Discipulado
Introduction to Discipleship: The River of God
Overview of the Discipleship Process
- The process of discipleship is described as "the River of God," which represents the journey a believer takes from accepting Jesus to becoming a worker in His kingdom.
- This journey consists of four key stages, likened to springs in a river that lead to maturity and ultimately becoming "fishers of men."
The Four Steps of Discipleship
1. Winning Souls
- Winning refers to the conversion stage where individuals accept Jesus. Various activities can facilitate this, including friendship groups and church calls for salvation.
- Personal efforts in workplaces or schools are also emphasized as significant ways to win souls for Christ.
2. Consolidation
- After winning souls, it is crucial to ensure they remain steadfast in their faith; this involves caring for new believers through follow-ups and support.
- Consolidation includes welcoming new converts, providing encouragement, and addressing their needs through communication and visits.
3. Discipling
- As new believers grow in their faith, they need guidance and teaching about Jesus' teachings and how to live as disciples. This step focuses on nurturing spiritual growth until they mature into full disciples themselves.
4. Sending Out
- Once individuals have matured spiritually, they are sent out into ministry roles within the church or community, reflecting their commitment to serve God based on their experiences during consolidation and discipleship processes.
Importance of Spiritual Encounters
- New believers are encouraged to attend spiritual retreats known as "encounters," where they experience healing and liberation from past burdens, preparing them for service in God's kingdom.
Discipleship Process: Key Steps and Insights
Overview of the Discipleship Journey
- The discipleship process consists of three main points: winning, consolidating, and discipling. This section focuses on the third point—training or discipling individuals to become workers for Christ.
- Upon conversion, individuals are likened to newborns who must grow and mature in Christ's character. Continuous discipleship is essential for this growth.
- Students in the discipleship school are currently undergoing training, which includes learning foundational doctrines and biblical principles necessary for future leadership roles.
Training Components
- The discipleship school spans over 16 weeks, covering essential topics such as fundamental doctrine, basic principles, vision development, and leadership success.
- Participants learn about Jesus' model of leadership and how to develop the vision God has placed in their hearts through structured lessons.
Group Dynamics in Discipleship
- After completing the discipleship school, participants join closed groups where leaders provide specialized follow-up training. These groups mirror Jesus’ selection of His twelve disciples.
- Within these groups (referred to as "the group of 12"), members receive deeper ministry training and organizational skills relevant to church activities.
Sending Out Leaders
- The sending phase occurs when individuals are ready to lead; they are paired with another person to establish friendship groups within the community.
- This process reflects Jesus' method of sending out His disciples two by two after their training is complete.
Cycle of Discipleship
- The cycle involves winning new individuals, consolidating them into faith communities, discipling them further, and then sending them out—continuing the cycle anew with each generation of believers.
- At the end of their training period, participants experience a launch event that solidifies their learning and prepares them for opening new groups aimed at outreach.