Renewal Discipleship Ministry
VISION STATEMENT
To lead a believer in the church to clearly understand the connection between the gospel and his
life and to guide him in deepening his relationship with Christ so that he can spiritually mature, independently
in Christ.
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DEFINITION
Discipleship is developing and maturing someone in the character, actions and commands of Jesus, and equipping
them to develop others (as we are charged to do in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20).
Matthew 28:16-20
"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him,
they worshiped him; but some doubted.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore as you go make disciples of all nations, by baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, and by teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Isaiah 37:31
Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above.
PURPOSE
In order to properly describe the purpose of discipleship, we must first examine the problems that exist in a
church that does not have a proper discipleship culture or program.
We must examine the spiritual life of our church members that have been raised, trained and served in a leadership
position. Some of them have left the Philadelphia area due to life circumstances and have had to adjust spiritually in
their new environments. Many of them have had difficulty adjusting. This is a symptom that shows lack of depth in their
faith and their relationship with Christ. While at our church, they depended too heavily on the church to feed them
spiritually without gaining the tools to feed themselves. In fact, many of our members did not have a strong grasp of
the gospel in their own personal lives even though they had heard the gospel numerous times from the teachings of the
church. Many of our members have not been able to apply the gospel in their own lives in such a way that would lead
them know Christ in an intimate and personal way.
With discipleship, our church can bring a member to deeply understand the gospel in his own personal life. For many
people, this level of understanding can only come through a personal examination of their lives by a mentor and proper
teaching of theology and spiritual discipline within an intimate environment that discipleship can provide. Through
discipleship, a member should gain a clearer understanding of theology, the ability to discern the Word, and develop
a richer prayer life. This “spiritual basis” should in turn help the member to feed himself spiritually, that is to
further his own relationship with Christ.
The purpose of discipleship within the context of “Joe Renewal’s” spiritual life cycle: Discipleship should be
introduced to a person who is a believer and is spiritually hungry. A typical candidate for discipleship is a person
who understands and accepts the basic fundamental ideas of the gospel but lacks the deeper spiritual maturity and
intimacy in his relationship with Christ that would allow him to maintain and further this relationship on his own.
This is not to say that other ministries cannot and should not be used to further spiritual growth. Retreats,
conferences, and Sunday services are important for a person’s growth, but he must first have a clear connection between
his life and the gospel in order for retreats and Sunday services to have a deeper and proper impact on his life. Also,
only when “Joe Renewal” has this deep and clear understanding of the gospel, and thus a “real” relationship with Christ,
can he give his life to Christ and serve in a proper way. Once “Joe Renewal” is discipled, he should be willing and
available to serve in different ministries of the church. The desire to serve should come from a proper understanding
of the gospel as it applies to his life and not from the desire to do good deeds. Many times, burning out from serving
can be attributed to the lack of this gospel understanding and a deep relationship with Christ.
In summary, the purpose of the Discipleship Ministry is to assist in:
- one’s personal relationship with Christ
- understanding how the Gospel relates to one’s own life
- delving into Bible by oneself
- accountability
OBJECTIVES
To spiritually grow and renew our church members through a discipleship ministry. To develop a culture of discipling relationships in our church by mobilizing a team of spiritually mature brothers
and sisters who have a heart to disciple and to begin initially with a small number of disciples who by the end of
discipleship, will in turn disciple others. The discipler will invest his/her life in 1-2 disciples at a time by designating specified times to meet and all
individuals involved shall be ‘committed’ through the end of discipleship (which could be up to 1-2 yrs.). To assist the disciple in gaining a deeper understanding of the gospel and life application through utilizing the
discipleship materials to lay a stronger theological foundation. To help the disciple develop a richer relationship with Christ through a mentoring relationship that will
challenge their reading and understanding of the Word and promote a richer prayer life. To help the disciple discover his/her spiritual gift(s) by administering a spiritual gifts inventory and through
the discipling relationship. To lead the disciple to surrender his/her life in worship through serving at church. To help the disciple understand his/her role in Jesus’s Great Commission. To help the disciple lead a life of spiritual discipline and continued self growth beyond discipleship. To raise the disciple to disciple others.
EXPECTATIONS
It is very important that both the disciple and the discipler have a clear understanding of expectations as they move forward with a discipleship relationship. The whole premise of discipleship is based on the goal of changing a person’s life. Although the catalyst for change is dependent on the Spirit, this premise must cause us to take discipleship seriously and it must be understood that the process will involve a significant investment of time and effort. In general, a discipleship should normally take one year or more with regular meetings of at least twice a month. A more frequent meeting schedule is encouraged.
