Instead everyone is writing about it.
Main point: Information overload because “The waves of discipleship materials that have swept over the church in the past sixty years have in many cases caused people to be more confused than ever when they think of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.”
More about it:
- As a result, “… discipleship as we know it in the church today is influenced by other forces, near and far” that make it more of a program rather than a way of life.
- Formats:
- The mind-centered format. “The Learner…a disciple is the person who is dedicated to an intense study of the Bible.”
- The heart-centered format. “The Committed…a disciple is supremely committed to Christ.”
- The other-centered format. “The Mentor…only when we are involved in such a relationship can we say that we have experienced true discipleship.”
- The community-centered format. “The Small Group…true discipleship occurs today when a person is involved in a small group.”
Takeaways:
- While anyone who becomes a Christian becomes a disciple, “the point is whether or not they are obedient disciples.”
- The process probably blends all the formats because it’s a holistic “ministry of the church in helping all believers to grow in their discipleship to Jesus and reaching out to bring non-Christians to Jesus to become his disciples.”
- There is practical advice in the linked article, so you’ll want to read it.