Thoughts on Discipleship
What do we mean by discipleship?
Some definitions of “disciple” from various sources: “One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another; “A follower of a particular teacher: an adherent of the principles of some leader of thought; “To learn, be taught, to learn by practice or experience, acquire a custom or habit” and “To learn, to understand, to know, to be informed, to comprehend.” Some definitions by our team for Christian discipleship: Our growing in relationship with God and with each other through Christ; the Christian faith journey; making the Christian faith come alive.
What do the Scriptures say about discipleship?
Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”
Ephesians 4:11-13 “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
What does the Diocese of Northern California and Christ Church say about discipleship?
The Mission of this Diocese is to make disciples, raise up saints, and transform communities for Christ in Northern California. To the glory of God, the mission of Christ Church Parish is to serve Jesus Christ and all the people of God; to encourage and facilitate spiritual development for people of all ages; to grow as Christians in a loving and forgiving fellowship, thereby confirming, witnessing and leading others to the faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Common themes of discipleship:
Learning, practicing, and understanding the faith and teaching it and mentoring
Becoming Christ through a life-long process of Christian formation
Building community; nurturing relationships
Manifesting Christ in the world: the church as icon of God’s reconciling love