Matthew 10:16-18. Discipleship must be very realistic as to the world as it is. We read in Matthew 10:24-25, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master.” In Matthew 10:26 we also read, “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:34-36, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.” Jesus is making godly people who live in a bad world. We read in Matthew 16:24-25, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’” Why does Jesus tell the rich young ruler in Chapter 19 to sell everything? Is that normative? What kind of people was Jesus the toughest with? Consider that as we disciple, we disciple out of grace. A suggested informational source is the WDA or Worldwide Discipleship Association. View a chart on discipleship models in use including the model of pastor to elder, elders to pastor, community groups with couples, and shepherding groups. Randy Pope in his book, INsourcing: Bringing Discipleship Back to the Local Church holds that small groups are about “knowledge transfer". View the chart from his book comparing small groups with LOLMD or Journey Groups. Consider that the only model we have in the Bible for a discipleship group is found in Titus 2.

Recall that the highlights of discipleship are smaller groups, the long haul and identity. Consider that discipleship is about heart transformation. Explore what Bob Russell states in After 50 Years of Ministry: 7 Things I'd Do Differently and 7 Things I'd Do The Same. In Part 1 he explains what he would do differently: “1. I would minister more by faith and less by fear. 2. I would watch less television and find a more positive way to “gear down” at the end of the day. 3. I’d pay less attention to criticism and give more attention to swimming with the fish. 4. I’d be kinder, more attentive, and more animated with my wife. 5. I would quit mentally comparing and competing with other preachers and other churches.” Consider why so often in ministry we compare with other churches, other ministries, and other churches. Russell continues, “6. I’d be more generous to individuals both inside and outside the church. 7. I would never again attempt to cover over a staff moral failure.” In part 2 he explains what he would do the same: “8. I would maintain preparation for expository preaching as a priority in my daily schedule. 9. I would make the necessary adjustments to cope with the taxing pressures of ministry. 10. I would again laugh a lot and incorporate humor in my preaching.” Explore what the role of humor in preaching. Russell continues, “11. I would build a team of highly qualified leaders and lean on them. 12. I would avoid getting caught up in the celebrity mentality. 13. I would stay with what works and not get too quickly swept up in the latest fads. 14. I would stay in one place for forty years and move to a new chapter while I was still young enough to embrace the opportunity.” Consider the idea of changing the discipleship in a church and reflect on church growth and discipleship. Explore that critical mass is a number that provides that worship feel. Critical mass issues are space, time management, leadership, service, money, and model of discipleship.

Explore Jonathan K. Dodson’s book, Gospel Centered Discipleship. In it he states concerning professional vs. novice discipleship that, “Real discipleship is messy, imperfect, and honest. I wanted clean, “perfect,” and limited honesty.” He continues, “Why did I embrace this type of discipleship? Who was to blame-the church or the parachurch? Neither. It was my fault. Although I didn't understand it at the time, my motivation for obeying Jesus had shifted from grace to works." Consider that his struggle was his identity in Christ. "It progressed from attempting to earn God's favor, to gaining the favor of my disciples. "Discipleship" had become a way to leverage my identity and worth in relationship with others. I was comfortable on the pedestal dispensing wisdom and truth. The more disciples I made, the better I felt about myself. My motivation for discipleship was a mixture of genuine love for God and lust for praise. I sincerely loved God and wanted others to fall more deeply in love with him, but my motives weren't always pure. I quickly became a disciple who lacked authenticity and community." He reflects, "The center of discipleship subtly shifted from relationships centered on Christ to an activity centered on what I knew . . . It slowly became apparent to me that the gospel of Christ was where I was meant to find my identity, not in impressing God or others with my discipling skill. Refusing to share my life with others, especially my failures, was a refusal to allow the gospel of Christ to accomplish its full breadth of redemption in me. Very simply, God was leading me into a kind of discipleship with the gospel at the center-a constant, gracious repetition of repentance and faith in Jesus, who is sufficient for my failures and strong for my successes.” Explore that in preaching, how much do we share about our actual failures? Consider that there is a need for wisdom in our authenticity and our preaching reveals us in a powerful way. In leadership, there is a need for us to have a few people we can really be accountable to.

Continue to explore Jonathan K. Dodson’s book, Gospel Centered Discipleship. He states, “The word disciple is used more frequently than Christian to refer to believers in the Bible . . . Disciple is an identity . . .” Consider that our identity in Christ is as a son or daughter and disciple. He also states, “There are three aspects that comprise a disciple’s identity. The first is rational. Popular descriptions of the word disciple are often taken from the definition of the Greek word, mathetes, which is rendered “student or pupil.”” The three aspects of a disciple’s identity are: 1. Rational 2. Relational and 3. Missional. He states, "This definition of disciple shows us that the gospel both makes and matures disciples.” Is discipleship about our growth in holiness? Dodson's focus is on an integrated discipleship. Consider that grace energizes growth. We read in Romans 12:1, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” What would a mature, equipped, believer look like?

Continue to explore Jonathan K. Dodson’s book, Gospel Centered Discipleship. View a chart on the church model of celebration, community, and cell levels. The Meta-Church Model contains the celebration level and cell level but leaves out the community level. Dodson calls the cell levels the “fight club” level. Consider the mortification of sin and that grace makes us glory in what Christ has done. Dodson states, "Biblical fighting, then, is a spiritual contending to believe the truth of the gospel.” The goal is that the fruit of the Spirit continue to be fleshed out in our lives and that is the process of discipleship. Explore the role of children's ministry. For Dodson, fight clubs are relationally based and do not have to be overseen as much. We need to have a clear definition of discipleship to operate out of.