In order to truly affect someone’s life, there must be a willingness in both the disciple and the discipler to be open and honest. Transparency will allow more effective accountability, and change through intersession and counsel. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance.
It is encouraged that both the disciple and the discipler take active roles in making attempts to make progress. Both should make efforts to schedule meetings and to be proactive in all their efforts. It is the responsibility of both the disciple and the discipler to take tangible steps in their discipleship relationship.
SELF ASSESSMENT
There is a self assessment questionnaire which is a self evaluation tool to be utilized both at the beginning and at the end of discipleship. Initially, the tool can assist in identifying spiritual strengths as well as areas where continued growth is needed. At the end of the discipleship, the disciple will be able to assess his/her spiritual growth and journey. The disciple will also be able to chart his/her spiritual challenges and successes.
MINISTRY STRUCTURE
Discipleship Committee – The discipleship ministry will consist of a core team that will lead the
ministry efforts. Discipleship Groups – This is the mainstay of the Discipleship Ministry. These groups will consist of
a discipler and 1-2 disciples. Disciplers – They will be leading discipleship groups and guiding disciples forward in the objectives
of the discipleship ministry.
Requirements:
Endorsement from discipleship committee, discipler, session, deaconate, or small group leader. Periodically (probably quarterly), the disciplers will meet together with one another and the Discipleship
Committee to discuss issues, helpful tips, (potential) problems, and progress. Desire and commitment to complete a generation of discipleship.
Disciples – These are Renewal Presbyterian Church-goers who are being led by disciplers within discipleship
groups toward the objectives of the discipleship ministry.
DISCIPLESHIP GROUP PROCESS
Disciplers and disciples meet in their individual discipleship groups and go over the objectives and the
self-assessment questionnaire. Discipleship groups determine the material they will be using for the generation. Supplemental Gospel theology teaching/study (2-4 studies) at the beginning of the discipleship relationship. Each meeting will involve accountability questions (see below).
TEAM DEVELOPMENT
1-Year Goal:
Initially, the discipleship groups will be formed according to the discipler. It is thought that the first generation of discipleship groups would benefit best from currently established relationships within the church congregation. Therefore, the disciplers will personally seek out disciples who meet the requirements of a disciple. For the first generation of the Discipleship Ministry, the disciples should ideally be one who has the potential to realistically become a discipler after completing discipleship. In this way, a second generation of disciplers will propogate and exponentially increase the number of potential disciples for that generation.
5-Year Goals:
A church-wide atmosphere of discipleship More disciplers than disciples
Abundance of church servants (committees, small group leaders, etc.)
Pre-Launch Phase:
The disciplers will need to complete discipler’s training in order to prepare and equip them to lead a
discipleship group. During that time, the discipler will prayerfully consider 1-2 people to disciple for the coming
generation.
Launch Phase:
The disciplers approach those they have prayerfully considered to disciple to for discipleship groups. The groups meet and initially go through the Self-Assessment questionnaire. The groups go through the Gospel portion of the discipleship material (2-4 sessions). They continue on with their chosen discipleship material. Every meeting will involve going through accountability questions.
ACCOUNTABILITY QUESTIONS1
These are a series of questions that will be asked of each member of a Discipleship Group within each meeting.
The function of these questions is not to become legalistic but to become close within one another’s lives and to spur
one another on in his/her personal walk with Christ.
These questions are to be asked of one another in a meeting of accountability (Proverbs 27:17). They are to
stimulate conversations of character and confession of sin in a safe environment which values honesty, vulnerability,
confidentiality and grace.
1These questions are taken from Cultivating a Live for God by Neil Cole.
MATERIALS
The actual materials to be used in the first generation of the Discipleship Ministry will consist of 1 of 3 series:
Life Change Series (A Navigator Study) Design for Discipleship (Nav-Press) Becoming a Woman of…
Life Change Series
A Navigator Study
The Life Change Series of Bible studies on books of the Bible can help you grow in Christ-likeness through a life
changing encounter with God’s Word. You’ll benefit in these important ways:
You’ll gain a firm understanding of the book – its historical context, purpose, structure, and meaning You’ll apply its powerful, relevant wisdom to needs and issues you are currently working through You’ll acquire personal study skills and a thirst to return to the book on your own
– so you can keep going deeper into its life-transforming truths.”
