Disciple Making Part 1 (the Final)
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Disciple Making Plan Part 1
Foundations Assignment
Michelle Heath
DSMN 500_B04
February 2024
Contents
Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
Passages and Foundations---------------------------------------------------------------------4
Principles: “what are your core values in ministry”-------------------------------------6
Philosophy Of the Ministry-------------------------------------------------------------------7
Conclusion---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
Bibliography----------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Introduction
Developing a disciple-making plan is crucial for any church or ministry seeking to fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations. A well-thought-out plan provides a roadmap for intentional and strategic disciple-making, ensuring that individuals are not only converted but also nurtured and equipped to grow in their faith and become mature followers of Christ. In their book “Disciple Making Is….” Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey emphasize the importance of intentional disciple-making and provide practical insights on how to effectively carry out this essential task.
At the core of disciple making is the commandment given by Jesus in Matthew 28: 19-20, commonly known as the Great Commission.
1
This mandate instructs believers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that Jesus commanded. The purpose of disciple making is not just to increase numbers but to transform lives, helping individuals become fully devoted followers of Christ who reflect His character and carry out His mission in the world. In this plan incorporating prayer, relationships, biblical teaching, accountability, and a focus on multiplication, a well-rounded disciple-making plan can effectively impact lives and advance God’s kingdom on Earth.
The framework of this disciple-making plan will be centered around the three Ps of ministry planning, Passages: “What are the main discipleship passages that guide your ministry”, Principles: “what are your core values in ministry”, Philosophy: "What are your most important ministry perspectives.”
1
New King James Version (NKJV) - Version Information - Biblegateway.Com
. Accessed February 10, 2024. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/.
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Passages and Foundation
“Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18) is a foundational verse in Christianity, emphasizing the strength and resilience of the church. Building a foundational plan based on this scripture involves establishing a solid framework of the church to thrive and withstand any challenges that may come its way.
This passage emphasizes the need for a establishing a strong foundation, therefore, just as a building needs a strong foundation to stand firm, the church must be built upon the teachings of Jesus Christ. Unity in faith and purpose among believers is essential for the church to fulfill its mission. Encouraging fellowship, collaboration, and mutual support within the church community will help strengthen its resolve and effectiveness in spreading the message of Christ.
2
Equipping and empowering disciples is essential for guiding the church towards its purpose. Investing in training, mentoring, and empowering leaders within the church will ensure continuity, growth, and stability in fulfilling its mission. The church should be a welcoming place for people from all walks of life. By creating an environment of acceptance and understanding, the church can reach out to a broader audience and make a positive impact on society.
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This foundational principal based on this scripture “Upon this Rock I will build my church” exemplifies a church that can and will stand strong against any adversity and continue to
be a beacon of light and hope in a dark world.
Matthew 28:19 is a well-known foundational scripture in the bible where Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, 2
Brown, Mark R. “By This They Will Know: Discipleship Principles to Transform the Church.” Scholars Crossing
. Accessed February 10, 2024. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/596/. 3
Ibid
and Holy Spirit.
4
This verse is often referred to as the Great Commission and serves as a foundational principle for many Christian believers and churches. The Great Commission is a call to action for all nations. It emphasizes the importance of evangelism, discipleship, and baptizing new believers. By following this commandment, Christians aim to fulfill their role in sharing the message of salvation and love with others.
Many passages encompass the attitude of a disciple; however, Luke 9:23-24 describes a blueprint or qualification of a disciple. One must Deny, Sacrifice, and Surrender. Deny, means that one must let go of their own desires, and needs, and instead prioritize the will of God. Next Sacrifice means one must be willing to suffer for the sake of Christ. This can be manifested in many ways, from facing persecution for one’s faith to enduring difficult circumstances with grace and patience. Lastly, Surrender, means one must make Christ the center of their life and seek to live according to His teachings being a disciple of Christ requires obedience, faithfulness,
and perseverance.
5
When Jesus spoke this powerful command to James and John “follow me and I will make you
fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19) marked a very profound event in discipleship formation.
6
One must be willing to forsake all and follow Christ. They went straight away to follow Him highlights another key point. One must be obedient not in words but in deeds.
