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# Discipleship 101: Your Guide to Spiritual Growth and Mentorship
Are you ready to embark on a journey of profound spiritual growth? Do you yearn for deeper connection with God and a stronger faith community? Then you've come to the right place. This Discipleship 101 guide provides a foundational understanding of what discipleship is, its importance, and practical steps to navigate this transformative process. We’ll explore key aspects of mentorship, spiritual formation, and how to cultivate a life deeply rooted in your faith. Whether you're a seasoned believer seeking renewed direction or a newcomer exploring the possibilities, this comprehensive guide will equip you for a richer spiritual life.
What is Discipleship? Understanding the Foundation
Discipleship, at its core, is a journey of intentional spiritual growth guided by mentorship and a commitment to following Jesus Christ. It's not just about attending church or reading scripture (though those are vital components); it’s about actively pursuing a deeper relationship with God and living a life that reflects His values. It's a process of transformation, where your beliefs and actions align more closely with Christ's teachings. Think of it as an apprenticeship in faith, learning to live a life fully surrendered to God's will.
Key Aspects of Discipleship:
Mentorship: A key element is having a mentor or spiritual guide who provides wisdom, accountability, and encouragement. This relationship fosters growth and helps navigate challenges.
Spiritual Formation: This involves practices that cultivate your spiritual life, such as prayer, Bible study, meditation, and serving others.
Obedience to God's Word: Living a life aligned with the teachings of Jesus and actively applying biblical principles to daily life.
Community: Surrounding yourself with a supportive community of fellow believers who encourage spiritual growth and accountability.
Mission: Understanding and actively participating in God's mission in the world.
Finding Your Mentor: The Importance of Guidance
Finding the right mentor is crucial for effective discipleship. This person should be someone you respect, who demonstrates a strong faith, and is willing to invest time and energy in your growth. Look for qualities like wisdom, patience, and a genuine desire to help you grow spiritually. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance. The mentor-mentee relationship should be built on mutual respect and trust.
Qualities of a Good Mentor:
Spiritual Maturity: They possess a deep understanding of their faith and live a life that reflects it.
Compassion and Empathy: They are able to understand your struggles and offer support and encouragement.
Accountability: They help you stay focused on your spiritual goals and hold you accountable to your commitments.
Discernment: They can offer guidance and wisdom in making important decisions.
Availability: They are willing to invest time and energy in your spiritual growth.
Practical Steps to Embark on Your Discipleship Journey
Discipleship isn't a passive activity; it requires intentional effort and commitment. Here are some practical steps to begin your journey:
1. Prayer and Bible Study:
Develop a daily routine of prayer and Bible study. This fosters a personal relationship with God and deepens your understanding of His word.
2. Seek Accountability:
Find a trusted friend or mentor who can hold you accountable to your spiritual goals and offer support and encouragement.
3. Serve Others:
Serving others is a vital aspect of discipleship. Find ways to use your gifts and talents to serve your community and the wider world.
4. Join a Small Group:
Connecting with a supportive community of believers can provide encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth.
5. Seek Spiritual Disciplines:
Explore spiritual disciplines such as fasting, meditation, and journaling to enhance your relationship with God.
The Ongoing Transformation: A Life-Long Journey
Discipleship is not a destination but a journey. It's a continuous process of growth, learning, and transformation. Expect challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but remember that God's grace is sufficient for every step of the way. Embrace the process, be patient with yourself, and celebrate the progress you make along the way.
Conclusion:
Embarking on a discipleship journey is an investment in your spiritual well-being and a commitment to living a life that honors God. By understanding the core principles, finding a mentor, and actively engaging in spiritual practices, you can embark on a transformative journey of faith, growth, and lasting impact. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination.
FAQs:
1. Is discipleship only for religious leaders? No, discipleship is for every believer who desires to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God.
2. How long does discipleship take? Discipleship is a lifelong journey, not a short-term program.
3. What if I don't have a mentor? Pray for guidance and look for opportunities to connect with spiritually mature individuals in your church or community.
4. What if I struggle with commitment? Start small and build gradually. Be honest with your mentor about your struggles.
5. How can I measure my progress in discipleship? Focus on your relationship with God, your obedience to His word, and the fruit of the Spirit in your life.
