Course Reflection DSMN final
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COURSE REFLECTION ASSIGNMENT Michelle Heath
DSMN 500_B04
March 8
th
, 2024
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Content
Title Page -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
Content--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
Summary of Dietrich Bonhoeffers views on Discipleship-------------------------------3
Personal Discipleship Reflections------------------------------------------------------------4
Key Biblical Passages and Principles Related to Discipleship--------------------------5
Practices and plan for developing disciples---------------------------------------------6
Conclusion_________________________________________________________7
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Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a prominent German theologian, and pastor during the 20
th
century, had
profound views on discipleship. His ideas were primarily based on his understanding of Christianity, the role of the church, and the importance of following Jesus Christ in one’s life. Bonhoeffer emphasized the concept of “costly grace,” which means that true discipleship requires a genuine commitment that goes beyond mere intellectual assent or emotional attachment. It involves embracing the challenges, sacrifices, and struggles that come with following Jesus Christ.
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Bonhoeffer believed that discipleship should not be confined to a specific time or place but should be an integral part of a Christian’s daily life. He encouraged believers to live out their faith in every aspect of their existence, from personal relationships to professional responsibilities.
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Bonhoeffer saw the church as a community of believers who support and encourage one another in their discipleship journey. He believed that the church should be a place where individuals can experience the love of God and be challenged to grow in their faith.
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Bonhoeffer’s views on discipleship also included a call to action for Christians to engage with the world around them. He believed that followers of Jesus Christ should actively work towards justice, peace, and reconciliation, even if it meant facing opposition or persecution.
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Bonhoeffer’s views on discipleship emphasized the importance of costly grace, living out one’s faith in daily life, the role of the church, engaging with society living in community, and standing against evil. His teachings continue to inspire and challenge Christians today.
1
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Essay. In 2 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship, Minneapolis, MN., Simon & Schuster Inc., 2003, 287.
Minneapolis, MN: Simon and Schuster, 2003.
2
Ibid
3
Ibid
4
Ibid
3
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For Bonhoeffer, discipleship is not a solo endeavor, but a journey that is taken with other believers. He emphasizes the importance of being part of a community of believers who encourage and support each other in their walk with Christ. He stresses doing the will of God is being obedient to Jesus’ teachings even when it is difficult or inconvenient. When I think of his view on this 1Samuel 15:22 comes to mind, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.”
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The church plays a crucial role in the process of discipleship. The church is called to be a place where believers can grow in their faith and be equipped for ministry. However, Bonhoeffer
warns against the dangers of a church that becomes more focused on institutional preservation and maintenance. Instead, he emphasizes focus on a church that is focused on mission and making disciples who will go out and share the good news of Jesus with the world.
Reading Bonhoeffer’s views on discipleship has challenged me to examine my own commitment to following Jesus. Am I willing to sacrifice my own desires and comforts for the sake of Christ? Do I prioritize being part of a community of believers who encourage and support each other in our walk with Christ? Am I obedient to Jesus’ teachings, even when it is difficult or inconvenient? These are questions that I have been pondering, as I seek to grow in my faith and become a more devoted disciple of Jesus. We must count the cost of following Christ as pointed out in (Luke 14:28).
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When we surrender and accept the call for Christ, we must forsake all and live for him. The views in this book have caused me to change my views as well and critique my approach to discipleship. 5
King James Version (KJV) - Version Information - Biblegateway.Com
. Accessed March 1, 2024. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/King-James-Version-KJV-Bible/.
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Ibid
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One of the most significant passages that Jesus commanded for His disciples and in my opinion lays the foundation for discipleship is “The Great Commission” found in Matthew 28:18-20. In this passage, Jesus commands his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey
everything I have commanded you.”
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Another passage that speaks directly to the call to discipleship “Jesus saith unto Peter and Andrew, who was fishing by the sea of Galilee, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:19-20)
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This passage represents one’s total commitment to the call, Peter nor Andrew asked way or how they just dropped their nets and followed Jesus. This is the commitment Christ requires of us.
Another influential scripture that speaks to discipleship is “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake save it” (Luke 9:23-24).
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This passage underscores the radical commitment required in following Christ and willingness to sacrifice one’s own interests for the sake of the Gospel.
Finally, the greatest of all the commandments is “Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). Bonhoeffer emphasized the importance of Christian community and mutual love as an essential component of discipleship.
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7
Ibid
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Ibid
9
GotQuestions.org. “Home.” GotQuestions.Org
. Last modified October 6, 2011. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-commitment.html.
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Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Essay. In 2 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship, Minneapolis, MN., Simon & Schuster Inc., 2003, 287.
Minneapolis, MN: Simon and Schuster, 2003.
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Discipleship is a communal activity that takes place within a community of believers. To develop disciples, it is essential to create a community where believers can support and encourage one another in their journey of faith. This can be done through small groups, Bible studies, or other forms of Christian community. Discipleship is costly and requires a willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of Christ.
To develop disciples, it is essential to teach the cost of discipleship and help believers understand
that following Christ means taking up their cross and being prepared to suffer and even die for the Gospel.
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Discipleship involves obedience to Christ and his teachings. To develop disciples, it is essential to encourage obedience to Christ and help believers understand that following his commands is an essential part of the discipleship journey.
Discipleship involves a process of formation, where believers are shaped and molded into the image of Christ. To develop disciples, it is essential to provide opportunities for spiritual growth and development, such as Bible studies, prayer meetings and service projects. Discipleship is caught not taught. To develop disciples, it is essential to model discipleship by living out one’s faith in word and deed. This means being intentional about one’s own spiritual growth and demonstrating what it means to be a disciple of Christ in everyday life.
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11
Oosterhoff, Frederika G., and Chrysostom. “Christian Library.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer – The Cost of Discipleship | Christian Library
. Last modified January 1, 1970. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/dietrich-bonhoeffer-%E2%80%93-cost-discipleship.
12
Ibid
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Conclusion
In my conclusion, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s views on discipleship emphasizes the importance of
active participation and commitment to following Christ. He believed that true discipleship requires self-denial, obedience to God’s will, and a willingness to embrace suffering for the sake of other. Bonhoeffer’s concept of “costly grace” highlights the idea that following Christ is not just about receiving forgiveness but also about living a life of service and sacrifice. His teachings
continue to inspire Christians to live out their faith authentically and courageously in a world that
often values comfort and convenience over true discipleship.
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Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Essay. In 2 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship, Minneapolis, MN., Simon & Schuster Inc., 2003, 287.
Minneapolis, MN: Simon and Schuster, 2003. 7