As a church, we feel we have always done well in the 'experiencing God' category, but we wanted to offer people more biblical foundation. Discipleship Training is providing that foundation, and by the response of the people, meeting a great need. Discipleship Training has now become one of the main tools we will use for the maturing of believers. Amy Methany, M.D. - Santa Clarita Vineyard Christian Fellowship
A Message from the Director
Monthly, Growth Ministries provides discipleship TIPS that can be adapted to any and every church setting. Our tips come from our own experiences in making disciples as well as from other users who share them with us. We are available to help you with the discipleship challenge in your individual life or the life of your church. We welcome your sharing any ideas and successes that you have experienced using the discipleship materials. We would love to pass them on to others.
TIPS
First Count The Cost
It is imperative that every participant in Discipleship Training know in advance what the expectations are of each participant.
It has long been the conviction of the author that if a believer believes himself to be too busy to meet the requirements, he is too busy to be a Christian.
In many ways the expectations are minimal. A minimum of 15 minutes a day in a quiet time with the Lord, allowing His Word to speak to you and you to speak to Him in prayer is seldom enough.
Memory verses, on cards, are easily carried with you throughout the day. Everyone has "down time" when waiting or driving when memory verses can be put to memory.
Praying once a week, if nothing else, even by phone is a privilege every believer should treasure. Knowing that there is at least one other person bearing your burdens with you, drives away any feeling of loneliness.
Stress that the requirements are not meant to be burdens but blessed opportunities to come in contact with the means of grace whereby God grows us more and more into His likeness.
We are often asked, "What if a non-believer signs up for our discipleship training?" Our answer is always the same. Encourage their participation. Generally, one of things occurs, either they will drop out after a couple of weeks or they will come to know Christ.
In one group, when asked what they benefitted most by the experience, one participant replied, "For the first time in my life I have the assurance of my salvation."
In another, a participant ask the discipler if he could stay after the class to ask him a question. The question was simply, "How to I find Christ as my Savior?"
Never discourage the participation of a seeker. The Lord is already working in their hearts or they wouldn't be wanting to participate.