Making Disciples in the Context of Christian Community

Gene Getz

Romans 15:5-6

Making disciples requires living in Christian community. Three key aspects of Christian community include: 1) basing it on of the Word of God; 2) having vital relationships with one another and with God; and 3) being involved in dynamic witnessing. These things can be done anywhere and are essential to live out New Testament Christianity. We will not mature in Christ or help others mature in Christ without living in community.\r\n

Woman to Woman: Discipleship Issues for Women

Patrice McCormac

2 Timothy 2:2

What is it like discipling women? In this workshop, McCormac shares her personal stories of failure and success that she has experienced in mentoring a large variety of different women throughout the years. Ultimately, helping others grow with Christ so they may help others is fulfilling and exciting in spite of the challenges. Practical suggestions for navigating the process of discipleship are detailed.

The Difference between Shepherding and Discipleship

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Corinthians 1:27

There are two types of relationship ministries we find in scripture. The first is shepherding and the second is discipleship. Shepherding includes helping people with their growth, having unconditional expectations, and is ongoing. Discipleship is similar to shepherding but it is selective and has conditional expectations. It is through shepherding that you find the people in your church who are true disciples. Some of the signs that someone is ready to be discipled include: a desire to grown and serve; an honesty about the moral areas in their life that God is trying to change; willingness to submit to God's leadership in their life; a desire to serve and love others; and they are already taking active steps of faith.

Qualities of an Effective Discipler

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 2:3-12

Jim Leffel unpacks 1 Thessalonians 2 on the qualities of an effective discipler. In order to be effective we must have an enduring motivation, a focus on grace, share both our own lives and God's truth, relate with purpose, and be willing to call upon others to act.

World View Model of Discipleship

Gene Getz

1 Thessalonians 2:3-12

Gene Getz explains his World View Model of Discipleship and how to help a church grow. He begins by explaining his succession plan and how others will step in to take over when he retires. He also explains four key functions of a growing church and defines fellowship segmentation. The emphasis is on understanding where people are at and seeking to get them involved in community. Gene concludes by encouraging people to learn to think about life through a biblical lens.\r\n

The Tools for Producing Leaders

Waylon Moore

1 Thessalonians 2:3-12

The method is the message, meaning the way in which we choose to mentor and disciple will be passed down as those who we invest in model after us. We must take care to impart the message, teachings, and lifestyle of Christ to others so that they will follow him. Dr. Moore focuses especially on the importance of training others in learning and interpreting scripture, and practical solutions for doing so.

Discipling Children

Jo Rhodes

1 Corinthians 11:1

Parents and adult influencers disciple children by God's grace. Influencing children for Christ has to be in the context of having a relationship with them. Four keys to discipling children include: teaching them Biblical content; modeling Christ to them; helping them develop character; giving them ways to apply Biblical truth to their life.

The Disciple-Making Church

Dennis McCallum

Colossians 1:28

The discipling church is a church where everyone participates in each other's spiritual maturity. Discipleship is accomplished through long term consistent personal relationships. Discipleship is a role for everyone and should be a priority for church leaders to foster. Discipleship is a way to duplicate oneself. Two areas of expectations for leaders to focus on in discipleship are: 1) relatively mature Christian character; and 2) ministry competence. Fostering discipleship includes six aspects: 1) teach; 2) model; 3) coach; 4) measure; 5) no early rescue; and 6) recognition.\r\n

Why the Church Exists

Gene Getz

Ephesians 1:3-3:14

Why does the church exist? The church exists so the world will believe God sent Jesus. Through the Great Commission and other New Testament texts it is clear that the purpose of the church is to make disciples and to teach them. Faith, hope, and love are ways to measure the maturity of a disciple/church. True effectiveness of a church (or a disciple) can be measured by the demonstration of these three qualities. Faith is to live like Jesus; hope is to be stable and unwavering in what is true; and love is a reflection of who Jesus is. Love is the greatest of these. We are God's workmanship, created to do good works and reflect Jesus' love in order to draw people to God. God uses the love and unity of believers as the greatest miracle to show Himself to the world.\r\n