Explore 1 Timothy 3:1-2, “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife . . .” What is the difference between ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) and πρεσβύτερος (presbuteros)? A πρεσβύτερος (presbuteros) is a shepherd overseer but the task reveals maturity. Why is a plurality of elders important in the body of Christ? There is wisdom and accountability in a plurality of elders. Homer Kent asserts that his conduct should be of such a nature that no handle is given to anyone by which to injure his reputation. What does a husband of one wife look like? Does this mean a man who was divorced and remarried could never be an elder? A one-woman man must be someone clearly committed to his wife. How can a man prove he is a one-woman man?

A disciple is someone who learns. The word “disciple” means “pupil”. Patrick Morley states, “We would like to suggest three conditions that, if met, qualify a person to be counted as a disciple. (All three conditions must be present. Further, if these three conditions are met, the person cannot disclaim being a disciple. See 1 Corinthians 12:15-16.) First, a disciple is called to walk with Christ; they profess faith in Jesus Christ. Second, a disciple is equipped to live like Christ; they are engaged in a process of spiritual growth and transformation. Third, a disciple is sent to work for Christ; they are serving the Lord.” Consider the challenge of new converts to Christ. Discipleship has generational implications. Consider ongoing training and gifted evangelists. There is a tendency to guilt people particularly in the area of evangelism. We need to be "radical bringers" and have gospel-centered, grace-focused discipleship. The gospel energizes behavior. Does grace change our morals? Explore the topic of promises and identity. The first thing the gospel does is to transform our identity. Our core identity is sons and daughters. We also have core roles. Men should be leaders, worker-providers and warriors. The problem today is that we try to change our core identity with our core roles. Our identity is primarily set by the father role in our lives. Consider the topic of the passivity of men.

Consider what Robert E. Coleman states in The Master Plan of Discipleship. “Discipling men and women is the priority around which our lives should be oriented.” Consider that a clergy mentality sometimes keeps us away from making disciples. The Book of Acts is the Great Commission fleshed out. What is the relationship between the Church and the Kingdom of God? The Church is central to the fleshing out of the Kingdom of God in this world. The Kingdom of God grows in numbers and we are part of that multiplication. Coleman states, “The Book of Acts makes clear that bringing the Gospel to every creature is God's program, and it can be accomplished." Is a small church a better and more pure church? What is an optimal size of a church? Should numbers affect our view of discipleship? Who does a pastor disciple in the context of a local church? Explore a visual on a Model of Discipleship that has discipleship from the pastor to elder and elder to everyone else. Discipleship is needed for family, counseling, pastoral care, weddings, funerals, and leader meetings. What is required for this model to work? Organization is key. A pastor should spend time with his family. Consider that we disciple those who are the most available and most open to our ministry.

Explore the body life of the church and use of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:7 we read, “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” Is the gift of tongues operative today like it was in the 1st century and if so, how does it operate as a spiritual gift that is used to build up other people? Consider 1 Corinthians 13:1, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels…” There is a body life dimension to discipleship. What does fellowship in the biblical sense entail? Consider that we are a ministering community. Is discipline part of the discipleship process of the church? If we are all able to disciple, we can't all disciple at every level.

Churches that start out with a discipleship focus can put it into the DNA of their church. Consider that churches often become very program oriented. Consider Matthew 1. A suggested read is Lectures to my Students by C. H. Spurgeon. Do our pastoral prayers have a discipling function? Another suggested read is The Making of a Leader by J. Robert Clinton. Consider Matthew 4:17-22. “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.” In discipleship we are asserting the priority of Jesus. Consider that discipleship is often by network. What stands out in The Sermon on the Mount? Discipleship affects every area of our life. Explore Matthew 5:33 as Jesus tells us, “you have heard....but I tell you…” Explore Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 7:1-2 tells us, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” Discipleship deals with difficult subjects. Examine how Jesus contrasts true discipleship with Jewish external religion. Discipleship goes to the heart and motives. Consider Matthew 8. How does discipleship take place? In Matthew 8:23-27 we read, “When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing!’ He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?’ Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, ‘What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’” What we learn from trials is an enormous part of our growth and discipleship process.

Explore Matthew 28:16-20 and The Great Commission. “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” The command in Matthew 28 is to "make disciples". Consider that disciple-making is a way of life for the disciples of Christ. What is involved in the making of disciples? Does that include evangelism? When is the process of discipleship beginning? We want all believers to become disciple-makers. What is baptism? Baptism is the entrance into the covenant community. Communion is the maintaining of our place in the covenant community. Explore that discipleship is a supernatural process.

Continue to explore that discipleship affects the gender issue, parenting, and temperament. Does discipleship demand discipline? Consider discipleship and Genesis 1 and 2. Consider that we are a part of the whole scope of the history of redemption.

Explore Ephesians 4:1-6. “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” We also read in Ephesians 2:1-4, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy . . .” Explore Ephesians 2:8-10, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” The preacher's task, discipler’s task, and the teacher's task is to help connect the work of the gospel into the real everyday life of the follower of Christ. Consider that the gospel without application is a recitation of history. Discipleship is long-term.

Explore the identity of the Local Church. Cultural issues put the church into an identity struggle. What is the local church? There is a Sunday morning experience, at times there is a superficial understanding of the Gospel, and at times it can be considered “church lite”. What are the distinguishing marks of the local church? Conflict is one aspect. Explore the meaning of discipleship. Small Groups are important which include family groups, youth groups, and gender groups. Discipleship also includes instruction in truth, modeling Christ, service to others and the Sacraments. The goal of discipleship is to discover, nurture, and act. Consider that discipleship is personal not private. Is discipleship a program?