| discipleship 101: Basic Discipleship 101 Ron Hordyk, 2018-04-10 For we are God's fellow-workers; you are God's field, God's building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 1 Corinthians 3:9-10 When someone starts to build a house, he first lays the foundation on which the rest of the house will be built. If the foundation is not built correctly, the rest of the building will be compromised, affecting not only its immediate use but also its longevity. The previous scripture states that the church must also lay a good foundation in new believers. The Bible contains specific teachings that form the foundation of the Christian faith. To overlook even one of these teachings will affect how we perceive the rest of the Christian faith. An obvious example is to teach judgment without mercy, a teaching which causes the church to be legalistic. However, to teach mercy without judgment causes the church to give license to sin. Both teachings are essential, for the one teaching balances the other. When a person accepts Jesus as his Savior and Lord, most churches place the person in their ongoing programs, with the hope that he will grow. However, a new believer does not share the foundational truths that mature Christians have. The minister may make statements which out of context will appear harsh, but are not harsh when placed in the context of other accepted teachings. For this reason, the church must give new believers a foundation which will allow for a balance, in regard to the teachings to which they will be exposed. Basic Discipleship 101 is written to give new born believers the foundation on which they can build their Christian faith. In this collection of studies, we will examine what it means to become a Christian, identify the principle players in salvation, and examine the elementary truths on which the sermons they will be exposed to will be built upon. Welcome to Basic Discipleship 101. |
| discipleship 101: Discipleship 101 R. J. Bartholomew, 2012-05-30 Discipleship 101 The Battle of Wills For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24: 24 NKJV Two thousand years ago, a series of events took place that radically changed the hearts and minds of many persons. This change of heart occurred in those who were exposed to, and believed in, the teachings of a man named Jesus. Since then many groups (de-nominations) have risen up. Each claim to have exclusive knowledge and authority that others should surely acknowledge and follow. As a result, a lot of wild growth flourishes along the true pathway making it difficult to walk on. Throughout this book Ive attempted to show many irrefutable truths using scripture and documented history where it seemed appropriate. My purpose has been to try to get people to think critically about what they believe and why they believe it. What Ive tried to do is cut through the briers and underbrush so that you can see the pathway more clearly and move ahead to new heights. Its a beautiful view up there. I invite you to walk along so that you can see it for yourself. If youre an atheist, I know how you feel. Thirty one and a half years ago I was an atheist as well. Back then, there was a lot I didnt know that I now know to be true. I hope youll open your mind and come along too. What youll see will surprise you. Look among the nations and watch and be utterly astounded. For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you. Habakkuk 1: 5 (NKJV) |
| discipleship 101: Christian Discipleship 101 Roderick L. Evans, 2014-08-12 In this study, we will examine the parable of the unmerciful servant. This parable expresses the responsibility of the believer to forgive (Matthew 18:21-35). When Peter asked Christ about forgiveness, He responded to him with this parable. Within this story, we see the unlimited forgiveness of God. In addition, we discover the responsibility of His servants to be like him. Let us learn to forgive others as God, for Christ’s sake, forgave us. As we learn from these parables, we will stay on the path to true discipleship. |
| discipleship 101: Workplace Discipleship 101 David Gill, 2021-10-05 Workplace Discipleship 101 contains encouragement and practical advice for Christians who are serious about living out their faith in their daily work lives. This book is packed with simple, practical suggestions organized in an intuitive format with straightforward language. Answering questions such as “How can I serve Jesus while I’m at work?” and “What does it look like to follow Jesus in my field of work?”, this book provides Christians with practical insight and biblical inspiration no matter where they work. The book is split into three main sections: “Preparation” (how to get ready), “Presence” (what we do at work), and “Post Workplace” (beyond the workplace). Key points and features: Biblically and theologically based.Presents information in an easy, understandable way.Discusses the importance of work and discipleship.Offers insightful questions for application.Fills a hole in the growing “faith at work” genre of literature. “Few people I know have thought more deeply and practically about the integration of the Christian faith in the workplace than David Gill. In Workplace Discipleship 101, David Gill’s keen intellect, ethical clarity, and encouraging heart frame a persuasive and practical guide for all apprentices of Jesus who long to embrace an integral faith. This book is an invaluable resource I have been waiting for. I highly recommend it!” —Tom Nelson, Lead Senior Pastor, Christ Church, Kansas City; President, Made to Flourish; Author, Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work |
| discipleship 101: Discipleship Bible Study 101 Brian Cochran, |
| discipleship 101: Gospel 101 Jeff Dodge, 2018-08-06 This small group study and practical resource on systematic theology invites readers to develop a biblical literacy to share the gospel simply and effectively. Designed for Christians with gospel questions ready to put their faith to action and grow in biblical knowledge, Gospel 101 explains the foundational gospel truth with digestible ... |
| discipleship 101: Discipleship 101 , 2021-06 |
| discipleship 101: Discipleship 101 Patrick McWhorter, 2016-12-07 A simple and well defined study on becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. |
