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.
... 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.
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
Estep, J. R. & Kim, J. H. (2010). Christian formaton: Integrating theology and human development. Nashville, TN. B&H Publishing Group.
"EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 & 2." EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 2. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2014.
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 ... ...
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
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
Meyer, J. (2003). How to hear from God: Learning to know his voice and making right decisions. New York, NY: First Warner Books printing.
Fowler, James. Christ In You Ministries; Charismata: Rethinking the So-Called Spiritual Gifts. . 1999. http://www.christinyou.com/pages/chrsmata.html (accessed November 19, 2013).
Richardson, William E., and Dave Kidd. “Articles.” Pentecostal Evangel. General Council of the Assemblies of God. Web. 13 Nov. 2011.
...o define and arrive at message content and then use these forms to communicate the disciple-maker’s message effectively.
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.
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.
The terms are made easy to understand by the inclusion of a glossary. The side notes to the text emphasizing the important concept of which the writers desire the audience to remember are a plus for this book. The questions and answer section allowing the audience to revisit what has been stated with the implying of this being the fabric of theological thinking prove to be helpful for me. The statement that “we are all theologians” really broke the ice and enlightens me and I believe will do the same for other. He I feel proves his point on this by focusing on embedded and deliberative theology explaining the difference. He states with his theme of teaching one how to think theologically by give clear techniques such as: listening and questions. He states “the suggestion we offer are linked by two common techniques: listening and questioning. Listening involves an active waiting that allows new information in… Questioning is a corrective to complacency–the danger of becoming satisfied with old answers and
In addition to the information above, theology has more to offer. According to the Theological Dictionary, it is the study of God, His nature, attributes, character, abilities, revelation, etc. True theology is found in the Bible which is the self-revelation of God. Theology is known for many definitions but consequently means the same in each sense.