The series covers one book of the Bible at a time which includes each of the books in the New Testament and some of
the books of the Old Testament including Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Ruth and Esther, 1 Samuel, Proverbs, and Isaiah. Each
series approximately 200 pages and contains approximately 20 studies.
The strength of this series is its inductive study. It teaches us to ask the right questions and to look at the
Bible in a perspective that allows us to unlock the truths that are within the Word. It is these Truths that should
lead us to change and to become more Christ-like. This series should also teach us how to read and study the Word
without structured guides. Once you complete one of these books, you should be able to read and study the Bible on
your own in a way that will allow the Truths to come alive in your life.
This series emphasizes
Personal discovery of God’s Word Application of Scripture to your daily life Scene-setting historical insights Helpful word origins and definitions Stimulating discussion questions and includes leader’s guides.
Design for Discipleship
Navpress
The Design for Discipleship (DFD) series is a study that has been employed for 25 years to raise up disciples of
Christ. It is meant to be used as an adjunct to a person’s personal experience with the Bible in a manner that is more
subject based than strict Bible study. The topical studies are covered in 7 separate books which progress from very
elementary subjects to graduated topics in a step-wise approach that builds upon the previous studies. It is an
excellent tool for someone who is a new Christian or needs a solid foundation to build their Christian life upon.
It is newly updated with interactive, discussio-prompting questions that present an exciting way for believers to
grow toward maturity in their daily walk with God.
DFD 1 – Your Life in Christ
This concise, easy-to-follow Bible study reveals what it means to accept God’s love for you, keep Christ
at the center of your life, and live in the power of the Spirit.
DFD 2 – The Spirit-Filled Follower of Christ
Learn what it means to be filled by the Spirit so that obedience, Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and
witnessing become natural, meaningful aspects of your life.
DFD 3 – Walking with Christ
DFD 4 – The Character of a Follower of Jesus
DFD 5 – Foundations for Faith
This compelling Bible study will help you get a disciple’s perspective on God, His Word, the Holy Spirit,
spiritual warfare, and Christ’s return.
DFD6 – Growing in Discipleship
DFD 7 – Our Hope in Christ
This series also includes a Leader’s Guide.
Becoming A Woman of…. (Grace, Faith, Purpose, Excellence, Prayer and Freedom)
Cynthia Heald
Cynthia Heald is a speaker and author on full time staff with The Navigators who challenges women around the world to become women of excellence, freedom, prayer, purpose and grace through this series of bible studies. These studies are appropriate for individual as well as group use for women of all ages and seasons of life. Each study is filled with key Scripture passages for study and reflection, provocative questions for discussion and response, quotations from classic Christian writers to enhance understanding of Scripture, memory verses to meditate upon to help us abide in Christ daily as well as personal reflections from the author. There is also a resource list at the end of each book for further devotional reading and study. The purpose of these studies is to encourage, challenge and change us from the inside outward. Each book has 11 studies.
Becoming A Woman of Grace
This study explores the many ways God’s grace has already enriched your life and how you can know His grace more fully and then extend it to others. Becoming A Woman of Faith
This study offers a deeper and richer perspective on what being a woman of faith means as the author shares her own struggles and insights to encourage you in your journey. The good news of this study is that as you face life’s challenging circumstances, you will discover that because of His great love for you, God Himself is strengthening and deepening your faith. Becoming A Woman of Purpose
If you’ve been striving towards goals that just don’t seem worthwhile anymore and your ‘success’ leaves you feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled, this book will give you the perspective you need to meet each day with a sense of anticipation and hope. This book will guide the reader in a better understanding of God’s intentions for Himself, for us as His people, and for you as His unique creation. Becoming A Woman of Freedom
No matter what your age, circumstance, or spiritual maturity, this book will help you identify and lay aside the burdens that can make you feel "stuck," including past hurt and loss, poor self-image, approval-seeking, busyness, doubt and fear and unhealthy influences. Becoming A Woman of Prayer
This book will encourage you to respond to God’s invitation to a deeper relationship with Him. Becoming A Woman of Excellence
If you’re hungry for God’s perspective on success in a society that bombards you with conflicting demands, feed on the truths of God’s Word that you’ll discover in these pages. You will not only learn to ‘approve the things that are excellent’ but also experience the joy of becoming God’s woman of excellence.
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