| discipleship 101: Discipleship 101 for Kids, Teens and Pre-Teens Aidan Perry, 2017-08-08 If you are the parent of a young child, a pre-teen or a teen, this book will help you to navigate some of the critical components of teaching them how live in accordance with biblical principles. If you are a pre-teen or a teen disciple of Jesus, knowing the contents of this book will help you to live well within the parameters of your faith. You will learn practical steps on how to approach family situations, how to escape potentially dangerous interactions, and how to let the world know who you are as a disciple of Jesus, if you wish to do so. No longer will you be fearful of interactions, or uncertain of how to proceed in a given situation. You will have all the tools you need, and an opportunity to practice them.The book's author is himself a child, and knows the inner workings of the children of his generation. He writes from practical experience as a disciple of Jesus. He knows that living as a disciple is difficult, and sometimes almost impossible, especially for a pre-teen concerned with building friendships and being accepted by his peers. He is one of the most popular students in his school, and maintains a solid discipleship regimen that includes prayer, Bible study, and sharing his faith. He longs to have others participate with him in this joyful and energizing experience.Please visit our website at http://www.RebekahIsaac.org |
| discipleship 101: The Lost Art of Disciple Making LeRoy Eims, 2009-07-13 Every believer in Jesus Christ deserves the opportunity of personal nurture and development. says LeRoy Eims. But all too often the opportunity isn't there. We neglect the young Christian in our whirl of programs, church services, and fellowship groups. And we neglect to raise up workers and leaders who can disciple young believers into mature and fruitful Christians. In simple, practical, and biblical terms, LeRoy Eims revives the lost art of disciple making. He explains: - How the early church discipled new Christians - How to meet the basic needs of a growing Christian - How to spot and train potential workers - How to develop mature, godly leaders True growth takes time and tears and love and patience, Eims states. There is no instant maturity. This book examines the growth process in the life of a Christian and considers what nurture and guidance it takes to develop spiritually qualified workers in the church. |
| discipleship 101: Date Your Wife Justin Buzzard, 2012-06-30 An Intensely Practical Guide for Husbands Looking to Strengthen, Save, or Spice up Their Marriage Most men don't know how to date their wives. They did it before, but they've forgotten how, or they're trying but it just doesn't seem to be working. Justin Buzzard helps men re-learn this all-important skill from a position of security in the gospel of grace. As a father of three boys and husband, Justin offers guys a helping hand, good news, and wise counsel, along with: 100 practical ideas for how to date your wife Action steps at the end of each chapter Personal stories and real-life examples All types of marriages—good ones, mediocre ones, and bad ones—will experience a jumpstart as a result of hearing, believing, and living the message of Date Your Wife. |
| discipleship 101: Following Jesus , 2010-07-01 |
| discipleship 101: Defending Our Faith Bert E. Park, MD, 2016-06-08 Have you ever felt a bit like the troubled man who professed to Jesus: Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!? Do you want to dig deeper into your faith so as to become more sure of what you hope for, and certain of what you cannot see? Havent you questioned whether there is any scientific support for the Genesis creation accountor historical evidence to confirm the ministry, crucifixion and, yes, post-resurrection of a man named Jesus? Will you not be challenged in the future by either a skeptical critic or genuine seeker to defend Christianity with facts and not simply faith? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this handbook written in succinct outline form is just what youve been looking for! |
| discipleship 101: Gift Upon Gift Dr. Sherri Brown, 2010-08-11 This study builds upon recent scholarship exploring the significance of the Old Testament covenant metaphor in the Johannine writings. By examining the Gospel of John as a whole through a narrative lens and focusing on several key dialogues, the author sheds light on the dialogical nature of the revelatory process and the central role of covenant for the Fourth Evangelist. Also incorporating recent scholarship that suggests the evangelist understood himself to be writing Scripture based upon fulfillment language present in summary statements across the Gospel, and demonstrating a relationship between the Fourth Gospel and ancient drama that renders speech as action, this work attempts to construct a new paradigm for reading John against the background of the Old Testament covenant metaphor. The claim is twofold: the Johannine story of Jesus Christ is a carefully crafted literary treatise theologically underpinned by discourse on covenant and Scripture, and the Fourth Evangelist provides catechesis to a believing community on the nature of its faith in the God of Israel's ongoing covenant with the created order. By grasping the theological fabric of the evangelist, the richness of the dialogue and imagery of his Gospel is allowed to have its full voice in terms of covenant fulfillment and the ongoing commitment of God to a believing people. |
| discipleship 101: Envisioning the Congregation, Practicing the Gospel John W. Stewart, 2015-08-06 Reflecting a wealth of ministerial experience, this accessible and instructive book is designed to equip lay leaders and pastors of Protestant churches to better envision and practice gospel-driven ministry amid the challenges of our twenty-first-century context. Especially addressing Baby Boomer and Gen X leaders, seasoned pastor and practical theologian John Stewart presents and explains five biblically mandated, foundational practices for being and nurturing the church: belonging, discipling, witnessing, serving, and worshiping. Stewart believes that these five practices are essential markers for congregations that seek to remain faithful to their risen Lord, and he offers memorable examples of how specific churches are carrying them out well. Church leaders of every generation will find in these pages much practical wisdom on how to enhance their congregational life and mission. For any congregations wanting to remain faithful to their biblical heritage and mandate, Stewart's Envisioning the Congregation, Practicing the Gospel provides an excellent roadmap for doing what God calls the church to do. |
