What is a disciple of Jesus Christ?
A person who knows and follows Christ, giving themselves fully to Him so they can be changed by Christ and are committed to the mission of Christ.
Why disciple others?
Matthew 28:18-20; Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on 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.”
Jesus made it very clear what we as Christians and as a church are to do, make disciples. As Christians, we exist for God’s glory and for His purpose.This sacred mission to go and make disciples is the job of every believer. As a church, we are challenged to equip you, our people (every person) to be an army of messengers released on our community to share the gospel message, connect with others in friendships and be a minister of hope through following Jesus’ commands.
What is real life discipleship?
Real life discipleshipis a reproducible process of making more and more disciples. For each disciple it involves a three part process of knowing Christ (head-level change), then moving that knowledge to your heart so that He changes you internally (heart-level change), then applying those changes in you by being an active participant in Jesus’ mission (hand-level change).
There are three keys to the process; #1) There must be intentional leaders (spiritual parents) willing to; #2) be disciple-makers in a relational environment; #3) following the process so that it can be learned and repeated.
Why is real life discipleship important to you?
If I call myself a disciple of Christ, then I am saying; “I love Jesus and others.” Which means I know and follow Christ, and I am allowing Christ to change me to be a part of His mission of making disciples. Unfortunately, most believers do not have a good understanding of their own maturity in Christ. Many believers are not as mature as they think they are, while other believers assess themselves as less mature than they actually are.
Therefore, what real life discipleship does is help you find your maturity level so that you may be guided in knowing Jesus more, and playing a greater part in His mission. You need to know where you are in the discipleship process and where others are as well.
Real life discipleship is truly a journey of spiritual growth and a deeper connection to Christ and others. The journey requires training as we often compare it to climbing a mountain. With each step you take the higher you go and the closer you get to Christ in His fullness. With the help of others on the same journey, you are roped together on this climb. It is an adventure every believer is called to join. But it takes work and commitment.
Why is real life discipleship important to the church?
To be a disciple-making church has been our mission statement for years. However, we have been a church without a reproducible disciple-making process and we have faulted in pursuing Jesus’ mission. But the time has come for First Christian Church to accept its role and become a church who equips people with a reproducible process of making disciples. We have unity in our leadership to pursue our calling. We also have a reproducible process called REAL LIFE DISCIPLESHIP.
What is my role?
Say “YES” to Jesus fully. By committing your life to Him completely means you desire to go on the journey with Him. Which means:
1) I will participate in the discipleship process and pursue spiritual maturity (growth).
2) I will tell others about Jesus and become a disciple-maker for Christ (application).
3) I will commit myself to relationships (love others).
Why do we have to pursue relationships?
We follow Jesus’ model as He discipled people through intentional relationships. The relationship Jesus had with His disciples was the conduit by which He could deliver all that they needed. Jesus wants to use all of us as His conduits to others through the relationships we create. Jesus desires people to come to Him and He desires to take care of their needs, and He can do that through you and I.
In return, relationships help us keep growing! Relationships also give us strength for the journey. From our relationship with others we gain strength to complete the mission of going and making more disciples.
Why do we need small groups?
Just as Jesus modeled, intentional disciple-making relationships are best achieved amongst two or more people but no more than twelve. Two to twelve people by definition are a small group.
Within the influence of the church are many small groups. Therefore as a church we seek to guide and promote small groups as an environment where people can be introduced to Jesus, maturing in their faith, and connecting on their journey together with their small group leader(s) and friends.