4
New King James Version (NKJV) - Version Information - Biblegateway.Com
. Accessed February 10, 2024. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/.
5
Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures
. Colorado Springs, Co.: David C. Cook, 1983. 6
Ibid
Principles and Core Values in Ministry
My core value would encompass effectively fulfilling the “Great Commission” by developing disciples who have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out God’s will through sharing, growing, and serving. To share anything, it must first be yours to share. Therefore, to share the message of Jesus Christ with others, one must first have a personal relationship with Him as their Lord and savior. Meaning, before anyone can effectively share Jesus Christ, they themselves must undergo a spiritual rebirth.
7
Discipleship involves striving to reflect the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. God desires His followers to mirror His nature both their appearance and actions. The church
is meant to embody the very essence of Jesus Christ, His earthly life, sacrifice on the cross, and resurrection. It is through His disciples that Christ’s image is manifested, and all its members are called to reflect the image of Christ.
8
Next, I would provide solid educational resources for all disciples via weekly bible study and incorporating small groups for more in depth learning. Small groups are very good for a deeper intimate more personal approach to learning.
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Therefore, our goal will be to produce fishers of men rather than a “Spiritual aquarium.”
10
7
“Desiring God.” Desiring God
. Accessed February 10, 2024. https://www.desiringgod.org/. 8
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Essay. In 2 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship, Minneapolis, MN., Simon & Schuster Inc., 2003, 287.
Minneapolis, MN: Simon and Schuster, 2003. 9
Earley, Dave, and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is . . . How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence
. B&H Publishing Group, 2014. 10
———. Spiritual Formation Is...: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence
. Nashville, TN: B&H
Academic, 2018.
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Philosophy Of the Ministry
The key perspectives mentioned in “Disciple Making Is….” By Earley and Dempsey underscores the importance of intentionality, relational focus, a multiplication mindset, and a solid biblical foundation in effective discipleship making.
Intentionality in disciple making
is crucial as it involves a deliberate and purposeful approach to nurturing individuals in their faith journey. This perspective emphasizes the need for
a structured plan and consistent effort to guide and mentor others towards spiritual growth.
11
Relational Focus: Another important ministry perspective highlighted in the book is the emphasis on building strong relationships in the disciple-making process. Cultivating meaningful
connections with individuals allow a deeper engagement, trust, and understanding, which are essential for effective discipleship. The relational focus underscores the significance of investing time and effort in developing authentic relationships that foster growth and accountability.
12
Multiplication Mindset
: The concept of a multiplication mindset is also a key perspective discussed in this book. The authors encourage individuals to not only focus on spiritual growth but also on equipping and empowering others to become disciple-makers themselves. 13
God commanded Adam and Eve “to be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28),
14
to populate the earth, 11
Earley, Dave, and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is . . . How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence
. B&H Publishing Group, 2014. 12
Ibid
13
Ibid
14
New King James Version (NKJV) - Version Information - Biblegateway.Com
. Accessed February 10, 2024. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/.
as disciples for Christ this concept still applies. Multiplication of souls is just as crucial as human
population.
Biblical Foundation: A foundational ministry perspective emphasized in “Disciple Making the is…” is the importance of grounding all disciple-making efforts in the biblical principles and teachings. This perspective highlights the significance of aligning practices, teachings, and strategies with the Word of God to ensure authenticity, accuracy, and effectiveness in nurturing disciples.
15
In the book “Disciple Making is…” the authors emphasize the importance of following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ in the process of making disciples. The central figure of Christianity, Jesus Christ, serves as the ultimate model for disciple and evangelism. His life, teachings, and actions are foundational to understanding how to effectively make disciples and spread the message of Christianity.
16
The church that I attend fit the “Traditional” model in comparison to the other models. The congregation is very small with only a smaller percentage of the members that are disciples. If I had to give a spiritual diagnosis of my church health, it would be critical condition and on life support. The strengths of my church are we are a biblical based church, nevertheless the weakness is we are stagnated in growth and spiritually dying. The first step in reversing this situation is to refocus on the core mission of making disciples. This will consist of teaching and equipping members to not only be believers but also active participants in spreading the teachings of the faith.