| discipleship 101: 2009 Minutes of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Assembly, 2010-08-26 Annual minutes of the meeting of the Cumberland Presbyterian General Assembly for 2009. |
| discipleship 101: Restore Unity, Recover Identity, and Refine Orthopraxy Peter L. H. Tie, 2012-01-16 Doctrine divides! Not a few Christians dread doctrine, especially the doctrine of the church (ecclesiology) that allegedly causes much confusion, conflict, and controversy within the church. Many choose to avoid it, but James Leo Garrett Jr., Distinguished Professor of Theology Emeritus at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, is convinced that the much avoided and neglected ecclesiology is the place where the churches must begin to rediscover genuine unity, identity, and orthopraxy. Restore Unity, Recover Identity, Refine Orthopraxy examines Garrett's biblical notion of the universal priesthood. The priesthood concept, properly understood in a communal sense, integrates the mission, membership, ministry, and management of the church. This book is filled with intentional and direct conversations with more than twelve theologians or ecclesiologists from various Christian traditions (Reformed, Pentecostal, Roman Catholic, Mennonite, Baptist, and other Free Church) in order to shed light on Garrett's believers' priesthood doctrine, which eventually points toward a balanced, biblical, and baptist ecclesiology. An ecclesiology rooted in the biblical priesthood does not divide and extinguish but does unite and distinguish! |
| discipleship 101: Sacred Fire Ronald Rolheiser, 2017-03-14 When one reaches the highest degree of human maturity, one has only one question left: How can I be helpful?—TERESA OF ÁVILA Beloved author Ronald Rolheiser continues his search for an accessible and penetrating Christian spirituality in this highly anticipated follow-up to the contemporary classic, The Holy Longing. With his trademark acuity, wit, and thoughtfulness, Rolheiser shows how identifying and embracing discipleship will lead to new heights of spiritual awareness and maturity. In this new book, Rolheiser takes us on a journey through the dark night of the senses and of the spirit. Here, we experience the full gamut of human life, pleasure and fervor, disillusionment and boredom. But, as Rolheiser explains, when we embrace the struggle and yearning to know God we can experience too a profound re-understanding to our daily lives. “What lies beyond the essentials, the basics?” Rolheiser writes. “Where do we go once some of the basic questions in our lives have been answered, or at least brought to enough peace that our focus can shift away from ourselves to others? Where do we go once the basic questions in our lives are no longer the restless questions of youthful insecurity and loneliness? Who am I? Who loves me? How will my life turn out? Where do we go once the basic question in life becomes: How can I give my life away more purely, and more meaningfully? How do I live beyond my own heartaches, headaches, and obsessions so as to help make other peoples’ lives more meaningful? The intent of this book is to try to address exactly those questions: How can we live less self- centered, more mature lives? What constitutes deep maturity and how do we reach that place? And, not unimportantly, what constitutes a more adult, Christian discipleship? What constitutes a truly mature following of Jesus?” As the poet Rainer Maria Rilke suggests, “Live the questions now.” In Sacred Fire, Rolheiser’s deeply affecting prose urges us on in pursuit of the most holy of all passions—a deep and lasting intimacy with God. |
| discipleship 101: Millennial Missionaries Katherine Dugan, 2018-12-03 Millennials in the U.S. have been characterized as uninterested in religion, as defectors from religious institutions, and as agnostic about the role of religious identity in their culture. Amid the rise of so-called nones, though, there has also been a countervailing trend: an increase in religious piety among some millennial Catholics. The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), which began evangelizing college students on American university campuses in 1998, hires recent college graduates to evangelize college students and promote an attractive and culturally savvy Catholicism. These millennial Catholics have personal relationships with Jesus, attend Mass daily, and know and defend papal teachings, while also being immersed in U.S. popular culture. With their skinny jeans, devotional tattoos, and large-framed glasses, FOCUS missionaries embody a hip, attractive style of Catholicism. They promote a faith that interweaves distinctly Catholic identity with outreach methods of twentieth-century evangelical Protestants and the anxieties of middle-class emerging adulthood. Though this new generation of missionaries lives according to strict gender essentialism prescribed by papal teachings-including the notions that men lead while women follow and that biology dictates gender roles-they also support stay-at-home fatherhood and women earning MBAs. Millennial Missionaries examines how these young people navigate their Catholic and American identities in the twenty-first century. Illuminating the ways missionaries are reshaping American Catholic identity, Katherine Dugan explores the contemporary U.S. religious landscape from the perspective of millennials who proudly proclaim I am Catholic-and devote years of their lives to convincing others to do the same. |
| discipleship 101: Follow Me Mark Zhakevich, 2020-12-14 The Gospel of John heralds a unique call to discipleship. Unlike any other Gospel, the Fourth Gospel offers a multitude of benefits for following Jesus. John promises that discipleship is rewarded with adoption by the Father, royal friendship with the Son, and abiding with the Father and the Son through the Spirit. Nearly two dozen additional benefits fall under these three main categories as John persuades his readers to continuous belief in Jesus. Follow Me: The Benefits of Discipleship in the Gospel of John traces these rewards as incentives for disciples to remain loyal to Jesus in the context of hostility and opposition, in all times and all places, no matter the cost. |
