What Constitutes Discipleship?

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

We know that we need to disciple people, but just like in counseling you must first develope a relationship before they will hear anything you have to say.

So, again, my question is; How do we disciple people?

Blessings, Rhoni

Use Jesus' and the apostles' example.

I was never "discipled" as is being discussed here (i.e. methodology) and yet I WAS indeed discipled. How did it happen?

• By submitting to and walking in the will of the Father and the will of those who were my spiritual leaders.
  
  
• Also by being obedient to what the Scripture teaches and following the example that was set before me of what "following Christ" was truly all about.

[Felicity]

True discipleship involves cost and sacrifice. Most aren't willing to pay the cost.

"Take up thy cross and follow Me" were the words of Jesus. If you're not willing or able to do that, you cannot be a true disciple.

[Felicity]

You can be discipled effectively in large churches l and possibly better .... depending on the church and the leadership .... than in a small church.

To me, size of the church has nothing to do with it

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Use Jesus' and the apostles' example.

I was never "discipled" as is being discussed here (i.e. methodology) and yet I WAS indeed discipled. How did it happen?

• By submitting to and walking in the will of the Father and the will of those who were my spiritual leaders.
• Also by being obedient to what the Scripture teaches and following the example that was set before me of what "following Christ" was truly all about.

Felicity,

This works for people who have been around church their whole lives but for many of the 'unchurched' the only example they have to follow is in the life of a friend or neighbor that they respect because of the love and respect they have been shown.


I am surprised at the stories we have learned growing up/cut our teeth on, such as; David & Goliath, the three Hebrew children, and Noah's ark...some people have no point of reference for.

Obeying the word and being discipled are two separate things I think.
Blessings, Rhoni

[mizpeh]

The biggest reason is two parent families where both parents work and single parent families.

[Felicity]

Obeying the Word and discipleship are intertwined. You can't be a disciple unless you are obedient.

It's not about whether the person has been around church their whole life. New believers can become "disciples" as quickly and somtimes more quickly than those who have been around church all their life.

Depends on the person -- how quickly the integrate into the church, become involved and are "discipled". Not all grow or progress at the same speed.

We've had new converts who, because of their passion and love for God after being newly born again, started attending ALL services, got involved in any "new believer" or discipleship type courses courses offered to them, became "involved" in what was happening at church and quickly became productive fruit bearing/yielding members who were true disciples.

It's not fair to blame lack of discipleship on the basis of the size of a church in regard to it being larger if that's how people are thinking. Like I said, so much has to do with individual church leadership. Smaller groups can be as inept at this as larger.

[Rhoni]

You can't obey the word if you don't know what the word is...I still say there is a way to disciple people and it has to be through relationship, not condemnation, not through religiosity...it has to start with meeting needs, first on the basic level of food, clothing, and shelter, and then mental and spiritual needs can be addressed.

Exampling Christ's ministry: He fed the 3 & 5 thousand, healed the lame, halt & blind, taught, and forgave sins. He discipled the 7 Apostles through example and teaching over a period of 3 1/2 years.

Blessings, Rhoni

P.S. He was also very good at bucking the current religious system!

[nahkoe]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Felicity,

This works for people who have been around church their whole lives but for many of the 'unchurched' the only example they have to follow is in the life of a friend or neighbor that they respect because of the love and respect they have been shown.


I am surprised at the stories we have learned growing up/cut our teeth on, such as; David & Goliath, the three Hebrew children, and Noah's ark...some people have no point of reference for.

Obeying the word and being discipled are two separate things I think.
Blessings, Rhoni

My kids don't know who any of those Bible characters are. I know plenty in my generation who don't know.

[nahkoe]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Obeying the Word and discipleship are intertwined. You can't be a disciple unless you are obedient.

It's not about whether the person has been around church their whole life. New believers can become "disciples" as quickly and somtimes more quickly than those who have been around church all their life.

Depends on the person -- how quickly the integrate into the church, become involved and are "discipled". Not all grow or progress at the same speed.

We've had new converts who, because of their passion and love for God after being newly born again, started attending ALL services, got involved in any "new believer" or discipleship type courses courses offered to them, became "involved" in what was happening at church and quickly became productive fruit bearing/yielding members who were true disciples.

It's not fair to blame lack of discipleship on the basis of the size of a church in regard to it being larger if that's how people are thinking. Like I said, so much has to do with individual church leadership. Smaller groups can be as inept at this as larger.

I agree with you, I've seen it. But I'm sitting on another side of this fence right now.

I'm sitting in a small, home missions church. On the very outside edge. Yes, by my choice. But I would warm up if someone extended a hand of caring. If someone wanted to get to know me and my children. I haven't seen that yet. I desperately wish I had someone I could be real with. This forum is a lifeline for me right now, or certain members are.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

You can't obey the word if you don't know what the word is...I still say there is a way to disciple people and it has to be through relationship, not condemnation, not through religiosity...it has to start with meeting needs, first on the basic level of food, clothing, and shelter, and then mental and spiritual needs can be addressed.

Exampling Christ's ministry: He fed the 3 & 5 thousand, healed the lame, halt & blind, taught, and forgave sins. He discipled the 7 Apostles through example and teaching over a period of 3 1/2 years.

Blessings, Rhoni

P.S. He was also very good at bucking the current religious system!

But Rhonda....

The Word is taught in church and in most churches, both large and small (but probably more available in the larger churches) there are often courses and programs in place to meet the needs of new believers, Sunday School for children, youth group for youth, etc. where the need for teaching and information is met.

Who here is advocating condemnation and religiosity? And who is advocating the idea that that will foster, aid or develop discipleship?

I think that my posts affirm what you are saying in your 2nd paragraph. We are taught through example of our leaders and other mentors/examples in the church as well as through teaching, preaching, etc.

What is your issue here?

What am I missing? LOL!