Definition:

Discipleship is a relationship expressed by following Christ rather than a list of things to do and to accomplish, even though there will be a list of obedient outcomes, actions and behaviors that flow out of this relationship. It is a process of helping believers to mature, define their relationship with the Lord, and determine their life direction in the will of God. Persons who are discipling others will: 1) be fruitful, 2) have a kingdom perspective, 3) increase in faith in the Lord, 4) be a living sacrifice, 5) increase in patience, wisdom and humility, 6) persevere, 7) increase in reliance on the Lord through prayer, and 8) deepen their understanding of the Word of God. Persons who are being discipled will: 1) be confident about their born again experience, 2) have a strong desire to share the gospel with others, 3) understand that faith is just the beginning step of this journey of spiritual growth and not the end of it, 4) love the Word of God, 5) increase in faith in the Lord, 6) be willing to deny themselves on a daily basis, 7) be devoted to and willing to obey God’s will, 8) be committed, 9) have a kingdom perspective on people, church and ministry, 10) increase in the fruit of the Spirit, patience, wisdom, and humility, and 11) love for others.

Characteristics:

Be:

  • Faithful
  • Humble
  • Lifelong
  • Focused
  • Devoted
  • Christlike
  • Available
  • Teachable
  • Mentor and mentored

Know:

  • Understand the teaching of Jesus
  • Bible study

Do:

  • Follows the teachings of Jesus
  • Denies oneself
  • Carries one’s cross
  • Accountable
  • Fellowship
  • Evangelizing and making converts
  • Spends time with mature believers
  • Spends time with not-yet and new believers

Outcomes:

  1. Identify the qualities of a disciple as Christ taught and determine ways in one’s personal life to apply these qualities. DIS-1
  2. Testify each week to love by putting the needs of someone else ahead of their own. DIS-2
  3. Model spiritual disciplines for individuals and small groups including: prayer, devotional reading, fasting, solitude, and public worship. DIS-3
  4. Use the reading of God’s Word to foster spiritual growth and for personal devotions. DIS-4
  5. Explain the essential concepts of discipleship: what is a disciple, how to be a disciple, why would a person become a disciple, and how to make more disciples. DIS-5
  6. Write and then share their conversion/spiritual journey narrative. DIS-6
  7. Identify holiness materials useful to congregations including classical Christian literature, audio, video (or other media) to assist their regular spiritual growth. DIS-7
  8. Tell several stories of persecution in history, personal tragedy, and Christian responses. DIS-8
  9. Describe the difference between a “works salvation” and the obedience that proceeds from faith. DIS-9
  10. Teach others the Nazarene Articles of Faith and clearly explain either orally or in writing a Wesleyan-Arminian understanding of the Nazarene Articles of Faith. DIS-10
  11. Identify some of the major themes found within the Pentateuch and apply them to the needs of a local community. DIS-11
  12. Envision and describe the type of Christian education most appropriate for a local church and plan the equipping and development of leaders, teachers, and helpers. DIS-12
  13. Explain how sin affects humanity, i.e., the condition of humanity since falling into sin, and how God’s grace in Christ brings new life. Explain what effects of sin are cured through entire sanctification. Demonstrate how to lead a person to the experience of entire sanctification. DIS-13
  14. Prepare, organize, and deliver a biblically sound lesson or sermon using culturally sensitive techniques and skills. DIS-14
  15. Describe the importance of discipling children and youth and develop a plan for this in the local church. DIS-15