15
Earley, Dave, and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is . . . How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence
. B&H Publishing Group, 2014. 16
Ibid
Cultivate a culture of discipleship
within the church is crucial for its revival. This includes fostering relationships, accountability, and mentorship among members to encourage spiritual growth and maturity. 17
Prioritize prayer and Spiritual Renewal prayer is essential in reviving a spiritually dying church. Encourage fervent prayer both individually and corporately can lead to spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with God.
18
Engage in Outreach and Evangelism to reverse the decline in the church, it is important to actively engage in outreach and evangelism efforts. Sharing the message of faith with others can bring new life and energy into the congregation.
19
Implementing Discipleship Programs e
stablishing structured discipleship programs can help guide members in their spiritual journey and provide them with the necessary tools for growth and development.
20
By following these steps outlined in “Disciple Making is…” a spiritually dying church can begin its journey towards revitalization and renewed growth.
Role of The Church
The local church plays a crucial role in God’s plan for being and making disciples. It serves as a community where believers gather to worship, learn, grow, and support one another in their faith journey. The local church provides a structured environment for teaching, fellowship, prayer, and services, all of which are essential components in disciple making. Through the preaching of the word, participation in sacraments like baptism and communion, and engagement
17
Ibid
18
Ibid
19
Ibid
20
Ibid
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in various ministries, the local church equips believers to live out their faith and share the Gospel
with others.
21
The Role of the Pastor
The pastor holds a significant role in disciple making within the local church. As a spiritual leader and shepherd, the pastor is responsible for guiding, teaching, and caring for the members of the congregation. The pastor’s role involves preaching the Word of God, providing pastoral care and counseling, equipping believers for ministry, and setting an example of the faithfulness and obedience to Christ. A pastor who is committed to disciple making can have a profound impact on the spiritual growth and maturity of the church members.
22
Roles of The Saints and Spiritual Gifts
In God’s plan for disciple making, every believer often referred to as saints in the bible has a vital role to play. Each believer is uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit with spiritual gifts that are intended to be used for the edification of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14). These spiritual gifts enable believers to serve one another, build up the church, and effectively fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples. When believers use their spiritual gifts in unity and love, they contribute to the growth and health of the local church and play a crucial role in advancing the kingdom of God.
23
21
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (3rd Edition) (9marks): Dever, Mark, ...
Accessed February 11, 2024. https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Marks-Healthy-Church-9Marks/dp/1433539985. 22
Earley, Dave, and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is . . . How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence
. B&H Publishing Group, 2014.
23
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (3rd Edition) (9marks): Dever, Mark, ...
Accessed February 11, 2024. https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Marks-Healthy-Church-9Marks/dp/1433539985.
Conclusion
In my conclusion, according to “Disciple Making is…” emphasizes the importance of intentional and relational disciple-making within the Christian faith. The book highlights the significance of investing time, effort, and care into nurturing and guiding individuals in their spiritual journey. It underscores the transformative power of discipleship not only in the lives of those being mentored but also in the broader community of believers. By following the principles outlined in the book, individuals can cultivate a culture of discipleship that fosters growth, maturity, and a deeper understanding of one’s faith.
Bibliography Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Essay. In 2 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship, Minneapolis, MN., Simon &
Schuster Inc., 2003, 287.
Minneapolis, MN: Simon and Schuster, 2003. “Desiring God.” Desiring God
. Accessed February 10, 2024. https://www.desiringgod.org/. Earley, Dave, and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is . . . How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence
. B&H Publishing Group, 2014. New King James Version (NKJV) - Version Information - Biblegateway.Com
. Accessed February
10, 2024. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-
Bible/. Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (3rd Edition) (9marks): Dever, Mark, ...
Accessed February 11,
2024. https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Marks-Healthy-Church-9Marks/dp/1433539985. Putman, Jim, and Bobby Harrington. Putman, Jim and Bobby Harrington. DiscipleShift. Grand Rapids, Michigan. Zondervan. 2013.
Zondervan, 2013. Last modified 2013. Accessed 10AD. Putman, Jim and Bobby Harrington. DiscipleShift. Grand Rapids, Michigan. Zondervan. 2013. Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures
. Colorado Springs, Co.: David C. Cook, 1983. ———. Spiritual Formation Is...: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence
. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2018.
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