| discipleship 101: Beginning from Jerusalem James D.G. Dunn, 2009-03-16 In Christianity in the making, James D.G. Dunn examines in depth the major factors that shaped first-generation Christianity and beyond, exploring the parting of the ways between Christianity and Judaism, the Hellenization of Christianity, and responses to Gnosticism. He mines all the first- and second-century sources, including the New Testament Gospels, New Testament apocrypha, and such church fathers as Ignatius, Justin Martyr, and Irenaeus, showing how the Jesus tradition and the figures of James, Paul, Peter, and John were still esteemed influences but were also the subject of intense controversy as the early church wrestled with its evolving identity. |
| discipleship 101: The Ways of God, Updated Edition Richard Blackaby, 2023-04-18 Have you ever been surprised or confused by what God did in your life or someone else’s? Did you expect God to act one way and then he did something entirely different? Have you ever prayed and asked God to do one thing but he did something entirely different? Have you ever made great sacrifices for God and then he chose not to bless your efforts? If so, the reason may be that you are unfamiliar with the ways of God. God’s ways are vastly different from ours. We will be constantly disappointed if we assume God will act the same way we would. The problem with the Church, at times, is that it tries to do God’s work, the world’s way. However, with God, how you do something is as important as what you do. If you intend to be a growing, fruitful disciple of Jesus, you must learn the ways of God. Bestselling author Henry Blackaby along with Roy Edgemon originally wrote a book on this crucial subject. Now, Henry’s son Richard has produced a fresh, practical, and expansive treatment of these powerful truths. How do mere mortals relate to and understand a God who is spirit and infinitely greater, wiser, and holier than they are? How do we related to someone who has existed for eternity and who knows what lies ahead for all eternity to come? Blackaby identifies God’s ways and examines how they differ from ours. He also provides practical guidance so God’s ways can become ours. Do you want God to bless your efforts and to receive glory from your life? Learn to live your life according to the ways of God. If you do, you may well be swept up into the eternal purposes of almighty God. |
| discipleship 101: First Ask Why Shelly Wildman, 2018-03-28 It's no secret that parenting is tricky business. With advice flooding in from all sides, strong-willed children pushing against boundaries, and our own human flaws, it's easy to get bogged down in every how-to that we're not doing well. But maybe that isn't the right approach. Maybe the first step is not to ask how but to ask why. Like most parents, when Shelly Wildman had children, she consulted books, sermons, and lectures on how to raise the best children possible. Yet every resource focused on how to get external results: children who behave the way others expected them to. For Shelly and her husband, the turning point happened when they started asking why instead--shifting their focus to internal change. That's when their purpose as parents became clear: parents are called to do their best to show kids how to know and love Jesus, to love others, and to make a difference in the world. There are no rules here, no inflexible series of steps that lead to perfect parenting. Instead, Shelly encourages parents to think about their unique family and why each child's needs for spiritual growth might look different. She walks you through intentional questioning, focusing on building a firm foundation for lasting discipleship. And in the end, you'll discover that God wants the same outcome you do: a child who knows Christ intimately, loves him deeply, and has a heart to serve him fully. |
| discipleship 101: Relational Children's Ministry Dan Lovaglia, 2016-04-05 Children’s ministry has the power to change the lives of kids and families. Unfortunately, it’s not always clear that the work a person does with kids is really making a lasting difference. Ask children’s ministry leaders and kid-influencers if they are making the impact on children’s lives as they had hoped and most likely the responses will be mixed. And for good reason. Research over the past decade has revealed an alarming lack of long-term growth in the faith community as children progress through student ministries into adulthood. Clearly, something needs to change. Relational Children’s Ministry seeks to reverse this trend by equipping children’s ministry leaders with practical tools to disrupt the status quo approach to discipleship with children and realign their ministries for greater long-term impact. Ministry leaders will: Learn how to relate intentionally to kids and families by putting five discipleship invitations modeled by Jesus into practice Explore practical approaches to realign their children’s ministry for a new trajectory by hitting three “reset buttons” to ensure long-term discipleship is embedded Encounter examples of disruptive disciple-makers in action and learn key principles that can be translated into their own ministry context Children’s ministry leaders will receive practical training to refocus their children’s ministry along with time-tested tools to personally recommit to lifelong discipleship. Kid-influencers can become a disciple-making community that redirects the current trajectory for this and future generations. |
