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What are some ways that a church can establish a powerful discipleship program?



Topics:Adult education, Character, Christian education, Christian life, Development, Discipleship, Growth
Filters:Christian education, Discipleship, Pastor, Shepherd, Spiritual director
Purpose:Discipleship
Date Added:June 17, 2008

Total Reader Responses: 10 (see below)
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Discipleship is not about information, but intimacy. Discipleship is about Jesus and walking with him, learning to imitate his life. If we are to establish powerful models of discipleship, then our programs must always be directed to him so that we define discipleship as doing what Jesus did, living as Jesus lived, and loving as Jesus loved.

For this model to be sustainable, we need to adapt or adopt a language of discipleship that always leads us in this direction. Once we've developed a language, a culture of discipleship quickly emerges. Culture is dependent upon language. If we want a culture of discipleship, we must have a language of discipleship. If we want a language of discipleship, it needs to be simple and directed toward Jesus.

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kini   (Guest) Posted: July 24, 2008
The word discipleship remines me of the terms Discipline & commitment.Could it be that to be a disciple of Christ,I have to disciple myself and make a daily commitment to be the Jesus that the world,especially those needing a saviour can see? I am too scared to follow the way of a christian leader including church pastors because they are still human And could mislead.I prefer to imitate the Gospel Jesus



Silas S. Harris   (Guest) Posted: June 24, 2008
discipleship will have far less impart if it only include putting all the pointers at Jesus whom we do not see daily in aparitical sense. It will take a mush more mainingful stand if those discipling are themselves living episels for God that can easily imulated.



Anonymous Posted: June 20, 2008
SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS INTERNATIONAL. The non-evangelical term is SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR (SPIDIR) for a Christian MENTOR or DISCIPLER. In this SPIDIR system, together we sense God's guidanace and God's leading for a person without imposing ourselves. We LISTEN, WE PRAY, WE DISCERN together and help a person along. It is NOT pscyhotherapy nor counselling but a very OLD and TRIED and EXCELLENT way of helping others along the way in their growth in the Lord. Ever heard of this term? We respect persons, their personalities and temperaments and sure, NOT every method or way of prayer or Bible reading suits ONE TYPE of person; we need to search for a method or way that SUITS US and which WORKS FOR US. SEE what I mean? REV J.J. Malaysia



Dan   (Guest) Posted: June 19, 2008
what is it when you speak of a "language of discipleship"?



Troy Hooper   (Guest) Posted: June 19, 2008
In response to Gene's comment, I think you miss the point when it comes to discipleship. Discipleship is the process of becoming like Christ through someone else. That is why Paul would say to the church in Corinth, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." 1 Cor. 11:1 Follow me as I follow Christ is making duplicates... if I follow Christ, and I make a duplicate of myself...then I'm not making a duplicate of myself, but of a follower of Christ. Paul would tell his disciple Timothy, "You, however have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings..." 2 Timothy 3:10-11 He followed Paul, who followed Jesus, therefore he was a follower of Jesus through Paul. I don't think God intended for us to do this alone... how can I make a disciple of Jesus unless I am one myself? Just my 2.5 cents worth.



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