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V.
PROCESS, NOT PROGRAM Core Seminars—Discipling

Class 1: What Is Discipling?
Why might it be easy to think of discipleship as a program instead of
a process? Many programs have been developed to “grow” disciples.
But because every person is different and has different struggles and
temptations, discipleship cannot be so easily packaged. What do you think of when you hear the word “disciple?” What does
the word “disciple” bring to mind for you?
At its core, discipling is essentially whatever we do to intentionally I. What is a DISCIPLE?

help other Christians to grow up in holiness. It’s a process of
becoming like Christ; it’s not a program. What are some general marks of a disciple of God?
 Response to God’s initiating call (Mark 1:16-20)

CONCLUSION
 A desire to know what God says. (Job 23:12; Jer. 15:16; Deut.
As we walk away this morning I want to remind you that: 6:5-7; Rom. 10:17; I Pet. 2:2)
 Discipling is intentional and deliberate  A break from the world’s standards. (I Cor. 10:13;)
 Self-discipline. (Gal. 5:22-23; Matt. 16:24; Luke 3:11; I Cor.
 Discipling is relational 9:25-27)
 A desire to seek and encourage with other disciples. (Rom. 15:5-
 Discipling is loving 6; Acts 2:42; Eph. 3:17-19; Heb. 10:25; I Pet. 1:22; I John 1:2, 7)
 Passion for Evangelism. (I John 3:16-24; I Pet. 2:21; II Cor. 9:6-
 Discipling involves training in God’s Word 7; Philip. 1:21; Matt. 10:32; John 14:12)
 Perseverance. (Philip. 3:13-14; I John 1-4; Ps. 37:23-24; Rom.
6:1-14; II Pet. 1:1-10; John 5:37-39)
II. The LARGER CONTEXT for DISCIPLING—the

LOCAL CHURCH
There is not a single authoritative definition given in one place in

Scripture.
______________________________________ For the most part, in this class we will be talking about relational or
one-on-one discipling—you relating to another person or two with
Next Week: Why Be a Discipler? the aim to do them good spiritually.
Think of discipling on a much larger scale—what we do together as a near the very essence of how God has called us to love one another
church. What we are talking about in this class (i.e., one on one within his church. We are called to deliberately pour out our lives for
discipling) is one of the many tools God employs in his greenhouse the spiritual good of others, just as Christ poured out his life for our
(i.e., the local church) and it should not be considered in isolation to eternal good.
the others.
The Apostle John says it clearly in 1 John 3:16…” Hereby perceive
we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we
III. What is DISCIPLING? ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Based on the synthesis of biblical truth, one way to define the work Why did Jesus lay down his life for us? To glorify God and to do us
of discipling as: The intentional encouragement of Christians on the good spiritually. To teach, model, encourage and love his disciples.
basis of deliberate, loving relationships and training in God’s Word.
First, biblical discipling is intentional and deliberate. Fourth, biblical discipling involves training in God’s Word.
Discipling must be rooted in the Word of God. It is God’s Word that
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All brings life, and not the discipler’s sage advice. Scripture’s self-
power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, attestation to its power and ability to transform is evident throughout
and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the entire canon.
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
always, even unto the end of the world. Amen for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect,
This is not a charge simply to tell the Gospel message, but to make thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-
disciples. That is to be the focus of our evangelism – disciple- 18; cf. Isaiah 55:10-11; James 1:21; 2 Peter 1:3-4).
making.
IV. BIBLICAL DISCIPLING IS BEING A PIPELINE

Second, biblical discipling is relational.
The idea that discipling is relational is interwoven through much of The purpose of a pipeline is to move fluid along in the direction it
the Old and New Testaments. should go, making sure it gets from the source to the intended
destination. Biblical discipling is very much like being a pipeline.
Perhaps the reason that the process by which we work to build up Christians who root themselves in God’s truth are in a position to do
God’s people is so relational is that it pictures and describes the larger good to others. God uses Christians as conduits for his truth.
truth of the relational nature of God.
Third, bibilical discipling is loving.

Intentional relational discipling is not cold and utilitarian, rather it is

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V.

PROCESS, NOT PROGRAM Core Seminars—Discipling

At its core, discipling is essentially whatever we do to intentionally I. What is a DISCIPLE?

 Response to God’s initiating call (Mark 1:16-20)

II. The LARGER CONTEXT for DISCIPLING—the

There is not a single authoritative definition given in one place in

IV. BIBLICAL DISCIPLING IS BEING A PIPELINE

Third, bibilical discipling is loving.

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