Reflections on “the Biblical Model” for Discipleship
REFLECTIONS ON “THE BIBLICAL MODEL” FOR DISCIPLESHIP
Introduction
As Christian disciple makers, we would do well to remember that merely developing a curriculum simply for the purpose of conveying information will not suffice. God created us in His image, and just as Jesus loved us and commanded us to love our God with all our heart, mind and soul (Mark 12:30), those whom we disciple and teach need the engagement of all three aspects of their humanity to fully grasp the depth of God’s Word. The importance of developing Christian education is founded on the teachings of the Bible and as Paul mentions, that the educator may find strength in the Lord in the process (Col. 1:28-29). As Estep writes, “Christian formation is the central tenant of Christian education. Facilitating the process of Christian formation within the believer is the ultimate aim to which Christian educators likewise commit themselves” (Estep and Kim 2010, 4). Our responsibility is to develop curriculum that is well balanced, with education, application, and inspiration with the goal of developing mature disciples. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to describe how future messages in a disciple-making venue will be selected and applied by reflecting on the four sources of a disciple-maker’s message in light of 1 Corinthians 1-2, 2 Peter 1, and Romans 15:18.
Processes Utilized by Paul
When developing the disciple-maker’s message, attaining a clear grasp of what, whom, and when to teach are the essential concerns for educators. Mitchell states, “The sources of a message are found in tradition, observation, participation and inspiration” (Mitchell 2010, Kindle Locations 5976). Looking at each of these sources more closely in light of the key passages listed above will bring about a greater understanding of how different sources can be used to better make disciples.
Methods, Materials, and Programs The four key sources are critical for developing an appropriate
Introduction
As Christian disciple makers, we would do well to remember that merely developing a curriculum simply for the purpose of conveying information will not suffice. God created us in His image, and just as Jesus loved us and commanded us to love our God with all our heart, mind and soul (Mark 12:30), those whom we disciple and teach need the engagement of all three aspects of their humanity to fully grasp the depth of God’s Word. The importance of developing Christian education is founded on the teachings of the Bible and as Paul mentions, that the educator may find strength in the Lord in the process (Col. 1:28-29). As Estep writes, “Christian formation is the central tenant of Christian education. Facilitating the process of Christian formation within the believer is the ultimate aim to which Christian educators likewise commit themselves” (Estep and Kim 2010, 4). Our responsibility is to develop curriculum that is well balanced, with education, application, and inspiration with the goal of developing mature disciples. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to describe how future messages in a disciple-making venue will be selected and applied by reflecting on the four sources of a disciple-maker’s message in light of 1 Corinthians 1-2, 2 Peter 1, and Romans 15:18.
Processes Utilized by Paul
When developing the disciple-maker’s message, attaining a clear grasp of what, whom, and when to teach are the essential concerns for educators. Mitchell states, “The sources of a message are found in tradition, observation, participation and inspiration” (Mitchell 2010, Kindle Locations 5976). Looking at each of these sources more closely in light of the key passages listed above will bring about a greater understanding of how different sources can be used to better make disciples.
Methods, Materials, and Programs The four key sources are critical for developing an appropriate
References: Barna, George. 2001. Growing true disciples: New strategies for producing genuine followers of Christ Byrd, Nathan C. 2011. Narrative discipleship: guiding emerging adults to “Connect the Dots” of life and faith Estep, James R. and Jonathan H. Kim. 2010. Christian formation, integrating theology and human development Foster, Richard J. 1998. Celebration of discipline, the path to Spiritual growth, 3rd edition. Mitchell, Michael R. 2010. Leading, teaching, and making disciples: World-class Christian education in the Church, school, and home