| discipleship 101: Lectionary Preaching Workbook Russell F. Anderson, 1997 Bigger, stronger, better! Russell Anderson has taken the most original and successful lectionary resource in history and improved on it. He has kept all of the traditional features that have made it a classic, such as: overviews of each liturgical season; commentaries compatible with the Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionaries; an introduction to the featured gospel narrator (Luke, in Cycle C); theological reflections for exploring the relationships between the texts, and wide margins for note-taking. Instead of stopping there, he added: a 7x10 one-size-fits-all format, a suggested sermon title for each week, a Sermon Angle briefly explicating the theological theme for the day (sometimes providing two or three), and two to four illustrative stories per chapter. Contained are crisp, tightly written lectionary helps that zero in on the critical themes of the texts, augmented with illustrative materials. The Prayer of the Day suggestions summarize and apply the themes in helpful language. The Reverend Dr. Dennis Anderson President, Trinity Lutheran Seminary Pastor Anderson's ability to relate eternal truths in the language of our 20th century society will enable those informed by his writings to communicate the TRUTH in a way that will gain attention and guide the living of life. The Reverend Dr. Reuben T. Swanson Former Bishop, Nebraska Synod, Lutheran Church in America Former Secretary, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Russell F. Anderson is pastor at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska. He received his master of divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and his doctor of ministry degree from McCormick Theological School in Chicago. He has published his own worship and homiletical resources under the banner Worship Windows. |
| discipleship 101: Hidden on Purpose for His Purpose Bishop Jackie L. Green D. Min., 2022-02-20 I was birthed in red clay State of Oklahoma in segregation, denomination but with a faith-filled imagination that launched my purpose to the pulpits across America, Africa and the precious land of Israel, carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ! This autobiography highlights the first phase of Bishop Dr. Jackie Green's life with special memoirs covering 50 years of marriage, motherhood and ministry. Thank God He hid her right in the midst of the Church from people, principalities and powers until this appointed time, so that she would become fully purposed and help birth forth God's purpose in many sons and daughters for the Kingdom of God. To God be the glory! |
| discipleship 101: Marriage and the Mystery of the Gospel Ray Ortlund, 2016-10-13 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. — Ephesians 5:32 Marriage reveals something of eternal significance. From the beginning, God designed marriage to convey a greater reality—the passionate, unfailing, redeeming love of God for sinners, the eternal romance between Christ and his bride. In this volume, Ray Ortlund traces marriage throughout Scripture—from the first marriage in the garden of Eden to the ultimate marriage in the book of Revelation—laying out a transcendent vision of marriage that dignifies our own imperfect unions as a display of the gospel. This book offers insight and hope to every married person today. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series. |
| discipleship 101: Salvation in the Gospel of Mark Gabi Markusse, 2018-06-28 The Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus making impossible demands on his disciples. They must follow him even if it costs them their lives. And, unsurprisingly, this proves to be impossible for them to do. They fail drastically in Mark's narrative and run from the scene as Jesus is arrested. Peter had been determined to stay by him unto death, but even he was not able to admit to knowing Jesus at that crucial moment. The strange thing is that Jesus made it clear that it is impossible to enter the Kingdom of God without this sort of radical discipleship. In this narrative study of salvation in the Gospel of Mark, this conundrum is studied closely with surprising results. An investigation of various socio-historical aspects of Mark's background elucidate the connection that Mark makes between the death of Jesus and the following of the disciples. And a study of Mark's narrative as a whole shows that Mark provides hope for those without courage to follow. If they continue to look and listen carefully, the mystery will be unveiled to them. |
| discipleship 101: Becoming His Story Mary-Elsie Wolfe, 2017-01-15 We are participating in changes that will soon define this period in history! As followers of Jesus, we want to immerse ourselves in this living story while learning from Jesus, living like Jesus and leading like Jesus so we may apply his principles and become transformational participants in the best story ever told. Gaining God’s full blessing in partnership with what he is doing in our world today needs everyone engaged—not just some! It becomes our duty to help instill a sense of identity and worth in both genders in a Biblical way that will lead us to the full uninhibited potential of Christ’s church as we carry out his mandate. With a view towards helping us understand these principles by first identifying our own worldview, and better understanding the culture in which Jesus lived, the author applies the values of Jesus to the model for leadership today. Mary-Elsie Wolfe offers us a vision for the future that is leading-edge yet moderate, traditional yet progressive. Drawing upon key Bible stories of women in Jesus’ day, our view of the future is enlarged as believers as she looks at the prominence of women in the early church and then applies key principles in an effective way for our day. If we want to lead like Jesus, as Jesus defines leadership for us, we must apply these foundational leadership principles to our times while still wrapping everything in the truth of the love of God for his people and his work. |
| discipleship 101: Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in Their Work Tom Lutz, Heidi Unruh, 2022 Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in Their Work: This book unpacks a strategy for anyone in ministry to disciple churchgoers in how to effectively live out their faith with their work. With short, readable chapters filled with case studies, examples, and practical resources, readers will learn how to equip others to fulfill their kingdom purpose in their work-- |
| discipleship 101: Leading Churches Floyd D. Carey, 2005-01-01 |
