Notes from a lecture by Tim Mensendiek of the: What I loved about this talk is the recognition that there are stages in growth, and we need to be aware of where we are, and also where our disciple is in order to be effective in helping them to grow. I also liked that the difficult stages of discipleship are mentioned because there are definitely times in the discipleship process which are difficult. Stage 5 really spoke to me in that it is the most difficult stage, but it is the place where character is developed. (Bob) Stages of Discipleship
The discipleship process should be started from the beginning of a believers new found faith. Every person we come in contact with should be seen as a potential disciple of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is seen as a seven stage process. The church must do more than lead people to Christ. It should seek to create a environment where it's people can move through the following stages. 1. Repentance This is the stage where change occurs. New believers have to move through this stage before they can be ready to move on to the next. A discipler who goes through the rest of the stages with a person who has not yet repented is not using his/her time most effectively. 2. Enlightenment During this stage new believers needs to learn about the one who created the change (Jesus Christ). Matthew 10:28 I Peter 2:1-3. They see their new life as a father son/daughter relationship. We can derail nurture of new Christians because we demand immediate involvement in ministry. Give them time to receive the milk of the Word. 3. Ministry Training People in love with the Lord will desire to do something for the Lord. Matthew 16; 25:20-43; Luke 1:16; 12:48; 19:17. Disciples get tired, but not burned out, because they are thrilled with what God has done. Principles for this person: Don't launch out by yourself--get the training necessary to go along with the zeal, Be aware that the devil may intensify his attack on the excited Christian. As they get through this stage they are ready to minister to other people. They want to disciple others. 4. Leadership Development Don't make people leaders without ministry training. Leadership need to give these individuals a vision (Prov. 29). Leadership is selected (Matt. 20:16; John 15:16. They must be encouraged to do their best. They need to follow Christ--understand their role as a servant. Baptist Temple has a 12 week training course for leaders. It covers topics such as How to Live the Christian Life, How to Disciple, How to Lead a Team, Character, The leader as servant, Marriage and Family, and Doctrine. 5. Re-evaluation/Separation There are times of testing which God puts leaders through to make sure they are committed to be a disciple, come what may. God begins to play hard ball and tries to drive them away. At this stage if they are not serious they will not survive. The decision God is looking for is "all or nothing". II Cor. 4:17,18; 5:1-10; Col. 3:1-10. This is the stage that a person learns to have a pastor's heart. Tolerance, empathy, and compassion learned at this stage. This is the part in this talk that really touched me. When going through hard times in my life it is so easy to get discouraged. But it is those difficult times which may define the best of who I am later in life. I love the fact that those times bring out the softer character qualities mentioned above, of a pastor's heart. (Bob) 6. Leadership in Ministry A person is now ready to lead out. They have a burden on their heart. They have moved from being disciples to being disciplers. Peter changed from the impetuous person in the gospels to the wise, loving leader in his epistles. (Ps 119--wiser than your teachers; Matt. 15:21-32; 23:37; 20:30; Luke 19:41,42. There is no way to prepare for this stage. It demands on the job training. 7. World Vision The person feels it is not enough to touch my world, and my people. There is a sense of "I have to go!"
This person knows: 3. He has the mind of Christ. Phil. 2:5; I Cor. 2:16; 4. He has an understanding of how to face a variety of situations in his life II Tim. 2:6; He or She is a sent out person.
Paul went through these stages in his own life: 1. Repentance (Acts 9:17) God changed Saul's name (sought after) to Paul (small)
Some Additional Thoughts about Discipleship The relationship to the Lord changes through the process: begins as student toward teacher
The mandate of the disciple: bring forth fruit. People move from a willing heart to a wise heart
Four Goals of Early Discipleship in stages 1-3. These must be true in the disciples life if we are to say they are discipled. 1. Established in the Word of God
I hope this encourages you to grow at whatever stage of discipleship you are in. Don't loose heart. We know the end of the story. Heaven is ahead, and our failures and weaknesses are only blips on the screen compared to eternity. Meanwhile there is plenty of work to be done. (Bob)
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