Personal Theology of Discipleship
Just what is theology? This question can have a wide variety of answers, from irrelevant facts about God thought up by men centuries ago, to complicated theories discussed by scholars. Typically, the average 21st century man does not consider theology as relevant. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Theology by definition has the characteristics of both expounding the truth, and impacting the believer with that truth (Himes, 2011). Therefore, theology and the church are intricately combined, in that the church embodies the revelation of God, and is reality, not theory (Himes, 2011). A personal practical theology must begin with revelation, not the individual (Himes, 2011), and proclaim the truth in a way that impacts, equips, and mobilizes the believer to make disciples in the genre of God’s choosing.
Review of Discipleship Models
Since Jesus issued the Great Commission, many systems have been put in place to obey this command. Three models were reviewed in order to ascertain best practices and obeying this command, and determine effective methods of application. In order for any system to be effective, it must instruct in biblical truths, transfer godly character, and develop ministry abilities. The three models considered display biblical structure and have demonstrated effective maturity with those who have participated in these ministries.
The LifeShapes Model
A unique method of discipleship, known as the LifeShapes model, utilizes three learning tools to build a culture for discipleship: the Huddle, a relationship of access to people’s lives, and the shapes themselves which creates a visual language (Breen, and Cockram, 2011). The Huddle is a group of four to ten people ...
... middle of paper ...
...ource for educational ministry. Christian Education Journal, 8(2), 263-277.
Johnson, A, & Vishwanath, K. (2011). Servant professorship and its implications. International Journal of Education Research, 6(1), 135-146.
Mwangi, J. K., & Klerk, B. (2011). An integrated competency-based training model for theological training. Hervormde Teologiese Studies, 67(2), 123-132. doi:10.4102/hts.v67i2.1036
Vos, B. (2012). The spiritual disciplines and Christian ministry. Evangelical Review Of Theology, 36(2), 100-114.
West, R., & Noel, D. (2013). Situational Discipleship: The five-fold ministry roles of Ephesians 4:11 and their relationship to the Situational Leadership model. Culture & Religion Review Journal, 2013(3), 124-144.
Willard, D. (2008). Spiritual formation and the warfare between the flesh and the human spirit. Journal Of Spiritual Formation & Soul Care, 1(1), 79-87.
Leadership within Christian community should be with distinct qualities and traits of an effective Christian leader. The author defined leadership by not focusing on profit when Christ said, “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” The author explored the leadership qualities and practices that are not only distinct within the community of Christian leadership but also applicable in any arena of leadership. Significance comes from working with associates and friends. Similarly, the joy of success comes from the journey toward it than its accomplishment. Grace-full leader is a responsive leader who allows an organization to discontinue practices that are no longer effective and replace them with other good ideas and effective methods.
... The New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha Revised Standard Version.(1977). New York: Oxford University Press, 1977. Nyberg, Nancy.(November 1997). Personal Interview and survey with Pastor of 1st Congregational Church of Dundee. Poole, W. Michael, D.Min., Th.D.(November 1997). Personal Interview and survey with pastor of Calvary Church of God. Strong, James.(1996). The New STRONG'S Complete Dictionary of Bible Words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. Tierney, Michael J.(November 1997). Personal Interview and survey with Priest from Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Parish. Unger, Merrill F.(1967). Unger's Bible handbook. Chicago: Moody Press. Weizsacker, H.I(1958). The Apostolic Age. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications. White, R.E.O.(1960). The Biblical Doctrine of Initiation: A Theology of Baptism and Evangelism. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Meyer, J. (2003). How to hear from God: Learning to know his voice and making right decisions. New York, NY: First Warner Books printing.
Estep, J. R. & Kim, J. H. (2010). Christian formaton: Integrating theology and human development. Nashville, TN. B&H Publishing Group.
Bryant and Brunson have done a terrific job of assessing the pastoral ministry and giving sound advice, to the young or prospective pastor. The present author believes that this book should be standard in every pastor’s library. “God promises to be with his servants as they follow” (Bryant and Brunson 2007, 16) The apostle Paul gave three rules to keep the pastor on the track of a good reward: “Fight the Good Fight; Finish the Race; and Keep the Faith.” (Bryant and Brunson 2007, 240-242) The greatest joy for a pastor is to, “Finish well.”
Although written for church leadership, everyday church members would also benefit from understanding the concepts that Dawn is directing at God-empowered leaders. Ms. Dawn's work is predominantly scholarly, and she cites several other works at great length.... ... middle of paper ... ...
The congregation becomes the example of the Gospel by faithfully responding to the call to be the incarnation of God 's story that calls for the world to come to know the truth of the Gospel. The implication of this is a responsibility placed on the Christian leader to live this out for the community and willingly guide the community and its unique individuals to fulfill their call in the mission of God. This all can be accomplished because the Gospel provides us confidence because it call us to participate in the will of God. Newbigin concludes with this, “He knows what he is doing, and we can trust him. Such experience is a summons to self-searching, to repentance, and to fresh commitment. It is not an occasion for anxiety. God is faith, and he will complete what he has begun.”3
In summary, Harrison. Klick, and Miller provide a helpful book for pastors that are striving for excellence in their church. The ultimate goal is to glorify God and introduce Jesus to as many as people as possible. As His church, the use of effective administration should proclaim the Gospel with the excellence He so richly deserves. Pastoral Helmsmanship is an essential read for leaders of ministries
Leaders understand their inspiration can only come from the scripture, but where can present day leaders find inspiration that leads them to a new approach to discipleship
West, R. (2013). Situational Discipleship: The five-fold ministry roles of Ephesians 4:11 and their relationship to the Situational Leadership model. Culture & Religion Review Journal, 2013(3), 124-144.
...o define and arrive at message content and then use these forms to communicate the disciple-maker’s message effectively.
Crow, Mandy, ed. Ecmagazine. essential connection / lifeway christian resources, 24 June 2011. Web. 3 Nov. 2013. .
Growing in maturity as a Christian disciple is a process that occurs over time and in different areas or spheres of the Christian life. The Apostle John highlights this growth process in his first letter by identifying people in different stages of maturity in their Christian faith. John states, “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one . . .” (1 John 2:12–13). John identifies “children,” “young men,” and “fathers” in the faith; this is an indication that a Christian matures spiritually in their faith in a similar way as a human physically matures from child to adult. This paper will examine the growth process of a Christian disciple by discussing the five stages and four spheres of discipleship. The author with present a self-assessment of the author’s status of spiritual growth related to the five stages and four spheres. Lastly, this paper will examine what it means for a Christian disciple to be in submission to Christ.
There are many theological methods available in the study of theology. The relation of a theological method with a practitioner of that method is simple.
Howard W. Stone is a retired professor of pastoral theology and pastoral counseling, at Brite Divinity School, and the Texas Christian University. His prior materials used to impact those who aspire to think theologically are: Brief Pastoral Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Depression and Hope, and Strategies for Brief Pastoral Counseling. James O. Duke received experience while being the, I Wylie and Elizabeth M. Briscoe Professor of History of Christianity and History of Christian Thought at Brite Divinity School. His impacting material includes books such as: Makers of Christian Theology in America and editor of Sources of Christian Theology in America. They both appear to be well qualified to give instruction in the area of thinking