| discipleship 101: Living Dangerously Shawn D. Anderson, 2010-02-01 Too often, Christ followers are content to live inside the church walls with other Christians. Jesus calls us to shatter our comfort zones and dangerously share the love we have found in him with people whose lives are characterized by brokenness, self-sufficiency, emotional poverty, and rejection. Discipleship is the process of intentionally and thoughtfully introducing the grace of Jesus to these people so that their hearts will bulge with love, their souls will brim with life, and their faces will brighten with light as they come to intimately know him. How is this accomplished? In these pages, unbelievers who became disciples of Christ reveal what factors influenced them to follow Jesus. The research revealed that discipling is an intentional process that is most effective when our lives reflect the character of Jesus. The author explains discipleship as a relational process that can be understood and effectively accomplished by virtually any follower of Jesus. |
| discipleship 101: The Dialectics of Discipleship Chris Swann, 2023-08-24 Interrogating Barth's discipleship-shaped vision of sanctification, this book investigates both Lutheran and Calvinian source material to develop an account that differs markedly from other Lutheran and Calvinist perspectives. Highlighting the robustly theological and Christ-centred character of Barth's account, Chris Swann demonstrates that, far from merely valorising human activity, Barth advances an understanding of human moral agency, action, and suffering that is real but relative to the agency of God in Christ to which it corresponds analogously. With a focus on the role the image of discipleship plays in giving conceptual structure and shape to Barth's distinctive account of the correspondence between divine agency and sanctified human agency, this book evaluates the ramifications of his discipleship-shaped vision of sanctification. In doing this, it gives special attention to Barth's own personal mixed record with regard to Christian discipleship. Ultimately, Swann retrieves a number of important resources for contemporary theological ethics from Barth's theology of discipleship. |
| discipleship 101: Mark Leonard Doohan, 2016-08-31 Mark is one of the most daring figures of the early church, but at the same time he is not easily labeled. He is the first to assemble the oral traditions about Jesus, thereby showing his fidelity and devotion to the past. But he is equally forceful in challenging his own church's accumulated traditions, especially those he does not see as authentically representative of the events of Jesus's life and ministry. He respectfully documents the authority of church leaders, and still feels free to challenge them. At times, it is difficult to know what to make of Mark. One point is clear: no Christian of any time can read this gospel without being challenged by it. |
| discipleship 101: Shaped for Service Paul Goodliff, 2017-02-17 In the English-speaking Western world alone, thousands of men and women begin formal training for Christian ministry each year, or informally, seek to equip themselves for pastoral ministry. Over the past fifty years, the ancient world of virtue ethics has been reimagined as a means of forming people of character and morality today, and in this book, it is used as the framework to understand what we are doing as we form Christian ministers now, and how we might strengthen that formation by more consciously linking the practices of ministry with the person, spirituality, and wisdom of the practitioner. Writing out of the context of a lifetime of pastoral ministry and the oversight of ministers in the Baptist Union of Great Britain, Paul Goodliff explores what pastors do and who they are called to be, using a mixture of theological and pastoral inquiry, reflections upon art, and personal story. This book will be of interest to those who are charged with forming the next generation of ministers; but anyone starting out on that journey of formation for ministry will also find this vision of ministry challenging and inspiring. |
| discipleship 101: Christian Character in the Gospel of Luke Brian E. Beck, 2009-04-01 This book explores the ideal of Christian character which underlies Luke's Gospel and is reflected in his selection, editing, and arrangement of teaching and narrative. The literary function of the Pharisees in this context is explored, and it is suggested that the Pharisaic mind, as a temptation of which the readers are systematically warned, may provide a coordinating thread for much of the apparently disparate material in the Gospel. |
| discipleship 101: Lord, Disciple Me Richard Mull, 2005-04 Jesus commanded all of his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This book dares you to examine how Jesus Himself made disciples. What is discipleship, according to Jesus? Can the church today possess the power of the early church? Does God still use His people to heal the sick? Are miracles and deliverance still part of Jesus' disciple making agenda? Richard Mull's honest account of his personal journey toward biblical discipleship presents a dilemma for twenty-first century believers: Will you adopt a system of belief that explains why we disciple differently than Jesus did, or admit that in spite of our education and experience, we may not be making disciples according to Jesus' teaching? God desires to take you on a journey much like that of Jesus' first disciples, who learned to do what Jesus was doing by observing Him in action and obeying what He taught. Lord, Disciple Me will challenge you to develop a biblical foundation for your journey. Jesus will provide the hand-on experience! |
| discipleship 101: Remembering Why We Preach Karla J. Bellinger, Michael E. Connors CSC, 2022-11-25 If your heart is on fire with God’s love, your preaching will help listeners encounter Christ and deepen their spiritual lives. And that should be the ultimate goal of a homily. Remembering Why We Preach is a retreat that will help you revive your creative energy and spiritual focus. Karla Bellinger—executive director of the Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas—and Fr. Michael Connors, CSC—director of the John S. Marten Program in Homiletics and Liturgics at the University of Notre Dame—lead you through an eight-part process of spiritual renewal and skill development that will nourish and enrich you and your preaching for years to come. Whether you are recently ordained or have been preaching for decades, you will explore the spiritual, pastoral, and communal aspects of preaching, which lies at the heart of the Church’s work of making disciples. This book can be used as a personal or group retreat or in preaching courses It includes: reading materials for personal reflection; questions for journaling or peer-group discussions; practical exercises to enhance skills such as listening to your people, storytelling, homily writing, and diversifying your speaking styles; and support materials such as an outlines for a peer-group meeting, a sample retreat format, and forms for homily feedback and goal setting. Links to additional resources are available in each chapter. |
