DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE

SEEKING GOD: Drawing near to God in worship and prayer, personally and corporately.

COME AND SEE – Level 1, Spiritual Seekers to Growing Believers

  1. Is introduced to and develops a sincere interest in Jesus and spiritual things. John 6:44
  2. Hears the Good News and becomes convinced that Jesus is God. John 20:31
  3. Accepts Jesus as His/Her Personal Savior. John 3:16
  4. Identifies publicly with Jesus and is baptized. Romans 6:4
  5. Worships God, personally and publicly, experiencing the power of God. Hebrews 13:15

LOVING ONE ANOTHER: Deepening spiritual growth in the context of close relationships.

COME AND SEE – Level 2, Growing Believers in Vital Fellowship

  1. Rejoices in and learns about his/her new life in Christ by joining with other believers (the Body of Christ). Hebrews 10:24-25
  2. Experiences assurance of salvation, a change in self-perception and identity as a beloved child of God, as he/she comes to know the
  3. glorious new life of power and joy prepared for him/her in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
  4. Is introduced to the person of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13
  5. Desires to learn and grow in God’s Word—the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  6. Establishes the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. 1 Peter 2:2-3
  7. Experiences a sincere yearning and love for God and is eager to share and express this love. 1 John 4:19

SHARING CHRIST: Declaring the Good News of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ.

FOLLOW ME Growing Believers to Faithful Witnesses

  1. Participates as an effective member in the Body of Christ. Romans 12:4-5
  2. Walks in righteousness. Romans 6:22
  3. Spends time with a disciple maker and learns how to share the gospel. Matthew 4:19
  4. Learns to live controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9
  5. Begins to exhibit godly character and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 6:16
  6. Practices spiritual disciplines of worship, Bible study, prayer, fellowship, witnessing, giving and serving. Colossians 3:6-7
  7. Demonstrates the truth, spirit and power of the Lord’s Prayer. Matthew 6:9-13
  8. Experiences the supernatural power of God. 2 Peter 1:3
  9. Desires to be involved in ministry and ministry training. Colossians 3:23-24

SERVING OTHERS: Demonstrating God’s love by using gifts and abilities to serve within the church, the community and beyond.

BE WITH ME Faithful Witnesses to Motivated Ministers

  1. Correctly handles and teaches God’s Word—the Bible. 2 Timothy 2:15
  2. Has a proper view of money and material possessions Hebrews 13:5
  3. Understands the reason for and use of spiritual gifts in the church. 1 Corinthians 12:7
  4. Consistently practices basic Christian disciplines while adding new ones. John 8:31
  5. Continues in ministry with a godly mindset. 1 Timothy 4:16
  6. Continues in effective outreach as a laborer in the harvest fields. Matthew 9:36-38
  7. Maintains Christ-honoring relationships with family, the local church, other believers & non-believers. John 13:35
  8. Multiplies oneself by modelling and apprenticing others in ministry. 2 Timothy 2:2
  9. Engages in spiritual battle and exercising spiritual authority. 1 Corinthians 4:2
  10. A disciple is willing to suffer, lose all, or die for Christ’s sake. Luke 14:27

REMAIN IN ME: Motivated Ministers to Lifelong Disciplers

  1. Serves faithfully on earth with a heart longing for heaven and Christ’s return. Philippians 3:20
  2. Pursues a deeper understanding of the character of God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Revelation 17:14
  3. Submits fully to Lordship of Christ. John 20:29
  4. Leads in unifying the Body of Christ. John 17:21
  5. Defends the faith in key matters of doctrine. 1 Peter 3:15
  6. Has developed an intimate knowledge of God resulting in praise and adoration. Philippians 2:9-11
  7. Trains disciples and emerging leaders for spiritual growth and ministry, training others to train others. Matthew 28:19