| discipleship 101: Becoming Good David W. Gill, 2022-07-07 Becoming Good: Building Moral Character (2000) is a study of character—the kind of people we are, our habits, dispositions, inclinations, virtues, and vices. Without good character we do not have the strength or wisdom to fight off temptation and do the right thing, no matter how good our principles may be. For this study Jesus’ Beatitudes are the primary guide, with Paul’s faith, hope, and love a close second. Becoming Good digs deep into the biblical text and vocabulary, listens to the great biblical and ethical teaching of the past two millennia, and provides abundant contemporary illustrations and applications. Becoming Good works as a stand-alone study (the ethics of “being,” virtue ethics), but it is also the companion to Doing Right (the ethics of “doing,” decision and action). |
| discipleship 101: Chalice Introduction to Disciples Theology , Chalice Introduction to Disciples Theology offers a comprehensive introduction to theology and ethics from the standpoint of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Including a broad range of Disciples authors, the text represents the racial-ethnic, generational, and theological diversity that characterizes the denomination from a postmodern and postcolonial view. Contributors include: D. Newell Williams, James O. Duke, Verity Jones, William J. Nottingham, Hee An Choi, William Tabbernee, W. Clark Gilpin, Kristine A. Culp, Don Browning, Clark M. Williamson, Rita Nakashima Brock, Dyron Daughrity, Victor L. Hunter, Sharon E. Watkins, Keith Watkins, Thomas F. Best, Belva Brown Jordan, Stephanie A. Paulsell, Kay Bessler Northcutt, Mark Miller McLemore, Darryl Trimiew, Joe R. Jones, William Wright, Boseale Eale, Karen-Marie Yust, Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore, Joseph D. Driskill, Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto, Michael K. Kinnamon, Michael St. A. Miller, Carmelo Álvarez, Christobal Mareco Lird, Don A. Pittman, Carlos F. Cardoza-Orlandi, and Peter Goodwin Heltzel |
Discipleship 101 - Grace Communion International
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Discipleship - Tony Evans
After His resurrection from the dead, and just before His ascension back into heaven, Jesus told His disciples – and us – what was upper-most on His …
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Introduction. The heart of the Savior’s Great Commission command in Matthew 28:18-20 is to “make disciples” from among all people …
Discipleship 101 - Grace Communion International
Discipleship 101 Grace Communion International page 1 Discipleship 101 a beginner's guide to Christianity Chapter 1 An introduction to God As Christians, our most basic religious belief is …
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The Word Discipleship Is Defined as, “the process of a disciple (follower) being brought up, taught or trained in doctrines and precepts.” II. THERE ARE “SIX STEPS” OF DISCIPLESHIP: The …
Discipleship 101 Inial Discipleship during an encounter
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to grow in Christ and help others do the same. Discipleship 101
What does discipleship look like in everyday life? What’s a good approach for inviting someone to follow Jesus with you? What does it look like to pray with someone?
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Class 1: Introduction to Discipleship Training. What is meant by these terms: “denomination,” “doctrine,” “traditions,” “leaven,” and “disciple”. Yeshua’s cautions concerning religious …
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After His resurrection from the dead, and just before His ascension back into heaven, Jesus told His disciples – and us – what was upper-most on His mind. His last words on earth are re …
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Introduction. The heart of the Savior’s Great Commission command in Matthew 28:18-20 is to “make disciples” from among all people groups. Discipleship, however, is more than a …
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Discipleship 101: Real Answers for Real Life. “Make Disciples”– it’s more than a slogan. The suffering, sinful, discouraged and hurting are all around us, but how should we help them? …
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What is discipleship? -The process of making someone else into a disciple of Christ. A disciple is a _____/_____. - Discipleship is the loving to the spiritual _____ and _____ of an individual for …
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Discipleship 101. a beginner's guide to Christianity. Chapter 1. An introduction to God. As Christians, our most basic religious belief is that God exists.
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Discipleship 101 – Lesson One: The Nature of Salvation (Part One) 1. What do the following verses tell us about the condition of man apart from God? (John 3:19-20; Romans 3:9-10, 23; …
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The most important decision that anyone ever makes is the decision to personally receive Jesus Christ because this decision changes one’s life for eternity. This lesson is designed to explain …
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Discipleship 101: A New Vision Matthew 5:1-16 Discussion Questions. 1. The first four beatitudes focus on our needs, and on God’s blessing – our being poor at being spiritual and needing …
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Discipleship 101 Free to Obey A person can be touched and made new by Jesus and still not be a disciple. One common aspect of discipleship is actually doing what the rabbi tells one to do. …
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Discipleship 101. a beginner’s guide to Christianity. Chapter 17. Responding to grace in our relationships. How. do we respond to God’s grace? One way. that we respond is by extending …
